For this edition of Ask Us Anything the focus will be on Yeti Cycles' recently launched
Switch Infinity suspension platform. This new design has certainly garnered its fair share of speculation since it was launched last week, and we've gathered some of the key players in its development to answer any questions you may have. Are you wondering where the SB66 replacement is? Curious about what Jared Graves will be riding at the next EWS? Want to talk about mud? Fire away in the comments section below on Wednesday, July 23rd.
Yeti's out of the box thinkers came up with the Switch Infinity
system found on the SB5c.
How ‘Ask Us Anything' Works:
Starting at 9:00 AM PDT on July 23rd you can type your questions into the comment box following this article and the Yeti Cycles crew will take their best shot at it. Sometimes, your answer will pop up in a few seconds; others may take a while, as the guys will be busy responding to the flood of questions. Everyone who posts a question, large or small, will be taken seriously. To make the process as efficient as possible, try to follow these simple guidelines:
• Keep your questions relative. While this is an 'Ask Us Anything' session, the concentration is on the Switch Infinity suspension design. Questions related to that topic are encouraged, but still feel free to ask whatever pressing queries you may have.
• Stay focused. Try to keep your questions on one topic if possible. You can always ask about another item later.
• Try to keep your questions to about 100 words.
• Ask Us Anything is a service to PB readers who are seeking helpful information, not a forum to broadcast opinions or grievances. If you do have a negative issue that you want to ask about, no worries, just keep your complaints relevant and in the context of a question so that it can be addressed in a productive manner.
• Use propping to acknowledge good - or not so good - questions. Bump them up or down to where they belong.
Mark your calendars - the conversation starts at 9am Pacific Time on Wednesday, July 23rd. Other time zones:
• 12 Noon EDT
• 5:00 PM BST
• 6:00 PM CEST
• 2:00 AM AEST
Chris Conroy, Yeti Cycles president and co-owner; Steve Hoogendoorn, vice president, Peter Zawistowski, design engineer Joey Schusler, marketing; Jared Graves, team rider; Richie Rude, team rider.
www.yeticycles.com
We’ve tested Switch Infinity on a DH bike and it works great. Our big questions internally is what constitutes a DH bike these days? Can an extremely capable long-travel enduro bike accomplish the same speed as a full-blown DH bike? Jared had great success at World Champs last year on the SB-66c. The course was well-suited for that bike, but it also brings up some relevant questions about what DH design will be moving forward.
So, are we working on bikes that could be raced on the DH circuit? Yes. We can’t commit to a date for production because we are still testing several iterations.
Obviously, the capabilities of the "enduro" or 6" in bike in the past couple of years has been growing tremendously, which is awesome. I think enduro racing has done a lot for making the trail bike or maybe mountain bike that must people ride better. The "1 bike quiver" is a marketing dream, but is it really possible or is it just the game everyone is trying to play?
Anyway I appreciate the feedback and thanks for listening to my ill fated rant.
One other thing, starting to see on a lot of "enduro" bikes a 65 degree headtube angle. Personally, I feel like this too slack, especially for the type riding that Jared describes above, which is what most people do. I love to think I am rally steep gnar at high speeds all the time, but realistically there are just not enough trails where that is happening all the time. We all spend a far amount of time on flatter sections where a 65 degree angle is just not the most fun. Are you finding this trend to be slack for the majority of riding that most of us do, or are you seeing with new tech you can get away with it
On another note the switch infinity system looks awesome and i would love to try it out! Good on ya for pushing the envelope yeti!
We should just phase out the dh world cup and take all the funding and give Is to the fest series . No question if you need I downhill bike for that.
Can I get a job?
sent using a library computer
For the EWS and the courses you have experienced paired with your strategies, would you consider the 5" of the SB5C enough travel or is a 6" bike (Whether it's the SB66 or a new version of the switch infinity) a requirement in order to be competitive to win races?
Lastly, Jared with how long you have been at Yeti and your success, is there anything specific about the company that keeps you riding for them year after year compared to moving to another brand?
If you check out the San Juans video we shot last fall (www.pinkbike.com/news/proven-here-sb5-carbon-amp-the-san-jaun-mountains.html) you will notice there was a lot of grit/grime/mud/snow. I did absolutely zero maintenance on the Switch Infinity mechanism during the trip, or after the trip for that matter, and it's still running perfectly.
