Yeti have never disappointed at EUROBIKE, repeatedly dropping new bikes that get all the resident journalists frothing at the mouth. This year was no exception and not only have they revised the SB5C, their new SB5+ was attracting quite a crowd.
The new SB5+ bring Plus to the Yeti suspension platform
Chris Conroy, CEO of Yeti was excited to point out that they have been looking at Plus for some time, testing a number of prototypes and finding it a big advantage on local trails. Before they released a bike, it first had to pass the ‘staff assessment’ and the team’s verdict was unanimous, they wanted a Plus bike. Yeti looked at modifying the existing SB5c platform to take the 27.5+ sized wheels but soon realised it was too much of a compromise – thus an entirely new frame was born.
The new SB5+ frame uses geometry very close to the SB5C with a 67.1 degree head angle, 74.1 degree seat angle and playful but not extreme 437 mm chainstays – tried and tested trail geometry. The SB5+ of course uses Yeti’s proven Switch Infinity suspension platform to deliver 127 mm of rear travel, but the rear swingarm is a ground up redesign featuring elevated chainstays to accommodate the chunky 27.5+ wheels. The SB5+ will be available in 5 models, using either a 150 mm Fox Factory (for more information about the FOX Factory 36 Float head to our fork group test) or Fox Performance 34 fork, and can accept tyres up to 3.0” but will be supplied with Maxxis Rekon EXO 2.8” tyres as standard.
Yeti are revising their product lines to offer more choice to the consumer and all their bikes will now be offered in two options, TURQ and Carbon. TURQ represents Yeti’s premium, best-of-the-best build and specifications using the highest quality carbon fibre, while the Carbon models are more affordable using a lower modulus carbon and are generally 250 g heavier – but come at a significant cost saving. The SB5+ TURQ model will be available in three specifications all using FOX Factory suspension, the XT, X01 Eagle and XX1 Eagle retailing for $6499, $6999 and $10499 respectively. The more affordable Carbon models with FOX Performance suspension will be available in XT/SLX and Eagle specifications for $4699 and $5599 respectively.
Yeti revise the popular SB5C
Not only was there a new bike in the stable but the popular Yeti SB5C had received a total overhaul, with a sleeker frame design boasting improved standover height, BOOST spacing and new internal cable routing. The SB5C also uses the new Metric shock standard and is available in the new TURQ and Carbon options.
The SB5C TURQ model will be available in three specifications all using FOX Factory suspension, the XT, X01 Eagle and XX1 Eagle retailing for $6499, $6999 and $10499 respectively. The more affordable Carbon models with FOX Performance suspension will be available in XT/SLX and Eagle specifications for $4699 and $5599 respectively.
For more information check out the Yeti website and expect a full ENDURO review very soon.
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