Hardtail

The Chameleon is a blank canvas, ready to go in whatever direction your imagination takes it. Creativity in wheel size, gearing and component choice make it the perfect muse for freethinkers and freedom seekers alike. We made the Chameleon for riders who like to sculpt their ideal bike, and aren’t afraid to experiment. Whether 29er or mixed, geared or fixed, multiple major configuration transformations are made easy via the interchangeable dropouts. The low slung top tube and progressive geometry means this bike blends into whatever surroundings you place it. From raucous short-cuts across town to skipping the city altogether. It turns itself to trail exploration with the flip of an Allen key, thanks to the triple-bolt cargo cage mount under the downtube and standard bottle mount within the frame. Whatever the weather, however long the ride, wherever you’re going, the Chameleon is so endlessly customizable and adjustable that the only constraint is really your own mind and motivation.

The Chameleon changes to suit its environment. Twenty-niner or 27-plus, geared or single-speed, this adaptable hardtail utilizes a suite of simple, swappable dropouts to convert it from aggro trail charger to single-speed racer to husky bikepacking mule, or anything in between. Depending on setup and skill level, the Chameleon is capable on a wide range of terrain—aggressive trail riding to jump lines to all-around use. Going for maximum speed and rollability? Go 29er. Riding mostly loose terrain? Get some Plus tires that provide traction for days. With the Chameleon, the most versatile bike in our range ticks even more boxes. - Aluminum 29/27+ frame - RockShox Recon RL 130mm fork, 29/27+ - SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain - WTB ST i40 TCS 2.0 rims - Maxxis Rekon 2.8" tires

The Chameleon changes to suit its environment. Twenty-niner or 27-plus, geared or single-speed, this adaptable hardtail utilizes a suite of simple, swappable dropouts to convert it from aggro trail charger to single-speed racer to husky bikepacking mule, or anything in between. Depending on setup and skill level, the Chameleon is capable on a wide range of terrain—aggressive trail riding to jump lines to all-around use. Going for maximum speed and rollability? Go 29er. Riding mostly loose terrain? Get some Plus tires that provide traction for days. With the Chameleon, the most versatile bike in our range ticks even more boxes. - Aluminum 29/27+ frame - RockShox Recon RL 120mm, 29" fork - SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain - WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 29" rims - SDG Tellis dropper

The Chameleon is a blank canvas, ready to go in whatever direction your imagination takes it. Creativity in wheel size, gearing and component choice make it the perfect muse for freethinkers and freedom seekers alike. We made the Chameleon for riders who like to sculpt their ideal bike, and aren't afraid to experiment. Whether 29er or mixed, geared or fixed, multiple major configuration transformations are made easy via the interchangeable dropouts. The low slung top tube and progressive geometry means this bike blends into whatever surroundings you place it. From raucous short-cuts across town to skipping the city altogether. It turns itself to trail exploration with the flip of an Allen key, thanks to the triple-bolt cargo cage mount under the downtube and standard bottle mount within the frame. Whatever the weather, however long the ride, wherever you're going, the Chameleon is so endlessly customizable and adjustable that the only constraint is really your own mind and motivation.

The Chameleon is a blank canvas, ready to go in whatever direction your imagination takes it. Creativity in wheel size, gearing and component choice make it the perfect muse for freethinkers and freedom seekers alike. We made the Chameleon for riders who like to sculpt their ideal bike, and aren't afraid to experiment. Whether 29er or mixed, geared or fixed, multiple major configuration transformations are made easy via the interchangeable dropouts. The low slung top tube and progressive geometry means this bike blends into whatever surroundings you place it. From raucous short-cuts across town to skipping the city altogether. It turns itself to trail exploration with the flip of an Allen key, thanks to the triple-bolt cargo cage mount under the downtube and standard bottle mount within the frame. Whatever the weather, however long the ride, wherever you're going, the Chameleon is so endlessly customizable and adjustable that the only constraint is really your own mind and motivation.