Early into the development we contacted FOX to see if they would be willing to develop the production version of the Infinity link. FOX who we have been partners with for many years specializes in mechanisms that move in a similar manner (shocks, forks). The Infinity link is even simpler in that we are not trying to seal gas and fluid in, we only need to prevent contaminants from entering. FOX also have an incredible testing facility that we could utilize. We went through many iterations of shaft/body designs, mounting interfaces, bushing/seal types etc. These iterations were both ride and lab tested significantly. Cyclic, ultimate, fatigue, mud-slurry etc.
The Infinity link is also very easy to maintain as it only occasionally needs to be greased via the grease ports. We generally are concerned that people will grease the mechanism too often than not enough. We are very confident in the durability of the system.
In terms of affordability, I think CONRAD mentioned above that the SI technology may eventually make its way to lower price points. Like non-carbon version? or is that even possible? I love my circa 2008 575, but am curious to try the SB5 or something with the new Switch Infinity to feel how differently it rides (especially on a 27.5). I can climb well on the 575, but I reckon SB5 is more efficient. would it feel less plush than the 575?
It is definitely possible to make an alloy version. We are not currently headed this direction as Conroy mentions up top.
The SB5C will ride/feel much different than the 575. Will it feel as plush as the 575? The suspension feels bottomless and well supported. I am not sure how else to put it in words....I think you will need to hit up a Demo.
Freeride bikes make sense for an insanely small part of the mountain community. Who really needs the freedom a single crown gives for throwing down tricks, but also needs 7" of travel for huge hits? They weigh 38lbs, have 1" less travel and are a little more compact, just buy a DH bike. We all know you're not going to pedal that thing 1200' to the top any way. There is about 14 awesome "Enduro" bikes that will do the job better and weigh at least 5 lbs less, ie SB66. What they should make is a better build for the more rough terrain/jump oriented people. SB66 with single ring, vivid air, pike/36 fork, strong wheels, 50 mm stem, and 780 bars. Save price of the X1, we can pedal a 11-36 with a 32t.
Yesss that's what I meant but That's probably a better way of sayin it!
Companies like Porsche have high performance, but relatively lower cost options (Boxter/ Cayman). Do you see this also happening in the bike market?
I read recently in Bicycle Retailer that mountain bike and children's bike sales were down in 2013 compared to other segments (e.g. hybrid and road). Does Yeti, a dedicated MTB brand, feel it needs only to out-compete the other brands for a big enough piece of the MTB pie, however small the pie may be in any year, or is there some plan to grow the sport? Is it economical to adopt some new and perhaps expensive approach to getting people on bikes, or is that not the bike company's role? Not just the odd grant, but banging out pump tracks in urban areas. Not just the odd NICA sponsorship, but founding teams or partnering with dozens of community groups? I reallly want a place to ride, and so I volunteer at my local trails. Not everyone can do that. But you are some of the very few in the world who may have a profit motive to build trails. Is it going to happen? Thanks.
Note: Really big fan of your bikes and planning on getting a new bike this December. Strongly considering a Yeti enduro bike...
We still have our modified single pivot bikes in our line (575) and will offer these in the future. The performance is solid and the price is lower.
As an owner of a SB, there is no way I'll be going back to a 575, and I'm pretty sure I could find a DW-link bike in AL for about half of what Yeti will be charging for their SI in carbon.
Suspension response is much more important than light weight to me. I'd rather ride a well engineered heavy bike than a light bike that I can't control through the rocks.
I wish I could get an SI in AL. But Yeti has been very careful to not say that this will be an option in the future.
If something goes seriously wrong with switch infinity, will it be sent to Yeti or Fox for service/replacement?
If something does go wrong with the Switch Infinity mechanism it will be handled by Yeti. It is a very simple system and is comprised of bushings, seals, stanchions, body, bearings. If your Switch Infinity mechanism needs to be serviced, we will be able to quickly turn this around at our factory. We feel that there should be very few issues with the Switch Infinity. We have ridden the system for over 3.5 years with the same bushings and seals. No maintenance and no wear so far.
