Yeti’s super bike is finally here. The SB-66 is the culmination of over two years of development which has resulted in what you see here. Rather than rely on any one of their current suspension designs, Yeti decided to work with some outside engineers to co-develop the Switch Technology system seen on the SB-66.
Yeti fans can rest assured that the 6 inch SB-66 will not replace any of the favorites in Yeti’s line up, rather add to them allowing riders to really pick and choose their weapon for the given trails.
Want more details on the new steed? Jump past the break for the goods!
At the heart of the Switch system is an eccentric link called the Dual Link, that actually changes direction mid-stroke. This allows for the lower pivot of the swingarm to be continually moving throughout the travel of the bike. Initially the Dual link rotates counter clockwise and along with the initial rearward axle path, should provide for an excellent pedaling plat form.
Through the midstroke of the shock, the leverage ratio flattens out a bit, offering a responsive feel without any spikes or wallows.
Past the midstroke, the Dual Link reaches its inflection point, where it switches direction and starts to rotate clockwise. At this point, normally the chainstay length would continue to grow causing chain forces and pedal feed back to affect the suspension. However, due to the quick drop off in chain stay length, the SB-66 is able to go through the entire travel smoothly, without a harsh bottom out.
While Switch Technology takes care of suspension duties, Yeti went to great lengths to ensure that the rear end of the SB-66 is plenty stiff. The rear swingarm is one piece, connected with some massive link pins which happen to be a 17mm thru axle for the top, and a 15mm thru axle for the bottom. For the part of the frame that houses the Dual Link, it is first forged for strength and then post machined to guarantee precise tolerances. Add in the Yeti Chip system which allows you to run either a standard QR wheel, or a new 142 x 12mm set up, and you are nearly guaranteed a stiff frame.
Considering how burly the SB-66 seems to be built, it’s still fairly light at 7 lbs with the shock. There seem to be hints at a carbon version sometime in December possibly, which could take it down another pound.
Yeti is offering the SB-66 in all of the usual colorways, with black, white, and turquoise along with the lime color below that is offered on the ASR 5 Alloy.
Specs:
- Weight – Alloy – 7lbs with shock
- Custom butted hydro-formed 6000 series aluminum frame
- Tapered inset head tube (44/56mm)
- Oversized pivots (Top link pin – 17mm thru axle / Enduro Max angular contact bearings, Main pivot pin – 15mm thru axle / Enduro Max Bearings)
- Patent Pending Switch Technology suspension system
- Yeti Chip System – Drop Outs (9mm x 135mm or 12mm x 142mm)
- Internally routed rear derailleur cable on rear triangle
- Dropper Seat Post guides
- Direct mount front derailleur
- Custom elastomer chain slap guards
- Post Mount Disc Tabs (160mm rotor size)
- Keyed mounts for ISCG 05, ISCG Old
- MSRP: Frame Only – Fox Factory RP23 – $2200, SB-66 Enduro (X9/X7) $3500, SB-66 Race (XT Kit) $4500, and SB-66 Pro (XTR Kit) $6150.
