Without wasting any time from the recent launch of the SB-66, Yeti’s first bike to use their exclusive new Switch Technology suspension design, Yeti has introduced two more new suspension rigs. The Yeti SB-66c and SB-95 are two heavily anticipated additions to the SB line up, bringing carbon fiber and 29 inch wheels to the table respectively.
Jump past the break for more details on the SB-66c and SB-95!
While most of the details from the SB-66 have remained the same on the carbon version, there are a few changes. Most likely the most important, would be the weight. At a claimed 6 pounds, the SB-66c is about a full pound lighter than the SB-66. Also, while the aluminum version is compatible with both standard quick release rear wheels as well as 142×12 set up through different dropouts, the carbon SB-66c is only compatible with 142×12.
Seeing as how it is a carbon frame, Yeti has included frame protection both on the down tube and on the inside of the drive side chain and seat stays.
Now 29’er fans can rejoice in the fact that Yeti is offering the hugely capable Switch platform in a big wheeler version as well. With the 66 in the SB-66 name representing a 26 inch wheel with 6 inches of travel, you should be able to deduce that the 95 in the SB-95 mean 29 inch wheels with 5 inches of travel.
Other than slightly altering the pivot locations and the length of some of the suspension components, the overall suspension design remains largely unchanged for the bigger bike. The heart of the SB series of bikes revolves around the blue eccentric shown above which, like its name would imply, switches direction mid travel. There are a few other eccentric pivot designs on the market currently, but the Yeti Switch is the only system which changes direction of the eccentric mid stroke.
With just about every feature that you would on the SB-66, the SB-95 comes ready to rip right out of the box. When it comes to rear axle duties, the SB-95 features the same replaceable dropouts you would find on the SB-66 meaning it is both standard QR and 142×12 compatible.
Due to the fact that the aluminum SB-66 weighs in at 7 pounds for the frame, it isn’t surprising that the SB-95 is slightly heavier. Even with one less inch of travel, the SB-95’s frame still tips the scales at 7.5 pounds. However, if there is a carbon version in the works we can probably expect around a pound less if the SB-66c is any indication.
