Submitted by
chino
a Weekend Warrior
from Draper Date Reviewed: October 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
United States
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Desert Cyclery, St.
Strengths:
Great do it all machine. Climbs well and descends even better. This frame can build up into a light and sturdy do it all machine.
Weaknesses:
Not so keen on DT Swiss E-540 wheels. Rear would not convert to tubeless and the rims are pretty soft and ding easy.
Similar Products Used:
Jamis Dakar
Bike Setup:
I like the parts on this machine. Manitou Minute Elite fork 140 mm had performed flawlessly. Fox DH Air has been great. Suspension has been awesome and reliable. Avid Juicy 7 brakes have good stopping power and are easy to bleed. The DT swiss hubs are nice and the rear has pretty quick engagement. My bike came with a Titec carbon fiber handlebar which was a nice touch. The WTB/Yeti saddle was comfortable and has held up to some severe abuse well. This bike came with a Sram X.0 rear derailuer that is PERFECTION. And somehow it has not come off, broken or needed too many adjustments after 3 years of abuse.
Bottom Line:
I would definitely recommend this to a friend. This has been a great bike and I have ridden it all over Utah. It will handle light free ride - lift access type trails with stunts. It is still fun to ride up singletrack and fire roads. I also take this on technical slick rock like Gooseberry Mesa in Southern Utah. I usually put about 700 mile on per summer and it has stood up to the abuse well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bond007Jms
a Weekend Warrior
from SLC, UT, USA Date Reviewed: February 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Green Valley
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Prophet MX and 1000, Santa Cruz Blur LT, Intense 5.5 and 6.6, Turner Spot, Specialized Enduro
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This review is for the 2005 Yeti 575.
I demoed this bike on my favorite trails in southern Utah. While the bike was alright at climbing and descending, the geometry wasn't right for me. It felt twitchy even at mild speeds. This did little to inspire confidence. It could be that I was on too small of a frame (it is my understanding that these bikes run small) for my body. I was on a Large and I am 6'.
Regardless of the sizing issue, the fact that this bike has as much travel as it does, makes it a standout in the trail bike category.
The main issue may come down to the type of suspension you like to ride. In this case, the faux bar is not distracting, but it may not be the best for your riding style.
My opinion, demo, demo, demo before you buy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Middleboro, MA Date Reviewed: December 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Borderland, Vietnam
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Souhegan Cycles
Strengths:
Light, strong, good travel, cool looking, good price, all around all mountain bike
Weaknesses:
Enduro package good for the price but you will change it all out and that will be costly. Initial wheels toooo heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Spec Stumpy, GT-1, Titus Moto-lite, Ellsworth Eph.
Bike Setup:
Stock set up with enduro package but have swapped almost everything on it.
Bottom Line:
Researched this product for 1 year and did not test ride it, just bought it. Incredible bike, have tried many others and would not go back and buy anything else. This bike is very capable of almost anything...to the point, it has changed my riding style. Use to ride xc, now I like moderate stunts, drops and anything aggressive. Will take time getting use to if you are a xc racer, it initially feels less efficient..that is because you are use to a hardtale, truth is you are more efficient w/full susp. For a more agressive bike, get the Fox 36 on front and 5.0 on rear. Enuro is light but you can break almost everything on it except for the frame. As for the one of the last reviews with harsh ride, that person does not know how to set it up, I feel it is the opposite. Don't go by specs, set up for 20% sag..VERY important. Use RP3 properly as well. I read these reviews on MTB all the time to get a better perspective and they help alot, I hope this will convince you to make a wise choice. Soughegan cycles is awesome, Yeti is personal as well as the people at FOX, you can't go wrong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a
from Indianna Date Reviewed: December 23, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
relatively light, fast, about it.
Weaknesses:
harsh ride, you can feel and hear every bump through the frame, I had big issues with clipping my pedals on every trail that I had no issues with on my blur lt. Not active enough for my liking, tried every psi, rebound and propedal setting and was either set up with way too much sag, or a harsh ride.
x9, easton havocs, rock shox revelation, juicy 7s, 27 lbs
Bottom Line:
Just not a good fit for me. Read the reviews on here and thought it would be a LOT better at descending than it is. It deffinately feels more like a 5 inch xc bike than an all mountain rig. Hitting my pedals on everything was bad enough to the point that it was dangerous. (175 cranks with time atac xs and 130mm revelation, maybe I needed a longer fork?) My riding buddy said that he thought I was faster on this than on my blur, but it just wasn't as fun as my blur. Buy this if you are an xc guy who doesn't like to leave the ground and wants a light fast 5 inch bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad Salsbury
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ USA Date Reviewed: December 9, 2007
06 Large, Maverick DUC32 double crown fork, Fox RP3 shock, XT-XTR components, Chris King hub/headset, Mavic 819 disk wheels, WTB Weirwolf tires.
Bottom Line:
I researched full suspension XC/all mountain bikes for about six months. I read hundreds of reviews, demoed, and spent way to much time online. All I can say is after I demoed this bike I was so stoked! The 575 is just sweet! It climbs like a goat and descends like a bobsled! It has easily chewed up anything I've thrown at it. I am very pleased with this bike. I highly recommend picking one up!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy
a Cross Country Rider
from Grapevine, Tx Date Reviewed: October 29, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
MadDuck
Strengths:
575 is awesome, inspiring me to go faster and further than I've ever gone. Quality across the board. Love the juicy brakes.
Weaknesses:
Gets more looks than my girlfriend ...
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Prophet, Specialized Enduro, Santa Cruz Heckler
Bike Setup:
Stock "disc" setup. Satin, unfinished tubing.
Bottom Line:
Love the Yeti and gets me out on the trail more because it is such a thrill to ride. Climbs great and rails on the downhills. I'm a big guy, 6'3" and a member of the two-fiddy club and this bike has handled all the abuse I can throw at it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO USA Date Reviewed: September 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Blue Sky/Coyote/Devil's Back
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
ROAD 34
Strengths:
Smooth going up and down; great build kit value (no real need to upgrade anything off stock Enduro build); a very "quick" feeling ride in the technical spots; it goes where I point it; Buy Local- support your local bike company (yeti) and bike shop (Road 34). BTW, I am 6'4" and the XL is a nice fit and fun. I was concerned it might ride too "big" but have been pleased with how comfy it is.
Weaknesses:
We will see about the juicy 3s... maybe I am just going too fast ;-0
Similar Products Used:
I tested Santa Cruz Blur, Ventana El Ciclon, Specialized FSR Stumpjumper. All seemed to be good bikes, but hard to tell with short rides. My last bike was a Rocky Element, which was a great bike. No local dealer for Rocky, though.
Bike Setup:
Stock Enduro package
Bottom Line:
Love it. My son lives and races in Crested Butte and he recommended this bike because of its popularity with fellow riders. I owe him a beer!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Dallibar
a Weekend Warrior
from Gloucestor Date Reviewed: August 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
all of Wales
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
MountainTrax
Strengths:
Build quality is nice. It inspires just by looking at it (I have proposed to it, but it turned me down)
Weaknesses:
There wasn't a buy one get one free option
Similar Products Used:
Litespeed Niota (less said about that the better) Santa Cruz Heckler (lovely)
Bike Setup:
Vanilla RLC, Shimano XT transmission and Race Face cranks, Hope hubs Mavic rims.
Bottom Line:
I sit and stare at it in my living room and my mates are jealous and so they fliipin well should be it's amazing. It climbs well and with a flick of a lever on the rear RP23 shock it descends well. The carbon swingarm makes it look very Bling. I only bought the frame and bolted my own stuff to it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Atkin
a Cross Country Rider
from Farnborough, Hants, UK Date Reviewed: August 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Glentress Red
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Mountain Trax, Crowthorne, Berkshire
Strengths:
Light weight, supple suspension, detailing, all round ability, reasonable price, full length cable outer to rear mech (Virtually essential in the UK!) Looks and Heritage.
Weaknesses:
Not much mud room round the chain stays. Carbon swing arm amplifies freewheel noise, but that's really only because Hope Pro 2 hubs are fairly noisy anyway.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Dawg, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR.
Bike Setup:
Medium frame in Yeti turquoise. Carbon swing arm, RP23 shock, Rockshox Pike 454 Air U-Turn forks, Chris King headset, Wheels - Hope Pro 2 hubs built with DT 5.1 rims, WTB Moto Rapto 2.24 tyres, Magura Louise brakes, Shimano XT HT2 cranks, SRAM X9 drivetrain, Crank Bros Candy pedals, Easton bars, Yeti grips, FSA 280FR Seatpost, On-One 456 stem, SDG Bel Air saddle. Exactly 29lbs fully built on some accurare scales!
Bottom Line:
I found it took me about 5 rides to get the suspension set up the way I like it and I've never had a bike so sensitive to small changes in set-up (This is a positive thing for me!) I can really feel just a 5psi change in shock pressure, for instance. Once dialled in I have to say it's a truly remarkable bike to ride. It feels as though there is less travel than my FSR, when in fact there is nearly 50% more. It's just better controlled ans soooooo supple. Great for all-day trail riding. There is a slight amount of pedalling bob when seated, but this is cancelled out when I flick the Pro-Pedal lever, which also massively aids climbing! For such a long travel bike it climbs superbly. But what about downhill? Oh WOW.....! Boy, does this bike fly....Pretty much anything I have the balls to ride doesn't faze this machine. I find myself laughing out loud it's so good and at the speed I can ride some pretty rocky terrain. And it's light enough to ride all day too. Considering the price, the brand and the performance I'd say you'd have to search very hard indeed to better a Yeti 575. It took me 6 months to save the cash and collect the parts to buy this bike, and it was a huge amount of money for me to spend. I bought it without a test ride, based on research and reviews. I took a chance buying this bike, so am I happy? Hell yes! Granated it's not a freeride bike, but I'm not a freerider. If you like to ride the trails all day and pedal to the top before screaming back down again, you'll love a 575. I wouldn't say it's a bike for beginners, either. if you don't know how to handle a bike well a 575 could get you into more trouble and speed that you can handle very easily.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pauley
a Weekend Warrior
from Reno, NV Date Reviewed: August 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Hall Ranch, Lyons, CO
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
Full Cycles (highly recommended)
Strengths:
Cherry red paint, lightweight, great price for what you get, awesome craftsmanship; "rows of nickels" welds. (even though its Yeti's dirty little secret they are welded in *Gasp* Taiwan)
Weaknesses:
Nothing at this point, but I have only about 10 hours in the saddle.
