Hey guys,

I’m trying to get back into cycling / MTB and I’m stuck between two bikes:

- Santa Cruz Chameleon R 29 — around €2,000

- Specialized Chisel Comp FS — around €2,500

Both are new.

Context:

I used to ride MTB years ago, before university and work happened. I had a Cube AMS 120 HPA 2014, then later a YT Capra with high-end parts.

The Capra was fun, but it was second-hand, expensive to maintain, and I had some headaches with suspension/service. Mechanics refused to service Kashima parts :)

And climbing was a nightmare. I sold it last year due to inactivity and now I want something new. The Cube was exceptional; my father still rides it to this day.

I live near a forest area with climbs and mixed trails. A normal ride would include some asphalt to reach the forest, then forest roads, XC-ish trails, roots, rocks, some steeper wooded sections and a few rougher descents.…