If you’ve been waiting for a 29 inch version of Yeti’s SB5c, the wait is over. Pointing out that one of their most common requests after introducing the SB5c and SB6c was for a 29er trail bike, Yeti knew full well that they needed to add one to the lineup. Though truthfully, the bike was already in the works with prototypes going through the test phases during the launch of the SB5c.
Just when you think 27.5″ trail bikes with shorter travel and slacker angles are taking over, a number of companies have introduced slack, short travel 29ers that are a blast to ride. Now Yeti is no exception with the unveiling of their SB4.5c. Coinciding with their 30th anniversary, the new bike is aimed squarely at the Trail market with 4.5 inches of Switch Infinity travel…
Like the SB6c and SB5c, the SB4.5c floats on the Switch Infinity suspension design which utilizes a translating pivot that switches direction through the travel. The technology has allowed Yeti to create a suspension platform with excellent anti-squat characteristics for great pedaling without giving up that bottomless feel for big hits. Tuned to 4.5″ of travel, the SB4.5c is meant to be the perfect trail bike that could be raced or taken out on all day adventures. One of the only changes to the suspension design is the reduction of the collet connection points in the frame from 15 mm to 10 mm to remove even more weight from the frame. All SB4.5cs will make use of the Fox Float Factory DPS shocks with EVOL air cans for an improved ride feel.
The full carbon frame includes a Boost 148 x 12 rear spacing and a total frame weight of 5.4 lbs. (2.45kg). All cables are routed internally and the frame includes internal dropper post routing. Integrated frame protection includes a downtube guard and protection on the inside of the chain stay and seat stay as well as the bottom of the chain stay. Additional frame specifics include a PF92 bottom bracket and a tapered head tube.
Available in bright green or stealth black, the SB4.5c will be available in GX, X01, and XTR builds from $6,899 to $10,049 with the more expensive builds including ENVE wheels. Bikes will start shipping September 15, with all models delivering by December.
