|
|
Yeti Cycles SB-66 All Mountain Full Suspension
Product DescriptionApex is a trail that starts right in Golden and culminates after a few miles at the top of the ridge some 1,500 feet higher, and it's the prime artery into the county open space for the Yeti crew when they take their lunch rides. Considering this, their focus on hard climbs makes logical sense, which in no small part led to the development of the Yeti SB-66 with its 152mm (6") of rear suspension travel. It climbs with the unflinching prowess of a full-on XC race bike. And true to the old adage, "what goes up must come down," the SB-66 is a truly inspired descender. The key to its multi-faceted ability is the distinctive Switch Technology rear suspension design. Technically, it's a mini dual-link system. While there are a number of iterations currently on the market, Yeti's application offers something a bit different, and from our ride experience this translates into a "best of" ride quality. And quality is one of the words we heard the Yeti crew use to speak about the SB-66, as in "quality of travel".Switch Technology refers to the rotational movement of an eccentric that houses the lower pivot. So it's a pivot within a pivot, with 12mm separating the centers, and that is the effective length of the lower "link". As the rear suspension compresses into its travel, the eccentric (and the pivot) rotate counter-clockwise as viewed from the drive-side of the bike. It moves this way through the first 100mm or so of travel, providing plenty of anti-squat that keeps the bike stable and neutral as your weight shifts rearward due to the grade of the trail and with the acceleration of each pedal stroke. You'll feel as if the bike has a built-in pedaling platform, and since it comes as an effect of the linkage placement and movement, the bike does not rely on heavy compression damping to eliminate excess suspension motion caused by your body. At the same time, the SB-66 is highly responsive to bump input from the trail, even when pedaling hard. You'll experience reliable traction and control through challenging sections of trail, in the big ring or small and with zero pedal feedback. The supple midstroke is controlled and predictable through boulders and high speed berms. This is remarkable since you often can't have great performance in both situations because of the different way these high- and low-speed compressive events load the rear suspension. Near that 100mm point in the travel, the eccentric reaches the inflection point, where it changes direction and rotates clockwise. This is part of Yeti's focus on what they call dCSL, or the rate of change in the chainstay length. They knew that excessive chainstay growth through the stroke can affect the rear suspension performance, even when standing and coasting. By limiting the rate of chainstay growth and at the same time ramping the leverage ratio from what is, for the most part, a flat curve, the SB-66 rear suspension can be pushed all the way through its travel without requiring excessiveYeti Cycles SB-66 All Mountain Full Suspension Pro Review
Chris Conroy of Yeti Cycles shows us the new All Mountain Chasis, currently known as the SB-66. Featuring the new Switch Technology, an eccentric link above bottom bracket that creates a stiff pedaling platform in the front end and gets more plush further into travel. Continue reading →
User Reviews 
Submitted by
sjmc
a Cross Country Rider Date Reviewed: April 4, 2013 Strengths: Great ride downhill. Looks good until the paint falls off. Weaknesses: Pivot bearings wear out rapidly Rear pivot broke along weld after moderate use Poor paint quality that wears off rapidly Terrible customer service from local distributor (kh cycles Malaysia) and Yeti in US are no help at all; wont deal with public direct. Climbs like a dog and weighs alot more than the competition Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Price Paid:
$2000.00 Purchased At: KH Cycles Malaysia
Submitted by
Pedro Date Reviewed: April 3, 2013 Strengths: Climbs like a champ. That's about it Weaknesses: THought I was lucky when I picked up one of the first batch of 66s that Yeti put on the market. Not so much. Stock SRAM 2x10 drivetrain was crap. Went through 3 X0 derailleurs due to the chain getting wrapped up in the pulleys. Chain would consistently pop off top ring on rocky descents, even with MRP Chainguide. Converted everything to shimano 1x10 and no more drivetrain problems. BB sets way too low. Always clipping rocks with pedals. Creaks because of bad pivot bearings. Cracked the rear triangle. Blah blah blah. Bottom Line:
Submitted by
Steve Mason
a Cross Country Rider Date Reviewed: October 27, 2012 Strengths: Rides like everyone says it does. Weaknesses: Pivot design is pants for longevity. Yeti customer service has let me down. Paint finish is soft as .... Bottom Line:
Submitted by
Skulz
