All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

Check out Giant. They've got really a good price point for your introductory bike (and all bikes really) and they can be found at many bike shops. The Talon is their basic, introductory hard tail that comes in two different wheel sizes (27.5 and 29er) and a few different builds consisting of varying components.
Every company has their version of an introductory hard tail so don't be afraid to go test ride a couple. How you fit and feel on a bike is just as important as anything else.

 

Not sure what size but just saw this was posted.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...e-parts-for-sale.539769/page-18#post-23259593

last post

 

I don't know what kind of pavement you're riding but I notice the biggest difference when things get rough. Every aluminum frame I've ridden would bounce me all over the place. My Chameleon with a 140 was like riding a bucking bronco, which can be a blast if that's what you're looking for. The two Ti bikes I've owned are much smoother and more forgiving to ride.

Agree to disagree...

 

This is pretty much what kept me from buying a Chameleon. I didn't want aluminum and I think they're a little too proud of their carbon chameleon. But damn, if there was a steel one... mmm

 

I'd be interested in that one, but I think that one is too big for me. I'm 5'4 and it's too far away from me.

 

@Gunshot-6A is this near you? I'm coming to stay for a week

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4LEAGDAKNp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

And those pads protect your tattoos from the sun which is like hell on ink

 

What generation Chameleon was it. I ask because the gen 7 is possibly the best riding aluminum hardtail frame I have ever been on, but I have zero experience with any of the previous versions. The ride on the g7 is in my experience comparable to a couple steel frames I have actual saddle time on including a Niner that I spent a season with, to the point that its almost strange.

I have been told that SC nailed it with the ride of the carbon to make that bike even better than the alloy I am currently on. But since that frame has still not shown up I have no first hand experience.

I did just order a pair of cushcore inserts to try at the same time, so if my carbon frame ever actually shows up, maybe that cheats and makes it better too.

 

Not specifically bike related, but for you guys who do trail work, I am pretty impressed with this little Dewalt 20V saw. Made quick work of a railroad tie, should be able to handle a ton of limbs.

 

That's an off-color Dewalt battery...

 

I knew someone was going to call out that knockoff battery...

 

If my Stihl 2 stroke 22" ever dies I'll probably get a cordless electric for my needs. They have come a long way. The Milwaukee fuel 18 motor that accepts yard attachments impressed me. The edger pulled itself right out of my hand the first time it caught and the hedge trimmer doesn't even slow down when it cuts 3/8" twigs.

 

I've been looking at the Milwaukee chainsaw as a good saw to have while wheeling in my Taco...

 

I have a big boy Stihl too, but picked this up for trail work and camping. It only weights 8 or 9 pounds.

 

Based on a brief google search...I'm guessing gen 5. I only mention the chameleon specifically to address the point about slack geometry and suspension forks, since I ran that bike with a pretty big fork. I've had a lot of time on all sorts of hardtails and I find that steel and ti have a better feel to them than aluminum (never been on a carbon hardtail). If the gen 7 chameleon is that good in aluminum, I bet it'd ride even better in steel or ti. Maybe someone should have a custom steel or ti chameleon built so we can compare!!!

But, this is just, like, my opinion man

 

Ride feel and quality is extremely subjective, so I'd take it with a grain of salt.

 

I actually considered bringing the latest SC Chameleon geo to a custom steel/ti builder before ultimately settling on a Krampus frame instead. The Chameleon really does have the perfect modern hardtail geo IMO -- I just couldn't convince myself that the price premium for a custom build would be worth it over the Surly. Maybe someday?

Speaking of hardtails, today was perfect riding weather... #telecommuting.

 

I did love that chameleon I had with the 140, despite the wild ride. I would absolutely love to ride one built out of steel/ti!

I also got out on my hardtail this morning! Is that a 27.5+ SS? How do you like the plus tires? I've been thinking about picking up a set of plus wheels/tires for my hardtail.

 

Can’t go on 4 corners trip without my bike..