Yeti SB6c XO1 2015 Review
With sculpted carbon tubes and a distinctive turquoise colour scheme, nobody could mistake the SB6c for anything other than a Yeti. The bike has dominated the EWS over the last two years in the hands of Richie and Jared, it’s pedigree was undeniable.
This article is part of our Enduro Bike Group Test 2015.
Building on the brand’s racing heritage, the Yeti SB6C is formed around a race winning geometry and packs some clever new technology. If we had a euro for every time someone asked, “Is that a second shock?” when pointing at the Switch Infinity system, we would have…well, two euros, but you get the point. The heart of the SB6C is the floating pivot point guided by two Kashima-coated rails; it sounds complicated, but it works.
The finish and design are all what you would expect for a bike of this price – beautiful, as it should be! We liked the big oversized pivot pins and neat cable routing, and the lateral stiffness of the frame is immense. We were disappointed to see the ‘custom chain guards’ fell off pretty quickly; we could glue them back on, but this is not what we expected from such a high-class frame.
Riding the SB6c is a revelation. From the instant the freehub engages, forward momentum is instant and unrelenting; even with the shock fully open, the Yeti surges forward with gusto and taut power delivery. The climbing position is compact and central over the pedals, and short technical sections can be powered up easily. The slack (65°) front end does want to wander, but if you keep your weight up front it’s well controlled and the turquoise machine punches up hills with intent. It is certainly one of the best climbers available with 152 mm of travel.
A lot of this climbing ability comes from the amazing weight of 12.88 kg, made possible by the ‘high roller’ price. The build kit certainly keeps the weight down: the 800 mm wide Easton Havoc 35mm carbon bar is enormous (but can be cut down), and the 50mm Havoc stem is a classy touch. The full XO1 drivetrain, slick Thomson seatpost, and XT brakes are also all top drawer components that no doubt add to the considerable cost.
However, it’s when you hit the descents that the Yeti really gets into its stride, feeling like it has far more travel. Charging into rocks you flinch and wait for the big hit, but it never comes. The Switch Infinity simply works its magic and the rear end glides up and over square edges. Grip and feedback from the ground is immense as the suspension floats the bike over rocks and roots. The Fox Float X CTD is paired with our group-test-winning FOX 36, delivering a supportive and confidence-inspiring ride.
Where the Yeti really rules is through sublime balance, taking corners like nothing else. The compact cockpit make the bike incredibly nimble and controlled, slicing through turns while never feeling out of shape. If you want a new line at high speed you just point, blink, and the bike is there. It’s long and slack but never feels like a steamroller, nor does it ever feel nervous; it walks that fine line between the two, and is agile and riotous fun to ride fast.
So high performance, desirable, and well made – where’s the catch? We certainly could not fault the suspension performance, componentry, or the way the bike rides. It handled the roughest trails, including the Fort William DH track, with ease and never felt out of place. There’s an elephant in the room though, and that’s the price – almost twice as much as some of its close rivals! In life you do get what you pay for, and if you want the best-performing bike you will have to dig deep into your wallet (€7390). But, if we are honest and ask ourselves is this bike twice as good as some of the others in the test? The answer is no, it’s not!
Details
Specification: Yeti SB6c XO1 2015
- Fork: FOX 36 FLOAT Factory 152mm
- Rear Shock: FOX FLOAT X CTD 160mm
- Drivetrain: SRAM X01 / X1
- Brakes: Shimano XT
- Seatpost: Thomson Covert
- Stem: Easton Havoc 35
- Handlebar: Easton Havoc 35 Carbon
- Tyres: MAXXIS Highroller II
- Wheelsize: 27.5″
- Rims: DT Swiss EX 471
- Hubs: DT Swiss 350
- Price: $ 7,390
Strengths
- Switch Infinity is superb.
- Will make you faster.
Weaknesses
- Adhesive chain protectors fell off.
- Ridiculously expensive. [/emaillocker]
Conclusion
The Yeti SB6c is a superb performer – a true downhill rocket that can climb to the top again and again. It’s a bike that makes dizzying speeds seem safe and relaxed and convinces you that you’re a cornering god. With a top-drawer build kit and a surprising turn of speed uphill, it is close to being the perfect all-around bike. It’s frighteningly expensive though!
For more information on the Yeti SB6c visit yeticycles.com.
All bikes in test: Cannondale Jekyll Carbon 1 | Canyon Strive CF 9.0 Race | Giant Reign 2 | Rose Uncle Jimbo 3 | Santa Cruz Nomad C X01 | Trek Slash 9 | Vitus Sommet VRX | YT Capra CF Pro Race.
This article is part of our Enduro Bike Group Test 2015.
Words & Photos: Trevor Worsey