a All Mountain Rider Date Reviewed: September 28, 2012 Strengths: See my previous review- all these strengths still hold true. Weaknesses: Update on my situation: After initially intending to sell the bike because of aforementioned pivot/bearing issues, I chose to keep the bike because it was, simply put, the most fun bike I had ever ridden (seems like the guys at Yeti are great at figuring out the perfect equation for geometry & measurement = great ride). The bike was running well after my most recent pivot rebuild- until the creaks and screams from the frame came back. At this point, I have had to replace the bearings 4 times in 10 months. I ride about 3 times per week here in the Andes. Full riding weight (gear, clothing, water, etc) is 195 lbs. No major jumping or drops- don't hit doubles, stay away from lippy kickers, and biggest drop to flat I'll pull is 3-4 feet. I ride quick enough downhill, but nothing more than any other experienced mtb-er. There is absolutely NO way that the bearings should be wearing out like this. See http://forums.mtbr.com/yeti/switch-pivot-bearings-745350.html for others who had the same issues as me. After having Yeti via Competitive Cyclist (where I bought the bike from, and where I totally recommend buying from as their customer service was phenomenal) send me the first 2 rebuild kits, I have now had to pay for 2 more with the likelihood of buying more high. Not OK. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Favorite Trail: the one I'm riding, but especially Huinginal bike park here in Santiago, Chile Duration Product Used: 10 months Price Paid: $6000.00 Purchased At: Competitive Cyclist Similar Products Used: SC Blur, Mongoose Khyber, Ibis HD 160, Cannondale Jeckyll, Bike Setup: Full X0 build, Stans Flow with Chris King hubs, Reverb, Fox RP23 kashima, Fox TALAS 160 w/ 20 mm thru axle 
Submitted by
Andrew
a All Mountain Rider Date Reviewed: July 28, 2012 Strengths: Climbs like a goat. Descends with abandon. Can handle almost anything but the biggest freeride stuff. Geometry very aggressive, always pushing your limits while you're grinning ear to ear. Weaknesses: A bit pricey and can be hard to get hold of. Inspires confidence to the point where you might think of doing something really stupid. Geometry stretches you out a little. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Bike Setup: XT race build 
Submitted by
altaskier
a All Mountain Rider Date Reviewed: June 30, 2012 Strengths: Downhill, 6", comes from Yeti Weaknesses: uphill, glossy paint, easily scratches Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Favorite Trail: Wasatch Crest, Little Cottonwood Canyon Duration Product Used: 10 rides Price Paid: $3299.00 Purchased At: Jensen USA Similar Products Used: Yeti 575. Yeti 303rdh Bike Setup: 2012 Yeti sb66 Endro Build from Jensen USA
Submitted by
Skullz Date Reviewed: June 17, 2012 Strengths: Suspension works the way it's touted. Climbs exceptionally well and descends like a BEAST! Geometry and frame measurements are speed and enduro/steep/big mountain friendly. Rear end is extremely stiff. Not too heavy, not too light (an important element for an AM/Enduro bike)... just right. Should be the bike of my dreams. Weaknesses: My bike came out of the box with bearings (one from the main eccentric and one other in the dog bone) that needed changing. Yeti sent the rebuild kit no questions asked and a forthright explanation that has since been corroborated by a variety of sources, forums, etc. (see: http://forums.mtbr.com/yeti/switch-pivot-bearings-745350.html for others who had the same issues as me). Unfortunately, the pivots have started squealing again after only a few months of frequent use (there was a proper install with proper torque and proper cleanings since in an attempt to avoid any more issues). For this reason alone- it SHOULD be the bike of my dreams (see strengths above), but will likely be sold and replaced by any of the other very competent competition that's currently out there (Jekyll, Nomad, maybe a TRc, a RMC Slayer, or potentially a Knolly Endorphin are my first thoughts for replacing my SB-66). Bottom Line:
Submitted by
morebravo
a All Mountain Rider Date Reviewed: May 3, 2012 Strengths: Weight, Climbing efficiency, descending ability and playfulness under stress. Weaknesses: Expensive and replacement parts are harder to find. (Luckly it wont brake easily) Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Favorite Trail: All Mountain Pow Price Paid: $6350.00 Purchased At: Sprung Cycles - Laun Bike Setup: Yeti SB-66 Large Fox 26 Float Fox RP23 X0 drivetrain Formula "The One" brakes ZTR Arch EX rims Thomson Stem and Seatpost
Submitted by
Ted Waltman
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood, CO, USA Date Reviewed: March 26, 2012 Strengths: Have to say the Yeti SB-66 takes riding to a whole new level. Climbing is more efficient, as noticed when the rear wheel is moving over small rocks (i.e. 'Box of Rocks' trail) or when the rear wheel is in really loose sand. Stays in contact with the terrain like it is glued on. Then on downhill sections it is SUPER smooth. I can stay in the saddle on sections where I would previously have been raising up on the pedals. One can get going stupid-fast on descents if not careful--I've caught myself a number of times barely making corners after straight downhill sections. I went with the 203mm front rotor and the 180mm rear--I definitely think the larger rotors make a big difference in smoother braking and generate less heat. Weaknesses: More pivot locations to collect dust/dirt that are hard to get at to clean. Bracket for "switch technology" is a U-shaped affair that would be a massive mud collected (or so it seems). Still wonder about the long term operation of the eccentric and such--whether they will hold up well over the years...but we'll find out! Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month Price Paid: $5500.00 Purchased At: Competitive Cycle Similar Products Used: I had a Yeti AS-R prior to this. That in itself is a great bike, but the SB-66 is a whole new level of riding. Bike Setup: Easton Haven tubeless wheels (great). Easton Haven carbon handlebar; Magura MT-8 brakes, XT Deore shifters, derailleurs and 10-speed, 3 chain ring set up; Shimano MT-780 pedals; Rocket V seat; Thomson seat post; multi-compound grips.