Similar Products Used:
'03 Devinci dragonfly (xc full sus)
Bike Setup:
2007 Enduro Carbon build; sram x-9 shimano xt drivetrain, mavic crossrides, fox RP23 shock, race face carbon next bar.
Upgrades from the standard kit; '08 fox talas rlc 140, avid juicy ultimates, race face deus xc cranks, maxxis ignitor 2.3s, selle italia xo ti saddle, time atac pedals. About 27 lbs built.(This shaved about 2 lbs off the stock enduro build)
Bottom Line:
It took me a few hours to get used to the sensation of so much travel and the more upright position since I was coming from a 3" travel xc bike, but his thing really started to flow with me after a short while. Flip the propedal on, set the talsas at 100 and it climbs as good or better than any xc bike. Its so supple on the way up that it actually left me less fatigued than my old rig.
But, holy crap. The real fun begins once you're at the top, set the talas at 140, flip the propedal off and point it where you want to go. This thing screams though sections that would have had me bouncing around, cursing, and braking on my old bike! The handling is extremely neutral with both tires breaking loose at the same time. I havent broken in the brakes yet so I ended up plowing off trail into some baby heads, no problem, the high bottom bracket let me pedal out of the sketchy situation without bashing my pedals or losing my balance.
Basically its the perfect bike for me; climbs like mountain goat, but it can bomb downhill insanely fast also.
I could go on and on. But, coming from a guy who bought this bike sight-unseen and based my opinion purely on other reviews. GET THIS BIKE!, on second thought, don't, I like passing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
richard samford
a Weekend Warrior
from redmond, wa USA Date Reviewed: July 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
tolt mcdonald
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
adrenaline bikes
Strengths:
component specs are better than comparable priced bike.
Weaknesses:
have ridden once in wet conditions and noted light rusting on some hardware. Small note Stock tires have issues with traction on wet north west conditions. I.E. Roots and slick rocks.
Similar Products Used:
owned a specialized enduro, demod reign, demoed various Iron models.
Bike Setup:
all stock except for carbon race face handlebar.
Bottom Line:
Wow!! Been on several rides now and this bike really delivers! I find it hard to not be head of the pack on most rides as it climbs well and dessents like a dream.
as mentioned in another post I read. I also did not get any manuals. I have owned a few FSR bikes now and are familiar to basic shock maintenance but I would have loved more documentation on features.
Sterring is faster than any other bike I have owned.. Can't tell if geometry is the reason or maybe the carbon handle bar I am using shortens the handlebar width may make turning more efficient.
Yeti 575 is a solid bike... at first glance at the linkage going to the rear shock [ I believe they call it "Dog Bone" ] had me a little skeptical of sideways play but after thorough testing seems rock solid.
I am going to buy some new tires as soon as my wallet recovers because they seem more geared twords dry non-rooted conditions. But other than that... a solid performer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Santiago
a Cross Country Rider
from Reading, PA Date Reviewed: July 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Blue Marsh, PA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
Full Cycles, Corvallis OR
Strengths:
The bike can be easily tuned for your style of riding, it looks almost to pretty to get dirty but it can easily handle rough trails. This is just a great all around bike.
Weaknesses:
Mavic Xride wheelset, and the maxxis tires, the wheels are ok, I don't think they will last very long, after a few rides on a bumpy trail they are out of true. The tires are more suited for I don't know, they don't track very well at high speeds, and don't grip very well climbing steep hills with rocks and roots. Tires are definitely personal preference, I just don't like the Maxxis tires, I've always had a lot of luck the IRC Trailbears.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale M900, Airborne Liberator Custom, Gary Fisher Tass, Gary Fisher Hi-Fi Deluxe (the Hi-Fi has some serious quality control issues),
Bike Setup:
Race Face Evolve, Avid Juice 7, Fox Talas 32 RLC, SRAM X9 shifters and rear derailer, XT Front derailer
Bottom Line:
This is just a great bike, it's my first full suspension bike and it was a breeze to set-up. The ride is out of this world, this is how a real mountain bike should ride. It feels like it could handle just about anything. Definitely the do-it-all bike. Purchase from Full Cycles, these people are just great to deal with, answered all my questions and were more than happy to upgrade the bike the way I wanted. Even got a free shock pump with the Yeti logo on it out of the deal. Thank Gary at Full Cycles. I gave 4 chilis for value, come on Yeti you can put better wheels on your bike than low grade Mavics.
I Love This Bike!! You can see Yeti cares about the quality of their bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
erik
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver Co Date Reviewed: June 20, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
AdventureCycles
Strengths:
Bought the frame only. Climbs like a CC bike, feels stable at speeds and superb control.Love the light wieght for a frame with this much travel. Looks too damn good for a mountain bike.
Weaknesses:
Setting it up and the damn seat post sucks...But other than that, I'm very happy
Similar Products Used:
Giant AC1 and Giant Tance<--both are great bikes. Gary Fisher Hi-Fi Specialized Bikes<---Overprice and they are everywhere. FSR my ass!!!!
Bike Setup:
Sram XO drivetain,07 Avid Juicy 7,RockShox Pike 454 Dual air<--Amazing fork for the money, and Easton Havoc wheels
Bottom Line:
Best bike I ever own..PERIOD. Do yourself a favor and sell your junk ass bike and get yourself a Yeti 575!!! Why pay more for a Blur L/T or a Moment for less bread. Both are great bike, but both are not worth that kind of bread when the Yeti is just as good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trey
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, Co. USA Date Reviewed: May 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Monarch Crest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Craigslist (frame only)
Strengths:
Very good bike for steep technical trails. The bike just wants to roll over everything. Right from the beginning the bike handles like you've owned it for a decade. It's also a great value. Compare the 575 to the Blur, the Epiphany, or similar bikes and you'll see that Yeti's come up with a great bike for $400-800 less than the competition.
Weaknesses:
This can't be the best cable routing plan, can it? There's not enough room for a waterbottle inside the front triangle. (Use a small water bottle with a side-release cage and you can jam one in there)
Before I got the suspension dialed in, I thought it was a slug on the climbs but that turned out to be operator error.
Everyother rider in the Front Range is on a 575, if you want to be original and live in the 303 area code this ain't the bike for you.
I worry that my bike handling skills are becoming lazy since this bike takes anything you throw at it.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Blur, Cannondale Rush, Trek Fuel, Maverick ML7
Bike Setup:
Fox Float 130 R fork, Fox RP3 shock, Shimano XTR wheels, XTR crank, XT shifters & derailluers, Hayes El Camino brakes, RaceFace Next handlebar, RaceFace Deus stem, Yeti grips, Conti Vertical Pro tubeless tires, Chris King headset
Bottom Line:
This bike does everything well. Once you get the suspension dialed in, you won't believe how well it climbs. You can really fly down hills on this without scaring yourself. It just soaks up all the bumps you throw at it and holds a line like you wouldn't believe.
I'm really jacked about this bike. I would ride it all day every day if my family and employer wouldn't miss me.
I never do this for any product, but I'm giving it 5 flamin' chilis for both ratings.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ratt
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal Date Reviewed: May 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine rim
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Desert Cyclery
Strengths:
Light weight, long travel, slack head angle, great frame prep, ok tire clearance, great standover, low price, super plush
Weaknesses:
Ano finish delicate, carbon chainstay flexy, blows through its travel on drops, slight bob with propedal off,
Similar Products Used:
5.5 spot, epiphany, blur Lt
Bike Setup:
rp23, carbon chainstay, 28.0 lbs
Bottom Line:
This a review for the frame only.
I have an anodized frame and it scratches super easy. I've had painted frames that are much tougher.
The Carbon chainstay is flexy. It was almost a deal breaker on my first couple of rides. After 2 weeks it bothered me less and after 2 months i stopped noticing it but its there.
The bike rides very plush, is very light, at street prices is very cheap,
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Talbot
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City Date Reviewed: May 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Granite school district
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3850.00
Purchased At:
wild rose
Strengths:
Ive been riding now for seven years, spent a few years on the race track, and this bike has the best feel and fit of anything i have ever ridden. Its true the climbing is a bit slow but, we are talking about a bike with nearly 6 inches of travel capable of blowing through trail obsticals that have had me nearly soiling myself on other bikes i have owned. How ever,its early in the year and i dont really have my climbing legs yet, so i feel part of the 575's sluggishness on the climbs is my fat ass. I think the stand out quaity for me is the balanced feel while riding this bike, you can ride from the front, you can ride it from the back, or you can center yourself and receive the same stable feel in all situations. i just returned from the Fruita fat tire fest and the bike nailed everyting from the bolders on "More Fun" to the ditches on Book cliffs side. Then on the way home i stopped in Moab and hit Poison Spider Mesa, i dropped shelfs, i jumped every thing i could find, and the Yeti asked for more,it even saved my butt a couple of times, im in love my fellow tribe members!
Weaknesses:
It cant write sick notes to excuse me at work .Damn bike!
Similar Products Used:
I demo'ed an Intense 5.5 a Rocky Mnt X and a Titus Moto x
Bike Setup:
Chris King head & hubs with Mavic xm819 Ust rims. XTR cranks. XO drive train. Talas RLC, RP23. Juicy sevens. A Thompson cockpit. And Kenda tubless tires
Bottom Line:
I spent some bucks to build this ride solid and light, goal achived. I could have spent as much as 1500 dollars more on the other bikes i mentioned,(and would have)but i found no reason to. The Yeti out rode all the others, it felt more balanced and nimble and i hit 27.6 pounds with pedals, switch out the 2.23 tires and i could lose another pound but, i loves me some meaty treads. I came off a Fisher Sugar Race and was all racer crazed for about 3 years, and although that ride climbed like a dear on meth, it was always sketchy as hell going down and it fricken killed my back on every ride. Im so comfortable on the 575, and i was able to get the weight so low that i believe i will be throwing myself into the mix again from time to time. So fair warning any 40 year old xc racers at the Norba's this year, get the hell out of the way or im going right over the top of you ,,,,, WOOWHOOOO !!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR, USA Date Reviewed: March 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Little Moab
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
Strong Frame but the weight of a race bike. Plush suspension with easily adjustable shock ride. Versatility to handle large drops and also climb up steeps. Handles like a porsche on the corners.
Weaknesses:
A little pedal bob when I hammer on the hills, I'm 6'5", 225lbs. I gets better if I pump up the shock a bit more, current pressure 200lbs. The cable routing was a little challenging but Yeti website had all the info.
