Jared Graves' Yeti 303 WC Carbon - Bike Check

Mar 17, 2012 at 15:32
by Mike Levy  

Jared Graves with his new carbon fiber Yeti.
  Jared Graves with his new Yeti 303 WC Carbon, one of only two in the world and the bike that he rode to a 9th place qualifying position. He has recently switched his focus from 4X, where he was consistently one of the fastest riders on course, to a full schedule of World Cup downhilling. Jared is no stranger to being a contender on a DH bike, though, as anyone who remembers the Angel Fire WC will know.

The rear swing arm is still alloy. At this point Yeti doesn t see the need to go to a carbon rear swing arm. It would weigh less but that s not a concern. Note however the internal cable routing on the front triangle
  The carbon front end features very similar lines to the 'standard' 303 WC and uses the exact same suspension mounting points and swingarm (not to say that we won't see a carbon swingarm in the future), giving it the same 8.25'' of rear wheel travel as the aluminum version. Hidden up against the seat tube is the bike's vertical rail that the swingarm mounted shuttle travels up and down on. The upper link controls the bike's suspension rate, while the vertical rail determines its wheel path.

The BB shell--other than being made of carbon--is standard width.
  Yeti has gone with a standard 83mm wide threaded bottom bracket shell rather than employing press fit bearings. You can spot the shuttle (note the two steel bolts just behind and above the BB shell) tucked away between the swingarm uprights.

The alloy rail system maintence port was open allowing more contamination to get into the port. This hatch on the alloy swing arm helps keep grit out of that area.
  This removable cover allows access for maintenance and helps to keep the grime out of the system. It also makes for a very clean appearance.

Yeti 303 WC Carbon
  The integrated fork bumpers (left) perform double duty as the entry point for the internal cable routing that exits the frame just under the forward shock mount (right). Not surprisingly, there is no accommodation for the Fox DOSS dropper post's cable, hence the tape job. ''This is pretty much the only downhill race in the world I can think of where I'd want a dropper post," said Graves.

Yeti 303 WC Carbon
  Less is more for Graves, who is opting to run a Dura-Ace cassette (left) that has been trimmed down to seven select cogs. Internal cable routing is used on the swingarm as well. One weight savings specific nod to this track: Jared has had his DT Swiss EXC 400 carbon rims, hoops usually reserved for his 4X machine, laced up to the Yeti's standard DT 240 hubs. "They've been plenty durable for me," Jared insists "But at a place like Val di Sole or Fort William, I'd likely run something a bit more stout. For here, though, they're fine." His bike is also running inner tubes instead of going tubeless.

Yeti 303 WC Carbon
  Yeti continues a relationship with WTB that seems to have been going on forever; Devo saddle with custom Yeti graphics. "I like the way the saddle feels, although I'm not really sitting on it much."

...and a Fox Racing Shox dropper post. Yeah that s not likely to be on the bike much longer than this race.
  Many racers are going with dropper posts on their bikes, popping them up for the course's pedal intensive middle portion - the ability to sit in a lower and more aerodynamic postion while putting the power down could be a huge advantage. Here you can see the DOSS' dual lever remote. "Yeah, that's not likely to be on the bike much longer than this race," Graves told us.

The carbon number plate mount is not a Yeti designed item but rather the creation of one of Jared s friends from back home they are taking orders...
  The carbon number plate mount is not a Yeti designed item, but rather the creation of one of Jared's friends from back home; they are taking orders...


