In matte carbon, the new Yeti SB5C looks like something out of the Dark Knight--low, sleek and black. But don't worry Yeti traditionalists--it also comes in their signature desert turquoise colorway(see page 2).
Just weeks before trade show season opens, Yeti has released the SB5C, an all-new 27.5-inch trail bike featuring an updated suspension system dubbed Switch Infinity. Made of carbon, the 5-inch-travel bike's linkage was created in partnership with FOX and features a mechanism coated with that company's low-friction Kashima coating.
No they're not a pair of Duracells...this low-friction, Kashima coated mechanism is at the heart of Yeti's FOX-made Switch Infinity linkage. Click on the video below to see it in action.
Yeti has long enjoyed a cult-like following, and garnered high praise for its 26- and 29-inch SB-series bikes the past couple seasons. But the company seemed to take an uncharacteristically low-key approach with 2014's SB-75 mid-wheeler. Its enduro race team competed primarily on the 26-inch version, while the company itself soft-peddled the 75 for media reviews. Even more telling, the SB-75 was only offered in aluminum, perhaps telegraphing that something newer-and more worthy of pricey carbon molds-was in the works.
With the SB5C, that indeed appears to be the case, and Yeti looks to be locked-and-loaded with enthusiasm and confident in the evolution of the bike's technology. Company brass also hinted at a wider implementation of the system.
"The Switch Infinity technology has been in development and testing for nearly three years." said Yeti President and Co-Owner Chris Conroy. "We worked closely with FOX to apply what we've learned from our linear rail and Switch Technologies to produce a suspension platform that will work across a wide spectrum of terrain, disciplines, and riding styles."
Despite giving us this frame-only photo, Yeti has no current plans to sell the SB5C this way. For now, it's sold with build kit-only.
Yeti claims the system allowed engineers to dial in the bike's kinematics for "unprecedented pedaling efficiency and small-bump sensitivity when climbing paired with plush, controlled travel when descending." They also claim the system is simple, lightweight and low-maintenance.
The SB5C is available immediately and complete bikes retail for between $6599 and $10,599. Claimed weigh for the top-spec model is 24.2 pounds. Complete specs, geometry and build kits appear on the next page.
Continue to Page 2 for more photos, geometry and build kit details »
2015 Yeti SB5C XX1 Build Kit
- Fork: Fox Float 34 140 Factory Custom Yeti Decals
- Headset: Chris King Black
- Shock: FOX Float CTD Factory Kashima
- Crankset: SRAM XX1 32-tooth chainring
- Rear Der: SRAM XX1 11-speed
- Shifter: SRAM XX1 11-speed
- Cassette: SRAM XG1195 11-speed
- Chain: SRAM XX1 11-speed
- Wheels: DT Swiss 240 Hub w/ Enve M60 Rim
- Tires: F: Maxxis Ardent 2.4 / R: Maxxis Ikon 2.2
- Brakes/Levers: Shimano XTR Trail
- Rotors: Shimano IceTech 180 F / 160 R
- Handlebar: Easton Haven Carbon 740mm
- Stem: Thomson Elite 70mm
- Grips: Yeti Lock-on
- Saddle: Yeti WTB Devo Custom
- Seatpost: Thomson Masterpiece (Thomson Elite Covert Dropper +$350)
- Price: SB5c with SRAM XX1 and Enve M60 wheels: $10599
- Weight: 24.2 pounds with Thomson Elite post; 24.9 pounds with Thomson Elite dropper post
2015 Yeti SB5C X01 Build Kit
- Fork: Fox Float 34 140 Factory Custom Yeti Decals
- Shock: FOX Float CTD Factory Kashima
- Headset: Cane Creek 40
- Crankset: SRAM X1 32-tooth chainring
- Rear Der: SRAM X01 11-speed
- Shifter: SRAM X01 11-speed
- Cassette: SRAM XG1195 11-speed
- Chain: SRAM XX1 11-speed
- Wheels: Custom DT Swiss 350 Hub w/ XM 401 Rim (Option: Enve M60/240)
- Tires: F: Maxxis Ardent 2.4 / R: Maxxis Ikon 2.2
- Brakes/Levers: Shimano XT
- Rotors: Shimano IceTech 180 F / 160 R
- Handlebar: Easton Haven Carbon 740mm
- Stem: Thomson Elite 70mm
- Grips: Yeti Lock-on
- Saddle: Yeti WTB Devo Custom
- Seatpost: Thomson Elite (Thomson Elite Covert Dropper +$350)
- Price: SB5c with SRAM XO1 and Enve M60 wheels: $8999 (as pictured); SB5c with SRAM XO1: $6599
- Weight: 25.5 lbs with Thomson Elite post; 26.2 lbs with Thomson Elite dropper post
More info: yeticycles.com