Similar Products Used:
Previous bike was a '01 Yeti ASR
Bike Setup:
Manitou Nixon-Elite, King Headset/Hubs, Avid mechanical discs, Thompson seat post, XT-drive train
Bottom Line:
This the best bike I have EVER RIDDEN!!! I started on a Gary Fisher hardtail in the late '90s. My first FS was my '01 Yeti ASR and I never had any complaints so when I wanted to increase my suspension, I knew YETI was the choice. There customer service, quality, and performance have always been the best for me. The Yeti 575 has been a great bike, it took a little while to get the suspension tuned to my size but after that you don't have to think about it. I choose my bike's by the amount of maintenance it needs and this needs nothing except some hard riding!! From riding technical rocky, loose downs where I usually pass most people to the long grueling ups, it continues to perform. Thanks YETI for making another great bike. If your lightweight and ride more XC than all mountain you might want to get a more XC frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kramer
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID Date Reviewed: March 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Bob's (Crane Creek)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Used from overstocked roadie
Strengths:
Super plush--the smoothest, supplest travel with hardly a bob in the rear suspension during hard pedaling. Climbs great for so much travel.
Weaknesses:
Maxxis Minion 2.1 Tires. Not the most artistically styled frame.
Similar Products Used:
Coming off a beat, K2 Razoback SL with 2.5" travel. Test rode Santa Cruz Blur (felt cramped; not as plush), Titus Racer X-100 (nice bike, but doesn't soak up bumps as well, and is more $$$), and Ellsworth Epiphany (excellent, but couldn't justify the huge $ outlay after riding the Yeti), Cannondale Prophet (more nimble but short top tube & not as plush), and Specialized Epic Comp (fully x-country racer territory); and these just seemed like plain old good bikes by comparison, Rocky Mountain Element 70, Trek Fuel 95, Gary Fisher Cake, Giant Trance and a couple others I can't remember.
Bike Setup:
Fox RP23, Fox Talas RLC 140, SRAM X0, DT 540 Enduro wheels, Hayes Carbon discs, Race Face Carbon bar, Thompson X4 post, Race Face Duece crank, Maxxis High Roller tires
Bottom Line:
I tried everything I could get my hands on in Boise, and this bike is the best on the market for the money. Just riding it around the parking lot, I could tell that it had superb handling and suspension quality. It soaked up curbs and parking barriers like they weren't even there.
After purchasing, I have riden it vey hard ( as is my bruiser style--read "lack of finesse"--style) and fast (without concern), and this 575 just takes it all, easily. It's great for climbs, corners, high speed, low speed, single track, hairpins, rocks, sand, roots, and whatever else is in the way. And the Talas fork is a dream--I love how easily it adjusts for rebound, lockout, and dial-a-height.
I can't see how anyone would be dissappointed, unless the geometry is just all wrong for your body.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JD
a Weekend Warrior
from USA Date Reviewed: February 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Pisgah
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
MTBR.com classified
Strengths:
This review is for a 2006 Yeti Enduro Pro build. The 575 is the most versatile bike I have ever owned. I have it set up with the Fox RP23 rear sock and Pike Uturn 140mm front shock. This combination is bullet proof. Dial down to 120-130 to climb. 140mm to scream through the downhills. Cant say enough about this bike. Absolutely love it. Also a plus, Yeti's customer service rocks. I have emailed their tech dept with a couple of questions. Both times I have received prompt responses. Unlike other manufactures (ie Santa Cruz, etc), Yeti cares about their customers.
Weaknesses:
Paint chips easily. O-Well those are just war wounds. Expensive. derailuer hangers bend easily (note this is a good and bad thing. I would rather bend the hanger than the drop out)
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Blur, Specialized Epic and Stump Jumper offerings, Cannondale Rush
Bike Setup:
L Team Turq 575 Pike U-turn fork Enduro Pro Build
Bottom Line:
If you want a versaitile X-Country / All-Mountain ride you cant beat the 575.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
amor587
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: January 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Noble Canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great all around bike.
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Modified Enduro Kit
Bottom Line:
I am reviewing the 2007 Yeti 575 with a modified Enduro kit. This bike rocks. Handles great, climbs excellent (especially technical sections) and decends awesome. Tracks very well and likes all situations... rocks, hardpack, loose, mud, etc. It is suprisingly agile and has handled all I can throw at it. It is an excellent all mountain performer. Best bang for your buck for a bike of this caliber.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ Date Reviewed: January 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mahlon
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Adrenaline Bikes
Strengths:
Light freeride design with 5.75" travel, excellent customer service, responsive balanced ride, great value.
Weaknesses:
Initially I thought the lack of dealers on the east coast, however Yeti customer service proved me wrong.
Similar Products Used:
Blur, Trek Y-11, Liquid, Epic, Truth, ID, Cake.
Bike Setup:
Enduro w/ 130RLC
Bottom Line:
I took a chance on this bike buying one, sight unseen, based solely on magazine and mtbr.com reviews, via mail order. I thought the lack of brand representation on the east coast and NJ in particular was risky. It was over 100 miles to the nearest dealer in PA or Long Island, NY. When the bike arrived there was minor shipping damage that Adrenaline Bikes took care of right away and the buying experience was great overall. Adrenaline Bikes had the best price at the time and I’ve ordered additional items from them since. My first ride convinced me that I had NOT made a mistake. I’d been riding a Blur and wanted a complement bike with a bit more travel for the faster more technical stuff I’ve been experimenting on. The handling is almost as responsive as the Blur, however it is much more stable at speed and in technical terrain without giving up much for CC and uphill riding efficiency. I’m no downhiller and was not looking for a 40+ lb monster. With pedals it is still under 28 lbs. I don’t know of another 5.75” travel, under 30 lbs bike, for a comparable price. After 1.5 years I started having shifting problems (falling between gears on the chainrings, ghost shifting in the cassette) and noted that the rear tire did not line up directly behind the seat tube. Closer inspection revealed uneven alignment left side to right side when comparing 3 contact points at the head tube, seat tube and rear wheel dropout. I contacted Yeti and confirmed my suspicions so they suggested I strip the bike and return it to them for inspection. A bit of work but not too painful. Within 24 hrs of receiving the bike they tried a new rear triangle on my front triangle and a new front triangle on my rear triangle without success. They replaced both halfs, put in all new pivot bearings and shipped it back the same day! I’ve got a replacement frame with my old shock! They even threw in an extra rear derailleur hanger that I wanted to buy from them. Amazing customer service in this day and age! I have friends who have horror stories from other bike companies and local bike shops. Was the bike damaged when it was initially shipped? – possibly. Did I damage it while riding it? – possibly. Did Yeti take care of the problem no questions asked? – ABSOLUTELY! Bottom line: If you want a great performing bike, backed by a great performing company buy a Yeti 575!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Romano Verlengia
a Cross Country Rider
from Parker, Arizona, USA Date Reviewed: January 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Prescott Trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA, Ontario, CA
Strengths:
Well made, good design, excellent welding, looks great. The suspension is able to absorb massive hits with no problems.
Weaknesses:
The pedal bob sucks up lots of power when you try to hammer up hills. I weigh 195 pounds & I ride about 50 miles a week. I'm unable to do intervals on this bike because of the pedal bob when I increase my power level. If I just sit there and spin the cranks, the bobing is very slight, but still noticable. The Fox rear shock went back for service after a year due to a slight leak. I explained the pedal bob problem, but after I got the shock back, all was the same. The Fox rep said that Yeti specs the shock at the middle setting, so it is neither firm nor soft.
Similar Products Used:
Switched to Titus Racer X, it is being shipped to me.
Bike Setup:
Yeti installed 2005 Fox Float rear shock with 2005 Float RLC 130 mm fork in front
Bottom Line:
If you need to suck up heavy rutts and bumps, or even try some downhill racing, the Yeti is for you. If you want to go up hills fast, get a x-country frame from someone else. I switched to a Titus Racer X based on a MTB Action recommendation. How do you kill a Yeti? ... one part at a time. It may come back someday as my downhill ride, or watch for it on ebay.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Puzman
a Weekend Warrior
from Durham, CT Date Reviewed: December 31, 2006
Favorite Trail:
ain't tellin'
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
adrenaline cycles
Strengths:
plenty of travel good all-around geometry light weight, considering travel great parts spec for price climbs really well
Weaknesses:
none- really.
Similar Products Used:
Titus Loco Moto.
Bike Setup:
Stock "disc" kit, except for Mavic crossland wheelset w/ WTB Mutanoraptors and SRAM rocket shifters
Bottom Line:
Have ridden this for more than a year. Stock, my Medium weighed in at 29 lbs before swapping out stock tires for Mutanoraptors (which roll much faster and dropped 1 lb from rotating weight). The bike climbs really well- I usually just leave the ProPedal set in the middle, unless I'm on pavement. The geometry is great for trail riding- head angle is slack enough for steep drops, but is still great for twisty singletrack and steep climbs. Plenty of standover, and the frame seems bulletproof. Nothing to complain about, really. It may not be light enough for racing, or burly enough for big drops, but its great for everything in between (which is probably what most people ride, anyway)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
elwood
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleburne, TX Date Reviewed: November 24, 2006
Race disc setup / carbon rear stays & bar / King headset and hubs / No Tubes 355 rims
Bottom Line:
No big surprise here. Excellent bike. I loved my Jamis Dakar, but this switch gave me 2.5" more travel, and as it's setup, 4 pounds lighter.
I spent 3 hours on it yesterday, and it exceeded my expectations in every catagory. The pro-pedal rear shock is great. It climbed well, descended well, and threaded the technical and rocky sections like a dream.
It's everything I wanted. It was the shop demo, so I was able to get the bling and not break the bank (too much). Spend the money and get one. You won't be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendale, CA, USA Date Reviewed: October 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
El Prieto err.... Hummingbird
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
Full Cycles (These guys have been great)
Strengths:
Great Climber and descends even better. Light for nearly 6" of travel
Weaknesses:
None yet, but I've only been on a handful of rides. Many don't like the wheelset, fork, seatpost and cranks(haven't had any prob's yet) with the enduro kit.
I have researched for over a year and this is the best bike you can get for the money. Forget the money this is one of the best all-mountain bikes PERIOD. It climbs better than my 3" FS bike (The fox Rp23 Propedal ROCKS). On steep trails where my old bikes front end would lift and or rear would spin a bit the yeti is planted and just digs in. And decends like a demon. It feels like endless travel but is still great on tight switchbacks. Fantastic geometry. If you aren't sold yet go out and test ride one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Damon Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Redruth, Cornwall, UK Date Reviewed: October 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2710.00
Purchased At:
Poison Spider, Moab
Strengths:
Superb ride, good weight for travel, looks great, rare in the UK, good value.
