This article is part of the Mtbr's Enduro Compare-O. See all the stories in this special section here--https://reviews.mtbr.com/category/enduro-compare-o-2014

Sporting the classic turquoise Yeti livery and beautifully sculpted carbon fiber tube shapes, the Yeti SB95C was arguably one of the most visually captivating bikes in the Enduro Compare-O. While some other bikes sport complex linkages, bars and multi-valve shocks, the eccentric pivot design execution of the Yeti is refreshingly clean and simple with minimal pivots or linkages. But did the Yeti's riding characteristics match the knockout looks?

On the ascent

The Yeti SB95C was a curious climber. On the first section of wide-open fire road up the 1,500 vertical foot Sulphur Springs trail, test riders noted that the Yeti felt a bit sluggish due to its 30-pound weight and 29-inch wheels.



Photo by Tyler Frasca.

However, once into the steeper, more technical and rocky sections, the eccentric pivot suspension design of the Yeti known as Switch Technology did a superb job of biting down for catlike grip. Initial suspension travel on the eccentric pivot moves in a counterclockwise direction when climbing, improving anti-squat for more efficient pedaling performance.

With the Fox CTD Adjust Kashima rear shock in Climb mode, very little pedal-induced bob was felt, and with the added traction, one test rider cleaned the steepest and most technical section of Ridge Trail, something he wasn't able to do on the lighter Santa Cruz Bronson.

"Suspension works very well through rocky tech sections and the bike feels very well balanced," he noted. "So long as you keep the speed up, the Yeti can clean a lot of techy spots that other lighter bikes with smaller wheels get hung up on."



Photo by Tyler Frasca.

Although the Yeti climbed well for its weight class, there was one issue that several riders noted. The SB95C features extremely wide seatstays, causing frequent heel strikes when pedaling. The strikes were so frequent, in fact, that black scuff marks could be seen on the area in question. As with the Lapierre Spicy 527 we tested-and any bike, really-we recommend a test ride to see if you have interference issues like this.

Big wheels bring high-speed stability

Thanks to its simple and efficient 127mm Switch Technology rear suspension design, the Yeti SB95C delivered confidence-inspiring performance on rolling terrain and high-speed corners, especially when paired to the capable Fox Float 34 CTD fork with 140mm of travel. One rider commented the Yeti felt solid, with no perceived slop in any of the systems. He also called its responsiveness instant, thanks in part to a solid, stout rear end featuring a 12x142mm rear thru-axle.



Photo by Tyler Frasca.

The slacked out head tube angle of 67.6-degrees and longer 17.5-inch chainstays equated to a bike with superior high-speed stability and cornering. A large 2.4-inch Maxxis Ardent front tire helped dig into the hard-packed Demo Forest dirt. One of the test riders took the Yeti down the fire road decent of Corral Trail, a trail where speeds can easily approach 40 mph.

"I got the Yeti loose in a few high-speed turns, but it pulled through with impressive composure giving me added confidence," said one rider. "Other bikes with 27.5-inch tires would have been sent skittering off into the weeds."

The only downside of the longer chainstays on the Yeti is its less nimble handling characteristics in really tight, technical spots with numerous switchbacks. The Yeti is definitely better suited for more open, high-speed descending.

Continue to Page 2 for more on the Yeti SB95C and full photo gallery »



Photo by Tyler Frasca.

Going…down?

Point the Yeti SB95C straight downhill and get ready for a magic carpet ride. Simply put, the Yeti rails downhill, especially when speeds get dangerously high and the trail gets equally choppy and bumpy. The eccentric pivot design is extremely efficient, and the suspension feels like it has far more than five-inches of rear travel thanks to its ability to soak-up log drops effortlessly.

While the eccentric pivot moves counterclockwise when climbing, on descents, Switch Technology does exactly that, switching to a clockwise rotation, relieving chain force and absorbing brake bumps with balance and control. Switch Technology is one of the simplest and most impressive suspension designs featured in the Enduro Compare-O. It simply works, and works well.



