Born and bred on the race circuit, the all-new AS-R has been radically refined. Everything has been CAD-optimized: a new machined top tube knuckle (saves 50g), new Yeti/Easton custom tubing (saves 100g), TiFlex pivot and new dropouts (saves 100g)… for an amazing frame weight (including rear shock) of 5.1 pounds. And still with the same plush (3.7”) travel to handle anything from the roughest XC race courses to the ultimate Colorado singletrack.
Submitted by
Paul Crawford
a Cross Country Rider
from Vassalboro, Maine
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2008
Strengths: Light (Mine is an '06, built in Golden, CO), Stiff, Strong(?), Very well machined everywhere, accepting parts smoothly and securely. Smooth bore in the seat-tube. Straight derailleur hanger out of the box! A few absurdities that wreck the frame business, and are usually the result of shipping guys throwing boxes into trucks. SO I got this frame secondhand from a guy who raced it for one season, loved it, bought a 575, and knew I would dress it and ride it right. It weighs 1lb. more than the Ti hardtail I built it from, and left me with a frame to sell with a price on it higher than I paid for the Yeti frame. Not to shabby. The handmade variety of frames in the US have a ride that can't be compared to robotically built frames. Though there is an accuracy to the machine made versions of these bikes, there is a human-ness in the man-made ones. It stands to reason that if you dress it in handmade parts, it will ride stronger and truer, as long as care was really put into the making of the parts. I have to be thankful to these guys who helped me get it together. I don't know the first thing about lacing Kevlar, or tuning a shock.
Weaknesses: Paint. I would have thought that by '06 Yeti would have switched to anodizing. It is so much more durable. I would like to see it as an option... If we are going to be subjected to an overseas manufactury, and to not be able to communicate with the builder directly, We are not really getting a "custom" frame at all.
Bottom Line:
Not bad... 21lbs, almost 4" of suspension, same travel in the fork as the rear wheel, and no bob! The climbing is stiff, the descents are clean and easy to control, and there is the same amount of carbon in the frame as in the fork, so the sound and damping are even in the whole passing of bumps and jumps.
Bike Setup: Sid WorldCup Carbon, King HS, Cobalt Ti/Ceramic BB, AC Carbon Cobra Cranks, StrongLight Zycral Chainrings, XTR FD, X-0 RD w/ RS-P Carbon Inner plate, carbon/ceramic pulleys, Ti hardware, Spinergy Xyclone Disc wheels, Hope Mono-Mini Pro Floating Red SS Brakes, XTR cassette, Hope Skewers, Syntace P6 post, Hope seatclamp, Selle San Marco Superleggera Carbon Saddle, Crank Bros. Eggbeater SL pedals, Syntace F99Ti Stem, RaceFace NEXT SL Carbon bars, ODI Oury LockOn grips, PurelyCustom bar caps, SRAM X-0 shifters and PushLoc w/ custom mount, Hope MiniPro Levers w/ Red Hardware...If I missed anything, and you want to know where I got it, just ask.
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Submitted by
Ed Miller
a Weekend Warrior
from Hailey, Idaho
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2004
Strengths: fairly light, stable at high speed, rear susp seems smooth
Weaknesses: Available sizes are a little off for an average 6' guy. (ie. 6' guys fall between a large and a med frame.)
Bottom Line:
Got this during off season and it had a collection of parts on it (probably leftovers from the bike shop) some were good and some were cheap like the TERRIBLE front shock (Rockshox Judy SL) Until I got the Marathon, I had problems holding a tight line if trail was bumpy as the Judy would bounce all over. Anyway the bike now tracks well and seems solid. Don't think its a whole lot faster than my old Klein Attitude hardtail but it seems a little gentler on my old bones after a long ride. Frame is well-made with primo welds and workmanship. The little dealing I had with factory makes me think their adequate for basic warranty issues but probably wouldn't go out of their way to help or correct an unusual problem.
Anyway its a good frame and with the right components, it makes a good ride. Never rode a Blur or Racer X so don't really know what the competition is like. By the way anybody selling a lightweight rear wheel with Chris King hub? I'm in the market.
Strengths: Goes uphill almost as well as it goes downhill. I sold my hardtail after getting this bike. Reliability (except cosmetic stuff).
