First Look: Yeti Cycles SB95 Carbon - Sea Otter 2013

Apr 19, 2013 at 0:29
by Mike Kazimer  
FIRST LOOK

Yeti Cycles
SB95 Carbon

Yeti Cycle's aluminum SB95 has become a favorite among the big wheeled crowd, a lively trail bike with 5" of travel and a relatively slack 67.5 degree head angle. Now, after two years of development, the Colorado-based company is introducing a carbon framed version with a claimed weight savings of two pounds over the aluminum model. The geometry and suspension design remain the same, but the main frame and swing arm are made from high modulus carbon fiber. We were able to take a closer look at the bike, as well as go on an initial ride a few miles away from the hustle and bustle of the Sea Otter Classic.

Yeti SB95 Carbon Details

• Main frame and swing arm constructed from high modulus carbon fiber
• Same geometry as alloy version
• Available now
• Price: frame only: $3200, complete: $4700-$8000
• Frame weight (claimed): 5.75lbs




• Colors: turquoise, black
• Internal routing in rear chainstay
• Removable ISCG tabs
• Dropouts for 142x12 rear thru axle or 135mm QR
• Sizes: small, medium, large, x-large


photo
  The swoopy lines on the carbon-framed SB95 are something to behold. The frame has internal cable routing in the rear triangle while the cables are routed externally on the rest of the frame.

Yeti SB95C
  The inset tapered headtube accepts 44mm upper and 56mm lower bearings. Yeti considered internal cable routing for the main triangle, but decided to go with external routing - the bracing needed to hold the cables internally would have been difficult to achieve and added additional production time and cost.

photo
  The SB95C retains the same Switch Technology found throughout the SB lineup. The main pivot is mounted on an eccentric that rotates counterclockwise in the initial portion of its travel, then rotates clockwise later in the stroke. This allows for a firmer feel in the initial portion of the rear travel, and then a more supple, bump absorbing end stroke.

Yeti Cycles SB95C Video

SB95 Carbon - Yeti Cycles

by yeticycles
Views: 6,827    Faves: 18    Comments: 5


First Impressions:
bigquotesTwo hours on a bike isn't nearly enough time to come to any definitive conclusions, but our brief time aboard the SB95C left us grinning. Of course, the sunshine and blue skies didn't hurt either. The ride began with a section of sustained climbing, a good time to get reaquainted with the pedaling characteristics of the Switch Suspension design. Even with the CTD rear shock fully open (set to Descend) the suspension movement was minimal, allowing us to remain focused on the climb ahead. Again, the climb wasn't very technical, but the SB95C made short work of it. The two pound weight savings over the aluminum model would likely be immediately noticeable if the two models were ridden back to back. Especially for climbing, that much weight savings is significant. The descent was a twisting section of singletrack that bobbed and weaved in and out of a dry creek bed. The SB95C scurried through the tight (and often blind) corners with a playfulness not normally associated with 29" wheeled bikes. The bike wanted to go faster, and we often found ourselves tossing in a few pedals strokes to eke out every possible mile per hour. The SB95C could be an excellent choice for riders seeking a lightweight trail bike that can still handle more technical trails, and we're sure riders with the aluminum framed model are already scheming to figure out how to upgrade to the carbon version. - Mike Kazimer

Yeti Arc Carbon

photo

Yeti also released a new carbon hardtail, the ARC Carbon. Three years in development, this is intended to be a full-on race bike. Available with 27.5" wheels in the small and extra small sizes, and 29" in the medium and large, it maintains the signature Yeti loop chainstays while weighing in at a svelte 2.6 lbs for the frame only. MSRP: $2000 USD (frame only)

