Yeti is expanding their range of Switch Infinity equipped bikes with the addition of the SB4.5C, a new 4.5" travel do-everything machine that's designed around 29" wheels. The fresh bike features what Yeti calls "trail-specific geometry'' - a long front end that's combined with a low bottom bracket and a relatively slack head angle - that should add up to fun machine in a lot of situations. We've spent plenty of time on Yeti's other 5" and 6" travel Switch Infinity bikes, all of which pedal like demons, so all signs point towards the shorter travel SB4.5C being able to launch like a Top Fuel drag car while being as efficient as a Prius. The new Yeti also costs nearly as much as a well used Prius, with prices starting at $5,599 USD for the SRAM GX spec'd model and going up to $10,049 USD for the no holds barred XTR and ENVE dream machine. The frame with a FOX Float DPS shock retails for $3,400 USD.
SB4.5C Details
• Intended use: mountain biking
• Rear wheel travel: 4.5'' / 114mm
• Wheel size: 29''
• New carbon fiber frame
• Switch Infinity suspension
• FOX Float DPS shock
• PF92 bottom bracket
• New internal cable routing
• Boost 148mm axle spacing
• Frame weight: 5.4lb (claimed)
• Available mid-September
• MSRP: $5,599 - $10,049 USD
The SB4.5C frame is an all-new design for Yeti that's built around 29" wheels, and the Colorado company has tuned the bike's 114mm travel Switch Infinity suspension for a sporty feel: “
The goal with the SB4.5C was to build a trail-specific bike with the firm pedalling platform and supple bump absorption that our Switch Infinity design is known for,'' explained Chris Conroy, Yeti President. ''
Based on feedback from racers on our team like Jared Graves and Richie Rude as well as a range of local riders and dealers who’ve ridden it, the SB4.5C is exactly the bike we were trying make.'' Conroy also said that testers have been riding prototypes for over a year now, and we'd guess the bike's similar lines to its longer travel brothers made it easy to slip the SB4.5C under the radar.
The frame also sports 12 x 148mm Boost rear end, compatibility with Shimano's new E-THRU axle and a wider bottom bracket stance, and custom molded rubber guards on the underside of the down tube and on both the drive-side seat and chain stays. One thing that goes almost unnoticed is the bike's cable routing due to Yeti doing an impressive job of routing the lines inside of the down tube before they exit just ahead of the Switch Infinity unit and head back into the swing arm. This makes for one hell of a clean looking bike.
The $6,899 USD X01 model will begin shipping in mid-September, with other models following shortly after.
MENTIONS: @yeticycles
and a special hub/wheel. If it is used in combination with any other frame
or hub/wheel, it may cause the wheel to become detached from the bicycle
while you are riding and result in serious bodily injury."
Sounds like its just for the boost compatibility
If you were willing to forego the wider flanges shouldn't it be possible to update a Hope 142x12 to fit a Boost bike?
In any case, I'm reserving judgement until I see it in turq. If I wanted murder I'd buy an Evil.
#AsymmetricRimsAreBetterThanBoost
Too long didn't read: screw boost, I'd rather go without the marginal increase in stiffness and not have a race weekend go to sh*t because no one has a spare wheel with the new standard.
Knolly Warden is boring. Bunch of ugly links on links on links. Looks plain dumb
Opinions are like a*sholes, @SlodownU, everybody has one. But yes, PF and Boost really needs to go away or make a proper mark. Because at this rate, we will see another ULTIMATE rear hub size in a few months.
But sure, if you condone new front and rear hub sizes, headset sizes, bb interfaces, tire and rim widths, and new cassette driver versions every few years for negligible benefits, GO AHEAD and support a stupid way of engineering
Still with the "gay?"
Luckily WTB has been paying attention, and is making asymmetrical rims: www.wtb.com/products/asym
Out of all the bikes I rode my favourites were:
- SB5C, it was good on the downs and it was the best climber due to having so much traction - I put the traction down to the Switch Infinity system
- the 2016 Stumpjumper 29er - just so generally capable - it opened my eyes to how good a 29er could be
If I had to pick a perfect bike, it would have been a 29er SB5C. Even though it's got a bit less travel, the SB4.5C is it.
For reference, in the last 6 months I've tried: Trek (Remedy 29, Remedy 27.5, Fuel 29, Slash), Yeti (SB6C, SB5C), Santa Cruz (Bronson C, Bronson Al, 5010C), Ibis Mojo HD3, Specialized (2016 Stumpjumper Expert 29, Enduro Comp 29), Giant (Anthem Advanced SX, Trance Advanced 1, Trance 1, Reign 2).....and a Scott Gambler in the wet at MSA (trying not to die).
1) why do we need stiffer frames? We aren't roadies looking to have maximum pedal-power transfer.
2) stronger wheels can be built with asymmetrically drilled rims. Why should we suddenly and forcibly make millions of bicycle parts obsolete WHEN WE DON'T HAVE TO?
3) Will it really stop at just "BOOST"? Where did this retarded mentality of just scrapping everything we've had come from? No doubt that sometimes we need to start on a fresh slate, but it really feels like the bike industry is too quick to press that "new size and standard" button all too often.
We live in an era where we still have 10 speeds on DOWNHILL BIKES, countless "standards" for every hole and plug...... Come on bike industry, Specialized, Fox, Rockshox, Giant, Norco, Shimano, Sram... come together and have a Bilderberg meeting and FIGURE THIS SHIT OUT. How much longer will we have to waste time and effort into creating more complexity in FREAKING BICYCLES.
We don't need 20 different headset sizes when we basically only have tapered forks these days. Nobody does
Let's say that I buy this 115 mm bike and then invite few friends for a ride.
Should I say them to take their xc rigs or 150 / 160 mm am bikes??
If I had to choose between one or another,it wouldn't be easy.
But I'm not a millionare,so no problem.
135 mm rear and 140 mm front travel
& no boost LOL
And before you all start: suspension quality obviously trumps the amount of travel, but you can't get around having the right amount from the start.
Any geo numbers? If it has the right numbers it could be a good competitor for the following...
#AsymmetricRimsAreBetterThanBoost
Still sexy even though its a 29er.
Next, we need to switch to 40mm (1.575 inch) tapered steering tubes for added stiffness. And bigger diameter rotor and brake mounting bolts. Etc.
#AsymmetricRimsAreBetterThanBoost
P.s. Those negs were not from me, I don't use that button.. ever.
Peace.