Originally i wanted to mix in a few DH races this year to keep my skillz and enjoyment up. things didnt go as planned and we stuck with solely EWS rounds. I do think doing DH helps with enduro as it makes you "go for it" in many technical sections, gives you high speed training and technical skills on the bike.
I still do love to race Dh and wouldnt mind doing either. At the moment I like the enduro format better, considering we get alot more time riding and not so much sitting around like we do in DH. Also, I get to experience much more terrain around the world as we race up to 6 stages and not just one track. I see pros and cons of each, but enjoy where iam at in enduro
I thought I read somewhere Yeti saying that press fit bb creak?
Loctite is also a solution for press fit application. You will need to make sure that both surfaces are very clean and free of all oil/grease.
6" Switch Infinity - follow the EWS this weekend and you may get a glimpse of something in that range. The Switch Infinity works well at all travels and we have a lot in development. We can't make any promises on timing; as we strive to have designs fully baked before release.
Jared could ride a three legged donkey and still finish top 20. Does technology help him? Of course. When you look at an hour + long EWS and the top 3 guys are within a few seconds, equipment matters.
I feel that guys like us are the ones that benefit the most from technology. I get to ride a lot of designs and can honestly say that I am way faster on the SB5C. When the SB66 came out we were all faster at the factory. Now with the SB5C, we are faster yet again. Jared and Richie will be 1-2% faster - and that is a huge deal. That is a game-changer at that level. Guys like us will be 10-20% faster. Also a game-changer. This is one of the great reasons that we race. If we can make Jared and Richie faster, we know we have a product that works.
You can't "Fully" enclose it anyway, the pivot needs to move up and down, so you would need a slot in the cover in any case. My guess is that by having it exposed it 1. looks nice and 2. allows you to see when it needs cleaning and servicing.
Considering the little links are essentially fork stanchions and the moving parts are very similar to fork lowers I imagine they'll require a similar level of work, except they have grease ports so there is no need to drop the "lowers" to replace oil. So a quick wipe and a squirt of grease would keep them running for a while I'd imagine.
www.ridefox.com/help.php?m=bike&id=465
We tested many mules, some had the Infinity link completely covered and some were left opened. We found overtime that a cover would inevitably let dirt in and it would remain trapped. There is so much leverage on the infinity link (~7mm of motion for 5in of travel) that any mud/dirt in the way is simply scraped away by the seals...It likes being in the open.
During the early years of testing we did cover the mechanism with a sewn jacket. It was needed to keep looky-loo's at bay. When we removed the jacket it was packed full of dirt and rocks. A good test, but not ideal for production. Suspension forks were using boots back in the day. Eventually it was realized that an open seal did a better job.
Mechanically the Switch Infinity allows us to do things with the suspension kinematics that cannot be accomplished on frames controlled by links. We are able to achieve our desired anti-squat, wheel path, and suspension leverage ratio targets without compromising any of them. Our lower pivot is allowed to translate linearly and not in an arc. All non-single pivot bikes have virtual pivot points. This just means that the wheel path does not follow an arc with a constant radius (with the center of the arc not moving location).
I think of the design as a “dual-link” with a special case for the lower link and a way to improve the original Switch design by incorporating our 303 technology and blending the two together.
With the original Switch linkage, the lower “link” is of special length in that it is extremely short ( 15mm), so short that an eccentric is the best way to package it. With this system we are able to tune the suspension in a very unique way that cannot be achieved with “traditional” length links. The ride attributes of the SB bikes are proof of this. But there is limit to what we can do with this design. There is an inherent instability of using a very short link. It is naturally difficult to make the link rotate the direction you want it to move, especially with real world tolerances compared to theoretical models on the computer. Push the design a bit too far and all of a sudden the eccentric is rotating the opposite way it was intended to move (hyper-extension).
Moving onto Switch Infinity, the lower “link” is of special length in that it is the mechanical equivalent to an infinitely long link. Any link that rotates creates a path that has curvature. As that link length is increased the curvature of the path decreases until the link length goes to infinity. At this point there is no curvature and the path is linear (translation rather than rotation). Although the SI’s motion is similar to the original Switch, kinematically it is very different. This is because the two are in a way the exact opposite. One has an extremely short lower link, the other an extremely long. What this does is allows us to even further finely tune the suspension characteristics. The virtual infinitely long link provides stability to the system that allows us to approach the exact curves/characteristics we want.