Weaknesses: Customer service, attention to detail. For a $1900 frame I expected more.
Bottom Line:
The bike rides great, fun for all-day rides, and fast enough for XC races. But I'm not impressed with the customer service and workmanship. Noticeable quality difference between the best and worst welds on the rear triangle. There is a piece of metal trapped in the right seatstay that rattles around on some downhills. The head tube badge came off during a ride -- when I told Yeti about this they said I could bring it in and have it replaced for $10. WTF?? It was still under warranty! I also don't like how the rear hyrdaulic hose is routed, it makes two sharp bends. If I had to do it over I would probably get a Santa Cruz Superlight or Blur.
Similar Products Used: Santa Cruz Superlight, Trek 8000 hardtail
Bike Setup: XT drivetrain, Hayes discs, Marzocchi Marathon SL 100mm
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Submitted by
Jay Middleton
a Cross Country Rider
from Spokane, WA
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2004
Strengths: Great for those all day epic rides, beautiful craftsmanship
Weaknesses: customer service from Yeti
Bottom Line:
Wow what a work of art! I was so pumped when I got my frame form Yeti and built this bad baby up for all day epic rides. This is my first duli and I wanted something that would last. Man was pissed when a weld in the rear triangle broke come around a sharp turn. My local mechanic took one look at it and said "Bad weld, you better send it back to Yeti. Yeti gave me an RA# and then I waited and waited and waited some more. I finally gave them a call and ask about my new rear triangle. They had no idea what I was talking about. They finally found my rear triangle sitting in their shipping area "behind some other boxes." My new rear triangle showed up about a week latter with no appology or intrest in the fact that I might be a little miffed about the whole thing. So what about the bike? Well, it rides really well and it perfect for all day cross country riding. I have yet to race on it. This bike flys on the uphills. Just stay in the seat and hammer. When you get to the top, shift in to your big ring and let it rip. I am not a big hit kinda rider but this bike is made for those fast techincal single track descents that we all dream about. I wouldn't trade this bike for anything but I am upgrading to a set of Mavic Crossmax Sl 'cause the WTB Speed Disc are heavy and cheap. The only real downside to this bike has been the less than stellar customer service provided by Yeti. I had to provide all of the labor to break the bike down to ship them the busted rear triangle and rebuild the bike when I finally got a new traingle and the guys at Yeti just didn't seem that concerned that one of their bikes had broken after less than 3 months of riding. I find I hard to buy in to their whole "Tribe" deal with that kind of attitude. Oh well, as long as this frame holds together I'll be happy. I am giving this bike a 3 on the value rating due to poor customer service.
Similar Products Used: All hardtails from Kona and GT up to this point
Bike Setup: xt cranks and drive train, avid mechanical disc, easton carbon bars and seat post, wtb speed disc wheels, mantou black elite
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Submitted by
Matthew Snow
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfield, CT USA
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2004
Strengths: Quality Craftsmanship,Low Weight for FS Frame,Minimal Frame Flex
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
The 04 frame is a work of art. All of the tubes are custom and the swingarm is beefy.The paint and decals look cool.The bike rides and pedals better than any other I have ridden. Built w/ the 5th Element Air Shock, you get very firm pedaling until you hit a bump and them it just soaks it up. There is no frame flex and just hooks up going uphill.It is very stable coming down. This frame will definitely build your confidence.
Similar Products Used: Maverick ML-7 ridden for 1yr
Bike Setup: Progressive 5th Element Air Shock,Fox Float 100RLC Fork, 03 XTR, Easton, Mavic 3.1 Tubeless
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Submitted by
45 ACP
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2003
Strengths: '04 tubeset, craftsmanship, lateral stiffness, 5th E air shock, YETI!!
Weaknesses: Really hard to find (sold out) People I don't know always try to fondle it.
Bottom Line:
I finally decided I needed more travel, but didn't want the squishy 5" trailbike feel. This is my 4th Yeti, so there was no discussion of the matter- it had to be the AS-R SL. The frame came to me with the 5th E air and '04 tubeset and it ROCKS! The folks at 123Bikes were great to work with (some minor setbacks from the factory) and I couldn't be happier with the purchase. Once I got the suspension set up (SPV is VERY nice), I've found the bike to be a great trail rider. Stiff laterally, but compliant when I need it to be. Unbelievable handling uphill and down. You must get one!
