Yeti Cycles

SB66 Enduro Complete Mountain Bike

The Enduro Complete Mountain Bike package from Yeti is painstakingly groomed to provide the best mix of quality and value. And when combined with the first chassis to use Yeti's Switch Technology suspension, the SB-66, you've got a bike that can climb with aplomb, yet still craves high-speed, technical descents.

Developed to climb and descend aggressive trails alike, the 152mm travel SB-66 represents the current direction of progressive mountain bikes. Key to the 66's multifaceted ability is the distinctive Switch Technology rear suspension design. Technically, it's a mini dual-link system. And while there are a number of iterations currently on the market, Yeti's application offers something a bit different. Switch Technology refers to the rotational movement of an eccentric housed in the lower pivot. Essentially, it's a pivot within a pivot, with 12mm separating the centers. As the rear suspension compresses into its travel, the eccentric (and the pivot) rotate counter-clockwise as viewed from the drive-side of the bike. It moves this way through the first 100mm or so of travel to provide an anti-squat characteristic, keeping the suspension neutral you pedal.

When riding, it feels as if the SB-BB has a built-in pedaling platform, and since it's a result of the eccentric, it doesn't rely on heavy compression damping. This gives the '66 excellent traction and control on choppy trails. At the same time, the SB-66 is ready for larger hits. Once the mid-stroke is exceeded, Switch Technology changes direction and rotates clockwise. This keeps chainstay growth at a minimum for reduced pedal kickback and lively handling on tight and twisty trails. It also ramps up the leverage ratio. For the most part, Switch Technology produces a flat curve, but once the rear suspension is pushed towards the limit, it firms up to offer a bottomless feel. There's another benefit as well, since the bottom bracket, eccentric, and lower pivot for the swing link are all machined into a single forged aluminum structure, they're in perfect alignment on every bike. This translates into a rear swingarm that moves freely throughout its travel range, and a longer lifespan for the Enduro Max, sealed cartridge pivot bearings.

Each of the SB-66's 6061-T6 frame tubes are shaped for a purpose. Take the seatstays for example: They flare in the vertical plane towards the dropouts. On the left side, this helps distribute loads from the post mount -- otherwise, the larger cross-section handles compression loads without flexing. The down tube is ovalized at the bottom bracket to enhance stiffness and bears flattened sides to channel and distribute stress from the shock mount.

Attached to that shock mount is Fox Float CTD shock with the Kashima coating. And since Yeti partners with FOX for its World Cup team, it's no surprise that it specs the latest from Fox -- and this remains true for the front fork, as well. A 150mm 32 Float with CTD matches the rear for a simple user-interface and easy tuning. CTD offers three pre-tuned compression dampening options for Climbing, Trail, and Descending.

The Yeti SB-66 Enduro Complete Bike rides on a Mavic Crossmark wheelset wrapped in Maxxis tires. Drivetrain duty is covered by SRAM's workhorse X7 and X9 components. Up front is a X7 derailleur and S1000 crankset with 22/32/44 tooth gearing, out back is an X9 derailleur and a 11-36T cassette. Avid Elixir 5 brakes keep your speed in check, while alloy a Truvativ T20 stem, seatpost, and handlebar occupy the cockpit.

The Yeti SB-66 Enduro Complete Mountain Bike is available in four sizes from Small to X-Large and in the colors Black, Lime, Turquoise, White, and Yellow.

Please note that US Yeti dealers are prohibited from shipping Yeti bicycles to any country other than Canada, Mexico, or the United States.