The switching motion in particular allows us to achieve these characteristics. In general the upwards motion creates the pedaling platform while the downwards enables the suspension to work efficiently at the end of the travel. Sort of an automatic climbing “on-off” switch. You want the climb switch on early in the travel, and off when further in the travel. We can very specifically tune the system to control how strong the pedaling platform is, when it occurs, and how quickly it drops off(downwards motion). We can do this to a whole new level with Infinity vs OG Switch.
On top of the added “tunability”, the linear motion adds another attribute, efficiency. With the eccentric, the mechanical switch can experience some counter-forces in the right situation. If the suspension is at its switching point and there is a hard rear wheel impact, the system will firm up. The eccentric is switching (trying to move from going rearward to going forward) and the impact is ripping it rearward. It kind of has to be the perfect storm. With the Switch Infinity there is no switch from rearward to forward. It is just the up and down and the mechanism is extremely smooth. Most riders never noticed this but we knew it could be improved. The smooth linear translation of the main pivot as opposed to that of an extremely short link and its tight path (high curvature) is immediately apparent in the ride characteristics of Switch Infinity bikes. This is what we borrowed from the 303 technology; great small bump sensitivity and square-edge compliance…something that is obviously noticeable on 303 DH bikes.
JOEY - You know it!
I own 7 or 8 bikes. I have a an Yeti ARCc, a Yeti SB66c, a Yeti SB5c, DJ, BMX bike, and few cruiser/townie bikes. I have a few of my old DH frames hanging about to, my favorite was the 303WC with the 25th anniversary team edition paint.
My favorite place to ride that I have been to depends on what were talking about.
Just for the quality of trail and flow, it would be hard not to say Whistler / Vancouver Island trails.
In terms of high alpine single track shredding I would say it would have to be the bike packing trip I took in January around the Huayhuash range high up in the Peruvian Andes.
The trails of Teton pass are incredible. Some of the best I have ever ridden, with out a doubt. The Lithium trail probably ranked in my top 5 favorite trails of all time.
Also a carbon DJ would be insane!
What can you say to convince me that complex suspension designs are worth bothering with when, for example, Trek and Devinci use a single pivot that seems to work very well.
Oh and love the company, the racing heritage etc. Graves rules etc
Yes, there is typically a trade off between complexity and performance. There are many good single pivots out there that work and ride great. They can be made very light, relatively inexpensively and they also have a certain feel to them that just makes them fun. However, we are always searching for a way to make our bikes ride better, this is our passion. We make bikes that we want to ride and that will make our racers faster and in the end this is what we sell. Moving away from a single pivot opens the door to a whole new set of solutions/improvements and in our opinion the SI design allows us to even further optimize to a new level. The difference in the way our SI bikes ride was immediately apparent even coming from riding the original SB series, bikes that blew me away the first time I rode one. This performance in our minds is well worth jumping up in complexity from a single pivot, but to each their own.
Sure.
Yeti's marketing approach is fairly unique.
We do all of our creative in house (for the most part) which is very unique/rare for a company of our size. This allows us to scheme up some pretty big photo/video projects while keeping the budget far below what a production house would cost. At the forefront of our marketing is the Proven Here campaign, which in case you haven't see it essentially shows each bike being pushed to its limits in a specific location.
It's a very exciting campaign to be a part of, and is definitely very rewarding. On top of this we try to stay on top of providing a visually stunning, and informative social media presence. On our Instagram page we try to only post professional level photos, and this has definitely helped us grow our following and have a quality feed.
Both of these are ways we try to capture new riders in the marketing funnel for sure. We try to provide media content and social media that are appealing for all bike riders, not just Yeti freaks.
I think our market/followers have grown to expect and appreciate high quality, well produced marketing content from Yeti. The Proven Here campaign would fall right in line with this.
@Jaredgraves - if you sign it, I bet she would see it as an investment. Can I sign you up for that?
Jared afte first hand experience of the muddy side of uk ridding at the Scottish EWS this year, how do you think the switch would fair in those conditions week after week?
2 - Is the new design a result of the legal with SC? I assume so...
3 - Cover up your junk would you? We don't need to see your kashima shafts already...
