The DH-9 has nearly 9 inches of rear travel and a massively strong frame, making it the ideal DH race bike. But the real secret of the DH-9 lies in the patented Lawwill rear suspension, which allows the rear wheel to travel in a vertical path and isolates the suspension from pedaling forces. This rare combination of plush travel and efficient pedaling has made the DH-9 one of the most successful bikes on race circuits around the world.
Similar Products Used: Scott high Octane One, Kona Stab Deelux dh, Specialized Big Hit Spec
Bike Setup: Shiver Dc '04, Hope Mp4, Intense World Cup dh 2.50, Answer protaper, Manitou Swinger 4way, Sun Ringle Double Track
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Submitted by
Ryan Shomsky
a
from Pleasanton CA 94566
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2004
Strengths: huge frame great suspention design and pretty much everything you can imagine but only good things
Weaknesses: the derailer hanger is welded onto the frame there is no replacable hanger once you bend that or strip out the threads in it you are screwed
Bottom Line:
this bike is excellent all around the only problem is the derailer hanger who ever designed the not replacable derailer hanger should be shot ohhh well just dont jack it up, great for racing cause of the long wheelbase pricy but what nine inch long travel bike isnt great linkage design
going to give it a full rating though because once i get that hanger that i stripped and mangled fixed going to get back racing and it will all be better
Bike Setup: boxxer race, dt swiss hugi fr front hub, hadley back hub, pair of mag 30's intense tires chris king head set
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Submitted by
Ben S
a Racer
from Surrey, Great Britain
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2004
Strengths: Strong but not to heavy, floating caliper, 9 inches of buttery smooth travel, very plush over the roughest mountains can offer.
Weaknesses: some may not like the long wheel base, but personally i think that you can't really tell much of a difference and anyway, the longer the wheel base, the more stable and faster you can get through the rough stuff.
Bottom Line:
This is my first DH race bike, and its a big change from racing dh on a hardtail.
I was a bit worried about the long wheel base the Yeti DH9 has, but it isn't a problem, infact its a a bonus really, pulling up off drops and jumps isnt any more difficult than any other DH bike with a shorter wheel base.
The weight is perfect, it isn't a complete brick but heavy enoguh to keep you on track and you can really carry speed down the hill, without bouncing about the place, thats where the longer wheel base comes in handy.
The suspension design is the best i have ever seen, you can pedal hard without bobbing up and down, you can also pedal through anything, the suspension is so plush, you go so much quicker and smoother over the biggest rocks and roots. It gives you so much confidence.
The shivers i also run on mine compress perectly with the rear giving a very smooth ride.
If you want a DH bike for racing this is the bike for you, if your also like to huck big ol' drops then i would imagine this is also a good choice.
Best DH bike ever, can't imagine that anybike could be better.
Submitted by
Edd Collins
a Weekend Warrior
from Uk
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2003
Strengths: Strong, plush bottomless feel, is a joy to watch it move through through its travel. Generally gorgeous bike.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
Utillises the best suspension design ever created. Nothing compares to this bike. Mert lawill desgined the most efficient system to this day.
Is not affected by rider input Does not suffer from brake jack Moves in a vertical axle path Low centre of gravity
Forget 222s and m1s, v10s and bikes with fancy lookin designs **this does not make them the better**
If this bike cost twice as much it would still be worth it, it really does take riding onto another level.
Nathen Rennie kicks serious butt on this bike, it will bring out the best in your riding, if your thinking about seriously racing or pimpin at the local bsx course get this bike, it will garunteed take you everywhere you want to go.
There isnt a chilli rating high enough to rate this bike.
Buy one, if you dont, you instantly brand yourself a fool.
Similar Products Used: None lawill, but super 8, giant dh comp, bullit, 222, patriot, m1 etc.
Bike Setup: Yeti dh9, shivvers, shimano airlines, 321s on big un front, razor rock rear (this is one lous ass mudda fu**in hub) hope m4s, easton mg60 stem, Ea50 bars, generally pimp ass sh*t.
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Submitted by
joanna
a Downhiller
from winterpark co.
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2003
Strengths: Stiff frame, great suspension design, excellent size selection. extra small to large. pedals very well and super plush
Weaknesses: none found
Bottom Line:
great bike because of the design. eccentric pivot enables shorter or longer wheelbase for fast ski run courses or tight tree sections. peope who should buy are people looking for a serious bike for racing and winning. world cup performer and great bike overall.
Strengths: Mert Lawill is not a porn star (despite the name) but his suspension design is pimp!
Not only is the YETI a design classic and strong brand from the old school but it is an awesome setup. The parallelogram rear allows the axle to track vertically, allowing bump forces to move the wheel and extend the wheelbase .Bikes with a low pivot cause the wheel to travel forwards through the stroke, hooking bumps and eating speed.
Weaknesses: Price and availability in the UK are the biggest 'weaknesses' I can think of! Slack head angle and plush travel gives a low BB - run short cranks!
Bottom Line:
If you are after the plushest, pimpest bike out there for pure DH then this is the one to go for. Pedals like a dream and handles bumps with ease.
Similar Products Used: Raleigh DHO, Super 8, Orange 222
Bike Setup: Full monty - Turquoise frame,Dorrado's, Race Face, MRP, Chris King headset (rasta!) and hub, HOPE brakes and SDG saddle.
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Submitted by
Alex Barry
a
from Javea, Alicante, Spain
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2003
Strengths: Everything on the bike especially the great back suspension and the handle bars.
Weaknesses: the spokes
Bottom Line:
this bike is the most kick ass bike ever and i think even though this bike is quite expensive its well worth it. this is a great downhill bike made to be landed from high drops.although this is a great bike it is made for the more experienced riders. JUST OVERALL A GREAT BIKE!!
Strengths: Super Burly frame, tons of plush lovin' very responsive and stable at high speed. I freeride mine on huge drops. The 20mm rear thru axel keeps it super still. All aroud solid bike for DH race or freeride
Weaknesses: no replacable dropouts like santa cruz does
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike one year used, and I have been thrashing it for two years. THIS THING HOLDS UP!!! suspension is always super smooth and plush. the bike performs flawlessly for me. I definatly recomend it to any dh racer of free rider.
FIVE FLAMIN CHILIS! Nathen Rennie kills the other guys in the pro class on the same frame! you cant go wrong with this bike!
Similar Products Used: Santa Cruz, older yeti DH bike, Gt DHi, many more
Bike Setup: Dorado up front, vry nice turqoise / black finish profile cranks, shimano brakes/shifter/derailer fox vanilla rc shock (included with frame)
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Submitted by
Carl Lawson
a Downhiller
from Durango Colorado
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2003
Strengths: This bike has one of the best suspension designs ever! It's lightweight very plush and active. It totally has that confidence inspiring bottomless feel. This is the best bike ive tried- period!
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
If you want the real deal in a dh bike---buy this one!!! I am much more confident on big drops, through rock gardens and fast open sections. the pattented Mert Lawwill suspension kicks butt! This bike has perfect geometry and handling with my dorado