Photos by Colin Meager
www.yeticycles.com

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118 Comments
  • 37 1
 YESSSS I can't wait to see graves shredding world cup DH again another podium contestant fore sure
  • 11 1
 So stoked to have him on my dirt fantasy team. He's going to kill it tomorrow. He dominated fourcross, so theres no reason why he couldn't also dominate DH. Show us what you've got tomorrow, Graves.
  • 8 97
flag dhmountain (Mar 17, 2012 at 18:54) (Below Threshold)
 It looks like a SantaCruz VP-free!
  • 39 3
 obviously a santa cruz fanatic. ohh the vp free has two wheels, handlebars and two pedals!? its a BIKE!
  • 4 108
flag dhmountain (Mar 17, 2012 at 20:13) (Below Threshold)
 I am not santa cruz fanatic!!!! it doesn't look like a vp free! I really wish yeti would make a bike that was different..like the new scott!
  • 5 101
flag dhmountain (Mar 17, 2012 at 20:20) (Below Threshold)
 After looking at it again i hate it even more!!!!
  • 8 102
flag dhmountain (Mar 17, 2012 at 20:42) (Below Threshold)
 If someone gave me that bike i would sell it and buy something and looked cool!
  • 11 0
 ^ Hahahaha

But I really love my dropper seat post. that is one impressive rig.
  • 8 24
flag samminett (Mar 17, 2012 at 22:03) (Below Threshold)
 this is soo much better than the EVIL undead i rekon wat bout you guys?
  • 23 35
flag MedellinColombiaDH (Mar 17, 2012 at 22:28) (Below Threshold)
 @dhmountain mate im with u, im really into Yeti, but that bike is an evil copy. U took those "Below Thershold" comments like a man, idk why people are so whiners, if one doesnt like an opinion one make a comment with a valid argument, not just give a neg prop.

How many neg props do u reckon im gonna get? haha
  • 6 34
flag tonycooper (Mar 18, 2012 at 1:55) (Below Threshold)
 I Remember long time ago YETI was one of the best brand in the business....but now....come one people this is Garbage......
  • 5 0
 i think it look crazy coolSmile i want one
  • 6 1
 love the carbon number plate
  • 12 0
 yeti is still one of the best brands out there what are you on about!
  • 10 4
 how can people say this is garbage? its a sick rig and i can't wait to see more carbon frames in future world cups!
  • 2 2
 admin's here spoil all the fun.
  • 3 2
 If you really think its garbage, give us a reason why... The old cop-out, "it looks like some other bike" isn't really a valid reason because it just shows how much you don't know about the bikes in question.
  • 2 2
 That is sick, and @dhmountain, If you would sell that you are dumb, this is like my dream bike!
  • 2 5
 Yeti should make a bike that doesn't look like a lot of other bikes!!
  • 3 0
 pretty sure no other company uses sliding rail for wheel path. for god sakes how does that thing resemble an undead or santa cruz or
anything else?
  • 1 0
 @plwaidner i find it astonishing how little of a valid argument there actually is to why this bike is "garbage" who cares if it looks like another bike! (even though it doesn't)
  • 4 9
flag dhmountain (Mar 19, 2012 at 17:50) (Below Threshold)
 It looks like A SANTA CRUZ VP FREE!
  • 4 1
 It does look a little vp-ish, but much more slack, and much, much nicer. Looks nothing like an evil. Garbage??? Confused I definitely wouldn't sell that, looks like a weapon! Noticed he wasn't using it on his race run though.
  • 15 0
 so as his mechanic, i can safely say we had problems getting his dropper post to a comfortably low height to race on. That is why i built up the alloy bike to race on. The alloy frame has a slightly deeper section seat tube, which allowed the dropper post to run at the same height s his normal post. If anyone had come by the pits, you would have seen i had the carbon frame on display.... those people that think he snapped it weren't there obviously... Would i have had the frame on display if it had issues? Come on people! The 3 on the down tube was because it was the 3rd phase of the carbon bike. We have done alot of testing on this. 2 of these "3" phase bikes exist. 1 is with us here in SA, the other is in colorado.
  • 3 0
 Great to hear it from the horses mouth. Thanks for jumping in and answering some questions!
  • 1 1
 Thanks!
  • 6 0
 So much hate.. such little love.. People - why all this talk about copying and wrong setups? If youre all such experts how come your sitting behind your screen being smart - instead of being.. say.. participating the world cup? Or being a mechanic or technical ingeneer or something, where all your(at least self claimed) talent can be to GOOD use.. Oops now Im a hater to because you made me one. Screw this im going shredding! ;-)
  • 10 0
 nicest cable routing ever
  • 6 0
 Same here, that cable routing is so sweet, pretty ingenious if you ask me.
  • 4 0
 My first two impressions were that this bike looks so clean, second that the cable routing is so clever.
  • 12 5
 anyone else notice the shift from schwalbe? hopefully he can rid his season of flats...
  • 5 10
flag adamwoodhouse (Mar 17, 2012 at 18:32) (Below Threshold)
 ???
  • 1 0
 are the schwalbes no good?
  • 2 0
 Watch the yeti Video from world champs last year and tell me what you think
  • 4 0
 [quoten]A bit frustrating to hear/read some internet experts talking about me needing a change up in rims/tires/tubes. for the record, ive been running a tubeless setup all season that has seen me get a total of 3 flats all year, in total, all training included.......setup has been perfect, timing of random unavoidable occurances of malfunctions, not so perfect. Sucks but it happens I guess.[/quoten]