Guten Tag - You are correct that there are very few poor performing suspension systems out in the market. Even the systems with poor kinematics are helped out with the new generation of shocks. Every brand has there own target for performance and geometry.
Geometry - we make long, low, and slack bikes.
Suspension - our goal it to have:
efficient active pedaling
great small bump sensitivity
uninhibited suspension performance deep in the travel - ability to handle large square edge impacts
linear leverage ratio plot (makes for easier shock tuning)
We feel we have been able to deliver on these with our new SI technology.
If your ideal bike is in-line with our criteria, then you are now considered a pre-qualified investor. Welcome to The Tribe.
Interested in your thoughts on the tradeoffs between top tube length and stem length. A few brands are pushing the front centers of their bikes way out, and coupling that with a very short stem. This line of thought different from the long stem, short TT days of old. Where do you see Yeti fitting in? How do you determine the right balance? Is a long, long front center/reach and a tiny stem simply fashion, or is there merit to that approach?
As this already exists in the Lapierre Spicy, and I was completely wrong (without surprise, mind), I'd love for you to humour me and rubbish my idea completely, tell me why the new platform is better, share your opinion on the spicy if you're given one a go, and most importantly, share your views on what actually makes a good climber. I'm curious to know where you consider the balance to be now, in the context of an "enduro" bike with switch infinity, between something very active regardless of rider input and something that fights bob while sacrificing activity.
And if someone likes the SB66 but needs a new bike, should they be sitting around twiddling their thumbs at the moment, waiting for your word?
Get another SB66...
Oh, and keep your eyes open at the upcoming EWS races.
Jared/Joey, will we be seeing you riding the SB5C in round 5 of the EWS in Colorado this coming week? Would be good to see how it performs at the highest level.
Cheers Yeti! Gimme a frame already!
BTW - Great choice for this year's TRIBE ... amazing ride for sure!
Question:
1.Looking for geometry angles for SB5C with a 150mm fork on it. Your website in the FAQ section says to see the chart for this info but only 140mm info is available.
2. You have eluded to very clearly that another bike is on the way and Jared will be on it this weekend. What is a realistic time frame for this to be available for the masses? Has this design been ridden/tested as much as the SB5C or are you still working out the kinks?
Thank you for your time. This approach in my opinion is so much more effective than keeping all your cards so close to you and having everyone wonder what is going on with you guys.
Answers:
1. Depends on the fork length. I have a 150mm Talas on my bike and it adds about .5 degree.
2. No timeline on release. When our testing is complete, we'll release the bike. The testing is going really well so far and it utilizes the same Switch Infinity mechanism, so the mechanism has undergone all the same testing as the SB5c.
I understand what you are saying. We have to hold our cards close because development is a tenuous thing. If we commit to a timeline and then delay to improve performance, we frustrate our customers and dealers. In the end, our process makes sure the bikes are fully baked when they come out.
Do you feel your bike with a 150mm fork is balanced? Or is that bike better suited for a 140 as all the reviews have tried it with?
Now that I own my SB95 comp, I'm wondering what you recommend as higher priority upgrades. Wheel set? Dropper? Suspension? Something else? Where will I feel the most impact?
If I could travel anywhere, it would probably be somewhere totally wild. I really want to do some bike touring in Asia/Himalayas, and I would probably take my most adventurous Yeti riding friends with me.
I'm not sure any suspension platform is totally timeless. While there might be solid designs out there already, its cool to be a part of a company that is on the forefront of trying new stuff and making innovated products.
And Jared, any chance of a video version of your outstanding EWS diary notes?
Ta.
I always loved that idea but whats the advantage of changing form Standard linear bearings like used on CNC machines to custom components?
Are the components in the infinity linear bearing the same like on other FOX products hence will they be available over time?
Thanks Guys, looking forward to the longer travel versions
Another quesiton I have is, who puts the switch link together, Yeti or the bike shop? Because I bought a brand new SB75 5 months ago and it very quickly developed a noticeable *clunk* in the beginning of its travel. I finally tore it apart myself and found out that 1. the large bearing is toast and 2. most parts were undertorqued, which is most likely what caused the bearing to wear out. My bike shop claims that they should'nt be held responsible for this and so now I have to shell out for a new set of bearings at the very least.
Keep up the great work and keep pushing the envelope!