Weaknesses:
Trivial but the stock seatpost qr is rubbish.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Heckler, Demo'd a SC Nomad, Giant Trance & a Turner 5 spot.
Bike Setup:
Stock 07 Carbon Enduro with TALAS forks, XT/717 rear wheel & Salsa seatpost qr. Team colours.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike on a recent trip to Moab and it's fantastic! I hadn't even seen one before I ordered it and I was a little worried that I wouldn't like it - far from it! Definately love at first sight & riding it confirms I made a good choice. The last trail I rode in Moab was Porcupine Rim and the bike gave me so much confidence I was able to ride beyond my normal limits, it's a very impressive beast.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael T.
a Weekend Warrior
from McKinney, TX, USA Date Reviewed: October 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Grapevine North Shore
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
fullcycles.com
Strengths:
Amazing bike that ranges widely between XC and AM. I has almost 6" of travel but has the effeciency of a 3" XC bike. Light weight yet strong. Best bike I have ever ridden.
Weaknesses:
The wheelset on the enduro are somewhat cheap with some noticeable flex. At this price though I wouldn't expect more. Must set the sag precisely or performance will suffer.
Similar Products Used:
Rockhopper FSRxc, Trek Fuel, Avalanche LE. Demo'd Motolite and X5.
Bike Setup:
2006 Enduro Disk build with RS Revelation Air U-Turn fork, RP3, Juicy 5 w/185mm F&R, Maxxis CrossMark 2.1
Bottom Line:
This is THE One Bike to have. Even with the heavier parts my bike only weighs 28.5 lbs. but it rides and feels much better than my previous 27# bike. I have seen the 575 built down to 25#'s as well. The bumps disappear under you and you get a floating feeling over the terrain but you still feel totally in control. The rear shock sag MUST be set to 25-30% accurately or you will not realize the full capability of this bike. Once you have it dialed in correctly this bike rocks. There is no pedal bob and even out of the saddle pedalling is rewarded with crisp effeciency. Rocks, roots, ruts, washboards, baby heads, or other trail hazards disappear underneath this bike. It climbs like a billy goat and will rarely break traction even while out of the saddle climbing. The 69.5 degree head angle is very stable in all conditions yet quick stearing.
If you are looking for that "One Bike" to suit all your needs and don't want to break the bank, the 575 is your ticket. I searched, scoured, and compared it to death and this bike still came out on top.
I would also like to add that Will at fullcycles.com is the best!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeremy lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, TX, USA Date Reviewed: July 20, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
Mad Duck Adventure
Strengths:
Light weight, sick team colors, great build kit for the $$$$, excellent standover height, responsive steering, an amazing climber and king of the descents.
Weaknesses:
you must get the suspension dialed in just right or it will feel very ineffective. takes some time to dial it in but once you do it's heaven. most importantly, buy the right fork or climbing will turn into a battle to keep the front end on the ground. Oh and the evolve xc cranks are HEAVY
Team color in medium, Race Face Carbon Riser, Avid Juicy Carbons with 160mm rotors, Sram X9 shifters and rear der, XT front der, Race Face Evolve XC cranks(yuck) stem, seat post, Fox RP3 rear, Maxxis Crosspoint 2.2 tires, Mavic X317 discs laced to Deore hubs, Fox Vanilla RL 130mm/waiting for my 2007 Talas RLC to show up
Bottom Line:
I rode many bikes and the only one that I liked as much if not better was the Epiphany, but at $1000 more for thr frame set i couldn't justify it. This bike climbs and corners like an XC racer, descends like a downhill bike and weighs in at 27lbs under my setup. It might be hard to get it dialed in for your body and riding style but after you do there are no worries, I just wished I had found out about it earlier. The company is amazing too with a 5 year warranty and a crash replacement plan and the best speced build kits you can't go wrong with this bike.The wheelset will probably need to be upgraded in the future along with the crank. After changing tires (minions were heavy), crank, and fork this thing should drop below 27lbs making this one light all mountain/aggressive xc rig. Ride one and you will be hooked!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed Chang
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO USA Date Reviewed: June 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Horsetooth
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2859.00
Purchased At:
Road 34
Strengths:
Light Frame for amount of travel, great handling, looks sweet
My old ride was a Gary Fisher hardtail, and it was no light weight. The Yeti 575, is a great bike. It climbs great, on my first ride I was climbing stuff I had never cleaned before. Going downhill the shocks soaked up all the bumps. I was definitely going faster than I normally do with less jarring. This rig came in at exactly 29 lbs (which is still lighter than my old bike). I'm planning on replacing the Minion 2.35's with some Panaracer Cinders. The minions are 1350gr each! So I think I'll drop 2.5 lbs with the new tires.
The carbon fiber rear looks sweet. I got the orange frame, and it is beautiful. The black Yeti lettering really stands out. I got hooked up with the new 2007 Fox shocks, the Float 32 RLC and the rear Float RP23. I haven't fiddled with the settings yet, but both kept the tires on the ground over the bumps.
This bike is a great value. Where else can you get a 5.75" travel bike that is this lightweight for this amount of money. This bikes suits me well as an all around, one bike fits all. It's got enough travel to be a great freeride or downhill bike, but it can also be fitted out to be a reasonable good XC bike too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a Weekend Warrior
from Melboure, AUSTRALIA Date Reviewed: June 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
everything
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
online from the USA
Strengths:
Light for its travel, Looks sexy, those carbon felx joints, cnc bits, ano finish doesn't scratch, price
Weaknesses:
So expensive in Australia and only one dealer in Melbourne. But full bikes now available in 2006
Similar Products Used:
Stumpy 120 Expert, Kona Dawg, Scott MC
Bike Setup:
Large Black Ano 575, Minute 1 fork, RP3, Hope Mono Mini 7" front 6" rear with goodridge lines, FSA XC-300 wheels, Full XO, Thompson post, Monkey carbon bars, Evolve X-type cranks.
Bottom Line:
This is a sik bike. I have learnt so much more riding this than any other rig I tried before. So much feedback from the frame under braking and steering its simply awesome. Its my first 1st full susser after test riding/borrowing others mentioned above and am so glad I went for the 575. It's unique, proving to be very durable (still looks pristine after 6months) and just loads of fun to ride. Its the perfect weekender or enduro race bike bike, if those 6, 12 or 24 hour events are your thing.
I bought the farme from the USA and built it up when I got back. I'll be changing my fork soon, the Minute 1 isn't that crash hot. Not enough rebound adjustment and too flexy compared to my Vanilla. I'm hanging out for the 2007 Fox Float. oooh yeah. At this stage it tips the scales at just under 13kg, lighter than most mid-range hardtails! And thats with Shimano DX-674 DH pedals!
Get this bike if you ride for fun, for speed and like spoiling yourself. I get better every time I ride it.
PS get the anodized finish it doesnt chip or scratch!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Dee
a Cross Country Rider
from San Fran, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Purissima Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
Fullcycles.com
Strengths:
Lighter than others in class. Great craftsmanship. Cool looking. Not a Blur. Simple design. Handles many types of riding.
Weaknesses:
not much
Similar Products Used:
Lots
Bike Setup:
SRAM 9 Der/shifters. Race face carbon bar. Thomson post and stem. Ti WTB seat. TALAS RLC. DT 240s Disc wheels. Panaracer Fire XC Kevlar. Evolve XC cranks. TIme pedals. Salsa skewers. ODI lockons. Avid mechanical (downgraded from hyrolic for simplicity). 27 lbs and could go lower without bricks for cranks. Size large.
Bottom Line:
This bike is killer. Once I got it set up right, it feels like I have had it forever.I definitely upgraded the crap out of it. I am 6'2' and 185 and ride with 230 lbs or air in rear. I recommend taking a shock pump out with you on a few rides and play around with it to get it right FOR YOU. I know guys who are heavier than I am and like less air in the shock...it is all subjective....figure it out for yourself.
I set mine up as a XC stylee all mouontain machine. I put a long stem up front and light wheels on below. The DT wheels are great, but their skewers suck--caused a multi-month noise that no one could find until I talked to a Yeti guy who told me they were always causing creaking noises-- so toss them and get a pair of Salsa or anything else.
The climbing is really good in settin 1, no bob, then get to the top, open shock up to setting 3 and man is it plush.
Get a TALAS (adjustable) so you can drop the front for long climbs and get that XC feel. If I am on single track, I keep the front dialed down and the head angle steep, and it climbs and turns like a good XC bike. Coming down hill, open it all up, and it runs right over everything.
I got it from the guys at Full Cycles in OR. They are the best bike shop I have ever dealt with on phone or in person. Not a bunch of arrogant a$$hills. They matched and beat everyone else, then swapped parts and gave reasonable credit back on the pieces I did not want. I have a killer bike which would have run at least a 1000 $ more off a local floor, and these guys have been great to deal with.
I dig the bike. You should too. Call Will at FC in oregon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville, NC Date Reviewed: April 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
The one I'm riding
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Pro Bikes
Strengths:
Let me start by saying, I didn't like this bike at first, It felt heavy, slow and way too bobby. Part of what I had discovered was my fault, when I had the bike built I had them exchange the Fox fork for a Marzzochi All Mountain 3, this was a bad idea, the All mountain has almost a 3/4" height difference w/ the same 130-mm travel, After about four months I bit the bullet and bought the original Fox Vanilla R., this changed everything. The next thing I learned was I had way too little air in the Fox RP3 rear shock, I weigh 160lb, recommended pressure is 170lb, this was way to little for my style of riding, The suspension of the 575 is progressive, so you can use much more air than you would w/ a linear design, I am now running 195lb and using every bit of the travel. Now I love the bike, it descends like a dream and climbs like a billygoat. The suspension design and construction gives this bike a very laterally stable feel giving me the ability to do very technical climbs and stable confident descent's. This is not a freeride huckster, although I have recently been doing 8' drops comfortably. If you have to refinance your house, BUY THIS BIKE!
Weaknesses:
The Maxis Minions were to heavy, I replaced them w/ Continental Vert. Pro's, front and rear. The wheels (Mavic 317's) lasted about 3 months I replaced them w/ the new Mavic Crossride's. There are no weaknesses so far in the frame or suspension.
Similar Products Used:
K2 Disco Monkey,Trek Liquid,Trek Fuel and Santa Cruz Superlight
Bike Setup:
Fox Vanilla R, Fox RP3, Mavic Crossride wheels, Continetal Vert. Pro's, all else is stock 2005 enduro Kit.
