Yeti SB-66 - First Look

by Tyler Maine
Jun 7, 2011



Yeti SB-66


On a sunny day in early April, the crew at Yeti brought together select media sources to have have a look at their all new SB-66 bike and suspension platform. In true Yeti form, the SB-66 is an all new suspension platform for them (more details below) and this new 6 inch bike is set to take trails by storm.




Yeti was approached at the Sea Otter Classic two years ago with a suspension design that some would say is outside the box and for that reason alone, the engineers felt that Yeti may be willing to take an innovative risk and help them progress the design into what we see today. Yeti added two of their own engineers to the mix and together the 4 engineers took the project forward - that concept has seen several prototypes in the past 2 years.

The result of all this work is the new SB-66 that uses Switch - Technology (more details below) in a 6 inch chassis. The new six inch bike is not replacing anything in the line up, rather it is adding to it. Yeti makes different genres of suspension for different applications and doesn’t limit itself to one particular design or style. Rail on the DH bikes, Single Pivots too etc. Read on to learn all about this new platform from Yeti Cycles.




Switch Technology:
Switch Technology uses an eccentric assembly to create a micro link (12mm link equivalent) that continuously repositions the lower pivot of the swing arm throughout the range of travel. This dual link design allows for a bike with great anti-squat characteristics for efficient pedaling, but maintains suspension independence throughout the bike's travel.

Pedaling Efficiency -
In the early stage of travel the micro link is guiding the lower pivot of the swing arm rearward. This rearward direction counteracts chain forces and gives the bike excellent anti-squat characteristics.

Plush, Controlled Travel -
As the bike moves past sag, the micro-link rotates in the opposite direction. This switch in direction controls the rate of chain stay growth, which is necessary to eliminate pedal feedback and allows for uninhibited suspension performance.

Suspension Rate -
The suspension rate has been optimize to work with Switch Technology. The rate switches from falling to rising to falling (dual inflection point) in order to achieve ideal anti-squat and suspension characteristics. Yeti has worked extensively with Fox Racing Shox to tailor the rate and shock tuning. In its current configuration, it is optimized for six inches of travel, but can be modified for different travel.

• 2 years of field testing
• Yeti has a 3 year exclusive on the technology
• The BB / pivot area is first forged and then post machined to get the tolerances needed for this all to work accordingly

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Frame Details:
• Weight - Alloy - 7lbs with shock
• Weight - Carbon - 6lbs with shock
• Custom butted hydro-formed 6000 series aluminium
• Tapered inset head tube
• Oversized pivots (Top link pin - 17mm thru axle / Enduro Max angular contact bearings, Main pivot pin - 15mm thru axle / Enduro Max Bearings)
• Fully sealed eccentric system
• Switch Technology - Patent Pending suspension system
• Yeti Chip System - Drop Outs (9mm x 135mm or 12mm x 142mm)
• Internally routed cable guides on rear triangle
• Seat Post dropper guides
• Direct mount front derailleur
• Custom elastomer chain slap guards
• Post Mount Disc Tabs (160mm rotor size)
• Keyed mounts for ISCG 05, Old and no guide options
• Black, Turquoise, White and Yellow production colors.




Yeti SB-66 geometry:



Additional Information:
• Yeti recommends 25% sag on the SB-66 for optimum efficiency
• High Anti Squat
• Very linear = easily tuned (works well with both coil and air shock options)
• Fox Racing Shox has been involved from initiation of the project
• MSRP in USD; Frame Only - Fox Factory RP23 - $2200, SB-66 Enduro (X9/X7) $3500, SB-66 Race (XT Kit) $4500, and SB-66 Pro (XTR Kit) $6150.
• Carbon will be available in December and will shave a pound off the total frame weight. Price TBD.
• yeticycles.com

Photo by Tyler Roemer
Photo by Tyler Roemer
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200 Comments