The Chameleon changes to suit its environment. Twenty-niner or 27-plus, geared or single-speed, this adaptable hardtail utilizes a suite of simple, swappable dropouts to convert it from aggro trail charger to single-speed racer to husky bikepacking mule, or anything in between. Depending on setup and skill level, the Chameleon is capable on a wide range of terrain—aggressive trail riding to jump lines to all-around use. Going for maximum speed and rollability? Go 29er. Riding mostly loose terrain? Get some Plus tires that provide traction for days. With the Chameleon, the most versatile bike in our range ticks even more boxes. - Aluminum 29/27+ frame - FOX Rhythm 34 130mm fork, 29/27+ - SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain - WTB ST i40 TCS 2.0 rims - Maxxis Rekon 2.8" tires

The Chameleon is a blank canvas, ready to go in whatever direction your imagination takes it. Creativity in wheel size, gearing and component choice make it the perfect muse for freethinkers and freedom seekers alike. We made the Chameleon for riders who like to sculpt their ideal bike, and aren't afraid to experiment. Whether 29er or mixed, geared or fixed, multiple major configuration transformations are made easy via the interchangeable dropouts. The low slung top tube and progressive geometry means this bike blends into whatever surroundings you place it. From raucous short-cuts across town to skipping the city altogether. It turns itself to trail exploration with the flip of an Allen key, thanks to the triple-bolt cargo cage mount under the downtube and standard bottle mount within the frame. Whatever the weather, however long the ride, wherever you're going, the Chameleon is so endlessly customizable and adjustable that the only constraint is really your own mind and motivation.

The Chameleon is a blank canvas, ready to go in whatever direction your imagination takes it. Creativity in wheel size, gearing and component choice make it the perfect muse for freethinkers and freedom seekers alike. We made the Chameleon for riders who like to sculpt their ideal bike, and aren't afraid to experiment. Whether 29er or mixed, geared or fixed, multiple major configuration transformations are made easy via the interchangeable dropouts. The low slung top tube and progressive geometry means this bike blends into whatever surroundings you place it. From raucous short-cuts across town to skipping the city altogether. It turns itself to trail exploration with the flip of an Allen key, thanks to the triple-bolt cargo cage mount under the downtube and standard bottle mount within the frame. Whatever the weather, however long the ride, wherever you're going, the Chameleon is so endlessly customizable and adjustable that the only constraint is really your own mind and motivation.

The Chameleon changes to suit its environment. Twenty-niner or 27-plus, geared or single-speed, this adaptable hardtail utilizes a suite of simple, swappable dropouts to convert it from aggro trail charger to single-speed racer to husky bikepacking mule, or anything in between. Depending on setup and skill level, the Chameleon is capable on a wide range of terrain—aggressive trail riding to jump lines to all-around use. Going for maximum speed and rollability? Go 29er. Riding mostly loose terrain? Get some Plus tires that provide traction for days. With the Chameleon, the most versatile bike in our range ticks even more boxes. - Aluminum 29/27+ frame - FOX Rhythm 34 120mm, 29" fork - SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain - WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 29" rims - SRAM Guide T brakes

The Chameleon is a blank canvas, ready to go in whatever direction your imagination takes it. Creativity in wheel size, gearing and component choice make it the perfect muse for freethinkers and freedom seekers alike. We made the Chameleon for riders who like to sculpt their ideal bike, and aren't afraid to experiment. Whether 29er or mixed, geared or fixed, multiple major configuration transformations are made easy via the interchangeable dropouts. The low slung top tube and progressive geometry means this bike blends into whatever surroundings you place it. From raucous short-cuts across town to skipping the city altogether. It turns itself to trail exploration with the flip of an Allen key, thanks to the triple-bolt cargo cage mount under the downtube and standard bottle mount within the frame. Whatever the weather, however long the ride, wherever you're going, the Chameleon is so endlessly customizable and adjustable that the only constraint is really your own mind and motivation.

