Issue #015 of ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine is now available here! Along with our big brakes group test and exciting travel stories we will also be presenting our XC bikes group test. We made a special trip to the USA in order to test the bikes under sunny California skies. Here’s a look at one of the bikes in the group test – the Yeti ASR Carbon.

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Our new ASRc is a cross-country race machine with an enduro alter-ego. This is how Yeti describes their stunning 100mm XC bike, and it sounded like a perfect fit for this test. Ours was in the classic Yeti turquoise but it is also available in black. Either way, the smooth lines from the carbon frame make for an undeniably attractive form.

A wild Yeti spotted on the coast of California...
A wild Yeti spotted on the coast of California…

The ASR Carbon uses a simple, modified single pivot with their signature “loopstays” to replace a pivot with frame flex. This is part of the reason the bike is so light, 10.5 kg to be exact. Yeti has tuned the geometry to have the perfect ride for each size, small and XS frames ride on 27.5″ wheels while medium and up are 29″.

Both the frame and drivetrain are clean and simple.
Both the frame and drivetrain are clean and simple.

The drivetrain is the 11 speed SRAM X01, contributing to its enduro alter-ego by making it lighter, simpler and quieter than a front derailleur. The fact that the stealth black fits with the Yeti’s colour scheme doesn’t hurt either.

XT brakes were a popular choice in this test, for good reason too. But are 160mm rotors F/R enough?
XT brakes were a popular choice in this test, for good reason too. But are 160mm rotors F/R enough?

The long top tube should give the Yeti confident handling especially combined with the 740mm Easton Haven carbon bar and 70mm stem. The attention to detail like the Thompson components add to the bike’s bespoke character.

The head tube badge is the finishing touch to this beautiful frame.
The head tube badge is the finishing touch to this beautiful frame.

The Fox Float Kashima CTD suspension looks great with the frame and will undoubtably provide the necessary performance. The fork is set at 120mm and the shock has been custom tuned to match the frame.

The oversized main pivot features Enduro Max bearings for durability.
The oversized main pivot features Enduro Max bearings for durability.

The top-of-the-line model has some sexy ENVE rims with turquoise decals but in order to meet the price criteria this model has Stan’s Crest rims, and that’s fine with us! The Maxxis Ikon tires will be fast and should be adequate on the hardpack Californian trails.

No dropper post here!
No dropper post here!

The Yeti ASR carbon looks great, is very light and has a very competitive component group. However, the brake rotors and tires are slightly less aggressive than others in the test. Find out if how it fared in Issue #015!

About the test

Our request to the manufacturers was simple: send us a fast, light and potent XC bike for maximum fun on the fast, flowing southern California trails.

We let the manufacturers decide for themselves which exact models, wheel sizes and suspension-travel range this actually meant. The only fixed criteria was the price limit of
€ 5.500.

The test field: BMC Four Stroke FS02 | Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 2 | Felt Edict 1 | Giant Anthem Advanced SX 27.5 | Ibis Ripley | Marin Rift Zone 8 | Trek Fuel EX 9.8 27.5

The bike makers were also allowed to improve the downhill performance of their bikes by making small spec changes, just like bike shops often do. This includes changes to the cockpit, tyres and retrofitting a dropper seatpost.

The test team, made up of ENDURO editors Robin Schmitt, Joe Parkin and several other experienced test riders carefully examined the bikes over multiple days. The team established the strengths and weaknesses of each model, and discussed in depth the verdict of every bike.

Neben anspruchsvollen Uphills bot der Testtrack auch knackige Abfahrten und eine traumhafte Kulisse
Along with demanding trails the test track rewarded with breathtaking views
Unterstützt wurde das Testteam von Bike-Legende und California Local Duncan Riffle
The test team were supported by bike legend and Santa Barbara local Duncan Riffle
Bis zum Sonnenuntergang wurde getestet, analysiert und diskutiert
The team tested, analysed and discussed until sunset

Words: Tyler Malcomson Photos: Abner Kingman


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