  • + 83
flag rmx1 (Jun 6, 2011 at 20:08)
 anyone else see some slope bike potential in there if it had a lower seat tube height?
  • + 53
flag Alexthemtbr (Jun 6, 2011 at 20:52)
 i thought it was a slope bike at first!
  • - 30
flag swearmouth (Jun 6, 2011 at 21:26) (Below Threshold) show comment
 I'm not a bike designer, but it looks like they could just reduce the travel by running a lower stroke shock and moving it towards the rear triangle, rotate the head tube to steepen it, and then cut the seat tube off right at the top tube and eliminate that support. It certainly reminds me of slope bikes, just in the way it looks.
  • + 17
flag BigEBiker (Jun 6, 2011 at 21:31)
 I want one!
  • + 6
flag louiscritchie (Jun 6, 2011 at 21:33)
 @BigEBiker
Yeah, this would be a sick rig to pull out for any style. F*ck, that's sexy!
  • + 2
flag satchscratch (Jun 6, 2011 at 21:54)
 oh yah. looks awesome.
  • + 9
flag swearmouth (Jun 6, 2011 at 23:47)
 Pinkbike once again fails to make basic connections... What I was suggesting was if they were to use it for slope, where a shorter seat tube, steeper head angle, and lower travel (5'') is the norm. As an all mountain/light FR bike this looks awesome, the suspension design seems to make a lot of sense.
  • + 27
flag BigBooga (Jun 7, 2011 at 0:07)
 For an AM/light FR bike those 32 forks have got to go... 36 me
  • + 4
flag lennoxrider (Jun 7, 2011 at 1:40)
 @swearmouth
I think you may have something, apart from the shock stuff, to me it looks like giving it a shorter stroke would mean changing that eccentric link quite a bit to give it the leverage ratio and chainline length curves they were looking for. but maybe with a more compact verson of the link they could manage to 'chop' the top bit of the seattube off and use a gusset underneath the toptube to give it that super low standover. but have yeti ever made a slopestyle bike? its more likely they will make a 4X bike with this linkage as they are a racing brand.
  • + 2
flag RaleighVoid (Jun 7, 2011 at 4:51)
 thats so f*cking cool
  • - 2
flag swearmouth (Jun 7, 2011 at 7:51)
 I'm not sure if they ever have to be honest, I was just thinking of what they might do to make it more Slope-y. And you're probably right, a 4x bike from Yeti would seem an obvious move.
  • + 5
flag TheCOJayhawk (Jun 7, 2011 at 8:05)
 um @swearmouth, they have a 4x bike, its called the Yeti Fourcross http://www.yeticycles.com/#/bikes/4X/1/
  • + 1
flag trekiscool (Jun 7, 2011 at 8:28)
 Yeah, if you cut the seat tube the thing already has a damn short rear end and beefy tubes and pivots. You could probably run it as a slope bike if needed.
  • + 4
flag p-romano (Jun 7, 2011 at 12:38)
 Yeti will most likely never make a slope bike or have any intention of it because they are fully racing bases and focused. Their dirt jump bike really isn't for dirt jumping at all, it is a 4X destroying machine. This would not be all that good of a 4x platform though because it is generally better to just have a very linear rate with a very stiff shock so it will pump and pedal like a hardtail but absorbs hard hits.
  • + 1
flag Rob-Chapman (Jun 7, 2011 at 14:26)
 I'd still love a Yeti slope bike Smile
  • - 24
flag domminator (Jun 7, 2011 at 15:43) (Below Threshold) show comment
 WOW THIS IS JUST A BLUR LT WITH A YETI LOGO AND A NEW PAINT JOB... VERY DISSAPPOINTED...
  • - 2
flag swearmouth (Jun 7, 2011 at 17:02)
 I know they already have a 4x bike, but seeing as its only a hardtail (not that theres anything wrong with that) there would still be room in their range for a second full suspension model
  • + 4
flag manchicken (Jun 7, 2011 at 17:39)
 @domminator are you just a plain old muppet or what? how do you get a blur from this? All im gunna say is the blur uses vpp and this is switch tech. \\\\\\\\\\tell me how the f*ck the 2 platforms are the same?
  • + 1
flag mtbforlife4 (Jun 7, 2011 at 19:41)
 SICK!!!!!!
  • + 2
flag Lehel-NS (Jun 7, 2011 at 23:14)
 Swearmouth, Yeti 4X is a full suspension bike, not a hardtail.
  • + 2
flag harriieee (Jun 8, 2011 at 7:15)
 Jesus Swearmouth, look shit up before you post.

There's also this sick video on the Yeti site showing errone what this bike is all about - hardcore AM/light freeride trail.
  • + 2
flag domminator (Jun 8, 2011 at 20:41)
 @manchicken my friend was on my account and thought itwould be super funny to say something retarded. personally i bet this is one dope bike, now all yeti needs to do is bring out the 303ss and have a real ss bike out
  • - 1
flag beefyb (Jun 9, 2011 at 4:19)
 yeti slope snapped in a day
  • + 1
flag Rob-Chapman (Jun 9, 2011 at 9:15)
 Well seeing as there isn't a Yeti slope bike... You were probs just an riding an AM bike like a moron...
  • + 1
flag domminator (Jun 9, 2011 at 17:20)
 they have a proto slope bike its been out for a while http://www.sicklines.com/2008/04/22/two-new-prototype-yetis-303-r-dh-303-r-ss/
[Reply]
  • + 24
flag martins (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:42)
 Very interesting, nice to see something really innovative!
  • + 8
flag fappachino (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:48)
 agree with you. yeti's thinking outside the box
  • + 7
flag lightningskull (Jun 6, 2011 at 20:18)
 Very innovative, finally something outside of the linkage driven single pivots and FSR variants out there. Helps that it looks great too, and should be quite stiff in the rear end. That rear triangle is beefy. Lets see a trail test soon... always wanted a Yeti
  • - 2
flag suicidedownhiller (Jun 6, 2011 at 20:49)
 I don't get it haha...what micro link? What? maybe it's just me...but what?
  • + 1
flag samuelity (Jun 6, 2011 at 20:53)
 the front end kinda looks like a GT force with yeti paint. cool rig though!
  • + 1
flag D-Owen (Jun 6, 2011 at 20:55)
 ^^ watch the videos... and very interesting, nice to something new!
  • + 2
flag sidermang (Jun 6, 2011 at 22:06)
 Yeti does it again! Another very sexy innovative bike! Check up another to the ever growing wish list.
  • + 10
flag bxxer-rider (Jun 7, 2011 at 10:22)
 well done you ALL bought into the marketing hook line and sinker, this bike is NOT innovative, NOT out side of the box. there is NO new technology on the bike, it is simply tiny bit different shape, shiny and only tiny bit tweaked.

don't be fools to the marketing.