www.yeticycles.com

Author Info:
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Member since Feb 1, 2009
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90 Comments
  • 66 0
 That ARC Carbon is a cross country riders wet dream never seen a XC hardtail that looks soo good
  • 17 2
 you could drop the saddle on that and it'd look like a dj bike (from non drive side)
  • 8 73
flag Questrails (Apr 19, 2013 at 8:27) (Below Threshold)
 phffffft!!! Did you hear that? I just farted into my computer at this big wheeler dealer. I did a throw down of sorts on the mountain yestrday with a very savy 29er rider. I was in front and he played try to keep up with 26er shredder-me. This was all high seatpost mid mountain varying terrain, no huge climbs. Lots of tech switchback and chunky rocks. He did real good but was working very hard to keep up, and making alot of noise/bike chatter. I was just cruising doing my thing, not really trying too hard. I lost him on this roller section with my bmx pumping skills but then he caught me going back uphill. Bottom line neither bike seemed faster 26 or the 29. I'm sure a 29er is faster for a noob trying xc for the first time.
  • 4 6
 play.esea.net/global/media_preview.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmemeorama.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F01%2Fdo-want.png
  • 1 0
 O-M-G the Arc is a serious mind bender... I visited the Yeti House while I was stationed in Colorado, and those guys have a DEEP commitment to their work. You see a lot of single front rings on their personal rigs, and they will show anyone what a Coloradoan can do on a bike... And THIS is what they can do on a bike DESIGN. Wow.
  • 4 0
 Dat rear triangle on the ARC tho....ugh so hot
  • 2 0
 I've always thought of Yetis as heavy but fun trail bikes. Not anymore.
  • 10 2
 @Questrails, you sound really modest mate
  • 4 14
flag Questrails (Apr 19, 2013 at 13:18) (Below Threshold)
 Its probably just a figment of your imagination ole mate ole chipperoo bags ole skalleewanker ole chuffed beans cow pie for brains mate.
  • 1 0
 the arc looks good for all mtn too
  • 8 1
 @Questrails- how 'bout you stop being such a judgmental moron and have a slice of humble pie. I have no doubt that you are a good rider, but there's no need to brag, because I guarantee there are of plenty of people here that could leave you in the dust. And farting at your computer is bad for the processor.
  • 1 0
 Yeah man. I've got the ARC and it is amazing
  • 1 11
flag Questrails (Apr 19, 2013 at 21:31) (Below Threshold)
 I didnt realize pinklips were soo sensative. With the loud paint jobs, big tires and neon green poc helmet its a real surprise that all mountain bikers are humble pie eating calculator nerds who go to bed a 8 pm sharp. I'm soooooo soooooooo sooooooo sorry I made you soooo upset lady.
  • 5 1
 Yeah right! That guy on the 29er probably bitch slapped you in the mangina. Go and tell you pathological/pathetic stories to some drunk hipster bike thief's in some crap bar that smells like puke and piss, mate!
  • 6 0
 @Questrails... Are you always this big of a douche?
  • 1 10
flag Questrails (Apr 20, 2013 at 7:46) (Below Threshold)
 No I really cool actually I think its just you ultra sensative uptightasses that chomp on my every word like some little girls chasing justin beiber. Well I'll tell you like he should tell them, get off my sack bitches. Considering I been shredding longer than you have been alive that should tell you something, like shut up sit down.
  • 3 1
 Those who know don't talk, and those who talk don't know Props Yeti, bikes look sick!!
  • 1 1
 Bring it senior:-) Oh and I can't sit down or my big cool balls will get caught in the chain. No good!
  • 1 5
flag Questrails (Apr 20, 2013 at 17:15) (Below Threshold)
 Those who tell smell, themz who crash flemz, that who look upskirt enjoy scat, he who pee in wind make funny wet stain, those who step in bear poo need new shoes.
  • 2 1
 At least Protour knows when to shut up.
  • 1 6
flag Questrails (Apr 21, 2013 at 7:30) (Below Threshold)
 I guess he easy to shut up is what your saying. I can riff all day and night while on the go. These mobile devices are great!!!
  • 3 0
 Just stop before you make a bigger fool of yourself then you already have
  • 3 0
 Questrails should be removed from pinkbike for disgracing mountainbikers everywhere by being such a class one asshole
  • 1 5
flag Questrails (Apr 24, 2013 at 4:32) (Below Threshold)
 Hey babycakes if you cant handle it maybe this mtb things isnt for you. Any chance you would like to hose down my muddy rig for me?
  • 2 1
 Nope. Do it yourself. And don't call me babycakes.
  • 1 4
 No problem candycane powder bottom sweet cheecks. I'll just wait for it to dry, then half of it falls right off. Then your tooth brush will take care of the rest. See I giving you tips now so you not such a noob. You name must be bunny because you look sooooo fluffy.
  • 20 1
 Dear Yeti Cycles, Make a SB-76 (27.5 wheel) and you simply wont be able to keep up with the demand.
  • 4 0
 Yeti seems to take a little more time than the others with there new tech releases, but when they finally pop on the market its usually a beautiful machine like the two mentioned in this article. That hard tail looks stunning. And the 29er fully, Wowo, Im guessing it shreds hard. I 3 Yeti! Yeti ASR5C, Yeti 303r-DH, and hopefully if I make a bunch of money a SB-95 to add to the family. I like the eccentric Switch technology, hard for me to decide between a 66 and a 95. Way to go Yeti. Looking forward to the 27.5 for sure. I am sure it is already in the works.
  • 4 0
 Ditto. Hell why not make the small / extra small SB-95 as SB-75s the same way they're going to do for the ARC carbon ?
  • 3 0
 I second this motion! SB, 575, or even an ASR with 27.5 wheels would be the greatest thing since sliced bread(alright i may be a little biased but all the same a Yeti with 27.5 wheels would be my next bike)
  • 2 0
 I would love to see an SB-76 in medium and large as well. I think the 275 wheel size is a good in-between option for someone with only one bike (me). Some of the efficiency/low rolling resistance of the 29, but without the wagon wheel effect. Oh, and a SB-76c would be damn perfect. =D
  • 10 0
 That hardtail. Wuuuuuuuw
  • 4 0
 Fug, I know. The article is about the squish bike, but this is one of the nicest hardtail frames I've seen. Looks slack. Would love to see the dimensions.
  • 8 0
 The price of bikes is getting insane.
  • 3 0
 That's why I buy slightly used only...
  • 9 2
 AGGRESSIVE 650B HARDTAIL PLEASE
  • 2 0
 Bigtop 650B!
  • 1 0
 i hope the arc has like a 67 head angle, short stays, and medium to low bb height. that would be a dope combo of all mtn and xc.
  • 6 0
 4700$-8000$. I see no gap in price...
  • 1 0
 Dead sexy, love to see that xc bike clear the opening line into Fruita with ease! I agree there is a time and place for 29 and 26 and as far as monster trucking clown biking niners go this one would have a place in my quiver.
  • 4 0
 nice drop in to Horse Thief. looks like a little rock stacking. Love that trail so much.
  • 1 0
 I think the carbon SB-95 is a gorgeous bike. I don't mind the rider in the video has a laid back riding style. I think most of us don't ride as aggressively as the riders usually do in PB videos. It was refreshing to think (perchance to dream) that I might have even been able to hang with this guy in a few of those sections. I have a Tallboy LT (aluminum), which is very similar in design intent and execution to the Yeti. If I had the shekels to upgrade to a carbon bike, it would be a tough decision between the Yeti and the LTc, despite my Santa Cruz brand loyalty.