Bike Setup: Minute 2 fork, XTR cranks, King hubs and headset, XT disc brakes, thomson post and stem, monkeylight bar, XO shifters and der. Basically set up as a trailbike, not a racer.
Strengths: Amazing Weight, Efficient Design, Awesome Color Scheme, Attention to Detail.
Weaknesses: Lose sleep because you can't spend the night in the same room.
Bottom Line:
I have been Mountain Biking for 13 years and have been intrigued by Yeti Cycles from the start. It was alway's a dream bike because of the price but now that I received sponsorship the dream has become reality. This bike races uphill, screams the downhill and alway's keeps asking for more. I have been a die hard hardtail fan for years and after I got done with my first ride on this bike and I really don't see the necessity for two bikes anymore. This work of art has exceeded my expectations. Bottom Line> For the single track mind-"You need one".
Similar Products Used: Cannondale Super V 2000, Salt Cycles Magnesium, Cannondale F3000 SL, Fishlips Titanium,
Bike Setup: Fox Float 100 RLC, XTR Cranks, Sram X.O. Shifters, Hayes Disc Brakes, ARC Wheelset,
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Randy
a Weekend Warrior
from Denton, TX
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2003
Strengths: Quality of frame build, suspension action, fit, stability, balance, weight, "fit and finish" of frame, attention to detail, stiffness
Weaknesses: Yeah, right.
Bottom Line:
I rode a Superlight for 2 years thinking it was the best. I was wrong. Where the Superlight was twitchy, the AS-R is stable. I used to pucker up on steep descents, but now I relish them. When I first started riding it, it kind of felt a little long and sluggish, but once I got used to it, I realized I was actually going faster on trails I have ridden a hundred times.
Last October I took it to Colorado and Utah, and it really shined. This bike really instills confidence, and flows so smoothly over any type of terrain you will wonder how you got along without it. I had really been looking for more of a "trail" bike, like the Heckler or the Turner 5 Spot, But the AS-R fits the bill nicely. It handles very well, climbs great, and descends excellently; it is truly a bike that wants to be ridden all day and then some.
I get asked a lot how I like it, and I usually just grin from ear to ear; I would definitely recommend this bike to anyone, whether they want to race it, as it can be built up very light and is a proven race bike, or just build it up a little stouter (mine comes in at about 26.5 pounds) and have a fantastic trail bike.
If you are looking for a new trail or race bike, do yourself a favor, and check out the AS-R, you will come away with a smile on your face.
Also a quick note about Mad Duck adventure Sports in Grapevine, Texas: Getting a bike like this should be something special,I was VERY pleased with the entire process of choosing a frame, getting the size right, selecting the right components for my riding style and the "final fitting", dialing in the stem length and rise, saddle set up, etc. Those guys really know what customer service is all about. Heck, I pass up no less than four bike shops on the way to The Duck!
Similar Products Used: Santa Cruz Superlight(for 2 years) demoed the following:Trek fuel, Ventana Pantera and Saltamontes, Ellsworth Truth, Cannondale Jeckyl and Gemini, Specialized FSR
Bike Setup: '03 Turquoise AS-R SL, Thompson post & stem, XT shifters & cranks, Easton Monkey Light risers, Hope Mini's
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Scott H
a Cross Country Rider
from Keller, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2003
Strengths: Very light for a dual susser. Very fast, especially in and out of corners and downhill.
Weaknesses: I haven't found one yet except maybe the cost.
Bottom Line:
This is by far the best bike I've EVER ridden! I test rode one similar to the one I bought just one time and absolutely fell in love with the Yeti AS-R and had to have one. Gary and Clarence at Mad Duck Adventure Sports were way cool during the spec'ing and building of the bike. Fully assembled this bike weighs only 25.8 pounds but rides much lighter. I'm faster on this bike than my hardtail that weighs 4 pounds less. You want to go fast into turns, just sit down on the bike and it slingshots you out of the corner. You want to go fast up hill, same thing just step on the pedals and the bike grips like mad. This bike is not plush which is exactly what I wanted. It has just enough travel to make you appreciate what you don't even realize the bike is doing which is make riding much more comfortable. I waited a long time for dual suspension technology to get good enough to warrant buying one and Yeti definitely has gotten there. If you've been waiting to buy a dual susser,wait no more and run to go get one of these dream machines. If you live anywhere in the DFW Metroplex, call Clarence at Mad Duck and let him help cure what ails you.