(i now i will get neg propped by those who do no understand why this is not new but just get sucked in by marketing and the shininess of it)
  • + 4
flag Talldwarf (Jun 8, 2011 at 3:36)
 @bxxer-rider watch the videos, if there are other bikes that work exactly like that then why have they applied for a patent? Of course it is innovative, the new technology is the eccentric link thingy

It may do a similar thing to other bikes, but it does it in a different way. In the end it just gives riders more choice. So why complain? :L
  • + 2
flag mackeroo (Jun 8, 2011 at 3:45)
 In defence of bxxer-rider, check this out:

http://www.skipass.com/petites-annonces/divers/rockrider-9-2-comme-neuf-.html

I remember seeing one of these in France last year - look familiar?

I think its safe to say that the Yeti wins on looks and marketing though ;+)

Mechanically, I think its a great idea (and I would be interested in owning one), but innovative it obviously isn't.
  • + 0
flag bxxer-rider (Jun 8, 2011 at 13:21)
 talldwarf, they only got patent though cleaver wording like most other, and all recent patents in mtb

(abp and split like are EXACTLY the same thing but have different patents, the right words make magic)


Thank you mackeroo, proves me point even further.....
  • + 2
flag brit-100 (Jun 10, 2011 at 8:35)
 ABP and Split Pivot have separate patents because they were designed separately, with no knowledge of the other design, at the same time. That's a fairly major difference in US and UK patent law, and in the UK/Europe, only 1 would have been awarded the patent.
  • + 1
flag Talldwarf (Jun 24, 2011 at 9:16)
 sorry, poor wording, should say 'if they know of' rather than 'if there are'
I wasn't aware they had got one yet, merely applied, they don't state which part of the system they are applying for a patent for either, it could be one tiny little bit, all they do it for is to write it on their posters :L

evidently, however, it is not a new design so yeti are not the innovators, but decathlon it seems, so I think we'll just keep quite about that, especially when the final product looks like it was dropped out of the plane and welded back together by the local DT teacher Razz

My personal opinion is the less pivots the better, less bearings, less friction (normally) so less energy lost (although that is marginal), less wear, less maintenance, less running cost, longer life. Unless the performance is greatly improved, simplicity is best for your everyday rider.
[Reply]
  • + 19
flag tom-cuthbert (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:39)
 Want.
  • + 10
flag samuelity (Jun 6, 2011 at 20:54)
 just gonna say it for everyone. +1727143764918764182764918263491873478163846192736419287364128736491287
  • + 11
flag damixtape (Jun 6, 2011 at 22:14)
 my god yeti just puts so much work into there bikes and they haven't even been really over priced for what you get
[Reply]
  • + 11
flag freirider (Jun 6, 2011 at 21:07)
 With the bearing only rotating such a small portion of a revolution, I'm afraid that they will pit and wear unevenly quite fast. kind of like a marble being squeezed only from one direction, eventually it will deform into an oval shape. I do like the design though.
  • + 5
flag piperj3 (Jun 6, 2011 at 23:05)
 that's so true , they might use a dented design so that the bearings may rotate and dont come back again , so you will use the 360°
  • + 2
flag swearmouth (Jun 6, 2011 at 23:50)
 Even if it simply moves forward and back, seeing as it would need fewer bearings it would be cheaper to replace them when they're shot.
  • + 4
flag Chri5s (Jun 7, 2011 at 1:15)
 The bearings on, for example, a Horst link chainstay pivot only move through about 30degrees during use, but they seem to last a reasonable amount of time, no?
  • + 1
flag taletotell (Jun 7, 2011 at 4:47)
 i wonder if the bearing movement changes more when the bike is in motion. During a climb or descent it would have very different pressures on it than sitting on the stand.
  • + 2
flag Downhill-Christy (Jun 7, 2011 at 6:50)
 I see your point. But think of many full suspension bikes; they often have bearings that move significantly under 90degrees and these can last an entire season.
  • + 1
flag Sillybanshee (Jun 7, 2011 at 19:43)
 My Yeti ASX bearings got that same deal. Time for a replacement.
  • + 1
flag mackeroo (Jun 8, 2011 at 3:49)
 Anyone remember the first GT i-drives with a big bearing running in a limited rotation?
Great idea in so-cal, didn't work in the UK winter!
I worry that this Yeti will have the same issues, but I really like the idea of reduced chain growth at the end of the stroke (reduced chain impedance).
  • + 1
flag piperj3 (Jun 8, 2011 at 22:12)
 why hte did not work on the winter? the low temperatures make te bearings have temperature defrmation? (contraction) sorry but I'm not understanding why thanks
  • + 1
flag mackeroo (Jun 15, 2011 at 8:59)
 Grit, grit and more grit. Ate the bearings alive!
  • + 2
flag Downhill-Christy (Jun 16, 2011 at 3:24)
 But surely that happens to any bearings that aren't properly sealed? Not just the i-drive?
[Reply]
  • + 10
flag elangelo (Jun 7, 2011 at 0:09)
 There is nothing new in that design... Decathlon Rockrider 9.2 have used a microlink embedded in a eccentric pivot point for at least 9 years now... Sure it doesn't look as sexy as the one from Yeti... but principle is exactly the same:
http://www.vttnet.org/2003/dkt92/Exentrique.jpg
read more (article from 2003!!!) : http://vttnet.org/article.php?id_article=132 />
The ones they sell today still use the same principle.
  • + 3
flag DanB25 (Jun 7, 2011 at 3:37)
 exactly, DECATHLON have been doing this for years, a f*cking sports shop ownbrand and here yeti are trying to hype it up as something amazing and new
if you read into what theyre saying its the biggest load of marketing shit Ive ever heard, multi link suspension has been able to independently tune shock rate and wheel path for years...
  • + 1
flag MatthewCarpenter (Jun 7, 2011 at 7:52)
 cool that you found that! But in the end it's not about the suspension design you're using but what you make out of it.