Bottom Line:
This is the best all around crosscountry bike I have ridden,and @ around $2,400, nothing touches it. If you are a crosscountry rider who needs a deep travel bike this is the one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Dayhoff
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO Date Reviewed: April 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Jones Downhill / Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2350.00
Purchased At:
Pro Cycling in Colo Springs
Strengths:
Strength, weight, simplicity, affordability, attractiveness - climbs like a mountain goat.
Weaknesses:
The seat post kept sliding down, so I replaced the seat post clamp with an allen clamp. No problems since.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper and Enduro, Trek Remedy 6, Santa Cruz Blur LT, Intense 6.6, Cannondale Prophet 2000, Giant Reign 2.
Bike Setup:
Fox RP3, Fox Vanilla RL 130mm, Shimano XT derailleurs, Shimano LX shifters, RaceFace Evolve crack set, Speedplay Drillium pedals, Kane Creek Solos headset, Mavic Crossland UST wheels and Continental Vertical 2.35 tires
Bottom Line:
This bike is for anyone who wants to ride confident on any trail but, doesn't want to pay for a name. It is an amazing climber (even with Drillium Flats) and it handles impeccably on the downhill. I spent a year studying bikes looking for the the perfect All Mountain bike to get when I got home. When I did get home, I test all of the bikes I listed above. Pound for pound - dollar for dollar, you can't beat the Yeti 575 Enduro. It handles amazingly well in a variety of conditions, from the Colorado Front Range to Moab. It has a very simple design and with the Fox RP3 I get zero pedals bob (unless I forget to switch the lever to 1) and I weight 225. That being said, you have to have the bike set up properly to get the most out of it - a bike tech is my recommendation. I ride with my RP3 at 250 psi and yes, it's plush on setting 3.
I think that Yeti has hit a home run with this bike. They give you a quality product with above average components and all for under $2500. The closest I could find a Blur or Intense with the comparable components was $3300. The Prophet came in 2nd place - it was $2600 but the components weren't as good.
Since I purchased the Yeti 575, four of my buddies have bought one and there hasn't been a ride yet were I haven't been stopped and asked about it. You will love this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chow Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: April 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
vigorous XC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1299.00
Purchased At:
Flying Ball
Strengths:
Light weight, looks nice and it allows to use 150mm fork
Weaknesses:
If the front derailleur is positioned properly on the seatube,it can hit the swing arm under full compression (bottom out-about 4.5 inches travel and the shock about 1.8 inches travel) and in the granny gear. However,Yeti said it is not a problem, because when descending you will be in the middle or largest cog.
Similar Products Used:
Intense 5.5 EVP, Moutain Cycle Shock Wave and Giant AC Team
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi AM1; Crankset: Shimano XT 44/32/24; Front derailleur: Shimano M761 XT High Mount ; Mavic XM719 rim
Bottom Line:
It is a very good bike for XC riding, but has a limitation for hitting the derailleur upon bottom out in the smallest cog.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeremy blanchard
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: January 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
tai Mo Shan
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Flying Ball
Strengths:
Lightweight suspension bike, laid back ride gives confidence. Great looking and takes the rocks well.
Weaknesses:
single pivot, spongy ride. Good when seated but bob is noticeble even with full pro pedal applied. the Triangle in the frame is a worry, ie big drop off and will it snap?
Similar Products Used:
Yeti ARC and SC Nomad
Bike Setup:
Chris King Head set, Fox Talas RLC 130, rp3 shock, Mavic 321, Avid Juicy 7, Easton Monkey light bar, Thompson Post weighed in at 34lbs
Bottom Line:
Good bike and swallowed rocks and bumps well, the sinle pivot however takes away some pedal power compared to the VPP on the Nomad. Front end without bolt through quite flexible though. Good AM/ Agressive XC bike, but the set up of the shock seems complex and always seemed either to plush or to firm. Compared to a VPP bike this is a tough bike to pedal. i traded the 575 ( my 1st full suss bike ) and the ARC in for the Nomad- No regrets.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MTNFiend
a Weekend Warrior
from Pasadena, CA Date Reviewed: November 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
San Juan
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Perfect go anywhere, do anything bike.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
'03 Specialized Enduro
Bike Setup:
Medium black anno with RP3, Pike Team, King/Mavic XM819 (rear)/Hugi FR 20mm/Mavic XM321 (front), Hope M4 front/mono mini rear, Thomopson post and 70mm x 0 deg stem, Race Face Evolve DH crank, King headset, Crank Bros. Mallet, XT drivetrain (2x9), Kenda Nevegals (2.35 rear, 2.5 front)....
Bottom Line:
Love this bike. It has totally improved my riding. I do long adventurous trails around Los Angeles. This bike handle everything I can throw at it. Steep ups, steep downs, fast flowing singletrack, slow tight singletrack, rock gardens; this bike loves it all.
The bike can hold its own against Turner 5-Spots and other bikes in that class (according to others more knowledgeable than I) and the frame costs close to $500 less.
I purchased the bike as a frame only and transferred many of the parts from my Enduro. I upgraded the fork from a Vanilla to the Pike and purchased a new front wheel with 20mm hub to go with the Pike, also got a King headset and new cranks. I got a killer deal on the frame from bonkey at Desert Cycles in St. George Utah.
I might get some new parts to lighten the bike up a bit. Current build weighs in at 30.5 pounds. The cranks are overkill for me, I might get the Shimano Hone crankset (saves 10oz.). New cranks, foam grips, Stans, DTC Kenda tires saves me over 1 pound, close to 1.5 pounds.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jaco
a Cross Country Rider
from escazu costa rica Date Reviewed: November 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
filo
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
universalcycles
Strengths:
awesome trail frame for the money. very well rounded trail bike with amazing climbing abilities (zero bob in full propedal mode) and real plush with appropriate geaometry for tech stuff, drop offs and fast downhills
Weaknesses:
none yet, hopefully none in the long run
Similar Products Used:
HH100X
Bike Setup:
%&%
Bottom Line:
This frame has been he holy grail for me and Im glad cause its been several years and several frames already and finally this bike hit it spot on. Great pedaling and great trail bike abilities all in one relatively inexpensive well made well thought out package (designed by the Yeti downhill crew with XC/Trail riders in mind) I just came off a Titus RX100 which is a great bike but this bike goes up and down better imo. I do believe the Titus is a better crafted bike though, but not by much, or at least in no ride defining way. Might go with a Fox 36 Talas sometime instead of the regular Talas I have now, but thats about it. So glad.....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore,MD,USA Date Reviewed: November 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Loch Raven
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Bike Doctor
Strengths:
Plush down hills, Good looks, Good build quality,once dialed in for your riding style this bike will handle every situation !!!
Weaknesses:
Heavy on the climbs and rolling hills, factory set up geared to much on down hill and big hits, plush.....and heavy
Similar Products Used:
Trek Y, Trek Sugar 4+
Bike Setup:
Race face everything, fox Vanila spring Front shock, Carbon bars and Lots of Yeti stamps all over the bike,good graphics..
Bottom Line:
I always wanted a Yeti, when it was time to buy I did not hesitate to move in the Yeti direction. I like the bike but you need to do some home work on how it should be set up for the rider.ie, rider weight,cross country style riding or more free ride. !!!!! When you order your bike make sure you fork springs are right for your weight(mine came with 150 lbs.springs)and I am 215 lbs. Ask about rear shock choices,and see if you can,and if needed chang out tire size. Mine came with 2.35, and for cross country/free ride they had to go. I had to crank the rear shock up to 300 lbs. to stop bobbing and get up some hills. My Yeti gets lots of looks and the traditional blue/green is cool, but... Yeti needs to school their shops on how to sell their bikes so it fits the rider correctly. Also, the bike had no literature,no pumps for shocks,no warrenty card,and not even a stiker.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
T.N.T.
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder Date Reviewed: November 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Hall Ranch
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
R.E.I.
Strengths:
Frame Geometry, Lightweight, Responsiveness and Great Looks.
Weaknesses:
Thin spoked Wheelset and (RaceFace Evolve)seatpost slippage.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Full Suspension.
Bike Setup:
Upgraded most of my stock components for strength and lighter weight. (Wheelset)Yellow Spokes Spinergy Xyclone, (Seatpost)Pro Carbon 350mm, (Crankset)FSA K-Force Carbon 175mm, (Stem)FSA OS-115 Carbon 100mm, (Seat) Yeti WTB Titanium rails,(Forks) Fox Float RLC and (Pedals) Shimano PD M-540.