Photo by Tyler Frasca.

Great components-A few minor issues

The Yeti was very well outfitted with a reliable Shimano XT 2x10 shifting system-a smart move as a 1x system may have been a bit too ambitious on the steep climbs for this bigger, burlier bike. The Yeti was also the only bike in the test with a Thomson dropper post. Beautifully machined, it worked flawlessly aside from the externally routed cable hitting the rear tire under compression. Not a big deal, but an annoyance nonetheless.

Another annoyance was usually reliable Shimano XT front brake on our Yeti test bike was not providing consistent or reliable power during the test period, somewhat hampering the confidence of test riders in pushing the Yeti harder downhill. The Maxxis Ardent tires provided generous amounts of grip, and the DT Swiss 350/XM LTD wheels were stiff enough to keep the Yeti tracking true when thrown hard into corners.



Photo by Tyler Frasca.

Who is this bike for?

The Yeti SB95C sports quite a range of versatility. It can climb reasonably well-especially for its weight-and it can descend with the speed, stability and the confidence of bikes with much more suspension travel, making it a bike that will appeal to quite a wide range of riders.

"This bike is perfect for the enduro racer, shuttle monkey and someone who likes to earn his downhills by climbing to the top," said one rider. "You might not be first to the top on the Yeti SB95C, but you might just be the only one who cleans all the tech sections. And so long as your talents can keep up with the bike's suspension, you'll definitely be first to the bottom."

The final word

Although our time with the Yeti was shorter than we would have liked, the SB95C really impressed upon us the importance of having a well-balanced suspension design that can climb with outstanding traction and descend with stability and confidence. Don't be fooled by the fact that it "only" has five inches of rear suspension travel-the Yeti SB95C performs like a bike with significantly more.

The Highs

  • Climbs better than its 30-pound weight would indicate
  • Confidence-inspiring high-speed stability
  • Feels extremely well-balanced
  • Quite versatile
  • Beautiful frame design and classic color

The Lows

  • External dropper post cable routing hits tire
  • Heels clearance issues for some riders
  • Longer chainstays not ideal for tight, technical trails

Other SB95C Models

SB95 Carbon Enduro - $4,700
SB95 Carbon XO1 - $5,800
SB95 Carbon Pro - $7,800
SB95 Carbon Frame Only - $3,000



Yeti SB95C Race Key Specs

  • MRSP: $5,800 US
  • Frame MSRP: $3,000 US
  • Weight: 29.23-pounds (size large)
  • Wheel size: 29 inches
  • Sizes: S, M, L, XL
  • Color: Turquoise, Carbon
  • Frame Material: Carbon Fiber Front and Rear Triangle
  • Fork: Fox Float 34 CTD 140mm
  • Rear Travel: 127mm (5 inches)
  • Rear Shock: Fox CTD Adjust K+
  • Headset: 1-1/8" to 1-1/2" threadless
  • Handlebar: Easton Haven Carbon
  • Stem: Thomson X4
  • Seatpost: Thomson Elite Dropper Post
  • Brakes: Shimano XT
  • Shifters: Shimano XT 10-speed
  • Front Derailleur: Shimano XT
  • Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT
  • Cassette: Shimano XT 11-36
  • Crankset: Shimano XT 24t/28t
  • Wheels: DT Swiss 350/XM LTD
  • Tires: Maxxis Ardent 2.4-inch
  • Bottom bracket type: 73mm Shell
  • ISCG Tabs: Yes
  • Chainguide: No
  • Head tube angle: 67.6 degrees
  • Seat tube angle: 71.1 degrees
  • Chainstay length: 17.5 inches
  • Bottom bracket height: 13.5 inches

For more information visit www.yeticycles.com.

This story is part of Mtbr's 2014 Enduro Compare-O. Check out our intro story here for all the ground rules and goings ons.