The Chameleon is a blank canvas, ready to go in whatever direction your imagination takes it. Creativity in wheel size, gearing and component choice make it the perfect muse for freethinkers and freedom seekers alike. We made the Chameleon for riders who like to sculpt their ideal bike, and aren't afraid to experiment. Whether 29er or mixed, geared or fixed, multiple major configuration transformations are made easy via the interchangeable dropouts. The low slung top tube and progressive geometry means this bike blends into whatever surroundings you place it. From raucous short-cuts across town to skipping the city altogether. It turns itself to trail exploration with the flip of an Allen key, thanks to the triple-bolt cargo cage mount under the downtube and standard bottle mount within the frame. Whatever the weather, however long the ride, wherever you're going, the Chameleon is so endlessly customizable and adjustable that the only constraint is really your own mind and motivation.

The Chameleon is a blank canvas, ready to go in whatever direction your imagination takes it. Creativity in wheel size, gearing and component choice make it the perfect muse for freethinkers and freedom seekers alike. We made the Chameleon for riders who like to sculpt their ideal bike, and aren't afraid to experiment. Whether 29er or mixed, geared or fixed, multiple major configuration transformations are made easy via the interchangeable dropouts. The low slung top tube and progressive geometry means this bike blends into whatever surroundings you place it. From raucous short-cuts across town to skipping the city altogether. It turns itself to trail exploration with the flip of an Allen key, thanks to the triple-bolt cargo cage mount under the downtube and standard bottle mount within the frame. Whatever the weather, however long the ride, wherever you're going, the Chameleon is so endlessly customizable and adjustable that the only constraint is really your own mind and motivation.

The Chameleon is a blank canvas, ready to go in whatever direction your imagination takes it. Creativity in wheel size, gearing and component choice make it the perfect muse for freethinkers and freedom seekers alike. We made the Chameleon for riders who like to sculpt their ideal bike, and aren't afraid to experiment. Whether 29er or mixed, geared or fixed, multiple major configuration transformations are made easy via the interchangeable dropouts. The low slung top tube and progressive geometry means this bike blends into whatever surroundings you place it. From raucous short-cuts across town to skipping the city altogether. It turns itself to trail exploration with the flip of an Allen key, thanks to the triple-bolt cargo cage mount under the downtube and standard bottle mount within the frame. Whatever the weather, however long the ride, wherever you're going, the Chameleon is so endlessly customizable and adjustable that the only constraint is really your own mind and motivation.

The Chameleon, one of our longest-tenured models, has ascended the evolutionary ladder and is now a fully imagined carbon fiber sub-species. It’s Darwinism in action. We took the fun-loving, shreddy spirit and adjustability of the beloved aluminum Chameleon and added a lighter, faster, more advanced version of the species. It’s a do-it-all hardtail that is as happy making the most of backyard booter (mis)adventures as it is fully-loaded with camp gear and a color-matched dangle mug. Two bottle cage mounts, including a triple-bolt cargo cage mount under the downtube mean you can escape from the crowds, too. The Chameleon changes to suit its environment. Twenty-niner or 27-plus, geared or single-speed, this adaptable hardtail utilizes a suite of simple, swappable dropouts to convert it from aggro trail charger to single-speed racer to husky bikepacking mule, or anything in between. Depending on setup and skill level, the Chameleon is capable on a wide range of terrain—aggressive trail riding to jump lines to all-around use. Going for maximum speed and rollability? Go 29er. Riding mostly loose terrain? Get some Plus tires that provide traction for days. The most versatile bike in our range now ticks even more boxes. - Carbon C 29/27+ frame - FOX Rhythm 34 130mm fork - SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain - WTB ST i40 TCS 2.0 rims - SRAM Guide T brakes

