YETI CYCLES SB-66 CARBON / SHIMANO XTR-XT COMPLETE BIKE

When Yeti introduced its Switch Technology to the world of mountain biking, it marked a drastic change for the company and put heat on the established designs that have been dominating the market. With the new suspension design proven across the globe, Yeti's now turned the burners up on the competition with a carbon version of the Super Bike. We've taken this ultra-light, six-inch (152mm) travel chassis and adorned it with the XTR-XT Complete Bike kit to squeeze every ounce of trail ripping performance from the SB-66 Carbon.

The combination of XTR, XT, Easton, and Fox Racing Shox components with Yeti's Switch Technology suspension in a new, weight-dropping, and stiffness-enhancing carbon chassis is going to take the trail bike to uncharted levels. In fact, the hand-laid high modulus carbon front and rear triangles knock a whopping pound and a half off its aluminum counterpart -- and that’s without sacrificing anything to the stiffness department. That’s right; you’re looking at a six pound (2.72kg), six-inch trail bike.

This is the first Yeti SB series frame to feature collet-type pivot hardware, which ensures the correct bearing preload while protecting the structural integrity of the carbon fiber. Enduro Max angular contact bearings fill the bores and offer ultra-tight, flex-free tolerances while easily managing side loads that would send conventional cartridge bearings straight to the dump.

The heart of the SB line lies in the suspension design. Unlike multi-link systems, which require linkages packed in between the main triangle and rear triangle, Yeti’s Switch Technology features an eccentric mechanism buried low in the frame—enabling super-short chain stays and a low center of gravity for lively handling. This compact eccentric continuously adjusts the lower pivot position for a rearward, small-bump-damping axle path while maintaining a firm, pedal-friendly platform. Towards the end of the suspension’s travel, the eccentric rotates in the opposite direction for a responsive mid-stroke, and finally to the end position where the suspension becomes progressively stiffer to provide big hit absorption. Think efficient pedaling perfectly meshed with big hit capabilities. Aside from the major drop in heft, updated bearings, and hardware, the SB-66 C chassis is loaded with new-school features. You'll find an XTR crank on this build, but if a chain guide is your cup of tea, the splined bottom bracket shell will accept removable ISCG03/05 tabs. You'll also find an XT front derailleur using the new direct mount standard for perfect alignment and exact shifts. It's also only available with the stiffness enhancing 12x142mm thru-axle. That 12x142 axle nicely complements the 20mm thru-axle found on the fork to complete the strong, stiff package.

Riding on those stout axles is an Easton Haven Black wheelset with 2.25-inch Schwalbe Performance Rocket Ron tires. This combination offers excellent strength for aggressive riding, while remaining light enough for all day backcountry adventures. At the front of the SB-66 is a Fox Float 34 with 160mm of travel.

This nicely complements the SB-66's rear travel for a balanced ride, whether going up or down. The fork uses Fox's new CTD dampening system with three distinct tunes for Climbing, Trail, or Descending. Accompanying that is a Float CTD shock for rear suspension motion control -- with the same simple three position damping found on the fork. This makes tuning the SB-66 Carbon for the conditions at hand as simple as possible, and keeps handling dynamics balanced without finicky high- and low-speed compression/rebound adjustments.

Completing the Yeti SB-66 Carbon/Shimano XTR-XT Complete Bike drivetrain is an XTR rear derailleur, XT shifters, and an XT cassette. XT Brakes keep speed in check with smooth operation and mega stopping power. Easton's EA70 line gets the nod for the handlebars, stem, and seatpost, atop which a Selle Italia SL saddle resides. The SB-66 Carbon comes in sizes Small through X-Large and two colors, either Raw/Turquoise or Raw/Grey.

Buy/Configure Complete Bike

2013 Yeti Cycles SB-66 Carbon / Shimano XTR-XT Complete Bike Geometry