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Yeti Cycles
SB6 Carbon Mountain Bike Frame - 2016

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Large foot.

Given the implications of its mythological mascot's large footprints, it's little surprise that Yeti Cycles is among the first manufacturers to adopt the new, stiffer, extra-wide Boost rear hub standard. It's also a given that, of the venerable brand's stable, the first model to make use of it would be the SB6 Carbon Mountain Bike Frame, easily recognizable on enduro podiums the world over as Yeti's flagship sled. The only other change made to the SB6 between model years is an update to the shock, which sees the FOX CTD shock to the door in favor of FOX's DPS model. Other than that, the new SB6 remains shrouded in the same confusion. Is at a short DH bike? A plush backcountry explorer? All of the above? We aren't prepared to answer those questions, but we do know that this Yeti's large footprint and Switch Infinity suspension keep it glued to the earth, regardless of application.


The Switch Infinity suspension system is a big reason why the SB6 is so versatile. Switch Infinity originally replaced the Switch Link design, which experiences a momentary harshness when rapidly successive hits kept it hovering above the 30% stroke point. The new design has a more linear travel arc, so the eccentric link changes direction without getting caught in that minute dead spot. Of course, 95% of all riders won't ever push the Switch Link hard enough to experience this dead spot, but Yeti (being Yeti) went ahead and fixed it anyway. For those of us who are our own mechanics, Yeti also simplified maintaining the Switch Infinity by including easily accessible grease ports, which do away with the need for time-consuming rebuilds.


Other than those two changes, the suspension systems are fairly similar. Like the Switch Link, the Switch Infinity slider travels upward under the first phase of compression, when the SB6 is settling into its sag point. As the rear end compresses deeper, the direction changes, and the DH-inspired slider travels down toward the bottom bracket shell to maintain a steady pedaling platform. This change of direction is smoother, without the above-mentioned dead space, but the effect is the same. Deep in the stroke, it works in conjunction with the upper pivot to produce a vertical wheel path that effortlessly flattens big, square-edged impacts.


The SB6's frame itself returns with minimal changes. There is, of course, the rear triangle, which bulks out to accommodate a Boost axle, but the basic construction is the same. Yeti's carbon fiber ethos involves maintaining a focus on increased efficiency and decreased weight while dialing the geometry to its signature enduro standards. This involves dropping the head tube angle to a slack 65.5 degrees — down a full degree-and-a-half from Yeti's more trail-minded SB5. That, combined with the long top tube, makes for a long, low ride that can handle steep, lumpy terrain with ease and speed.


Details

  • Drop-in like a sasquatch with Yeti's enduro king
  • Switch Infinity is the missing link in suspension design
  • Sub-66-degree head tubes are no longer creatues of mythology
  • Long cockpit adds stability to the most foolhardy line selections
  • Carbon fiber construction for sleek lines and stiff tracking
  • Big foot Boost axle leaves a huge footprint
  • Few brands enjoy the enduro reputation of Yeti Cycles
  • Item #YTI003J
Frame Material
carbon fiber
Suspension
Switch Infinity
Wheel Size
27.5 in
Rear Shock
FOX Float X Factory DPS
Rear Travel
152 mm
Head Tube Diameter
44 - 56mm ZeroStack
Headset Included
no
Bottom Bracket Type
PressFit 92
ISCG Tabs
yes, ISCG 05
Cable Routing
internal
Front Derailleur Mount
direct mount
Brake Type
disc
Seatpost Diameter
30.9 mm
Seat Collar
35 mm
Rear Axle
12 x 148mm Boost
Claimed Weight
[frame and schock] 5.9 lb
Recommended Use
enduro, all-mountain
Manufacturer Warranty
5 years limited

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