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Yeti 575
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Ultimate trail bike

BikeRadar verdict

45 out of 5 stars

"A true confidence inspiring ride that just loves to be hammered up, down and along"

By Andrew Dodd

The 2008 incarnation of Yeti's classic almost-six-inch-travel trail bike adds extra carbon wonderfulness to an old favourite.

Yeti build simply beautiful bikes and have always maintained a balance between smooth, simple looking bikes and a highly technical design. The 575 is no exception, with its trademark team turquiose mainframe and carbon/ aluminium rear end – although production versions now have a full carbon rear end…

Ride: handles as good as it looks

Sometimes riding such a beautiful bike can mess with your head – we’d already made up our minds that we loved the Yeti before we climbed aboard. Thankfully it didn’t disappoint.

Cornering hard made the bike feel planted without being too low. We were surprised how supple the rear end is – the linear feel made small bumps disappear, offering tremendous grip over roots and in turns. It didn’t ramp up as much as other designs, so we used all the travel a fair bit, but there was no noticeable feeling of being sat too far into the travel.

The only thing we noticed was how well the bike propelled forwards through rough sections. It felt the same whether in the beginning stroke or most the way through the travel – great for a proper trail bike.

Our size large was adequate for most testers, but a little on the short side for those over 6ft. The top tube is roomy at 23.5in (virtual), and combined with the 17in chainstays made for quick acceleration and stable handling at speed. The bottom bracket was spot on at 13.5in above the deck.

Frame: Great frame/shock combo with plenty of mud clearance

Using a hydroformed front end, the 575’s dropped top tube has great standover, and the front main frame is roomy with a fairly slack 68.5 degree head angle – bang on for the type of riding the 575 is designed for.

A Fox RP23 shock, mounted under the top tube, is actuated by a swing link that controls the suspension rate and helps increase rear end rigidity. Attached to the swing link is a gorgeous carbon fibre rear end that pivots on Enduro Max sealed bearings – there’s no friction back here.

With 141mm (5.75in) travel, the single pivot Yeti fits in perfectly with the huge trail centre scene that’s blooming in the UK right now. Fortunately, the folk at Yeti know the UK is infested with mud so there are no clearance issues as such, and the tough paint finish will still look good after many a jet wash.

Equipment: Top kit for a top frame

It would be a sin to spec a frame of this quality with anything less than top kit, and UK importers Evolution kitted it out beautifully. Chris King hubs on Mavic rims with Magura Louise brakes keep the wheels light yet robust. The transmission is Shimano XT and the finishing kit includes Thomson seatpost and stem, with Easton Carbon Monkeylite bars and an SDG Bel Air saddle.

It all makes for a sensible build that’s ready to be hacked. The 12.8kg (28.4lb) weight is reasonable and it’d be easy to take it down to the mid-20lbs without sacrificing too much.

Want to test ride this bike yourself? Then visit the National Demo Day website now!

User Reviews

Post your review

  • User review of Yeti 575

    The ultimate do-anything bike with that little extra exclusivity (Yeti soul).

    OK, it's made in Taiwan now. OK, other manufacturers have similar products at a lower (and higher) price.

    BUT... It's a Yeti. They were there in the early days. As the original Klunkers gradually sold out to the mass-market, Yetis retained their mystique.

    The 575 rides like a cross-country machine. Nible, agile, foot-stompingly responsive. Uphill it climbs like a (heavy) hardtail. Point it's nose down, flick the Fox shock to 'platform off' and fly as fast as you dare! The bumps just disappear! It feels as if you're George Lucas filming the speeder bike chase with a Steadicam.

    0.3
  • User review of Yeti 575

    I agree with ASTRO_NOMENOFF this bike is by far the best bike I have ever ridden. The traction on rocks and roots is amazing, it simply digs in and propels you over whatever obstacle you are tackling. with the RP23 shock on the rear it climbs like a hardtail with no bob even when grinding up long climbs. Then........switch the propedal off and let rip!! this thing flies down hill!! It corners like it is on rails and takes drops in its stride. You also have the exclusivity of the Yeti brand, although I don't think it will be exclusive for long as these frames are flying out of the shops - testament to the superb build and ride quality. Bring on the Tribemeet!!!!!!