Bottom Line:
Since I paid $500 cheaper than retail, I had some money to spend on upgrades. The Wheelset that came with the bike had real weak spokes in which several spokes broke within a short period of time. The Race Face Evolve seatpost tend to get loose occasionally. After those components were upgraded, this bike is awesome. It climbs well and descents even better. This bike will swallow any rocks, boulders, logs and roots in it's path. I'm more confident through real technical terrain with this bike than with any other bikes I've had. I highly recommend this bike as this might be the only bike you will ever need for all the trail riding and daring stunts you do with your friends.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Pettitt
a Weekend Warrior
from Stroud Date Reviewed: October 11, 2005
There is nothing wrong with the 575 frame .Some of the bits I added will be changed (Hope brakes).It climbs like a goat.Takes a fair bit of punishment going downhill and I can ride it with comfort.Dont see many in the UK but most riders love them and I always get asked about the bike when I am out riding.It has helped push my riding way beyond my ability.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Uncle B
a Cross Country Rider
from Naples, NY, USA Date Reviewed: September 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Switchbacks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Trailblazers
Strengths:
Frame construction and detail (raw aluminum), Fox RP3 performs excellent in all terrain/conditions, quick turning, comfortable geometry, light for an all mountain bike
Weaknesses:
Black anodized spokes on Mavic 317s loosen easily and go out of true, hubs loosen, raceface seatpost doesn't hold seat in place where I want it set
Stock Enduro kit: Hayes HX9, Fox vanilla RL130 fork, Fox RP3 shock, Shimano components, Raceface crankset, Maxxis minion tires
Bottom Line:
I ride tons of east coast gnarl, primarily technical singletrack with occasional trips to ski resorts for some chairlift action....so I wanted a bike a bit beefier than a true XC setup. I could not be happier with the all-around performance of this machine for the money. Sick bike. It eats roots, rocks and gnarled terrain for lunch. My speed and confidence on singletrack has increased dramatically with the amount of control the bike offers and I've been riding for years. I was riding an old Stumpy with a Rockshox Duke XC and haven't had any desire to dust it off yet. The 575 is quick turning, nimble feeling and the tires offer great grip in dry or slightly wet conditions. The weight is relatively light (29 lbs +/-) for the style of bike, certainly lighter by several pounds than my friend's new Giant Reign2 and can take all the abuse his can. The RP3 speaks for itself...awesome, very plush but stiff enough to take abuse as well as easily adjusted on the fly from stiff setting to soft. No real bob in the stiff setting, similar to riding a hardtail. Thanx Fox for finally fixing the RP3 knob so it stays in place! The Vanilla RL130 is also very plush...I may need a stiffer spring but love its action. This bike climbs like a freakin' goat....not sure what issues others are having riding this thing uphill but I can ride it up wicked steep technical singletrack better than I could on the Stumpy and it feels really well balanced when climbing. As for riding downhill...it just plain bombs downhill with amazing control, enough said. I now find myself looking for anything in the trail to huck off of or ride over instead of weaving the smoothest line through the obstacles, makes old trails seem new again. This bike makes you feel like you can attack anything when riding technical singletrack. The brakes have been flawless....just awesome stopping power. Shimano components speak for themselves...troublefree so far. Weaknesses...I'm just discovering the weakest link of the bike...the wheelset. The black anodized spokes have loosened up 3 times in the last month on the rear wheel and I just broke a spoke. The bike shop tells me to replace these weak-ass spokes with stainless spokes to eliminate this problem and keep the hoops but I'm considering a whole new wheelset...frustrating after spending over $2000. I'm 180 lbs. and use the bike to its max but I don't abuse it and these wheels just aren't holding up. Both hubs have loosened recently too, no biggie but a pain in the ass. The only other issue I've had with the bike is the Raceface Evolve seatpost....piece of dung. When I set the seat in the most comfortable riding position for me and crank the bolt down nearly to the point of stripping it, it still loosens within minutes. It will only stay tight in one position which makes the cockpit too stretched out for me I'm 6'1" and ride a large 575). Other than those two issues, which are no fault of the bike or Yeti (other than they chose that package) I have no complaints. If you're looking for a beefy XC/all mountain machine able to take some serious abuse and make you a better rider, yet still light and nimble this is the bike for you. A lot of bang for the buck, Yeti has made yet another sweet machine. In raw aluminum, everyone wants to know what this bike is since the frame design is so interesting...looks bad ass. Dare to be different...buy a 575.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Weekend Warrior
from Western New York Date Reviewed: September 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Big Merlin and Pale Ale
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2150.00
Purchased At:
Go-Ride
Strengths:
Descending, climbing, overall handling in singletrack, weight and components for price, build quality and finish of frameset
Weaknesses:
I question the durability of the Deore rear hub and 317 rim because I already had to adjust the hub cones and true the rim; the seatpost slips slightly almost every ride; and the frame seems very thin in some areas which makes a lot of noise when stones hit it but it is holding up great so far.
Similar Products Used:
owned GT LTS; tried SC Blur, Ibex Apogee, Giant Reign/Trance in parking lot tests
Bike Setup:
2005 size Large, Black ano, stock Yeti Enduro kit but with Fox TALAS RLC instead of Vanilla
Bottom Line:
Overall I have to say I am very happy that I purchased the 575. I was looking for a 5-6" travel aggressive trail bike that is capable of some abuse (less than 4' drops) but not too heavy because there is a fair amount of climbing where I normally ride. Coming off a '98 GT LTS I had a lot to look forward to, especially since I wasn't really able to test ride the 575 more than around the parking lot before purchasing. I am 6' tall and got the large size as per Yeti's website. The frame fits me perfectly.
I really enjoy the cockpit feel of this bike. Much more upright and relaxed feeling then any of my previous bikes, which makes for very stable and confident inspiring handling thru all sorts of gnarly terrain. I am able to go much faster thru rough sections and steep downhills then I could on my LTS. Even with the more upright position, I find climbing to be quite comfortable with only the steepest climbs requiring me to get out of the saddle and lean over the front. The RP3 rear shock is very plush in the open setting yet firms up nicely in the firm setting to make long, smooth climbs easier.
The Enduro kit is probably the best bang for the buck build kit going, and I was able to upgrade to the TALAS RLC for only a little more money. My only real complaints are the wheelset is not the best, the seatpost has some slipping issues which I hear can be resolved with a new clamp, and the Maxxis Minion tires are incredibly slow rolling and heavy feeling on uphills and pavement although their overall traction is amazing. The only changes I see making in the future are a better wheelset, possibly PUSHing the rear shock, and I've also been thinking about replacing the TALAS with the Marzocchi AM1 to have more travel, ETA, and better small bump response. However, these are just upgraditis items that I probably don't need because the bike works fine for most of the riding I do.
I would recommend this bike to anyone who rides aggressive XC and hits smaller jumps and drops on occasion. I would not recommend it to XC racers as its probably too heavy for that, nor should huckers use it as I would probably worry about breaking it on big drops. If you are in the market for a 5-6" travel trailbike and don't want to spend a fortune, then take a good look at the Yeti 575 Enduro.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Charles Town, WV Date Reviewed: September 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Frederick Watershed/Gambrill Mt
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Gettysburg Cycles
Strengths:
Only 29 lbs. with near 6 inches of travel. Excellent handling.
Weaknesses:
The stock Mavic XM317 Disc specific wheelset is horrible.
Similar Products Used:
None. I rode a hardtale prior to this bike
Bike Setup:
Enduro model offered dirtect from Yeti
Bottom Line:
First the bad. The Race Face evolve XC seatpost isn't the greatest. For some reason the seat would always slide to the rear most position no matter how tight I torqued the bolt. I immediately replaced it with a Thompson Elite and have had no more problems. The stock wheelset (Mavic XM317) is not very good. I am fairly heavy (200lbs) and do aggressive XC with moderate drops (5 foot). The rims came severely untrue in a short time, and I have since replaced them with Sun Singletrack rims with XT hubs. Now the good! The bike is light (28.5 lbs) for having nearly six inches of travel. It handles great at speed, and on gnarly switchbacks. This bike has improved my confidence and abiltity on the trail tremendously. Despite what some people said in the previous reviews, I think it climbs great. I ride aggressive east coast singletrack (think wet roots, rocks, loose shale). The key is to keep the travel on the Fox RP3 shock in the full open position. While you sacrifice a little bobbing, this causes the rear tire to follow the terrain and bite like a pitbull instead of spinning. Only flip the lever to the full propedal mode when on smooth fire road climbs. Overall this bike is awesome. I can't fault the bike because it had some not so great components. Once those components were replaced, it was a dream to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick Fleege
a Cross Country Rider
from Vail, CO Date Reviewed: September 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Hall Ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Adrenaline Bikes (not a good idea)
Strengths:
Good price for a quality bike. Average climbing for a longer travel bike.
Weaknesses:
Tires and wheels. The Maxis 2.35s are awful, the climb like an anchor and slide out in the corners. Seat post slips a lot.
Biggest weakness was buying from The Adrenaline guys. They are extremely nice, but their customer service has been the worst I have ever received. If anything changes I will repost, but if you don't see anything you can assume the still have not called me back or responded to my e-mails.
Similar Products Used:
Superlight and Fisher's hoo koo ekoo or something like that
Bike Setup:
stock with sram components instead of shimano and i put a float rlc up front. Lost one of the Maxis tires for Conti and i intend to off the other soon.
Bottom Line:
A good bike. Steering is quick and holds track when climbing. Feels sluggish on climbs compared to the superlight, but descends like a dream. The suspension works extremely well. Flick the rp3 lever over to the hard setting and it feels like a hard tail. In easy mode it sucks up everything. I have lost a lot of time on climbs with this bike, it just feels sluggish, but I can't figure out why yet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dennis
a Cross Country Rider
from North Conway, NH Date Reviewed: August 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Whiplash
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2219.00
Purchased At:
Souhegan Cycleworks
Strengths:
I have the 575 Enduro kit in the Team Turquoise. It looks awesome and rides even better. Handles great, climbs well and descends even better. It lets me do/try things I wouldn't have dreamed of on my last bike. I have never seen another one like it on the trail wich is sorta cool as the bike is a head-turner.
Weaknesses:
The stock tires are heavy. I swapped them out before I even picked it up from the shop. I have had some minor brake rub on my rear brake and a little seat post slippage which have been remedied without a problem.
Similar Products Used:
KHS Pro ST; Kona Bear Delux; SC Blur
Bike Setup:
Stock Enduro kit except have swapped the wheelset for some Mavic x3.1 tubeless with Hutchinson Spiders on the rear and Conti Explorer Pro's on the front. Time Atac peddles.
Bottom Line:
This bike pushed my budget a bit higher than I planned, but it was well worth it. I have a frame that is unique and amazing. You will get looks from everyone who sees it, at least in New England as there aren't too many Yetis around. The bike is very comfortable and rides smooth and powerful. It is not a Porshe 911, more of Porshe Cayanne. Its an SUV basically. A do it all. Its raceable and trail rideable and probably could do some free riding if you were so inclined. If you're thinking about one, its definately worth the look.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Max B.
a Weekend Warrior
from Avondale AZ USA Date Reviewed: July 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Llama in Sedona
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Slippery Pig
Strengths:
Extremely comfortable plush ride. I am amazed at the perfomance of this frame.
Weaknesses:
This is written after my first ride on my new bike. I hope that supplementation is unnecessary.
Fox Vanilla 130 RL fork, Fox RP3 Shock, XT front and rear, Trusty old Continentals
Bottom Line:
This review follows my first ride. I'm a middle-aged guy who mountain bikes to replace the running that I had to give up(former Marine, it comes with the territory.) I have carpal tunnel, and the aggressive geometry of the Scalpel aggravated my disease(loved the Cannondale, it's a great bike, I have ridden it for two years and I will always credit it with bringing me to mountain biking). A friend who knew of my physical ailments and who had demo'd the 575 recommended it to me. It was sage advice. I tried the 575 and found that I could set it up with an upright riding position that relieves the stress on my hands. I decided to take a chance and bought it. I rode Phoenix's Trail 100 today, a mainstay of Phoenix-area weekend warriors, and it is love at first ride. What a comfortable bicycle! I am truly impressed with the level of comfort and the overall feel this bike offers. No problems at all with my CTS which usually flares within 20-30 minutes of riding. If you are looking for a bike that rides like a Cadillac and that will be comfortable for longer rides, this is the one. I especially recommend this bike to anyone suffering from CTS that doesn't want to give up mountain biking. You can set this bike up to ride in a more upright position without too much of a sacrifice in performance. I know that the hardcore freeriders will get a chuckle from my review of such a superb machine. Such is life. Those of us over 40 also need good solid feedback to make informed decisions for our riding styles. This is the bike!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel
a Weekend Warrior
from DFW, Texas Date Reviewed: June 14, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Mad Duck - Grapevine, TX
Strengths:
Solid frame, plush ride, good looks.