but of course, I wonder as well, if that microlink really makes such a difference on the trail or if they could have used a single pivot with comparable performance, but lighter weight and better priced. But hey, I really love Yeti for adding their own characteristics to the market.
  • + 3
flag PLC07 (Jun 7, 2011 at 12:34)
 At least they're modifying it and tweaking it to their own needs, unlike most of the brands out there just buying someone else's supension pattern and slapping their frame around it. And about the marketing... Find me one company out there where their minor tweaks to already existing products are not labeled as "best performance" or "revolutionary".
[Reply]
  • + 12
flag wuwanchen (Jun 6, 2011 at 20:16)
 as a guy working for DECATHLON, I would say, this design very like NEUF system. but yeti people make it much nicer and strong.
I want one......
[Reply]
  • + 6
flag deeeight Plus (Jun 7, 2011 at 4:07)
 What's old is always new, when someone in the USA steals an idea from someplace else in the world (even another american), and files for a US patent on it with usually creative description terms. That's all this new yeti is... a stolen idea (see above to the links on the decathlon). Of course that they mention they worked with Fox to develop it isn't surprising to me. Fox afterall worked with Specialized to steal the idea for Inertial Valve shock technology from its real inventor, Don Simpson of Ricor Racing.
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag deeeight Plus (Jun 7, 2011 at 14:29)
 More likely Yeti was approached by someone who saw the Decathlon in europe, did a quick patent search and realized their wasn't yet a US patent on it, and decided to shop the design around as their own to brands with some money and willingness to license patented designs (Yeti licensed the lawhill patent for a number of years afterall) and weren't likely to have known it already existed.

This is hardly any different than what Specialized/Fox did to Ricor, except of course Ricor's patent didn't specifically say "bicycles" though it did cover motorcycles and other "vehicles". Specialized/Fox had approached Ricor to license their patent for bikes, then went behind their backs and filed their own patents specific to bikes to try and lock up the technology exclusively to them. Meanwhile Ricor had also been licensing the patent to Stratos for forks not realizing Specialized was being deliberately deceptive with them and the US patent office (when you file a patent, you're supposed to include all known prior art in the application, even similar technology ones already held and valid, so the patent office can determine if your invention is sufficiently unique to qualify for patent protection.... and specialized did not do this, which is patent fraud).

Felt Bicycles did a similar thing a few years ago... their Equilink suspension linkage is stolen outright from its actual inventor, who displayed a prototype at Interbike a number of years ago, was in talks with Felt to license his design, which he didn't have the money to file a patent on himself. Felt claimed they were not interested in it, then filed a patent for it themselves.

You can read more about that fiasco here...

http://news.thylacinecycles.com/2007/04/ideas-are-worth-defending/
  • + 1
flag mackeroo (Jun 8, 2011 at 4:06)
 deeeight - totally agree with you!

I've been involved with a few bicycle related patents and it is a minefield!
This is particuarly the case when you start looking internationally, because you have to file in individual countries and then it gets very expensive and complicated. I would suggest that Yeti have considered the Rockrider NEUF design in their develop-ment which may only have a limited patent range and they have put a 'pending' status on it for US sales. Furthermore, the 'pending' status buys them time to make an impact in the market in Europe before Decathlon contest it - by which time Yeti recede and the design is old hat anyway?!

Unfortunately, the patent system is weighted in favour of the big organisations. They have the legal clout to get round patent law (as you describe in your example of Ricor). Furthermore, trying to defend a patent is a costly business. If you are a small enterprise all a patent represents is a deterent, because you can't afford to enforce it!

My view on this bike is that I think mechanically it is actually a sound idea. It is also really good looking (viva Yeti). I also think it will sell a load because a vast majority of the rider market is ill informed about the mechanics of bikes and they are willing to buy into marketing hype. Joe public may think that a quirky suspension linkage that he can't understand "must be doing something good because it is beyond my level of comprehension - I'll buy one!"

