Yeti Cycles has pulled the covers off a redesigned version of the popular SB5, rolled out a new 27.5 trail bike and introduced more affordable carbon versions of all its models.
Revamped SB5 and SB5 Beti
The SB5 is a very important bike for Yeti. It was the first model introduced with the company’s Switch suspension system.
Since it’s introduction in 2014, trail bikes got lower and slacker, internal routing become the norm, and axle spacing became wider.
“The SB5 is an extremely popular bike in our line. In step with advances in frame design and suspension technology we’ve made on other models in our line, we saw an opportunity to make this bike even more relevant for the hard-charging trail rider,” said Chris Conroy, Yeti Cycles’ CEO. “We were able to carry over our commitment to female athletes by updating the SB5 Beti as well.”
The unisex and women’s versions of the SB5 get the same makeover. Reach has been increased across the five-size range — the small and extra small sizes have impressively low standover, thanks to the new frame design.
Cable routing has been cleaned up with tube-in-tube internal routing. There’s also a removable cover at the base of the downtube and seat tube to make it easier to route the dropper and rear derailleur lines through the frame — a first for a Yeti frame.
While the standard and Beti versions share the same frame, the women’s versions get a lighter suspension tune, shorter cranks and narrower handlebars.
Plus comes to the Yeti line
New for 2017 is a 27.5 version of the SB5. The SB5 uses a similar front triangle to the SB5 with a rear triangle specifically designed to clear plus-sized rubber.
Yeti opted to use an elevated drive-side chainstay in order to keep the chainstays to just 17.1in / 437mm. There’s clearance for 27x3in tires, though the bike will come shod in 27.5x2.8in rubber.
While many manufacturers have launched 27.5 bikes that are also compatible with 29in wheels and tires, Yeti prefers to view the SB5 as a dedicated plus model, although the company states that 29in wheels will fit.
The top-end Turq series SB5 build kits will be available in October. Prices start US$6,499 and go all the way to US$10,499 for an SB5 with SRAM eagle, which will be available in mid-November.
Pricing starts at starting at US$4,699 for the SB5 with an XT / SLX kit. (UK and Australian pricing was not immediately available.)
Two tiers of carbon
In an effort to broaden its product offerings across more price points, Yeti will now offer all of its models in two levels of carbon.
The Turq family comes with higher-end carbon layups and premium build kits, while the Carbon line uses more budget-friendly carbon construction and components. According to Yeti, the weight difference between the Turq and Carbon frames is approximately 250-400g.