Similar Products Used: No other dual susser only hard tails.
Bike Setup: Tricked out!!! XTR Drive train and disc brakes with STI shifters,Mavic Crossmax XL rims, Geax Sedona UST Tires, Chris King Headset, Thomson Elite Seatpost and Stem, Easton Monkey Light XC Carbon Bars, Shimano 959, XT Integrated Cranks, WTB Saddle, Yeti Lock on grips
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
John S
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2003
Strengths: Light, responsive, yeti quality!
Weaknesses: I guess I don't like to part with my money so much. None with the bike
Bottom Line:
This is a bike that will perform. It can handel the colorado frontrange trails and the high rocky mountain trails as well. I haven't had any issues at all on this frame. Some shock issues but that was mostly some set up problems. This bike is very fast through the technical stuff. I would't want to take huge drops with this bike cause that is not this frames purpose. Fast, confortable, climbing, full suspension bike!
Submitted by
Mr X
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2003
Strengths: YETI said it all. Quailty od Service(Qos), Excellent handle, Shock absorption, weight. YETI great innovation PLUS Easton reputed workmanship. Simply astonishing product!
Weaknesses: Expensive but worth every cent spent. *I went hungry most of the time without decent meal after that..haahaa..*
Bottom Line:
Simply irresistible. Surely to attract attention whenever I go cycling. The previous AS-R frame was equally great and also attention seeker frame. None to describe both AS-R frame. They are the best FS frame I ever get. My first FS Fuji frame can never came close to match the performance, agility, flexibility of these two AS-R babes. The Fuji original rear-shock Cane Creek AD5 *gone* after three months of usage. Couldn't pump up to the desired PSI. I have to spent $$$ to get mine a RS SID XC rear-shock instead. Even my friend CC AD10 was also *gone* after four months of usage. Haiz.... what is there to say...=(
BottonLine: If you are looking for value-worth frame, look no further. Your search end here. YETI delivered your dream to your doorstep. The Fox rear-shock RC & RL will never failed you under most road-condition, unlike cane creek. YETI has all the stuffs you are searching around. She's a babe! A definite life-keeper frame.
Strengths: Its ride characteristics, weld quality, and overall looks. This bike looks fast standing still.
Weaknesses: None that I have found.
Bottom Line:
This being the first FS bike I've ever purchased and ridden I wasn't sure what to expect. In the first 5 min. of riding this bike I felt like I had been riding it for months. The AS-R was a blast to ride from the first pedal stroke. Its climbing is lite and lively, the rear shock is active but no lose of forward momentum can be detected. I tried climbing both locked out and active, the AS-R feels faster and easier with the suspension active. Decending was a blast, the bike soaked up everything I through at it. The AS-R is a very nimble decender, changing lines to getting air, it handles it all. On tight singletrack this bike handles just as well as any hardtail I've owned, quick and responsive. I've raced this bike as is (26.5lbs)and had no problem keeping up and beating others on hardtail bikes. The AS-R has also help with my aging back, no more sore back problems after long hard rides. The Yeti is everything and more of what I expected from a FS bike. Anyone looking for a top quality FS XC ride look no further. To quote Farris Beuller(SP) "If You have the means, I highly recommend one".
Similar Products Used: No full suspension just hardtails: Litespeed, GT...
Bike Setup: Yeti race lite disc package: Manitou Black Elite 80-100mm, XT-XTR, Hayes Hydraulic disc, Yeti carbon riser bars, Yeti seat post, Fox rear shock, Hutchinson air lite Pythons.
Weaknesses: Expensive, but this is a race quality full suspension frame. They don't come cheap, worth it. My house doesn't need furniture anyway. I waited 2 months for my frame.