Its all fun and games isn't it?! ;+)
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag MTBdisciple15 (Jun 7, 2011 at 13:56)
 Ok so everyone saynig this looks like the decatholon should watch the clip of the decatholons suspension movement and the 2nd video of the yetis
The yeti bearing rotates counterclockwise in the initial travel but as you get deeper it goes clockwise.
The decatholons just goes on way so their different
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag curtykills (Jun 7, 2011 at 22:39)
 It would be so cool if they compared the VPP and DW link bikes with the same amount of travel so they could explain the unique characteristics of how their sweet spot compares. I love marketing, its almost as glorified as a Specialized. Lets not forget GT makes a pivot which moves around a concentric bearing..quite impressive. Smile Apples and Oranges my friends..
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag g1701gst Plus (Jun 6, 2011 at 21:05)
 Good thing I didn't know about his bike a few months ago when I bought my ASR7, I would have had a hard decision to make. Now I want a test ride to see if I am missing anything. As always great job Yeti! Yetis for life!
  • + 1
flag yetidj (Jun 6, 2011 at 22:04)
 This is the only bike that made me regret buying the 25th Anniversary 575. Ah well, Yeti never stops churning out sick bikes.
  • + 1
flag swan3609 (Jun 7, 2011 at 0:08)
 I totally agree.. I just Built up a ASR-7 as well and I love my bike... but this does look to have some serious potential.. But I still think the 7 is the bike for me.. I dont see the 66 holding up to bikeparks and FR stuff as well as the 7 does.. Still a sick bike and I would have one if I could afford a full on Dh bike and then a AM bike like this.. But the 7 is the bike for me to balance my DH and FR stuff with my XC epics..
  • + 1
flag BigBooga (Jun 7, 2011 at 0:28)
 Well let's hope the next Switch-Tech bike is an updated ASR-7, then we'd be gettin somewhere
  • + 1
flag g1701gst Plus (Jun 7, 2011 at 15:05)
 swan I agree with you, if i could have two bikes I would like a SB-66 and a Full on DH bike like the 303. SInce i can only have one I am glad I gnar shredding ASR7. I am loving this new yeti bike porn.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag crasht (Jun 26, 2011 at 7:37)
 it looks like a great bike to ride . yeti puts out great product for people to ride . looking at the movement of the bike that some of you are comparing it to (decathlon) the design is similar, but placement is different and movement is too . cause if you watch the first video it moves in the begining of the stroke toward back and then when it hits about mid stroke it goes forward . and the (decathlon) doesnt look like it does that . so it is different design . also the pivot location is in a different spot its sits higher than the decathlon. and like it was said in the begining of the the article yeti was approached to help make the design work better . so thats just my thoughts .
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag c25porter (Jun 7, 2011 at 8:35)
 I am not in the market this year for a new bike, if I was the Mopo HD is at the top of the list, but I think this one just made it in the, I have to test ride it list.

Yeti, come out to Duthie Hill, just East of Seattle! It is the perfect place for Demo's ton's of potential clients and an awesome park to let people test your bikes and get hooked.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag betsie Plus (Jun 7, 2011 at 5:20)
 You have to love the annotations on the curve pictures with regard to pedal feedback.
I have only owned a Blur, Blur 4x, Nomad, VP and V10 as well as a Azure, 6 point and Sunday so am in no real place to comment about pedal feedback from Vpp and DW. But in comparison to my other bikes (and the list is a big one), the Sunday is the best pedaling bike out there (when you can pedal it because of the low BB). The Vp is one of the best ever made AM bikes if you set it up for that mainly due to its lack of pedal feedback in the climbs when it gets technical (mine was under 32lb).
Then there is a picture of a guy climbing on this no feedback bike and he is out of the saddle hahahaha
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag basanch73 (Jun 22, 2011 at 17:19)
 Considering little to no consumer testing and info out there and just the charts available to somewhat compare this design over other similiar dual link susp's, I'm curious as to why they wouldn't have added Giant Reign's Maestro Susp data with it's similarity to the VPP & DW Link design and equal travel to the SB66?
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag katoom250 (Jun 7, 2011 at 20:06)
 I never found the Yeti's that attractive in there design, I think its time to start taking a look at the bikes built in my own back yard, that has amazing lines! Good work Yeti
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag deeeight Plus (Jun 9, 2011 at 6:36)
 The GT I-Drives uses an eccentric pivot to float the Bottom bracket (and thus the cranks along with it) to reduce chain growth and control bobbing. The actual swingarm uses a single round pivot above that though.

The Haro Virtual link is another floating BB design, using a pair of short pivoting links off the main frame which are then concentric to the BB shell which is part of the swingarm to not only float the BB but also the swingarm. It differs from unified triangle designs (the Rocky Mountain Pipeline is probably the only one the kids on here would understand or know about, aside from walmart bikes) in that the swingarm and bottom bracket don't move together in exactly the same direction/arc around a single fixed pivot point.
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag njhop (Jun 6, 2011 at 20:12)
 this looks completely revolutionary
  • + 2
flag Bjammin (Jun 6, 2011 at 21:01)
 nice pun
  • - 2
flag 3lfd3wd (Jun 7, 2011 at 9:34)
 'Hardly revolutionary' would've been better, with the above comments about decathlon's design, and the tiny rotation on that eccentric!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag sacredG (Jun 7, 2011 at 5:36)
 I was at Toro park that day doing a Photo shoot! we all saw the new Yeti. didn't get much of a look. all the Yeti Guys blasted past while we were looking for a suitable location for pictures. I am really excited to see more on this bike!
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag YetiRider35 (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:54)
 They should make the linkage gold instead of blue
  • + 1
flag RobbyBriers Plus (Jun 7, 2011 at 7:50)
 That would look cool, but not with a Kashima RP23. I have my new 2012 Talas here and the gold we know from Hope / Race Face / Chris King... is just not the same and would mismatch. If you'd stick a Double Barrel in it, it would be ace though!