Weaknesses:
The Enduro package wheelsets (Deore rear, ARC front) are weak. The front skewer is getting pretty slack and I have broken a couple of spokes on the rear. No fear, my Chris King/DT Swiss sets are on the way.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR Comp (I broke the frame...)
Bike Setup:
SRAM X.o/Xgen derailleurs (beats my old XTR stuff for durability and staying tuned-in, hands down), SRAM trigger shifters, Vanilla RL fork (I like the lock-out feature!), Fox rear, Truvativ Stylo cranks (for now), King headset, handlebars, saddle, etc.
Bottom Line:
After shearing the seat tube on the Spec (was it providence?), I gave into the feeling and ran down to get the 575. I had been lusting after this for some time and my big chance arrived! I am 6'8" and weigh 230 and I am not a pretty rider.
After picking up the bike, I got in 3-4 months on the local trails (Northshore and Knob Hill) and in May we headed out to Moab. This bike was incredible! Porcupine Rim, Slickrock (you kinda have to do this one, right?), and Sovereign: Three trails with very different characteristics and the Yeti handled them all with grace and aplomb (I had to use those words in the same sentence to win a bet).
They say it's not the best climber, but I can lock out the Vanilla fork and move right along. Maybe I lose a little power but what goes up must come down and, believe me, this baby can scream down the slopes if you need to make up time. This ain't exactly a "DH" bike, but I ain't exactly dropping my 230lbs off of 12' cliffs either. I have dropped it 4-5' (not intentionally) and the bike and I both survived it (my prostate was a little surprised, but now it is certainly cancer free) and kept on going.
A little TLC after every ride and I have had absolutely no problems since I dumped the XTR derailleurs. The drive train is tough, the frame is tough... I'm rambling. This is a great frame. First bike, next bike, whatever, spend the money on the right components and you'll be sittin' pretty.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: May 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Ozone Bike Dept
Strengths:
smooth travel, great parts, feels 'light'
Weaknesses:
maxxis ranchero tires were stock (2004); they roll fast but don't grab too well. Feel a bit similar to Pythons, just not as good as pythons.
Similar Products Used:
demoed: RM ETSX (ok, a bit too stiff for me), Tomac ELI (hated it), KONA Dawgmatic
Bike Setup:
Stock complete 2004 DISC model w/2005 FOX RP3 and Vanilla RL 130MM fork
Bottom Line:
Absolutely love this bike. You can fly across rocky trails and clean hazards you never thought you could. The bike 'feels' light, though it is close to 30lbs (I've never measured it and don't really care). When I got the bike, it was (probably still is) more bike than I could use, but I've definately grown into it; many riders have complemented me at getting better and faster...the bike really makes you a better more confident rider. The only thing I'd care to change (and will) is the stock tires to probably a 2.1 Blue Groove/Nevegal combo. The only peeve I have is the FOX RP3 shock: it does work great but occasionaly it will 'drop' from the damped position to the mid or non-damped position when experiencing a larger hit. Not a big deal, as I've gotten used to checking it's position as I'm riding along and can easily flip it one way or the other as needed. Other than that, it's a nearly perfect bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville, NC Date Reviewed: April 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
I'll never tell
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
ProBikes in lovely West Asheville
Strengths:
Climbs like a squirrel when seated. Nearly impossible to shake off line on the descents. ProPedal lever makes a noticable difference in stiffness. Vanilla RL's lockout makes smooth fire-road ascents a breeze. Nice touches like a glossy Carbon RF riser bar in "base" build kit. Maxxis Minion Super Tacky tires have the grip normally associated with an NRA members cold, dead fingers. Whole bike feels lighter than other 5" travel bikes I demoed.
Weaknesses:
Heavier than I'm used to @ an honest 30lbs with pedals. Top-of-climb stand-and-hammer technique introduces fork bob. Must stay seated and smooth.
Minions seem to get packed quickly in sticky clay mud.
Bottom swingarm brace looks like it may funnel goo and assorted crap into the chain-line. Wasn't a problem on my wet ride, but then maybe my mud is different from yours.
Deore hubs seem a low spec, but they gotta save money somewhere and I'd rather they make it up on the hubs than the suspension.
People want to talk to me about the bike all the time. Mostly they divide into two camps: 1) love the bike, love Yeti 2) Love yeti, but need to remind me the frame wasn't made by hand in Golden, CO. Ain't bike snobs fun?
Similar Products Used:
Demoed the following: Heckler, Superlight, Trek Liquid & Fuel EX, various FSRs (there must be 12 different FSR models this year.)
Bike Setup:
"Base" build kit (Enduro. See http://www.yeticycles.com/1_bikes/kits_575_enduro.html for build specs.)
Bottom Line:
Bought this bike as opposed to the Santa Cruz 'cause I like the shop and the reviews on the Yeti were overwhelmingly positive. My admittedly short riding experience on this bike has echoed those reviews. I feel unstoppable on it. If I slide up to the saddle nose and stay smooth, I can clean even the wettest, rootiest climbs. Descents make me feel like I'm on a 125 dirt bike: tossable but stable at the same time. Quick slaloms through pine and laurel thickets are a joy, but not so twitchy as my hardtail on the fire roads.
The frame is still made by hand, though not in US. Bike snobs have a hard time with that, but it brings the frame cost way down. Think of it like this, 3-series BMWs are made in South Carolina by hardworking southern people who drive pick-up trucks. Doesn't make them Fords. Anyway, the welds are clean, and the bike is straight. Frame quality looks top-notch. The assembly took place @ my local shop the afternoon the build-kit came in.
Hard to go wrong with this much bike at this price point. The bike is a good fit for aggressive CC riders who ain't race or weight weenies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Williamson N.Y. USA Date Reviewed: April 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
FLT Mt.Moris
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Trailblazers
Strengths:
Efficient climber.Fast and plush on the downhills.Comfortable. Workmanship seems first rate.
Weaknesses:
Maxxis Minnion tires. Great on downhills(their intended purpose)but do not hook up well on wet or damp steep climbs.Plus they are heavy.Deore rear hub seems outa place.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Element Race
Bike Setup:
Stock with exception of rear wheel.Switched to Mavic Crosslands.
Bottom Line:
So far I love this bike. Plan on mounting up some actual XC tires and I think it will then be perfect for me.Trails in my area have many rocks and roots and with the plush efficient travel of the 575s suspension I find myself flying right along.I would recomend this bike to riders who want one bike that is good for long XC rides,and can handle some freeriding. With lighter tires may even be raceable. Kind of a Swiss Army bike. I woulda gave it 5 flaming chilis overall if it werent for the chunky tires,which may be a plus to people more inclined to freeride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington, DC Date Reviewed: March 28, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Long travel is what I wanted, and that's what I got. What I didn't expect was the steering quickness - it changes direction instantly. Both the Fox Vanilla RL fork and the Fox Float RP3 shock do thier job beautifully.
Weaknesses:
Came with Maxxis Downhill 2.35 tires that are incredibly heavy. Like stapping anvils to your wheels. Changed over to IRC Mythos and am happy again. Hayes HFX9's screws back out quickly but the brakes do their job very nicely.
Similar Products Used:
1999 K2 Proflex 3000. I had swapped out the Girvin Fork for a Rock Shock Duke Race and the rear coil-over for a Riesse Racing air shock. This bike was nice and light and held up to 5 years of abuse. Sent to bike the heap when the frame broke at the upper shock mount for the second time.
Bottom Line:
Once I got rid of the anvils, er, the Maxxis tires, I had a bike that eats rocks and roots for breakfast, accelerates like crazy even with my toothpick legs, is nicely balanced - the front end gets a little light on uphill hard pulls but never loses control. Truvativ crankset and Shimano XT shifting work just like they should. All in all I bike I can and will (and have to) live with for more than a few years.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad Lloyd
a Cross Country Rider
from San Luis Obispo Date Reviewed: February 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1299.00
Purchased At:
CBO frame only
Strengths:
Durabilty, looks, home grown feel, and its a yeti. A cycling Icon.
Weaknesses:
I think the only problem with this bike is the 5th element shock. The shock is very plush, and I like the "no bob" blow off valve. The problem that I have ran into is the eyelet bushing wears very quickly and I think Progressive is aware of the problem. The reason I say this is because, when I noticed the bushing wearing out I quickley called progressive and their response was "no problem, we will send you three". I was pretty impressed with there customer service at the time, but I'm still waiting for my bushing and my bike is unrideable. If you can I think the fox shock is the way to go. Had to drop a chili for the rear shock!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, giant, bridgstone
Bottom Line:
The bottom line this is a great bike that delivers. Incredibly effecient and incredible to ride. Not to heavey for a 5.75 inch travel bike. And oh ya it is a YETI. A great value at the price $1299 for the frame at CBO "shut up and ride"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Morgan Hill, CA Date Reviewed: December 26, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1299.00
Purchased At:
Beyond
Strengths:
Really strong good looking frame huge chainstays with an all custom tubeset and very nice welding. The standover is the best I've ever had with the machined shock mount in the middle of the top tube. Looks hella cool in gold.
Weaknesses:
All that strength comes with some weight attached. I beleive the frame tips the scales a bit over 6lbs not bad. The jury is still out on the durability of the carbon flex pivots but with no moving parts they are maintenance free:)
Similar Products Used:
Sugar 3 (loved it & broke it), Superlight(loved it) and old steel aka 1989 Fisher HKII (still got it)
Bike Setup:
Custom build SRAM rocket twisters with XT drivetrain,xt disc with XM819 rims,Talas fork,RP3 rear shock and Avid Mech disks.
Bottom Line:
I wanted a strong cross country bike and this thing delivers. The RP3 shock took some getting used to. It is very plush even in pro pedal mode and this really helps on rocky technical climbs it just stays hooked up even on out of the saddle attacks. The Talas fork works wonderfully with the adjustable travel 3" to climb and 5" for a comfy descent. The most important thing for me is the sizing I am 6ft tall and they recommend a medium but I bought a large so that the top tube would be long enough for extended climbing and it seems I hit it right on. This of course is due to personal preference and type of riding (ever been to Henry Coe?). I am very pleased with this bike and am looking forward to many rides great rides in the future.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
larry
a Cross Country Rider
from La Selva Beach Date Reviewed: December 10, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Spokesman, Santa Cruz
Strengths:
Great component mix, fork, shock for the $$. Being form Santa Cruz County, all you see are Blurs and Superlights. So far this is the only 575 I've seen. Lightweight, longtravel!
