Among bike manufacturers, Yeti Cycles holds claims to one of the most rabid fan bases. Called the tribe, they’re a loyal group who’s numbers where recently bolstered by the dearly departed SB-66. That bike and it’s larger wheeled counterpart, the SB-95, introduced the Switch Link suspension system.
What set that technology apart from a myriad of competitors was a counter rotating main pivot. Acting as a dual link, as the suspension was cycled through it’s initial travel, the pivot changed directions. This allowed Yeti to control the leverage rate throughout the travel and eliminate chain growth from affecting the suspension performance.
In it’s initial iterations on the SB-66, 75, and 95 models, the ability to tune the handling to distinctly alter each bikes suspension performance proved it’s versatility. Yet the Colorado based company thought there was still room for improvement….
And after three years, they have officially launched the new Switch Infinity suspension. A combination of the immensely popular Switch Link and much heralded 303 rail system, it uses what is essentially two short rails. At the beginning of the travel the main pivot moves upward to create a rearward wheel path for better pedaling performance (anti squat if you will), but at a certain point in the travel the pivot translates down to reduce the impact of chain forces on suspension performance.
There is no damper or mini dual shock. Just a bushing system that began as a crude concept but was fully developed utilizing Fox’s expertise in aluminum tubing, bushing, and seal technology. Together the companies selected what materials to use for maximum durability and slickness from Fox’s arsenal of suspension components, then tested them both in the wild and on the dyno. In a machine, the platform was cycled millions of times while being exposed to adverse contaminants like mud. Despite the torturous conditions, the Switch Infinity emerged in perfect working order.
In addition to the numerous claimed performance gains, the Switch Infinity is also 100 g lighter than the previous Switch Link System
This innovative platform is being introduced on the all new model. This bike drops the original super bike naming convention where the first number stood for wheel size and the latter indicated travel, and is simply called the SB5c. Replacing the aluminum SB75, the 127mm (5″) bike will only be available in carbon.
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Like all Yeti bicycles, the top tube proportions are generous and well suited to today’s trend of pairing larger frames with short stems. Compared to other bikes in the category though, the 67 degree head tube angle is somewhat slack. This is largely due to the fact that the geometry is based around a longer 140mm fork, which should make the SB5c a ferocious contender when pointed downhill. The compact 17.4″ chain-stays and relatively low BB also contribute to our impressions of this bike as an aggressive (read as fun) trail bike.
In addition to the deep black, the new bike will also be available in Yeti’s iconic blue livery.
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Prices for the new Super Bike begin at $6,599 and continue up into the stratosphere. The “mid-tier” X01 package is smartly spec’d and weighs 25.5 with a Thomson Elite Post (or 26.2 with the $350 Thomson Dropper option). The Enve M60 upgrade ads another $2,000 to the base price. The builds top out with the XX1 and Enve Kit at $10,599. We expect a frame option will also be available in the future, which will allow you to build it your way. Despite being only available complete from the factory with a 1x drivetrain, the bike is still front derailleur compatible.
Interested? Completes are shipping now. More at Yeti Cycles