Best option is to go the way Ibis goes: choose between different finishes for the linkage.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag OTehNoes (Jun 7, 2011 at 2:34)
 The only thing that makes me sad about this is that I'll never be able to afford it Frown
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jackhud (Jun 7, 2011 at 15:55)
 Any one be able to explain why the lower pivot moves one way and then the other. Through a quick sketch together but still couldnt figure it out Frown http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/6702205/
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag FetusOven (Jun 7, 2011 at 5:07)
 This is going to get the pinkbike engineers all fired up. 150+ comments by midnight. Can't wait to check back to see what it "looks like"
  • - 1
flag Lehel-NS (Jun 7, 2011 at 5:13)
 No, you are wrong! This bike is fashion right now so the fashion whores will not rant about it what it looks like. Razz
  • - 1
flag Lehel-NS (Jun 7, 2011 at 5:20)
 Also, I think that it's OK to reply on Yeti's statement that their bike has an ALL NEW suspension platform, because it's NOT NEW! It's been around for years... So they just took something that exists, and tweaked it a little bit, and now they are saying that it's completely new.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag skid (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:53)
 Looks freaking awesome! Geo is nearly exactly what I want. Looks pretty sturdy to... Who wants to send me money to buy this. I promise to try and beat it to death on some rocks.
  • - 2
flag bikejunkie88 (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:58)
 i will!... not
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag gabodude (Jun 7, 2011 at 13:50)
 I love how they etched 'patent pending'' on the link... As if to say ''hey, we are wasting our time and money in court to own something that we never invented so we can charge you more for our bike. Which, appart from a groovy paintjob and sexy magazine ads, is nothing special''

Bicycle technologies should be free. That way the builders could start making the bikes people really need instead of the ones the media makes you want.
  • - 1
flag Runerider (Jun 7, 2011 at 14:12)
 People need mountain bikes?
  • + 2
flag gabodude (Jun 7, 2011 at 15:29)
 is that even debatable?
  • - 1
flag BigBooga (Jun 7, 2011 at 16:45)
 Keep communism out of my trails, pls
  • + 2
flag gabodude (Jun 7, 2011 at 17:02)
 Seems more like a hard core capitalist free market to me... Let everybody have access to every design out there and let the best come out on top. Make designs simpler, cheaper to produce, more people on bikes, more profitable, more money.
Right now there's a war of ''ours-is-better'' between brands that all have half-@ssed designs because they're trying to work around each other's Bull**** patents.
  • + 0
flag BigBooga (Jun 7, 2011 at 18:47)
 LOL down is up, black is white, communist is just hardcore capitalist! You've been stealing songs & software for too long, you've forgotten how much work ppl put into these things. The system is not perfect but ideas do need to be protected.
  • + 1
flag gabodude (Jun 7, 2011 at 20:04)
 LOL! I have been a production manager and designer for a reputable bike company for the past 5 years and have studied politics (international stage) in college for 3 years beforehand.

My opinion as a bike designer is to share info. Call me a socialist, but you'll make more money working with other manufacturers to perfect your product and expand your client base than to pay lawyer fees. You attract more bees with honey than with vinegar.

This is the bike biz. With people riding bikes. Not Apple computers VS Apple records.
  • - 3
flag BigBooga (Jun 7, 2011 at 20:38)
 Well, go for it then. Distribute your plans online, give away your work, change the world. Write that mission statement. Enjoy your lunch with Bob Sugar.
  • + 0
flag gabodude (Jun 8, 2011 at 13:36)
 Everything is already out there.

Is Bob Sugar an ingredient for sweet tea party?
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag molland8 (Jun 7, 2011 at 7:36)
 Look what i've just invented...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjB7zaLELMk
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag bbrane (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:42)
 Id be fricken rad if they kept that classic color on the production frame.
  • + 1
flag cyrix (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:47)
 Chances are the color will change, or they'll offer others.
  • + 1
flag src248 (Jun 7, 2011 at 18:48)
 "Black, Turquoise, White and Yellow production colors." So yes, they're keeping it.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Arawn (Jun 7, 2011 at 6:19)
 this looks ace! will be interesting if yeti took the same suspension idea and made a new dh rig with the idea also. but this looks ace!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag SnowboardGoddess (Jun 6, 2011 at 21:13)
 Again... why don't they make this in an XS!!?? Hello, shorty here loves to bike! Go figure, the minute I order a 575, they unleash THIS?? WTF!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag iggys Plus (Jun 7, 2011 at 6:42)
 You've got to love how mountain biking is solely based around useless bullshit marketing hype!
  • + 1
flag citizenlee (Jun 7, 2011 at 7:10)
 Haha, it's the same in most industries mate. You just have to cut through it to see if the product is good or not Wink

I'm liking this Yeti though, really nice lines.
  • + 1
flag BigBooga (Jun 7, 2011 at 18:53)
 Yes, it's all solely useless b.s. hype! Have fun on your Y-bike. What, something the matter with it? But they're all just as good as each other - don't believe Yetis hype!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag cydaps (Jun 7, 2011 at 2:58)
 Gutting, was drawing out a design for a similar bottom pivot as a new idea but looks like someone beat me to it...... Frown
  • + 2
flag Lehel-NS (Jun 7, 2011 at 3:36)
 Actually even this design isn't something new, the Decathlon Rockrider 9.2 has almost the same linkage (NEUF) as this Yeti.... except that that bike is made almost 10 years ago!

