Santa Cruz Chameleon w/ 5" fork -- good idea?

[Colin]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone is running a Santa Cruz Chameleon w/ a 5"-travel fork. I'm a little worried what it will do to the steering. Otherwise, it looks like a good choice for an all-round trail bike.

Thanks.

[Zonic Man]

slack, but alright.

Personally, I think it would be better with a 100mm fork, but that's me.

[bomberz1qr20]

Slack, yes. But the newer Chameleons are able to handle it. The BB height is not too bad either, it'll roll over just about anything.
I ran a 80mm fork on my older Chameleon and it was twitchy as hell. I'd say 100mm is the minimum...

[emmaman]

I've played w. a chameleon w. a 100 mm fork and it is OK for XC, but a tad fast in the steering. 5" will be spot on for the hardcore stuff.

[ohio]

I ran my '00 chameleon with a 4" Z1, and it felt perfect. Best handling bike I've ever been on. The new ones you could put a 5" fork on no problem, but I would also try it in 4" mode, which is where I thought it felt best.