Feature -

Pro Bike Check: Richie Rude’s Yeti SB5C

With a browser-busting accomplishments list that causes a never ending scrolling session and ends in repetitive strain injury, Richie Rude is a true testament to hitting the big time early. Becoming the first ever American to win the Junior Downhill World Cup back in 2013, we got hold of him for a quick look at his super fast rig, the Yeti SB5C, at Tweedlove, Scotland.

Interested in the Yeti? Check out our SB5c Review.

Factory Rider at Yeti Cycles, sponsored by Fox Racing, Shimano and a huge number of other manufacturers, Richie is already a renowned name in the Enduro World Series, and with his continuously reliable rankings (placing 7th at Tweedlove) we bet he’s gonna be a huge name in the next coming years.

Richie Rude and his trusted Yeti SB5C at Tweedlove in Scotland.
Richie Rude and his trusted Yeti SB5C at Tweedlove in Scotland.
Running his Fox 36's on the front, Richie told us he runs them a little on the firm side for sprinting stages so he doesn't tire easily.
Running his Fox 36’s on the front with a few volume spacers to give them a bit more beef, Richie told us he runs them a little on the firm side for sprinting stages so he doesn’t tire easily.
On the back, Fox Float X, with a tube taped into the frame. Richie, we don't think that's what Yeti designed that for!
On the back, Fox has tuned Richie’s Float X and added a larger spacer. A tube is taped snug into the frame. Richie, we don’t think that’s what Yeti designed that for!
Thomson Elite dropper post and the rare Yeti WTB Devo keep a firm setup even firmer.
Thomson Elite dropper post and the rare Yeti WTB Devo keep a firm setup even firmer.
740mm Renthal Fatbar Lite's are at the helm of the SB5C.
740mm Renthal Fatbar Lite’s are at the helm of the SB5C, oddly, along with a Garmin Edge 510 which you don’t see too often with EWS riders…
...and super slick Shimano XTR brakes are held responsible for the obvious...
Super slick SAINT brakes with XTR triggers are held responsible for, well, the obvious.
Barely recognisable, the Shimano XTR groupset comes as standard on the YETI SB5C. Oddly, Continental are on the back, with Maxxis on the front. Yeti are known for running solely on Maxxis.
Barely recognisable, the Shimano XTR groupset comes as standard on the YETI SB5C. Yeti are known for running solely on Maxxis.
Richie told us he keeps the SB5C pretty standard, with only a few upgrades. With the bike hitting between $3,399 for the standard kit, all the way up to $10,599 the XTR kit, we'd hope he'd run it as standard!
Richie told us he keeps the SB5C pretty standard, with only a few upgrades. With the bike hitting between $3,399 for the standard kit, all the way up to $10,599 the XTR kit, we’d hope he’d run it as standard!

We can’t wait to see this young lad in action throughout the coming season and hope to see some top spots accompanied by his devilishly sexy Yeti. Good luck, Richie!

Interested in the Yeti? Check out our SB5c Review.

For more info, visit: yeticycles.com

Words: Andrew Richardson Photos: Trevor Worsey

Back to ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

Tags