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/111/1709061850ig2.jpg/sr=1 - Decathlon Rockrider 9.2
  • + 0
flag cydaps (Jun 7, 2011 at 7:57)
 Humm, yeah, looks like it's been well explored. Oh well! Smile
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Mountain-Manic (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:55)
 This is exactly the kind of thing I love to see! Its so nice to see a new linkage design, and one that looks damn nice too!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag NorCalNomad (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:54)
 Damn that thing has some amazing lines. I really want to get some time on one of these guys to see how it rides.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag sngltrkmnd (Jun 6, 2011 at 20:58)
 "The future IS ball bearings!"
Looks sharp. Can anyone essplain how the micro link rotates first one way, then another? Is there a gear inside?
  • + 1
flag Trocadero (Jun 6, 2011 at 22:58)
 Carlos is right. Basically, as the instant center (the theoretical point which the rear wheel is rotating about at that split second) moves, the "micro link" will want to rotate in a specific direction. Usually bikes are designed such that the links only move in one direction as they cycle, so this is new. I don't know if it's going to make a huge difference though, I suspect that a lot of this is just marketing. Don't get me wrong though, I'd buy the bike in a heartbeat if I had the money.
  • + 1
flag aceospades1250 (Jun 7, 2011 at 1:15)
 i think the fact that the link is so short, and that it moves in the opposite direction, is what will make this bike pedal well. I doubt the fact that it can reverse directions will make much of a difference, but I would be happy to be wrong Big Grin
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag regan1 (Jun 8, 2011 at 20:53)
 I think there are enough pinkbike engineers here on the forum to design a wicked awesome DH bike. If its even rideable I will be totally impressed.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag ubersmurf (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:49)
 when is this baby releasin it looks hella sick! This is a likely contender for my new 1x10 enduro bike
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag kmart14 (Jun 6, 2011 at 20:25)
 just when you think everything has been don yeti comes up up with an innovative and even more performance driven bike. so sick!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag kong (Jun 7, 2011 at 8:22)
 looks like i have found my new frame just have to wait and see what the UK prices will be.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag tommyboy97 (Jun 7, 2011 at 5:04)
 Are you a Bodminion yet?
NO!
Join now and recieve absolutely nothing! YES thats right, absolutely nothing!!!!
Become a Bodminion today!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag lovro81 (Jun 7, 2011 at 4:07)
 http://usuarios.multimania.es/brutrak/IMG_2783_1.JPG

nothing new.....
  • + 2
flag mojojojoaf (Jun 7, 2011 at 6:57)
 Interesting. thanks for posting. And yes it appears on the surface to be a very similar design.

I wonder what the differences are in the ratios from this design to yeti's designs? Either way its always good to see new designs and thought processes even if they eventually fail because we learn from them and move forward.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Lehel-NS (Jun 7, 2011 at 13:40)
 But what the heck is that little thing (that is not painted) welded to the seat tube, between the pivot points???
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag steezysam (Jun 6, 2011 at 20:29)
 I want to make sex to it
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag fullbug (Jun 7, 2011 at 12:19)
 check out www.sottogroup.com, kiddies..there is no santa claus.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag mountguitars (Jun 7, 2011 at 12:49)
 thank god its not a single pivot!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag brodude (Jun 6, 2011 at 21:35)
 Not sure I'm sold on the design just yet, but this is definitely the best looking bike ever to come out of the Yeti factory.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag LTmtb (Jun 7, 2011 at 20:24)
 that is actually really interesting and attractive all mountain bike
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag seraph (Jun 8, 2011 at 21:52)
 Seems like awfully long top tube lengths for the small and medium frame sizes.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag seraph (Jun 7, 2011 at 19:24)
 Damn. I may have to wait for the carbon version. Nomad killer anyone?
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag NAJ339 (Jun 7, 2011 at 14:54)
 props if u scan through the comments just to read the highest and lowest ones!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag stedurk82 (Apr 3, 2012 at 14:22)
 the best bit is it rides awesome!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag banshee-ripper (Jun 8, 2011 at 14:22)
 Sick frame! It's always nice to see some new takes on suspension!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag khan (Jun 7, 2011 at 9:25)
 We see a lot of new bikes. This one stands out.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag matko-cro (Jun 7, 2011 at 5:21)
 wathced it like 10 times and i am still a retard hahahaha

