YETI SB-66 A/SRAM X9 COMPLETE BIKE

Yeti stomped the trail-bike genre a few years ago with the introduction of their first 6" travel (152mm) SB (Yeti’s internal code for Super Bike). The SB-66 quickly built a trail-dominating reputation due to the new Switch suspension, Colorado-dialed geometry, and optimized hydroformed tubing. We love throwing the SB-66 around our local trails, and felt it deserved a coveted spot on our Featured Bike list. When it came time to spec parts for the SB-66, we simply took a quick look around the office. What you see here is a similar setup to what you’d spot under our marketing, shop, and customer service employees when they play hooky on brown pow days.

The heart of the SB line lies in its suspension design. Unlike multi-link suspension designs that require linkages packed in between the main triangle and rear triangle, Yeti’s Switch Technology features an eccentric mechanism buried low in the frame—allowing minimal chain stay length. This compact eccentric continuously adjusts the lower pivot position, allowing for a rearward, small-bump damping axle path while maintaining a firm, pedal-friendly platform. Start to blow through the travel and the eccentric rotates in the opposite direction for a responsive midstroke, and finally to the end position where the suspension becomes progressively stiffer to provide big hit absorption. Switch Technology is also tuned to be independent of chain forces, preventing any kickback when spinning through rockgardens.

Switch Technology not only features near-perfect pivot and rear axle motion, it also rides on oversized pivots, pins, and axles to ensure precise, friction-free movement with long maintenance intervals. Controlling the suspension movement is the lauded FOX RP23—but not just any run-of-the-mill RP23. Yeti has famously worked closely with FOX Shox, even campaigning a dominant mountain bike race team together, so you can be rest assured that this factory tuned RP23 is the perfect match to the SB-66. The shock is also equipped with Kashima coated stanchions for out-of-the-box performance.

Up front, we opted for the 150mm Fox Float RLC over a 160mm fork. We’ve found that SB-66 with a 160mm fork possesses abundant downhill prowess, but suffered from a wandering front end when crawling back up. A travel-adjust fork would have fixed that, but its added cost and complexity defeated the purpose of this build’s maximum thrills-per-dollar nature. We’ve found 150mm travel forks to give the SB-66 solid handling with both climbing and descending competence, and it keeps the SB-66 firmly planted in the do-anything, quiver-of-one category. The fork features a lockout for efficient climbing, and preload, rebound, and compression adjustments ensure you can find the sweet spot no matter where you plan on riding.

SRAM’s X9 components have garnered a reputation by satisfying the performance needs of diehard workingman rippers who can’t waste diaper or drinking money on shiny go-fast bits, and it’s pulling drivetrain duty here. You’ll find 2X10 X9 at the cranks, derailleurs, and shifters. The SB-66’s high-speed nature calls for gobs of stopping power, and our experience with Avid’s lightweight Elixir 9 disc brakes made them a simple choice for this application.

Finishing off the build is a collection of Easton EA70 goodies, the most important being the EA70XCT wheels. Tubeless-ready for an instant upgrade (we ship with tubes installed) and featuring a wide, 24mm rim, these wheels offer the large, trail-smoothing, traction-enhancing profile all-mountain riding calls for. Wrapped in Schwalbe Performance Rocket Ron 2.25" tires, you’ll be ready to tackle everything from moondust-cursed desert singletrack to muddy alpine forests. A Easton EA70 bar, stem, and seatpost topped with a Sella Italia SL Kit Carbonio saddle compete the picture.

The SB-66 A/SRAM X9 Complete Bike is available in Small through X-Large sizes and comes in Black

SB-66 A/SRAM X9 Complete Bike Price:  $3999.00