You know when you have those ‘What if I could only have one bike?’ conversations… Well here it is. This thing is like triggers broom really, Since buying the complete bike five years ago the only original part is the Fox 34 fork (not even including the steerer tube!). Even the frame cracked and was replaced under warranty (bloody quickly too. fair play Jungle!). It’s been through a few iterations but is currently in ‘durable XC’ mode. I guess you could call it a downcountry bike. Or just sack off all that nonsense and call it a bog standard mountainbike. If you live in Bristol then I’d advocate throwing your gravel bike in the sea and getting something like this instead, a hardtail really gets the most out of our local riding.

This bike puts a grin on my face whether i’m bikepacking, shredding (or trying to) across the city, doing 100km XC days out, or nibbling my way down steep techy singletrack. Sure it’s not really the fastest or best option anywhere but its super fun, durable, and more capable than I am. It also features a few unique parts that make it ‘mine’: custom stripped and polished fork hardware and Cannondale Hollowgram cranks, a Dward Design seat clamp I bought when getting loose with my cash after few beers, and a saddle I’ve re-covered with some nice synthetic leather.

Frame: Santa Cruz Chameleon V7 Large
Headset: Chris King Dropset
Fork: Fox Rhythm 34 130mm
Wheels: Chris King ISO Boost Pewter, 28h Front 32h Rear, DT Swiss XM481, Sapim D-Light Silver.
Tires: Maxxis Recon/Recon Race. Something knobblier in winter.
Seatpost: Brand X Ascend – Custom Silver Wolf Tooth Remote lever
Stem: ENVE Alloy 50mm
Bar: ENVE RSR 770mm
Brakes: Hope Tech4 E4
Grips: ODI Longneck Lock On
Saddle: Selle Italia SLR – custom re covered.
Drive: Mix of 11 speed Shimano XT and SLX, Custom Cannondale Hollowgram Wolf Tooth polished crankset.