    0.3
  • User review of Yeti 575

    I've been riding the 575 with full carbon rear for a few months now and whilst its early days to give a full review of this bike, its worth giving some feedback for those who are considering this frame. Firstly the most noticible thing is the generous standover of the hydroformed top tube, also the beefed up box section of the headtube { apparently making the 08 frame 30% stiffer then the older frame and therefore giving less flex arround the fork area}. There is a choice of of a full carbon rear or carbon seat stays/ aluminium chain stays which is slightly cheaper but a bit heavier. Apparently if you are over 180 Lbs you should go for the latter. I'm 197lbs and so far there has been no problem with the full carbon but i'm not attempting any drop offs. Some of the carbon chain stays have broken where it is joined to the aluminium part of the stays but have been replaced under warranty. { see yetifan.com forum for pics}

    I've got the bike kitted out with a Fox Talas RLC { 150-130-110 } with 15QR bolt through. These are lovely forx and compliment the frame perfectly.

    So what is it like to ride...well in a nutshell sublime. On steep technical climbes eg. Whytes at Glyncorrwg, South Wales....it accelerates smoothly and responsively. I was amazed how well it climbs for an almost 6" travel bike. Why is this?. Its down the shock allignment of the RP23 shock which compliments this frame perfectly. The fact that you can set up the shock as a slightly active climbing platform gives no bob when pedaling hard but with a flick of the lever give fully active travel for the decents- excellent.

    The frame is dsigned to take a 2.5 tyre but i think this is quite tight on the rear and prefer 2.3

    At speed down hill, depending on the tyre and weather conditions, you feel totally confident and well balanced on this bike. This bike is far more capable of speeds then i am prepared to chance.

    My old bike was a Specialized S-works Enduro and whilst this bike was good { 10/10 reviews in its time with hyroformed top tube section} the Yeti 575 frame has taken frame design to a different level. Yes its still a single pivot whilst the Enduro was a true faux-bar { Spec hold the patent} my opininion is that this frame climbs better then the Enduro in every respect. Amazing bike..this one is for keeps...

    If you are in the market for a boutique frame, try and get a test ride on one....everyone i know has had a go on one has traded thier old bike in { even those who swear by the old Yeti 575 design }

    This frame will take a lot to beat...only the Santa Cruz Nomad may come close or better it....and that is saying something...!!

    For another opinion paste this

    http://www.feedthehabit.com/mountain-biking/2008-yeti-575-enduro-interbike-quick-review/

    0.3
  • User review of Yeti 575

    I'm V. tempted with one of these. :-D

    0.3

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Specification

Name:
575
Built by:
Yeti
Price:
n/a

Available Sizes:
L, M, S, XL
Available Colours:
Black, Raw High Bright, White
Year:
2007

Frame & Fork:

 
Frame Material:
Carbon
Frame Weight (g):
2600 g
Rear Shock Brand:
Fox
Rear Shock Model:
Vanilla R
Headset Brand:
Cane Creek

Brakes:

 
Brakes Brand:
Avid
Brakes Model:
Juicy 3 Hydraulic 180mm Rotor

Transmission:

 
Cranks Brand:
RaceFace
Cranks Model:
Evolve XC
Gearing:
9 speed
Rear Derailleur Brand:
SRAM
Rear Derailleur Model:
SRAM X-9
Front Derailleur Brand:
Shimano
Front Derailleur Model:
Shimano XT
Shifters Brand:
SRAM
Shifters Model:
X-9
Chain Brand:
Shimano
Chain Model:
Shimano HG-73
Cassette:
Sram PG-950 11-34
Pedals Model:
Non Supplied

Wheels:

 
Wheels Brand:
Mavic
Rims Brand:
Mavic
Rims Model:
Crossride
Front Hub Brand:
Mavic
Rear Hub Brand:
Mavic
Tyres Brand:
Maxxis
Front Tyre Model:
Minion
Front Tyre Size:
26x2.35
Rear Tyre Model:
Minion
Rear Tyre Size:
26x2.35

Contact Points:

 
Saddle Brand:
WTB
Saddle Model:
Rocket V
Seatpost Brand:
Race Face
Seatpost Model:
Evolve XC
Stem Brand:
Race Face
Stem Model:
Evolve XC
Handlebar Brand:
RaceFace
Handlebar Model:
Next Carbon Composite Low Riser

:

 
Spokes Brand:
Mavic
Max. Fork Travel:
145mm
Grip Type:
Lock-On

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