Given the market is focused on enduro, and many riders waiting for the replacement of the popular sb66, why did you released a 5' trail bike?
Are you planning to produce another batch of sb66 until the replacement is released?
One favour please : sb5 looks very like many bike on the market, for the new sb6c can you please keep the look of the sb66 andmost important (personnal preference) avoid the split of the top tube near the seat post?
Thanks ! Keep it up doing amazing bikes
We'll have a 6" version in the future, so no need to make another batch of SB66's.
As for design, you'll really like our next bike...
Love the look of the new frame by the way.
Also a big "HIGH FIVE" to the yeti boys!! I work for the Yeti importer in the deep dark cold recesses of New Zealand. Keep up the good work!
What does it take for someone who is an operations management and marketing major, and has absolutely fallen in love with marketing, to secure a position in an in-house marketing team in the bike industry/outdoor industry in general? I'm graduating from CU this Spring, and would love to work with people like myself.
With the new switch system, are you planning on releasing a range of switch infinity bikes? I know it was just released, but it seems almost every other manufacturer has their signature suspension design, and build an entire range of bikes around it, like you were doing with the SB series. Should we expect a 5 inch and 6 inch bikes, as well as a long travel 29er, built around this platform? Right now, if someone is choosing Yeti, they need to choose travel, wheelsize, and pick from multiple suspension platforms(single pivot, SB, and now switch infinity).
I hope you keep doing great things in Golden!
Marketing job -- start at the bottom of a company and work your way up. Hard work and persistence is often more important that what you majored in.
More SI bikes? Yes, we'll offer it in other travels / wheel sizes.
Thanks.
Also, is switch applicable to DH bikes with 8" of travel and if so, is Junior World DH Champ Richie Rude reluctantly racing Enduro when he would rather be racing World Cup DH?
I am curious as to how you landed a job engineering with Yeti cycles. Do you have any tips on how to get into the industry as an engineer. Personally I am studying engineering in school and have gotten a lot of internship positions at non-bike related companies but within the bike industry it seems that no matter the company you need prior experience working with a different cycling company. If you ran into these road blocks how did you over come them?
Thanks!
From my understanding the eccentric switch link and the infinity switch act on different principles. With the eccentric switch it seems like leverage ratios were achieved by the effective shortening and lengthening of the chain-stay. The new system however...? You mention that the linkage is effectively 'infinitely' long, but I am having a tough time understanding why. Any way you can explain in easy-to understand terminology?
Also, while I understand the case for external cable routing, it seems to me that many customers will want otherwise. Any plans down the line to do internal routing? Even my SB66 A has internal routing for the rear mech cable... why go completely external on the 5C? I do, however, love the little port for running a stealth dropper!
Thanks for working hard to design to best bikes available. I truly admire the consideration and attention to detail that you put into every frame. Keep up the good work!
Internal and external routing seems to always be a big debate, at least in the past. People love it because it looks super clean, but it is more work to install. It seems that people are gradually moving in a direction where they are willing to do this extra work for the clean look. I am all for it. As this becomes more accepted we will start incorporating it into our designs.
As far as an infinitely long link - it's just another way of saying that the path is linear. The larger the radius of a circle, the more linear its path will be. A circle with an infinitely long radius is just a line. They're just modeling/describing the linear part of the suspension platform as an infinitely long link.It's worth noting Yeti's discussion of the switch mechanism as well - you do get instabilities with a pivot and don't with a linear slide.
I'm curious as to how you got into your position, I am in college and would love to one day be an engineer for a bike company. I'm about to be in my second year in engineering at Texas Tech University. I'm getting my major in mechanical engineering, but is there any tips you have in what i need to pursue in order to get a job in designing mtb's?
thanks,
major
We don't consider our SB5C a production prototype. We have been guilty (as all) in the past, but we have really tested and developed this system to nausea.
As ka-brap mentions, the high end has always been expensive. There are definitely more high-end bikes available today, but that is because the market demands it. Trust me - we are not getting rich here. It would have been much more lucrative for us to not work on and develop the new Switch Infinity. But there were real performance benefits that warranted it. If we continue to push technology at the high-end the middle and low end should benefit, as in all industries. Even $15,000 cars have power steering today.
Ideally I grab your new SB5C, but my goal has been to stay under 5k.