The Chameleon, one of our longest-tenured models, has ascended the evolutionary ladder and is now a fully imagined carbon fiber sub-species. It’s Darwinism in action. We took the fun-loving, shreddy spirit and adjustability of the beloved aluminum Chameleon and added a lighter, faster, more advanced version of the species. It’s a do-it-all hardtail that is as happy making the most of backyard booter (mis)adventures as it is fully-loaded with camp gear and a color-matched dangle mug. Two bottle cage mounts, including a triple-bolt cargo cage mount under the downtube mean you can escape from the crowds, too. The Chameleon changes to suit its environment. Twenty-niner or 27-plus, geared or single-speed, this adaptable hardtail utilizes a suite of simple, swappable dropouts to convert it from aggro trail charger to single-speed racer to husky bikepacking mule, or anything in between. Depending on setup and skill level, the Chameleon is capable on a wide range of terrain—aggressive trail riding to jump lines to all-around use. Going for maximum speed and rollability? Go 29er. Riding mostly loose terrain? Get some Plus tires that provide traction for days. The most versatile bike in our range now ticks even more boxes. - Carbon C 29/27+ frame - FOX Rhythm 34 120mm fork - SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain - WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 rims - SRAM Guide T brakes

The Highball is our flagship carbon hardtail race thoroughbred, and a dark horse in XC versatility. More capable than a pure endurance bike, more composed than most XC race-rigs, the Highball has evolved to be easier to ride harder for longer. We fine-tuned the carbon layup process and the low-angle, bridgeless seatstays join the seat tube below the top tube junction in order to curb trail chatter. Built around a 27.2mm diameter seat post, the whole package combines to take the "hard" out of hardtail riding. It has the mindset of a race bike but it's prepared for more. With capacity for three bottle cages, the ever-reliable threaded BB and, of course, the lifetime warranty that comes standard with all Santa Cruz bikes, it's the kind of bike that'll go far.

The Highball is our flagship carbon hardtail race thoroughbred and a dark horse in XC versatility. More capable than a pure endurance bike, more composed than most XC race-rigs, the Highball has evolved to be easier to ride harder for longer. We fine-tuned the carbon layup process and the low-angle, bridgeless seatstays join the seat tube below the top tube junction in order to curb trail chatter. Built around a 27.2mm diameter seat post, the whole package combines to take the "hard" out of hardtail riding. It has the mindset of a race bike but it’s prepared for more. With capacity for three bottle cages, the ever-reliable threaded BB, and, of course, the lifetime warranty that comes standard with all Santa Cruz bikes, it’s the kind of bike that’ll go far. - Carbon C frame - FOX Rhythm 32 100mm fork w/remote - SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain - WTB ST i25 TCS 2.0 rims w/Maxxis Rekon tires - SRAM Level T brakes

Wide open, dawn to dusk. The Highball is our flagship carbon hardtail race thoroughbred, and a dark horse in XC versatility. More capable than a pure endurance bike, more composed than most XC race-rigs, the Highball has evolved to be easier to ride harder for longer. We fine-tuned the carbon layup process and the low-angle, bridgeless seatstays join the seat tube below the top tube junction in order to curb trail chatter. Built around a 27.2mm diameter seat post, the whole package combines to take the "hard" out of hardtail riding. It has the mindset of a race bike but it's prepared for more. With capacity for three bottle cages, the ever-reliable threaded BB, and of course, the lifetime warranty that comes standard with all Santa Cruz bikes, it's the kind of bike that'll go far.

The Highball is our flagship carbon hardtail race thoroughbred, and a dark horse in XC versatility. More capable than a pure endurance bike, more composed than most XC race-rigs, the Highball has evolved to be easier to ride harder for longer. We fine-tuned the carbon layup process and the low-angle, bridgeless seatstays join the seat tube below the top tube junction in order to curb trail chatter. Built around a 27.2mm diameter seat post, the whole package combines to take the "hard" out of hardtail riding. It has the mindset of a race bike but it's prepared for more. With capacity for three bottle cages, the ever-reliable threaded BB and, of course, the lifetime warranty that comes standard with all Santa Cruz bikes, it's the kind of bike that'll go far.

