Two years ago, Yeti introduced two new models they dubbed “Super Bikes.” Since then, both the SB66 and SB95 have been consistently ranked amongst the very best by consumers and journalists. So with the nascent popularity of the new 27.5 wheel size, the company has decided to distill the magic formula for the goldilocks wheels.
So did they succeed?
Photo Credit: Yohan Molenmaker
At just shy of 5‘8, I’m usually in between a size small or medium. Due to the popularity of the SB at the demo, Yeti set me up with a size small frame. So while I’m on the tall side for a small bike on their geometry chart, the generous top tube length fit great.
On the flip side, as someone on the tall side for a small frame, the Thomson seat post bottomed out several inches shy of descending mode for me. Perhaps it’s because I’ve been spoiled by dropper posts, but the tall seat post frustrated me when descending and kept me from being really comfortable pushing it down the technical sections of the rock strewn Vegas desert. That said, we’re glad Yeti erred on the side of caution and spec’d a longer post. We’d rather cut a a post or bar to fit than replace the item entirely.
Aside from the small quibble with the seat post length, there was nothing to complain about on the (just barely) sub 5k Race kit. The full Fox, Shimano XT, and Thomson treatment is all anyone shy of the world cup podium really needs. Although we would swap out the 711mm Easton Haven Carbon bar for something wider, to match this bikes hard charging abilities.
Two fast steeds at rest
On the trail, the SB75 is everything that makes it’s fraternal twins so great. The frame is incredibly stiff and responds well to input, which makes every sweeping corner a grin getter. The suspension also climbs very efficiently but retains the same need to be ridden hard to get the utmost out of the travel.
Overall, the Yeti is one of the best 27.5″ bikes I’ve ridden. Whether it’s the suspension platform, the wheelsize, or some special Colorado magic, the SB75 is a bolt of lightening.