I agree with many of the other comments, the ARC Carbon is the best looking hard tail I have ever seen. If I owned one I would display it in the living room (when it I was not riding it). It would look even better dirty.
  • 1 2
 I bet if you rode a carbon 66 you wouldn't like your tallboy any more.
  • 2 1
 The only reason I didn't get a SB66c is because it only came in black, so I went for the still awesome SB66 in yellow. now they skipped there sweet color scheme to the SB95c? So hear's the deal yeti, build me a SB76c (27.5 by 6) in yellow and I'll be ready to send my old frame out the door, thanks.
  • 3 1
 How long before we see the 650b version and told how fantastic that is, will that then mean the SB66 wasn't as good as the testers were telling us it was.
  • 4 0
 Cleanest looking hard tail I've ever seen
  • 4 0
 He cleared Horsethief entrance on it. Dang, thats not easy.
  • 4 1
 nice video. but still prefer my 26er.
  • 1 0
 Even after riding these new bikes?
  • 3 0
 Nice bike.. But I think I will stick with my SB-66..
  • 1 0
 ARCc is a good looking frame 12x142 is welcome, directly competitor of the santa cruz highballc... I've heard also that the DJ will be discontinued.
  • 3 0
 Rides Horsethief pass like nothing!
  • 1 0
 You mean like a BOSS!!! I know people cleared that before, but that's where Gwinny busted his front teeth if I remembered right.
  • 1 0
 Speaking of boss, it looks like Chris Conroy himself riding in the video. BTW, did you see the ding in the non-drive-side chainstay at 2:10? Beautiful bikes, both of them. Love me some Yeti.
  • 2 0
 I think that's Mike West. I met the old bugger once and he seem pretty cool.
  • 2 0
 Someone should tell Gerard Vroomen that THAT is how you make a hardtail racer for an actual mountain biker.
  • 2 0
 Yeti, Please make a 650b Super Bike. Alloy, carbon, whatever, I'll buy it.
  • 2 0
 So I do have to sell my kidney to get one.. Frown
  • 1 0
 That hard tail is just straight up F'n beautiful, and I am not a 29 fan at all but that is a truly lovely piece of design
  • 1 0
 small comes in 650b
  • 2 0
 Yeti are making some amazing bikes
  • 2 0
 $3200 for a frame is too much.
  • 1 0
 Buy $3,200. Next day worth $1,800. What a joke. Buy a Ripley and retain value.
  • 2 0
 they look amazing!
  • 2 1
 Does Yeti not believe in dropper posts or something?
  • 6 0
 They do - the SB95 has routing on the top tube for a dropper post.
  • 4 0
 I know...It looks like a totally awesome bike and if I wasn't on a Stumpjumper Evo 29 I would probably check one out. They just don't seem to spec a dropper post on any of their bikes.