The Highball is our flagship carbon hardtail race thoroughbred, and a dark horse in XC versatility. More capable than a pure endurance bike, more composed than most XC race-rigs, the Highball has evolved to be easier to ride harder for longer. We fine-tuned the carbon layup process and the low-angle, bridgeless seatstays join the seat tube below the top tube junction in order to curb trail chatter. Built around a 27.2mm diameter seat post, the whole package combines to take the "hard" out of hardtail riding. It has the mindset of a race bike but it's prepared for more. With capacity for three bottle cages, the ever-reliable threaded BB and, of course, the lifetime warranty that comes standard with all Santa Cruz bikes, it's the kind of bike that'll go far.

The Highball is our flagship carbon hardtail race thoroughbred and a dark horse in XC versatility. More capable than a pure endurance bike, more composed than most XC race-rigs, the Highball has evolved to be easier to ride harder for longer. We fine-tuned the carbon layup process and the low-angle, bridgeless seatstays join the seat tube below the top tube junction in order to curb trail chatter. Built around a 27.2mm diameter seat post, the whole package combines to take the "hard" out of hardtail riding. It has the mindset of a race bike but it’s prepared for more. With capacity for three bottle cages, the ever-reliable threaded BB, and, of course, the lifetime warranty that comes standard with all Santa Cruz bikes, it’s the kind of bike that’ll go far. - Carbon C frame - FOX SC 32 Float Performance 100mm fork w/remote - SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain - RaceFace AR Offset 25 rims/DT 370 hubs - SRAM Level TL brakes

Wide open, dawn to dusk. The Highball is our flagship carbon hardtail race thoroughbred, and a dark horse in XC versatility. More capable than a pure endurance bike, more composed than most XC race-rigs, the Highball has evolved to be easier to ride harder for longer. We fine-tuned the carbon layup process and the low-angle, bridgeless seatstays join the seat tube below the top tube junction in order to curb trail chatter. Built around a 27.2mm diameter seat post, the whole package combines to take the "hard" out of hardtail riding. It has the mindset of a race bike but it's prepared for more. With capacity for three bottle cages, the ever-reliable threaded BB, and of course, the lifetime warranty that comes standard with all Santa Cruz bikes, it's the kind of bike that'll go far.

Wide open, dawn to dusk. The Highball is our race-bred XC hardtail. When the trail (or the competition) calls for the direct drive efficiency that only a hardtail can offer, the Highball is the choice. It looks straightforward but that belies the high-tech features and design hidden within. This is a modern take on the simple machine that many still choose to put battery acid in their thighs and fire in their lungs in order to conquer something. Whether you’re chasing medals, personal demons, or just some riding buddies, this is a hardtail you’ll be happy to log long hours upon. Hard on the throttle, soft on the body Hardtails are about as subtle as bikes come, and in the case of the Highball, simplistic refinement belies engineering effort. We’ve learned from our road biking pals that a great deal of a hardtail’s compliance comes from the seatpost: the smaller the diameter, the softer the feel, and with more seat post exposed to daylight, more compliance is had— which is the reason the Highball features low slung top tube and the smaller, 27.2mm diameter post. But you need not be sitting to recognize the ‘soft’ feel of the Highball— the dropped seat stays are made of custom laminate, finely tuned here in Santa Cruz for vertical compliance— and they’re oriented to isolate the top tube from high speed trail chatter, reducing feedback to the, uh, engine. SRAM Eagle Transmission - stronger, better shifting, wirelessly The next generation SRAM Eagle Transmission specced on our CC-carbon models is a radically robust, fully integrated and interdependent wireless transmission. Built around the universal constant of the wheel axle itself, the Full Mount hangerless attachment creates a far stronger connection to the frame and the super strong derailleur provides unprecedented strength. Shifting under load is made possible due to a combination of X-SYNC technology and cassette mapping, creating seamless shifts even during your hardest power output. The new AXS Pods are extremely ergonomic and highly customizable, so shifting gears is light and intuitive. It's simply the most advanced transmission and nearly as tough as the mountain itself.

