The Yeti SB5 Beti is the women's specific version of the bike that's been ridden to multiple wins at the Enduro World Series under Ritchie Rude, so to say it's race tested is an understatement.
The bike has had some serious updates since the original version was released, bringing it up to date in geometry, parts and purpose.
The previous incarnation of the Yeti Beti SB5c was put through its paces a few years back, and scored an excellent 3.5 out of 5. However, there are a number of significant updates to this model, and BikeRadar will be putting the turquoise enduro beast to the test in the coming weeks.
Yeti SB5 Beti C-series women's mountain bike spec overview
- Weight: 12.93kg (M)
- Frame: C-series carbon
- Fork: Fox Performance 34 150mm 27
- Shock: Fox Float Performance Beti (210x50mm Metric)
- Wheelset: DT Swiss 370/M542 wheelset 27 6-bolt Shim
- Tyres: Maxxis Ardent 2.4 Fold EXO/TR
- Crankset: Race Face AEffect
- Bottom bracket: Race Face BB92 Shim
- Shifters: Shimano SLX
- Rear derailleur: Shimano XT
- Cassette: Shimano SLX KCSM7000146
- Chain: Shimano SLX
- Brakes: Shimano SLX with SMTR66M rotor (rear) and SMTR66S rotor (front)
- Handlebars: Race Face Evolve Bar 750
- Stem: Race Face Ride 60
- Grips: Ergon Ga2 grips
- Saddle: Deva
- Seatpost: Fox Transfer
Updates on the previous model
While some things remain the same — the Switch Infinity suspension system, for example — a significant number of other updates have been made.
Some are to be expected, such as boost axle spacing and a metric rear shock to bring it up to date with modern standards and trends. Others have aesthetic and practical justifications, such as the internal cable routing which gives a much cleaner finish and an integrated hatch to make dropper cable routing less fiddly.
The overall geometry has been altered to have a longer reach, slacker head angle (66.5 degrees) and lower standover on all sizes, which is in keeping with its increasing focus as an enduro bike.
Yeti clearly regard the Beti SB5 as a trail/enduro bike, but with the alterations to frame geometry, coupled with a beefy 150mm Fox Performance fork, it's likely to be overkill for trail centres, unless your trails tend to be natural, mountainous and packed with technical climbs and descents.
One element that's likely to be a plus point for shorter riders is the additional drop on the top tube on the XS and S models to give greater standover. This isn't a women's specific feature because the frames themselves are unisex, but it is one that Yeti says works well for smaller riders in general.
And finally, the Yeti SB5 Beti now comes with 750mm bars, wider than those speccd on the original version.
The C-series (or 'carbon series') pictured here is made to a lower-budget price point, with carbon parts and lower-priced components to keep the price down. However, it's still not what most people would call a 'cheap' bike.
T-series option
The other news is that, should you want to really go for it, there is also a T-series option.
This has a frame constructed from high-modulous carbon, with parts to match. And if you're wondering what the 'T' stands for, apparently it's 'Turquoise series' after the brand's signature colour.
Yeti Beti SB5c kit
In keeping with the lower-priced ambitions of the C-series, the SB5c Beti is fitted with a groupset that's a combination of Shimano SLX and XT parts plus a Race Face Aeffect crankset in a 1x11 configuration.
A 30t cassette pairs up with an 11-46t Shimano XT cassette, with Shimano SLX brakes.
Finishing kit includes Race Face Evolve Bar 750 handlebars with Race Face Ride 60 stem and a Cane Creek 40 Inset Taper headset.
Wheels are DT Swiss 370/M542 run tubeless with Maxxis Ardent 2.4 EXO/TR tyres front and rear.
What's women's specific?
As mentioned above, the Yeti SB5 Beti is mostly women's specific in terms of finishing kit rather than frame geometry. Both the Yeti SB5 and the Yeti SB5c share the same frame geometry and spec, baring a few differences.
The Beti is fitted with a women's specific Deva saddle, and the paint job combines dark and light turquoise, the signature colour of the brand. Yeti has also put on shorter crank arms and a lighter shock tune.
In case you are wondering about the name, it came from a group of female Yeti riders in the USA who referred to themselves as the 'Betis'. When Yeti decided to make a women's version of the bike, it named it in their honour.
Yeti Beti SB5c prices, sizing and availability
The Yeti SB5c Beti is available in four sizes: XS, S, M and L, and is available for £4,799 / $4,799 / AU$7,290.
The bike is available now from various retailers including Silverfish.