That's what Jared wrote on his facebook after the world champs, the 3rd flat includes the one on the Wichmann's bike...
  • 3 0
 I never said he should, I was noting that he did. but your'e right, 3 in a season isn't bad, the unfortunate circumstance was it was one in practice, then one in timed training, then a "freak" flat in finals. I don't think any tire would have necessarily survived that better than any other. It was just horribly unfortunate timing as he said...
  • 1 1
 Maxxis all the way! Brilliant tyres, High Rollers for the hardtail, Minions for the DH bike, sorted, super grippy and super fast Wink
  • 4 1
 Love it! A lot of attention to detail. Hoping Intense makes a carbon M9 or 951 soon.
Not the first FR/DH bike I've seen with a dropper post. I've had one for years now. At first, the haters hated, and now the haters are on board.
  • 1 0
 What a beauty.. With Team color 2tone its even more awesome... Super stoked on the aluminum one but this one is just...sigh... Anyone know the approx weight?
And what about the numberplate holder? Nice touch.. Get a podium win Jared!!
  • 4 0
 I will take one as my second mistressWink
  • 1 0
 Can anyone tell me what Graves' plans are for the Olympics this summer? Obviously with no 4X that kinda hampers his training, but is he still looking to go to the games? I hope so. Good luck Gravesy!
  • 5 2
 best looking bike by a country mile....
  • 2 1
 so wait rocky roads is legit? I thought that was a sketchy site claiming ridiculous amounts of traffic for what is basically an unknown webpage.
  • 1 0
 it is.
  • 2 1
 so whos running the 2nd frame? only 2 in the world made. also, why does it look like they ps the yeti logo on the photo with the cable route into the fork bumper?
  • 3 0
 They are using the second frame for testing
  • 1 2
 maybe Elliot jackson?
  • 2 0
 Jackson and Rude I think are running the Aluminum Frame.
  • 1 0
 interestinggg....
  • 3 0
 like i said its in california (I think) for testing
  • 2 0
 it is in california yea jackson is using the alloy frame
  • 1 0
 2nd frame is in colorado at the factory for some further testing by the Factory test rider Dave Ziegman. The yeti logo has been stuck on, then i ran the dropper post cable under the top tube, and to hide the zip tie a bit, i cut up a sticker and put it over the zip tie.
  • 1 0
 oh, solid thanks shaun
  • 1 0
 I noticed he didn't run this frame in the race run.
  • 3 2
 i Cant wait for it to come out so i can get it!!! Yeti is such a solid company, and their enginering and design that goes into their bike surely does show!
  • 2 0
 haha
  • 2 0
 Such a a sweet looking bike. not sure about the decals over the zip ties though
  • 2 0
 So anyone know why didn't he race Carbon bike at PMB? in video he was on the Alu version.
  • 1 1
 Yeti said it was something to do with the seatpost. However, many people think he snapped it.
  • 2 0
 All the best parts onto one bike. Can't ask for more
  • 1 0
 First pic was it Jarred lost to Minnar by 0.02 of a second? Is that what he's talking about?
  • 2 1
 It's got a rail, NO other bike has a rail so how can it look like any other bike?
  • 1 0
 The matte of the carbon frame looks so much better in contrast with the rear swingarm!
  • 3 1
 I have the same last name as Jared
  • 1 0
 Graves,I love you ,u are my hero and I learnd from you alot!!!!!!!!! Please win at the world cup!!!!
  • 1 0
 You'd also want a dropper post for the Tara Llanes Classic too. (not WC obviously, but you'd still want one.)
  • 2 1
 If there are only 2 in the world, why does it have a 3 on the downtube manufacture label?
  • 5 1
 because they cant count at YETI
  • 1 0
 damn yetis r hot!!! in the past i didnt like the looks of the 303 but damn it become beauty queen now
  • 2 0
 To the lad who said this looks like a Santa Cruz VP Free, YOUR AN IDIOT !
  • 2 0
 Coming from the guy who can't spell 'you're'... just messing! (I actually agree with you!)
  • 1 0
 It didn't look like he was racing on the carbon today unless they painted it overnite
  • 2 0
 Sick bike! Always a fan of the clean look of a Yeti.
  • 1 0
 Wow. That is a thing of beauty.
  • 2 0
 all i can say is... FAST
  • 1 0
 Drool Drool Drool