I ride mostly xc trails, but I love to get nasty on some downhill or jumps. Right now I am "making it work" on a 4" full suspension xc rig.
Ramey says - "SB5C"
I am curious though, is there a reason yeti has generally stayed with long chain stays and slightly higher bb heights? and when then the complete opposite mentality for the DJ?
Do you guys get yelled at from hikers / jeffco rangers when you train down enchanted? Would Jeffco Parks and rec ever listen to a company like yours in helping build better trails (Stop with the water bars)? You seem to be a huge influence in CO with Races, Towns, etc...?
Jeffco doesn't seem to want to work with bikers, COMBA. Might listen to a bike company based out of Golden, in Jefferson Cty.
My only comparison for this is a '01 GT i-Drive that liked to come close to trials riding on climbs while have a very heavy bent towards jumping and descending.
But you guys do make one of the best bikes out there. My first real mtb was '07 575, my wife bought one too at the same time we loved them! But Finally I got my SB66c, had to save my pennies, but now I'm wanting the Graves secret weapon aka the mythical SB6c. Just hope it has regular BB shell hahahaha wink...wink...
Spam: '14 mint SB66c for sale hahaha
We are sending one demo (more to follow) up to our sales rep in BC - Charles Russell - you can contact him on the following email.
Charles Russell chaz.russell@gmail.com>. He should be able to point you in the right direction.
1- Our product devo team works with our WC riders to define needs. We make test mules.
2 - We have several pros that work on staff and ride the bikes before Jared and Richie get on them. If we do our job correctly and have listened to our pro rider's feedback, the bikes should be 95% correct.
3 - We have Jared and Richie crush them on the trails.
4 - Make changes (if necessary).
5 - Test on machines.
6 - Make changes (if necessary).
7 - Primetime.
Jared and Richie experience different things. Jared is more keyed into suspension and geometry and how they interact. Richie is the destroyer. He is a big guy and ride super aggressively. He is the ultimate strength tester.
will there be a bike that features the switch infinity thingy and offers more than 127mm of rear travel, next year?
I really really like the principle/idea of that system and would like to give it a go in the not too distant future.
Cheers,
Alex
p.vitalmtb.com/photos/users/2/photos/79390/s1600_jaredbikedrive.jpg?1406215229
Lovely. Have fun
1. Why no one is distributing Yeti cycles in Hungary?
2. Which is your best bike for the money for hard enduro riding?
3. Is there going to be an aluminium enduro bike with the Switch infinity design?
Thanks.
One more: When will the new 303 come out? Is it going to be carbon?
Is there going to be a new 303 carbon?
Apologies if this has already been covered but I think most people here would take issues with:
-the choice of tires (a 2.2 width tire on a bike like this??). Good call on the 2.4 ardent but an XC tire on the rear? This surprises me given that you are in the front range just minutes from Dakota Ridge.
-740mm bars and a 70mm stem? With a long top-tube philosophy I think you guys have some explaining to do here. Perhaps Thomson and Easton where liquidating their overstock?
Thanks for doing this forum...
- The Ikon is super fast rolling and predictable when turning. It breaks loose, for sure, but it's predictable. It doesn't brake as well on super loose terrain. I replaced mine with a Maxxis High Roller II and like it a bit better. Tires are a very personal choice...
- Agree. No stock liquidation... Our staff runs 50mm stems and wider bars. Our dealers have told us they prefer slightly longer stems (70mm) -- this gives them the flexibility to switch out if a customer prefers shorter (70mm stems are easier to sell). As for the wide bars -- 740mm is still pretty wide for a 5" bike. Our 6" bike will satisfy your spec concerns.
Is it something you can do yourself or is it like most of the other Fox products you have to send to a Fox authorised workshop?
I actually am lucky enough to have Yeti's for my 2 kids. XXS ASR's - One with 24" wheels and one with 26". They definitely improved their biking. Cost at retail would be insane.... so sorry chances are not good. If you can just get disc brakes on your kids bike, that makes a world of difference.
Peter! What 3d Modeling software do you use for design and FMEA purposes and why?
Thanks
We look for hard working, creative people (that don't want to make a lot of money). Work hard and put the time in and you will get there.
