TESTED: Yeti SB5-C

The SB5c straddles the gravity and trail section of the range. With 127mm travel on 650B wheels, the bike is half way between their XC dually ASR C (100mm/29er or 650B) & the enduro SB6C (157mm/650B). This is their go anywhere, do anything bike.

The marketing claims it to be “What a trail bike should be — lightweight, great pedalling uphill and a screamer going down. This bike will make you smile.” Also, this bike has been ridden to multiple EWS (Enduro World Series) wins. Further pushing its case for being a confident descender.

Initial Impressions

There is something unmistakably cool about Yetis and the SB5C is no exception. The new shape is sleek, curvy and carries the unmistakable air of Yeti cool and class. Continuing with Yeti’s gravity orientated tradition the SB5C sports a low bottom bracket and slack geometry. And it just looks plain fast!

The grey decals on the matte black frame is quite understated, and allows the eye to wander slowly over the entire package to appreciate all the subtleties. Turquoise highlights add a splash of colour with Yeti stamped composite frame protectors and pivot bolts adding to the cohesiveness. It must be mentioned that for those who are not afraid of colour it is also available in straight turquoise.

The main talking point though is the new Switch Infinity, a system that has been created in collaboration with Fox Racing Suspension and has been over 3 years in the making. The new design takes key features and results from Yeti’s 303 DH and Switch technologies to create the hybrid Switch Infinity. The heart of the new system is the “Translating Pivot”, a dual rail system that uses Fox seals, bushings & Kashima coated shafts. In a nutshell this pivot initially moves up on the rails giving the bike a rearward axle path for improved pedalling and small bump absorption. Deeper in the travel the pivot moves downwards, reducing the amount of chain tension allowing the suspension to absorb the bigger hits. The shock itself is a Fox Float CTD.

The bike is built with a SRAM XO1 drivetrain 1×11 setup with an 11-42 tooth rear block with a 32T chain-ring. The brakes are the new Sram Guides, and suspension duties are left to a RockShox Pike Charge up front with 140mm travel & 15mm Maxle. Other notables include routing for a stealth dropper post, 142x12mm rear axle, bolt on ISCG mounts for a chain device and direct front mech mount for those who are that way inclined.

Yeti Oz offer multiple options with their build kits allowing for the rider to customize the bike to their specifications prior to being shipped. For this bike test, a more enduro build was chosen with options like a 50mm Thomson stem and RockShox Reverb dropper post to increase confidence descending in steeper terrain. The Maxxis Ardent 2.4/ Ikon 2.2 tyres move more toward the ‘trail’ end of the spectrum but with plenty of test time and Highroller 2.4’s on hand multiple tyre combinations would be tested. They’re setup on DT wheels with 350 hubs and XM 401 rims.

Suspension pressures were setup to manufacturers specification for rider weight & trail tuning backed right off. The Pikes were setup with a preload spacer to increase the progressiveness of the travel and to reduce harsh bottoming out on the bigger blows encountered in the rougher conditions.

With all inclusions the SB5C weighed in at a very impressive 11.6kg. This puts it at the lighter end of the scale for a trail bike. The kicker to this though is that as setup it is aimed at the “enduro” racer, with considerably heavier parts than needed for an everyday trail bike. So, in this manifestation we have an extremely light enduro racer. A straight trail bike could be closer to 11kg!

On The Trail

Straight off the shelf this bike felt comfortable, the large size was spot on for my 183cms. The longer top tube made longer rides more pleasant, being able to stretch out on the climbs. Stand-over height is generous due to the sweeping top tube. Sizing has changed slightly from previous years so if you are on the line between sizes it will pay to sit on both.

Out in flowing singletrack the SB5c is balanced, zippy and loves nothing more than popping off that root or gapping that rock section. Its small bump and square edge compliancy is improved from the previous generation of SB’s (66/95) with the ride smoother than before in chattery terrain. But it’s when the terrain becomes steep and loose that it shows its true colours. The bike revels in the rough, diabolical climbs of old washed out trail, locking the wheels to the ground allowing the rider to stomp away to their hearts content. The efficiency is top notch, the power transfer through the pedals feeling very direct and with only minimal suspension bob even in ‘descend’ mode.

On the downhills the low, long and slack geometry coupled with the balanced suspension makes for a predictable and confidence inspiring ride. The lateral stiffness of the frame begs the rider to tell it what to do. The bike will obediently hold a precise line without the rear wandering off into oblivion. The SB5c rails through berms and drifts flat corners with aplomb. This is a bike that handles the bigger, faster lines but it must be noted that there is a smaller margin in the equation with less suspension to bail you out of trouble should it arise. I can lay testament to that!

The only changes made to the bike during testing were the tyres. The Maxxis Ardent/Ikon combo was good in general conditions, being light and fast rolling. But I wanted more in steeper, looser conditions. Trialling different combos I found the Maxxis Highroller/Ardent was killer, the bigger bagged tyres allowing slightly less pressure to be run, oodles more grip and increased braking performance whilst not sacrificing too much additional weight or rolling resistance.

Our Take

It’s hard to nail down one aspect of this bike as its key feature, doing everything well is its best attribute. This is a bike that excels in all areas required to make an outstanding trail bike. It climbs efficiently, is zippy out of the blocks & descends confidently.

This is a bike that holds appeal for a wide range of riders. First and foremost it is a brilliant trail bike, a light and nimble climber and a confident descender. It’s a bike that you can ride all day and hit all the big lines confidently. The gravity focused enduro racer should certainly take a look; as it is proven on the world stage. It is however more suited to experienced riders, with the SB6c more applicable and forgiving for those starting out in the enduro discipline.

The marketing claims of “What a trail bike should be — lightweight, great pedalling uphill and a screamer going down. This bike will make you smile” are on the money. This is one outrageously fun bike!

Three things you liked about the bike

• Descends like a bike with more travel.
• Efficient climber & zippy in the rough terrain.
• Routing for stealth dropper post

Three things you would change about the bike

• More aggressive tyres
• Internal cable routing
• Smaller price tag?

Essentials

Brand:  Yeti

Model: SB 5C

RRP: $8520

Weight: 11.6kg (as tested)

Distributor: Rowney Sports

Contact: 1300 938 469 |  www.rowneysports.com

Specs

Available Sizes: XS, S, M, L (tested), XL

Frame Material: Carbon

Fork: RockShox,  Pike Charger 140mm

Shock: Fox Float CTD Adjust BV

Shifters: SRAM X01

Derailleur: SRAM X01

Crank: SRAM X1 1400 32T

Chain: SRAM X01

Cassette: SRAM X01 10-42T 11-speed

Hubs: DT 350

Rims: XM 401 RIM

Tyres: Maxxis Ikon 2.2/Ardent 2.4

Brakes: Avid Guide

Stem Thomson: Elite 50MM

Handlebars: Easton Haven

Carbon: 740MM

Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth

Saddle: Yeti WTB Volt Custom