I've fallen for this bike soo much!!!
  • 1 0
 Sick frame just needs a "Frame Defender" to protect it.
  • 1 0
 the droper post looks like somthing i would have but its just the price!
  • 1 0
 Jared not riding the carbon in the final?
  • 2 1
 sweet shimano and fox....OH SNAP
  • 1 0
 That's a sick carbon offering from DT for his wheel set!
  • 1 0
 Should make carbon swingarm.
  • 1 0
 integrated housing makes the bike look so clean, nice job yeti
  • 1 0
 dident even notice it still had the rails
  • 1 0
 The bike has an awesome fighter jet look to it!
  • 1 0
 God DAM!!!! that is one sexy looking rig! i want!
  • 1 1
 Wow, it does look like a VP-Free Big Grin
@dhmountain, too many similarities to miss out on.
Looks good in black, all I can say.
  • 1 0
 What happened to the carbon for race run ?
  • 1 0
 he did not even ride the carbon one for finals!
  • 1 0
 Wonder why he rode his metal bike in the world cup race??
  • 1 0
 anyone know why Jared rode the alu frame bike in the actual race?
  • 1 0
 that site for the carbon plate doesnt work
  • 1 0
 Strange he didnt ride the carbon bike in the final.
  • 1 0
 All aboard the gravy train!
  • 1 0
 SO, how come he didn't use the carbon frame for his race run?
  • 1 0
 bike looks mint
  • 1 0
 Hydro seat post?
  • 1 0
 Looks like the post works with a wire cable, as has been said in a recent article
www.pinkbike.com/news/Pietermaritzburg-World-Cup-2012-Day-2-Timed-Training.html
  • 1 0
 nice bike bud
  • 1 0
 that bike is teh s3x
  • 1 3
 up to what point can i or should stop tightening my shock collar down? pos and neg?
  • 2 0
 This sticky in Pinkbike's Mechanics' Lounge has all the information you'll ever need on setting up suspension. Start reading:

www.pinkbike.com/forum/listcomments/?threadid=60436

If you still have questions, post it on the Mechanics' Lounge forum.
  • 1 3
 saap yaal. need ur advice please. will a coil spring from cane creek 500x3.0 fit flush w my fox dhx 5.0 2009(350x3.25)?
  • 1 4
 oop! is that a new saint shifter i see?? its so tinyyy!!
  • 3 0
 Thats the remote for his dropper post!!
  • 1 0
 Seriously? You guys make us look dumb. Why would a DH rig have a shifter on the left side? Jeesuz.
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