Weaknesses:
Maxxis High Rollers; I'm a WTB fan, and these don't hold a candle to tires I've had onmy old hardtails. So far no problems with the 5th Element, it looks like I am in the minority of happy customers and I know that could change at any time! I would have preferred the Fox due to reputation and reliability but no choice.
Similar Products Used:
Tried Superlight, StumpjumperFSR Expert, and a 03 Kokopelli. Almost bought the Koko, but waited for the 575.
Bike Setup:
Stock Disc Model. 5th Element, Fox Vanilla Fork, xt....Tru Vativ
Bottom Line:
This was a 50 bday present form my wife and son! After 20 or so years of hardtails, it was time. I wanted a Santa Cruz, but when I went shopping around, I couldn't even touch a Superlite with the same components for less than $2700, let alone a Blur. The more I read about Yeti's the more I liked 'em. Spokesman doesn't stock them, but they can get 'em. I test rode one at an REI over the hill in San Jose, and it was so new, they couldn't even tell me what the price was going to be. I went in to Spokesman and they ordered me one the next day. BUY LOCAL! This 50 year old body appreciates the smooth ride of the 575. My buddies tell me they notice no bob when we are climbing and say it looks pretty smooth bombing downhill. Buy it if you want a bike that is well engineered, a great value, rides smooth, and comes from a great company that stands behind their product (they respond very quickly to e-mails).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Isby
a Weekend Warrior
from Anchorage, Alaska, USA Date Reviewed: October 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Campbell Loop, Hillside Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Alaska Mtn Bike Source - Pinnacle Mountain Sports
Strengths:
Novel design, light, can handle very varied terrain. I have found the 5th Element shock to be relatively low maintenance, contrary to some of the reports I have read.
Weaknesses:
No real weaknesses -- the only things I can think of is that the brake discs rub against the calipers slightly and the water bottle cage mount is in a very tight spot in the frame so it's hard to get anything but a small bottle in and out (started using a Camelback anyway).
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock Disc setup except was able to upgrade to the 5th Element Airshock from the standard Fox shock for $90. I added Crank Bros Candy C clipless pedals
Bottom Line:
This is my first full suspension mountain bike and I'm extremely pleased. I did a lot of research and test drove a bunch of different bikes but I found the Yeti 575 to be the most comfortable to ride and best handling. I also think it is good value for money. I like the fact that it does not have a mass-produced look to it with a unique frame/suspension design with decent components for a reasonable price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Pa Date Reviewed: September 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Mailorder
Strengths:
Excellent geometry. Bike handles like it is on rails. My '04 575 came with 5th element rear shock, love it. Climbs good and you can take downhill lines that would normally put you in fetal position.
Weaknesses:
Stock Maxxis suck. Bottom bracket blew out after 2 months of hard riding.
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche & GT LTS
Bike Setup:
Stock with Time pedals. Replaced bottom bracket with FSA. Replaced stock tires with Hutchinson.
Bottom Line:
I was skeptical after hearing negative reviews about the 5th element shock. I have used mine for 4 months and many miles with no problems. Read the manual, set and check the pressure often, and keep it clean. The geometry on this bike is great. Climbing seem easier and bouncing off baby heads is not a problem (not actual babies). Do not buy this bike unless you plan on copious rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Walters
a
from Menlo Park Date Reviewed: September 6, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Skeggs Point (Steam Donkey, giant salamander)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Light, responsive, plush travel. It climbs like a hard tail and is fast downhill.
Weaknesses:
none
Bike Setup:
Stock "disc" build w/ crank bros candy pedals.
Bottom Line:
After a few hundred miles and throwing everything I can at it (all the trails at Soquel Demo, Skeggs Point), this bike has performed great. Highly recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a Cross Country Rider
from st george utah usa Date Reviewed: July 31, 2004
Favorite Trail:
jem
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
desert cyclery
Strengths:
stiff light frame, best fit I have ever had on a bike. It's really easy to flick around. Definatley the best bike Ive ever ridden.My whole XL frame setup weighs only 26 lbs. Climbs like gas prices too.
Weaknesses:
the only weakness I can think of is the disc brakes I have they are heyes mechanical, I dont even know the product name, but I am replacing them with hydraulics.
Similar Products Used:
enduro,and giant VT
Bike Setup:
fox vanilla fork, fox float rp3 rear, shimano deore lx drive train.
Bottom Line:
the guy that talked me into this bike told me that yeti was a whole different kind of animal. I know what he meant now. The bike is freaking amazing I,ve never felt so comfortable and confident on a bike. I will never ride any thing else. this is the perfect bike for any one who wants a light weight bike that can handle all day rides. Five flaming poo poos.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Muddy Trail
a Weekend Warrior
from Tacoma, Wa Date Reviewed: June 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Skookum Flats
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Light weight for 5.75 inches of travel.
Weaknesses:
Fit seemed at little too stretched out.
Similar Products Used:
Dakar XLT, Specialized Enduro
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Test rode on REI "trail" and off a small stairs jump. Bike is quick handling and accelerates without any bob. Feels more nimble than my 3 inch travel Specialized.Both the Dakar and Enduro seem sluggish compared to the Yeti. Sucks up drops very smoothly. I would change out the stem to allow me to pop up the front wheel easier to clear log and rocks. A great ride, I hope they have my size when it comes time to buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
oz
a Weekend Warrior
from Campbell Date Reviewed: May 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
need to know basis
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
$2100
Strengths:
Climbs like like a 17 year old's morning wood!! Feels like a long travel coil shock on the way down. Very unique look...gets tons of attention...if that's a good thang. Feels very efficient...screw that...it IS very efficient!! Long geometry is confidence inspiring while descending: extremely stable at Flux Capacitor speeds. Light!! For that much travel, VERY light. Excellent component specs(see exceptions below). Fast, fun, and furious. Isn't that a movie?
Weaknesses:
Some confusion about cable routing. Yeti has finally posted the official routing directions on their site. Check it out if you buy one...some stores(including the one I bought her from(yes, I have decided that mine is a "she"), had the routing all wrong. This caused all kinds of ghost shifting. I personally can't stand the Maxxis High Roller 2.1's that came with it. When running at medium to high pressure, they have the grip of a banana peel on marble floors covered with K-Y. In other words...the Bike itself leaves very little left to be desired.
Similar Products Used:
Enduro Expert, Blur, VT2, Marin Wolfridge....
Bike Setup:
Stock Disc Version.
Bottom Line:
I have not had this much fun and versatility since...I got my passport. This thing climbs so well, handles reasonable drops super smoove-like, looks super blang blang, and inspires tons of confidence in very harry sections. I think that with the amount of travel, you might as well put some bigger tires on there. I have a NBX 2.3 in front now, and will martyr a few twisted chutes and ladders on it tomorrow(I'm very curious and hopeful to see the improvement from the tires...more to come about that.
I think that for the money, the only other bike that can touch this is the Enduro Expert. If you spend another 500 bones or so, then you open all kinds of doors(albeit, not necessarily better than the 575!!). At this price though...wheh...Umma gonna go spit shine da litttle monkey women right now!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nico
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver/Great Falls Virginia Date Reviewed: May 25, 2004
Favorite Trail:
mels
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
5.75 inches of rear travel + super light weight = good times, Standover height is awesome (28 inches i believe), and it pedals like a maniac (im on the float rl), fox in front and back
Weaknesses:
i don't like clipless pedals.... so i swapped them
This is the most incredible bike, I was looking for a 5 inch travel trail bike that i could pedal around quickly... I searched and rode all the bikes in this category and my price range (1500-2000) and the Yeti 575 was definitely the best of them all.. It offers the most travel, with the lightest weight, AND the best components.. the fox suspension is magnificent and pedal bob is unnoticable, the vanilla 125 rl is nice is front and its cool to have both front and back lockouts.. I think this could be the new wave of bike because its hardcore without being impossible to pedal and flick around, with xt in front and back you can't go wrong... This is the perfect bike that I had been searching for, I recommend you get one by 5/31/04 to take advantage of REI's 20% sale and get it for 1760..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Aurora, CO Date Reviewed: May 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Horsethief Bench
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1758.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Lightweight, AGILE!!!, great balance / feel to the steering, good clearance over obstacles, PLUSH!
Weaknesses:
tires (brakes?)
Similar Products Used:
Jamis Dakar Expert
Bike Setup:
White, Factory stock w/ Vanilla 125 RL (Medium)
Bottom Line:
Picked up the bike Fri afternoon in Boulder and headed straight to the trail. Climbed up out of Boulder Canyon and headed up to the top of Betazzo. Noted that the tires (Maxxis Highroller 2.1) had a tough time gripping some of the loosepack in the climb, and that the stock SRAM (11/32) cassette doesn't gear down as nicely as a Shimano (12/34) does. On the good side though, the front end stayed down and was easily controllable (steerable) through sections I could NEVER have cleaned on my Jamis. Looped the top then dropped back down to the bottom, felt great!! This bike is SO plush on the downhill I didn't have any problems cleaning sections I usually would have downclimbed and the tires grip fine on descent. HooYa!! Saturday, started at the top of Flagstaff and rode the Aqueduct up to Nederland. Plans were to link up to the Blue Dot and descend back down, but all the snow and hail turned it into a bailout so we bushwhacked over to and descended down Magnolia Hill. Long and Steep asphalt wasn't nice to my rear brake. Chunked out the rear brake pads and got the subsequent squealing, vibration, and loss of rear braking that goes along with it. Made it interesting to say the least, but the tires held just fine, even on steep wet asphalt. REI replaced the pads for me within an hour and got me back on the trail for Sunday (Thanks Kevin!!!). Spent the next day doing laps over and around Green Mtn. Again, PLUSH! Comfortable!! Agile!!! and rock solid on switchbacks, baby heads, and steeps!!!!! Basically, got about 30 miles of singletrack and maybe 12 miles of bike path / road. This weekend I'm heading up to Crustey Butte to play with my Yeti. I'm a 5'11" 190 lb cross country trail rider doing the occasional Epic Longride, and this bike is PERFECT for me. Seems to also be pretty damn fine at downhill as well!
Rider, Take Note: IF YOU EVER GET A CHANCE TO RIDE or BUY ONE OF THESE GEMS,,,, SELL YOUR KIDS, YOUR DOGS, WHATEVER IT TAKES, GET ON THIS BIKE! It SO lives up to the Yeti reputation!!! OK, now that I've finally got the bike to do it with, I just have to learn to be,,, all the rider I can be!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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