Joey
Hey Joey - great to hear you and that you are committed to DH. I have not raced much in my life, but have spent plenty of time around guys on the team... Jared, Richie, Rowney, Gwin, Leov, Blinky.... These guys are, or have been (Rowney) world class racers. Being 16 - your training would be drastically different than that of a racer in their 20's. But their is one consistency that I can attach to each one of these racers - no matter what their age or point in their career - commitment. All of the racers I listed take racing very seriously. It is a science. From training to strength training to eating to rest to off-season. Everything is calculated. Ideally you need to find a coach that can help you with at least the sport specific strength training and diet portion. The older you get, the more you will learn your body and understand when food, training, and rest are needed. If you have the resources, try to find a coach/trainer to help.
If you had to choose, Where would you put the gathering next year?
Thanks Bros
Reason to hire me
- I Bike
- I brew my own beer
www.vitalmtb.com/photos/features/PIT-BITS-2014-Enduro-World-Series-Colorado-Freeride-Festival,7729/Jared-Graves-Prototype-Long-Travel-Yeti-SB-with-Switch-Infinity,79389/sspomer,2
www.ridefox.com/help.php?m=bike&id=465
Thanks for thinking of those who simply can't afford the top shelf.
Yo Lost - That currently is not in the plans. We have limited resources at Yeti and can only develop/source so quickly. We understand that not all can afford the top shelf. We still hope to have Yeti models at that lower range - they just may not be with the newest technology.
Why are you "TREKSFINEST"?
kssuspension.com
Cheers
Matt
@Jman311 - Glad to hear that you love your SB. We feel the same about them. The Switch Infinity is the next generation of the current (2014) design. I am sure that you will be further impressed with this new generation. As far as production on the eccentric style... we will continue with the models that make sense in our line and have market demand.
www.ridefox.com/help.php?m=bike&id=465
What the f*ck do you eat?
ep1.pinkbike.org/p5pb10695674/p5pb10695674.jpg
Hi Chistopher - We at Yeti feel like we have the best bikes available.... period. I am sure (and hope) other brands feel and say the same thing. In this industry we are all committed to what we do and what we stand for. I can sit here and type about all the reasons why you should buy a Yeti and why we feel it is the best bike, but the truth is - you need to go ride one and feel for yourself. I hope that you have this available to you. If not... will you be in Colorado any time soon?
A : big
B: Huge
Or C sooper boner
www.ridefox.com/help.php?m=bike&id=465
Need this thing in 26 and 6" jajajaa
Hi Ed - contact John Pentecost - he is our International Sales Guy. jpentecost@yeticycles.com
I have 2 kids and I am really (actually they are) fortunate that I work in the industry. They are outfitted on bikes that would cost $4-$5K at retail. It seems like the kids bike market drops off around $500. I know we could get somewhere around - $3K retail, but the sales really wouldn't be there. Sorry.
a real life yeti?
You are from Poland?
How did you manage to get this job ?
Thanks
The biggest benefit difference between my SB66 and the new Switch Inifinity is maintenance. It takes a while to break down my rear end on the SB66 and pull out all of the bearings to service the switch link. Luckily it adds enough time in there to enjoy some delicious Colorado brew.
From reading up on the Switch Inifity and of course Fox's/Yeti's website, all you need is a $10 dollar needle grease gun, clean rag and 1 beer. No bearing pullers, no sockets/wrentches, no loss of patience*, no mallet, no wooden dowels, etc. No wonder Yeti is worried that people will over grease it. It will be extremely tempting for most to over grease it considering how easy it is. The maintenance on the SB5c looks ridiculously simple and amazing. Good job YETI!
-Drew-
@sandwich - The lawwill design is a great design. We just felt that the benefits the 303 design had to offer (great square edge bump absorption and pedaling) made a better DH bike.
@rattpoison - The original ASR7 had a single sided chainstay - we (I) chased it for months - bigger bearings - carbon fiber. On paper is seemed like a good idea. Plenty of crank and tire clearance....but the brake and chain forces created this wonky inch worm phenomena. Quite impressive, if that is what we were after. I don't like to think of it as a regret, just a very expensive education... I think we have a quarter million dollar proto hanging around here somewhere.
@scottyoo5 Hearing stuff like that is awesome! Thanks for the kind words. If you'r 5'11 a medium or a large would work. I would think you would be better sided for a large.