i dont get it
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Rob-Chapman (Jun 7, 2011 at 8:38)
 Love this frame, would deffo run in with a mini DH or FR set up Smile
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag tiagoferreira (Jun 7, 2011 at 4:46)
 That´s a really nice frame... I love Yeti frames!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag tomy177 (Jun 7, 2011 at 0:44)
 this is like epic meal time.. Duckin smart
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag masterbailer (Jun 6, 2011 at 20:21)
 Dayum the kashima shock compliments the frame nicely
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag tdoyle1995 (Jun 6, 2011 at 20:15)
 holly crap i want one
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag theminsta (Jun 6, 2011 at 21:50)
 I wonder how that would stand up to a few bottom out-ings.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag racerfacer (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:56)
 cool, the eccentric pivot creates a virtual pivot-esq suspension design
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jthefoo (Jun 6, 2011 at 20:33)
 Thats why i own a yeti, they are so awesome
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag BikeNerd150 (Jun 6, 2011 at 21:32)
 Two words, FREAKING AMAZING!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ryfri66 (Jun 6, 2011 at 21:04)
 love it, liken seeing something new!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ErwinR (Jun 6, 2011 at 21:30)
 Oh man, looks like a killer trail bike
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag crazymac1 Plus (Jun 6, 2011 at 20:46)
 so sexy! i want it so bad!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag beeboo (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:50)
 This is such a sick design. I want one!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag rangemaster Plus (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:49)
 a shock within a shock.... SHOCKER-CEPTION!!!!!!!!!! looks sweet tho.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag l2wto (Jun 6, 2011 at 23:44)
 is that a kashima coated fox rp23, ??
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag boo86 (Jun 7, 2011 at 0:30)
 That frame price isn't too bad =)
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag aeyjay (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:47)
 Sexy Bike + It's a Yeti, Hell Yeah.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Arin (Jun 6, 2011 at 23:50)
 Next generation of yeti..
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Kondasaurus (Jun 6, 2011 at 23:14)
 so gorgeous, its probably so responsive
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag VTjamis6 (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:42)
 sexy lookin bike
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Team831 (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:42)
 looks pretty pimpin
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag thegb1212 (Jun 6, 2011 at 20:53)
 Its good to see an american company keeping on the forefront of suspension linkage development.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jamesridesbikes (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:44)
 im getting one.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag PhoS (Jun 6, 2011 at 21:09)
 Nice tech
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag collin7 (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:44)
 looks sick. sign me up!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag rufus33 (Jun 6, 2011 at 19:49)
 GORGEOUS!!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag fathippo (Jun 7, 2011 at 12:29)
 sexiest bike ever
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag BigBooga (Jun 6, 2011 at 21:29)
 Out now?
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag SnowboardGoddess (Jun 6, 2011 at 22:00)
 Of course, it's not offered in my size? and I finally have a 575 on order...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag cbyers17 (Jun 7, 2011 at 5:25)
 ah ya what a sick bike.
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag drop20 (Jun 7, 2011 at 8:04)
 that is a sweet frame from a great company! to bad i dont ride am or xc Frown
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag elchris123 (Jun 7, 2011 at 0:01)
 isnt this pretty close in movement to the i-drive? really good design, but Im just saying, isnt it pretty much the same?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bigdood (Jun 7, 2011 at 10:33)
 I fapped
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag FRkak (Jun 7, 2011 at 12:44)
 Amazing I'm impressive
  • + 2
flag thurman (Jun 8, 2011 at 13:04)
 I'm impressed by you too
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag lovro81 (Jun 7, 2011 at 4:28)
 same as Decathlon rockrider
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Downhill340 (Jun 7, 2011 at 11:32)
 I want one
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag petarnorco (Jun 7, 2011 at 10:46)
 nice
[Reply]
  • - 2
flag ErwinR (Jun 6, 2011 at 22:00)
 WOW
13.35 inches BB
4.88 inches HT angle
17.0511811 inches chainstays

Nice!
  • + 1
flag BigBooga (Jun 6, 2011 at 22:19)
 That's a low BB. CLANK!
  • + 11
flag lennoxrider (Jun 7, 2011 at 1:45)
 when did people start measuring angles in inches?
  • + 1
flag RobbyBriers Plus (Jun 7, 2011 at 7:53)
 lmao
  • + 2
flag thurman (Jun 7, 2011 at 10:26)
 here in the UK we have always measured angles in inches, on the continent they are on the metric system.
  • + 2
flag lennoxrider (Jun 7, 2011 at 14:15)
 thurman, i hope your joking, but this is pinkbike so i cant be sure if you are or not
  • + 2
flag thurman (Jun 8, 2011 at 9:35)
 Let me finish measuring the weight of this bike with a ruler and I'll get back to you.
[Reply]
  • - 3
flag THEBLASTBEAST (Jun 7, 2011 at 1:30)
 Like it!!! But kind of reminds me of GTs i-drive system???
  • + 0
flag DanB25 (Jun 7, 2011 at 10:35)
 erm no
  • + 1
flag THEBLASTBEAST (Jun 9, 2011 at 1:21)
 ;-)
[Reply]
  • - 2
flag mataleao87 (Jun 6, 2011 at 20:02)
 pricing???? I would really like to get my hands on one of those.
  • + 2
flag brule Mod Plus (Jun 6, 2011 at 20:46)
 • MSRP in USD; Frame Only - Fox Factory RP23 - $2200, SB-66 Enduro (X9/X7) $3500, SB-66 Race (XT Kit) $4500, and SB-66 Pro (XTR Kit) $6150.
  • + 1
flag Bjammin (Jun 6, 2011 at 21:03)
 3500 for X9? thats awesome. good to see they aren't reserving a sexy new frame for people made of money, and still slapping some quality components on there
  • + 0
flag mataleao87 (Jun 6, 2011 at 21:10)
 Hell yeah, sweet.....!! Im pretty stoked.
  • + 1
flag CoXy-1000 (Jun 12, 2011 at 4:01)
 An Extra $1000 dollars for xt over x9/x7.

Surely that is a bit excessive ?
[Reply]
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