The Highball is our flagship carbon hardtail race thoroughbred and a dark horse in XC versatility. More capable than a pure endurance bike, more composed than most XC race-rigs, the Highball has evolved to be easier to ride harder for longer. We fine-tuned the carbon layup process and the low-angle, bridgeless seatstays join the seat tube below the top tube junction in order to curb trail chatter. Built around a 27.2mm diameter seat post, the whole package combines to take the "hard" out of hardtail riding. It has the mindset of a race bike but it’s prepared for more. With capacity for three bottle cages, the ever-reliable threaded BB, and, of course, the lifetime warranty that comes standard with all Santa Cruz bikes, it’s the kind of bike that’ll go far. - Carbon CC frame - FOX SC 32 Float Factory 100mm fork w/remote - SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain - RaceFace ARC Offset 25 rims/DT 350 hubs - SRAM Level TLM brakes - Carbon bars and seatpost

The Highball is our flagship carbon hardtail race thoroughbred, and a dark horse in XC versatility. More capable than a pure endurance bike, more composed than most XC race-rigs, the Highball has evolved to be easier to ride harder for longer. We fine-tuned the carbon layup process and the low-angle, bridgeless seatstays join the seat tube below the top tube junction in order to curb trail chatter. Built around a 27.2mm diameter seat post, the whole package combines to take the "hard" out of hardtail riding. It has the mindset of a race bike but it's prepared for more. With capacity for three bottle cages, the ever-reliable threaded BB and, of course, the lifetime warranty that comes standard with all Santa Cruz bikes, it's the kind of bike that'll go far.

The Highball is our flagship carbon hardtail race thoroughbred and a dark horse in XC versatility. More capable than a pure endurance bike, more composed than most XC race-rigs, the Highball has evolved to be easier to ride harder for longer. We fine-tuned the carbon layup process and the low-angle, bridgeless seatstays join the seat tube below the top tube junction in order to curb trail chatter. Built around a 27.2mm diameter seat post, the whole package combines to take the "hard" out of hardtail riding. It has the mindset of a race bike but it’s prepared for more. With capacity for three bottle cages, the ever-reliable threaded BB, and, of course, the lifetime warranty that comes standard with all Santa Cruz bikes, it’s the kind of bike that’ll go far. - Carbon CC frame - FOX SC 32 Float Factory 100mm fork w/remote - SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain - Santa Cruz Reserve 25 29" Carbon wheels - SRAM Level TLM brakes - Carbon bars and seatpost

The Highball is our race-bred XC hardtail. When the TR (or the competition) calls for the direct drive efficiency that only a hardtail can offer, the Highball is the choice. It looks straightforward but that belies the high-tech features and design hidden within. This is a modern take on the simple machine that many still choose to put battery acid in their thighs and fire in their lungs in order to conquer something. Whether you're chasing medals, personal demons, or just some riding buddies, this is a hardtail you'll be happy to log long hours upon. Hard on the throttle, soft on the body Hardtails are about as subtle as bikes come, and in the case of the Highball, simplistic refinement belies engineering effort. We've learned from our road biking pals that a great deal of a hardtail's compliance comes from the seatpost: the smaller the diameter, the softer the feel, and with more seat post exposed to daylight, more compliance is had— which is the reason the Highball features low slung top tube and the smaller, 27.2mm diameter post. But you need not be sitting to recognize the 'soft' feel of the Highball— the dropped seat stays are made of custom laminate, finely tuned here in Santa Cruz for vertical compliance— and they're oriented to isolate the top tube from high-speed trail chatter, reducing feedback to the, uh, engine. SRAM Eagle Transmission - stronger, better shifting, wirelessly The next generation SRAM Eagle Transmission specced on our CC-carbon models is a radically robust, fully integrated and interdependent wireless transmission. Built around the universal constant of the wheel axle itself, the Full Mount hangerless attachment creates a far stronger connection to the frame and the super strong derailleur provides unprecedented strength. Shifting under load is made possible due to a combination of X-SYNC technology and cassette mapping, creating seamless shifts even during your hardest power output. The new AXS Pods are extremely ergonomic and highly customizable, so shifting gears is light and intuitive. It's simply the most advanced transmission and nearly as tough as the mountain itself.