The year 2020 marks 35 years since Yeti started making waves in the mountain bike world in 1985. A lot has changed since then, and the newest version of the Yeti ARC reflects that. But as Yeti’s President points out, “the ARC has always been known for pushing the envelope. Our latest version shows how versatile a hardtail can be with the right geometry, materials and a little more travel up front.”
That’s right. The 35th Anniversary Yeti ARC is not an XC race bike. Instead, it’s a trail-focused 29″ hardtail meant to showcase what’s possible on a modern hardtail with the right geometry. It’s also an exercise in limited edition, custom parts with some truly unique pieces from Chris King, Fox, and SRAM.
At the front of the bike is a custom Fox 34 suspension fork with 130mm of travel, a yellow crown, and turquoise lowers. Even though most of it is unseen, there is a custom anodized Fox Kabolt thru axle in there…
Which matches the custom branded Chris King/Yeti 35th hubs.
Those hubs also match the included Chris King headset.
There’s also a custom carbon 35mm bar with 35th anniversary graphics, and a turquoise anodized Race Face Turbine R stem and ODI Elite Pro grips.
The drivetrain is included in the customization with a custom anodized 32t SRAM XX1 Eagle chainring, DUB self extracting cap, and parts of the XX1 AXS rear derailleur as well.
Even the brakes get in on the action with a custom painted SRAM Level caliper and matching brake adapter. Further custom bits include the anodized Fox dropper lever, custom WTB Silverado saddle, and Yeti Carbon rims.
As mentioned, this is more of a trail hardtail with 130mm of travel, a 76° effective seat tube angle, and a 67° head tube angle.
Yeti made only 100 of these 35th Anniversary models, and even though they are priced at $9,900, they expect them to sell out. So if you have an extra $10k burning a hole in your pocket and want a limited edition celebration of Yeti, you know what to do! The real question is, if you buy one – do you ride it? Or hang it on the wall?