Bottom Line:
This bike is incredible. I have been riding my Litespeed for about 4 years now, and have to say, jow much I have been missing the enjoyment of full suspension! I held out with the hardtail, switched to a softtail, and not I am a true convert. While the Litespeed is a great ride, at 195 the frame flex was at times unnerving, and I never could dial in great confidence in the tights, not why. I am not sure what it is, but the ASR simply locks up on corners, tight turn backs, and the sweeping corners. No front tire wash out. For the more aggressive rider, I have found the limits of adhesion illicit a two wheel slide that feels pretty sweet. And, the rear simply rolls over the chatter or rocks and roots found in central texas. I am experiencing a weight penalty from the Litespeed, but frankly I don't care. I am riding faster and feel better when I am done. My laps times at my weekly rides have been reduced and my friends that race a class above me are not disappearing into the woods ahead of me. Instead I am on the rear tire happily talking sh*t. The 5th element keeps the bop to a minimum, and the only place it shows itself is it out of the saddle sprinting. I have really not had this bike on a super techinal trail yet, and have noticed a bit of a penalty from the upfront weight and stance of the Fox Float 100, but it rides so much better than my Skareb Super that I am sure I will adjust. Bottom line: sweet ride, get one! I wish I had been on this rig during my summer trip to New Mexico. The downhills were downright sick in some areas (at least for a xc rider), and all my friends walked away from me on the downhills. No longer :)
Similar Products Used: Litespeed Unicoi, Fuel, Scalpel, racer x
Bike Setup: Full XTR drivetrain, Magura Marta SL's, Chris King Hubs, Bontrager rims, thomson seat and stem, Fox Float 100RLC, 5th element rear shock, selle italia flight, Easton monkey lights.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2003
Strengths: It's a Yeti enough said. This bike has great geometrey, it climbs like no other and eats Dh like a Yeti was born to do. Easton Tubing, 5th element shock.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I have owned the spider and the Blur and the Racer-X all are great bikes but the Yeti out does them in Climbing and decending. The Yeti has better geometrey better tubes it is just a better bike. The Yeti climbs with no hesitation the 5th element shock is a must there is no Bob on my bike that I notice, and when I turn the wheel down hill the bike handles like no other in it's class. You don't have to be a Yeti fan to appreciate this bike just take a ride on it and it willdo the rest. Also check out www.yetifan.com
Similar Products Used: Intense Spider, Santa Cruz Blur, Titus Racer-X, Etc.
Bike Setup: 2004 Turqoise(Yeti original) Yeti ASR Thomson seatpost and stem, King headset, Fox Terra logic 100mm fork.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2003
Strengths: This is actually a 2004 ASR. Changes for 2004 is a new knuckle design, more ovalized chain stays and a custom formed down tube. All were reported to increase strength and reduce weight. I have had the bike for just about 1-1/2 months and could not be happier. If you are truly a skilled rider that can push the envelope, the ASR will deliver and only then is it worth the price. The 5th Element air shock works great and when set up correctly will keep Bob at bay while delivering a sweet ride. Climbing performance is excellent. The handling is spot on and for aggressive riders that can handle 2-wheel drifting at speed this geometry is tough to beat. I did not weigh the frame but complete bike came in at 24.5 lbs. (real weight, not guestimated) running non-tubeless not so light tire set-up. Capable XC riders will love this bike, as will epic riders that are not into hucking. I will write a follow up review when 2004 models are available on the site.
Weaknesses: Would be nice to have anodized finishes.
Bottom Line:
Expensive frame that can only be justified by a skilled rider that can take advantage of the performance it’s capable of delivering. Although, all the buzz is VPP, the 5th element shock design will surprise you on its anti-bob performance on the ASR. I considered a Blur but the weight penalty was just too much. Value is 4 chilis due to price. My ride was a package deal thus actual frame price was not reported. Ride fast and take chances!
Well, it had to happen eventually, I guess. My 2004 AS-R SL frame finally snapped. I loved that bike. Any chance Yeti would give me a discount on a new frame?
[IMG]http://member Read More »
Hello,
Hello,
2 quick questions regarding suspension pivot bolts of my Yeti 2010 AS-R 5 carbon MTB.
1. What is the torque spec, I need to tighten the 5 suspension pivots b Read More »
Have owned X9 3x10 setups. Shifted perfectly in all conditions.
Currently have a XT DynaSys 3x10 on another bike and it's just as telepathic as the prior X9: shifts just as soon a Read More »
Besides the Ripley. I want to get a 4" 29'r, but am real picky about the pedaling and climbing characteristics of it. I love how the mojo does not squat when climbing, and would Read More »
