Yeti Cycles

SB66 Carbon Race 34 Complete Mountain Bike

We've witnessed the All-Mountain sect grow significantly over the years. This, however, resulted in designers having to choose between either an XC-focused, 32mm-stanchion fork or freeride-intended 36mm. Fox Racing Shox has thankfully filled that gap with its line of 34mm forks, like the one mated to this trail devouring Yeti SB-66 Carbon Race 34 Complete Mountain Bike.

The six-inch travel Yeti SB-66 C expands on the quickly building reputation of Yeti’s Switch Technology suspension by adorning it with a weight-dropping and stiffness-enhancing carbon chassis. 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 trail bike with a six pound (2.72kg), six-inch travel frame.

This is the first Yeti SB (Super Bike) 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 high-modulus carbon induced drop in heft, updated bearings, and hardware, the SB-66 C chassis is loaded with new-school features. While this model comes with a Shimano XT 42/32/24T triple crankset, you'll have the option to change it to a double or single ring with a chain guide thanks to removable ISCG tabs. There’s also routing for a seat dropper post, though this low-weight favoring build comes with a feathery Thompson Elite seatpost.

The frame also features an XT direct mount front derailleur, and it’s only available with the stiffness enhancing 12x142mm thru-axle. Spinning around that axle, and the 15QR up front, is a DT Swiss X1600 wheelset. They're wrapped in Maxxis Ardent tires, respected for their excellent mix of traction, low-rolling resistance, and flotation. The Bike will ship with tubes, but you can easily upgrade to tubeless with DT Swiss' tubeless kit.

A tapered inset head tube (44/56mm) ensures front-end precision and strength for the 150mm travel Fox 34 150 CTD. The fork features Fox's new damper with three distinct settings tuned for Climbing, Trail, and Descending. Complementing that is a Float CTD 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.

The Yeti SB-66 Carbon Race 34 Complete Bike comes with an XT drivetrain including; shifters, derailleurs, cassette (11-34T), brakes (180mm front rotor, 160mm rear), and the previously mentioned cranks. Perched above the Thomson seatpost is a WTB branded Yeti saddle, while out front is a Easton Haven Carbon handlebar, Thomson stem, and Yeti lock-on grips.

The Yeti SB-66 Carbon Race 34 Complete Mountain Bike is available in raw carbon with Grey or Turquoise decals. It comes in four sizes from Small to X-Large.

US Yeti dealers are prohibited from shipping Yeti bicycles outside of the US.