Seems to be the most important part of any trail/AM bike these days and an $8k bike that is intended to be ridden aggresively should have a dropper post. I don't care how small your company is.
  • 1 0
 Where was the first part of the video filmed? That trail looks fun.
  • 2 0
 Zippity do da.

vimeo.com/23271308
  • 1 0
 @ siradam

Totally see it too.

www.pinkbike.com/photo/9466147
  • 1 0
 Wow. The pink Arch is baller. Jump for the cure!
  • 1 0
 I love my ASR-7, but damn that 95c is beautiful.
  • 1 0
 What he said ^ ^.

Can't wait to see them on the trails
  • 1 0
 has a collection of yetis to sell so I can buy that sb95c!!!!!
  • 1 0
 You weren't kidding were you....nice collection you got there.
  • 1 0
 This is pretty, light, simple and neat. Well done.
  • 1 0
 Nice stuff yeti
  • 18 20
 Sigh, just wasted limited bandwidth on watching another 29'er struggle getting around.... what was wrong with 26 inch wheels again ?
  • 14 1
 Man...we must have watched a different video. I saw sweet looking bike railing corners. Maybe we should both get our eyes checked?
  • 8 0
 There is nothing wrong with 26 inch wheels. I have a 26er and a 29er. They both have some areas that they shine.
  • 1 2
 I like 29ers, i think the video just sucked.
  • 1 0
 I think the part where he 3's off a skinny got left on the cutting room floor.
  • 4 0
 There's nothing wrong. They still offer a 6in 26 bike in plastic and metal....So what's the big deal again?
  • 2 0
 your dentist needs his cd back
  • 3 0
 @terashred: Did you mean, "Your dentist called, his waiting room wants it's music back."?
  • 5 0
 DON'T FEED THE TROLLS!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Arc got curves.
  • 1 0
 ARC i want!
  • 1 1
 Fap Fap FAP FAP







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