Submitted by
jgusta
a Downhiller
from Portland, OR, USA Date Reviewed: December 19, 2011 Strengths: ONE FUN BIKE! Very playful, responsive while staying planted to the ground when needed for great traction and stiffness in the turns for a nice solid feeling throughout. Very supple suspension at beginning of stroke for great small bump sensitivity and optimal traction while technical climbing with no pedal feedback. Suspension design allows for great ramp up for the jumps and hits with nice plush landing without bottoming the shock. Weaknesses: Front end or weight of frame feels a little on the heavy side for a trail/AM bike initially. I had a really heavy stem on there initially though, replaced with lighter stem and feels much better and balanced in weight front to back. Great mid-stroke control, but also causes a somewhat high feeling when jamming down the trails with 160 fork at 25% sag. Upped sag to at least 30% and bike descends much better while giving a little bit snap on the climbs. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Favorite Trail: Sandy Ridge Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month Price Paid: $2200.00 Purchased At: Cyclepath bike shop Similar Products Used: Banshee Rune, Turner RFX, Cove G-Spot, IBIS HD, Pivot Firebird Bike Setup: Heavy'ish AM/lite DH build with Saint brakes/shifters, Chromag 760 OSX bar, Lyrik RC2 DH solo fork, Hadley on Flow wheels, SLX cranks 36/24 w/bash
Submitted by
jaysonski
a Cross Country Rider
from nottingham Date Reviewed: November 19, 2011 Strengths: good weight, balanced, great looking, fast, great climber Weaknesses: none yet Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Favorite Trail: Dalby Forest Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month Price Paid: $5000.00 Purchased At: wrench science Similar Products Used: santacruz blur, Titus el guapo, Whyte 46 Bike Setup: full XO, avid Elixir CR, DT Swiss wheelset, Fox float 32, Joplin 4 Dropper post
Submitted by
eddiek118
a Racer
from Reading, Pa Date Reviewed: November 16, 2011 Strengths: Climbs well, stiff, handles well. This is my 2nd Yeti, my first is a Yeti ASR 5...I love that bike! So I decided to stay with Yeti. The SB-66 is a good bike. However, not completly sold on the "switch technology". The suspention I feel bottoms out on bigger drops and jumps. If I add more air to the shock then the suspention isn't as active. Maybe I jsut havn't found that sweet spot yet? I had to swap out the fork to a Talas 36. It came with a Fox Float 32. Why an "all mountain" bike would come with a 32 is beyond my understanding. Now that I have the 36 on it, it does feel better on the high speed/technical decents. Also I suggest dropping the 160mm to 150mm. Front end felt to slack. I went with the lower build kit and kinda wished I wouldn't have. Had to swap out the Headset to a King, as the pos cane creek HS bearings literally fell apart. Now with the King HS front end is sweet. Looking at ordering a new wheelset now, should lighten the bike up a pound or so. Weaknesses: Lower end build is "low end" go with the higher end build, you will be happier in the end. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Favorite Trail: Mt. Penn/Antidam Duration Product Used: 3 months Price Paid: $3180.00 Purchased At: Green Mountain Cycle Similar Products Used: 2009 Trek Remedy (the all mountain/freeride one) not the new 2010 trail xc'ish one. Should of left the Remedy the way it was. I regret selling that bike every day. Bike Setup: Still working on it but as is now. Fox Talas 36 droped to 150mm travel. Kashima rear shok, king HS, KS-I900r adjustable seatpost. Elixer 5's, X7 cranks,DT-Swiss m1900--soon to be I9's.
Submitted by
Miller brad
a Weekend Warrior
from Canberra Date Reviewed: November 14, 2011 Strengths: Light, peddles well,blasts down & jumps nice,stiff, Weaknesses: Not carbon but still very fun to ride Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Favorite Trail: All mount bulla,cannon ball run fizroy falls Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month Price Paid: $5800.00 Purchased At: Bike culture canberr Similar Products Used: Norco fluid lt, Merida one five O,giant reign x1, Bike Setup: Yeti sb 66 med frame,fox 36 talis,xtr breaks, xo 2 x 10 drive train, shifters & mechs, reverb seat post, hadley hubs with dt Swiss rims,frame skins,crank brothers mallet peddles,Easton havoc carbon bars,Easton haven 70mm stem, schoweble Hans depth tyres.( still to come SRAM chain guid)
Submitted by
pgkris
a Weekend Warrior
from Highlands Ranch, CO Date Reviewed: October 3, 2011 Strengths: Climbs really well, goes down even better. Weaknesses: I wish they had anodized black since I hate chipped paint.:-) If would have been nice if they included the ISCG bracket. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Favorite Trail: White Ranch, Apex, Deer Creek Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month Price Paid: $4500.00 Purchased At: Hucknroll.com Similar Products Used: Specialized FSR, 2006 Yeti 575 custom build Bike Setup: Black, X/X9 race build. 2x10 drive train
|
ContestsVideosMTBR on Facebook |
