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Yeti Cycles
SB4.5 Carbon Mountain Bike Frame - 2016

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Abominable.

Yeti has produced a lot of big, scary, enduro sleds that gobble terrain with the abominable aggression of the company's namesake, but the latest monstrosity to mate the Switch Infinity suspension design with a slack head tube may be the most frightening of all. The all-new SB4.5 Carbon Mountain Bike Frame is driven by 29in wheels, led by a 67.4-degree head tube, and enabled by 4.5in of Yeti's signature suspension design. Just a few months ago, we would have told you this combination was unlikely, if not impossible; yet here it is, in all its abominable glory.


Yeti claims that the SB4.5 has a stiffer pedaling platform than most of its other bikes. While we don't have numbers to verify this claim, it's definitely a responsive go-getter when the going gets mashy, and we think the inclusion of a Boost 148mm rear axle is at least partially responsible for the bike's eagerness on climbs. Coupled with the innate aggression of 29in wheels and the stiff, collet-style hardware, the Boost-ed rear triangle certainly feels every bit as stiff as any of Yeti's other models.


The frame's aggressive speed is not to be outdone by its slack front end and surprisingly capable Switch Infinity suspension, though. This is one of the slackest head tubes we've ever seen on a 29er, and it makes for a boost of confidence while picking lines across terrain that would make a more typical 70-71 degree head tube stumble. The Switch Infinity suspension is equally confidence-inspiring, and its linear travel hits the sweet spot of anti-squat to keep pedaling sharp across rocky climbs. It also erases the momentary harshness that its predecessor, the Switch Link design, would display when pushed to the absolute limit.


Of course, most riders will never experience that dead spot on the Switch Link, but the SB4.5 isn't for most riders. It's for the all-mountain racer who demands that their machine flattens big hits with the same tenacity that it cleans long climbs — a rare breed in the enduro scene as a whole, but common enough in Yeti's Tribe of enduro, bikepacking, XC rocket ship pilots. Please note that the frame is built for one-by drivetrains only. In our experience, the SB4.5's Switch Infinity suspension isn't quite as soft off the top as the 5.5 and it finds the bottom when we overshoot a landing. That said, the steeper head tube produces sharper handling and rewards technique while picking lines, making the SB4.5 more fun if you're not into just bombing terrain with your eyes closed.


Details

  • A trail machine that pushes the boundaries of wagon wheels
  • Switch Infinity suspension is the industry's most advanced design
  • Geometry straddles the boundary of slack and moderate
  • Steep angles (for Yeti) reward a surgical approach to terrain
  • Carbon construction saves weight and adds stiffness
  • Boost axles track on descents and transfer power on climbs
  • Item #YTI003A
Frame Material
carbon fiber
Suspension
Switch Infinity
Rear Shock
FOX Float Factory DPS
Rear Travel
114 mm
Headset
44 / 56 mm tapered inset
ISCG Tabs
no
Crankset
one-by only
Bottom Bracket
PF92
Brake Type
disc
Seatpost
30.9 mm, stealth dropper routing
Seat Collar
35 mm
Rear Axle
Boost 12 x 148mm
Tire Size
up to 2.3 in
Claimed Weight
5.4 lb
Recommended Use
trail
Manufacturer Warranty
5 years limited

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