Proven Active Suspension technology makes this bike one
of the best-performing full-suspension bikes available. Lightweight and efficient, this design yields a plush 3.7” of travel. Handmade in the USA with Yeti/Easton Taperwall tubing and a unique custom extruded top tube for added strength and stiffness. Frame with shock weighs only 5.6 pounds.
Similar Products Used: Specialized -fSR, White, etc . . .
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Submitted by
gnarbot™
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins CO USA
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2007
Strengths: Amazingly fun bike. I have ridden this rig VERY hard for over a year now, riding for many hours several days a week on everything from local trails to lift-serviced down hilling. Bike is light and a great peddler, good geometry makes it a scream downhill and light and nimble on the way up. For the price this was an amazing steel, and a great way into the yeti world. I have been continually upgrading since I purchased it, so really, it's about a $2000+ bike at this point, but $950 for a great frame ready to ride is hard to beat. I recommend this bike to anyone who loves to ride uphill and down.
Weaknesses: It sounds like this bike comes in number of different configs. Mine was lacking disc-ready wheels, so upgrading to disc brakes was a decent expenditure. The Manitou Skarab Comp fork that came with my bike wasn't great, so that had to go. It's a great project bike, though. And after accumulating better components for this bike, I'm hopping to just buy a new frame when I'm ready for something new (another yeti, of course).
Bottom Line:
Great bike. If you have the chance to pick one up, do it. It's a few years old now, but when you're smoking people on the trail and having a blast doing it, what's in an age?
Similar Products Used: Cannondales, Marins, Specialized bikes
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Submitted by
E Gibson
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2006
Strengths: Price. I was looking to pay twice as much, and expected half as much. Light weight. Geometry is pure race.
Weaknesses: Stock Fork. My bike came with an '03 Skared Copm 80mm travel fork. This fork does not match the plushness of the rear suspension. I would personally recommend a 100mm travel fork.
Bottom Line:
I've done a good amount of Mtn Biking, and this bike is the most well balanced bike I've ever owned. I do plan on upgrading pretty much all of the stock components. The bike came with good components, but not great. I think that with new fork, like the Fox RLT 100, it would be great. I don't mind though, because I would have paid $750 for this frame alone. I would recommend this bike for almost any one who wants a strong,light weight,cross-country bike. The only reason I didn't give this 5 out of 5 is because I don't think that there is one bike that is perfect for every rider in every aspect.
Strengths: Ok, two years ago I was a beginner, But this shiney black Yeti made me look like a pro. In two years I have learned to climb nearly vertical cliffs with the rear Fox Shock locked out. At the top I float the shock and do amazing things on downhills that are so steep and rough that they scare guys with a LOT more experience. This bike has given me confidence to do stuff on the downside that in hindsight seem... INSANE! I don't believe in magic, but the Kokopelli makes supernatural moves on wicked, boulder-strewn descents as though it were simultaneously possessed by demons and then gently carried to safety by the gods... when the boys and I go too far.
Weaknesses: Did everyone get rid of that stock seat? I put a Speed V on mine (nice cush. for rough landings). The mechanic at the bike shop said he had never seen a rear shockmount bolt broken off and he attributed this more to operator excess than product weakness. In the desert we have to keep those bushings lubed to avoid squeaks.
Bottom Line:
This bike outperformed even Yeti's most expensive models, so Yeti stopped making it: it's all about the bottom-line. If you were a lucky moron like me, one found you.
Bike Setup: LX/XTR, Titec seatpost, Dimension stem, composite bar, Truvativ cranks, Shimano pedals (they take a beating), Avid disk brakes (saved my life), Bontrager rims (I never even had to adjust them) and you HAVE to go tubless with a Stan's kit & sealant because every plant in El Paso has thorns ('good idea to carry a tube filled with slime, just in case).
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Submitted by
Brandon
a Cross Country Rider
from Castro Valley, California, USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2005
Strengths: Climbs Well, Tons of Traction, Great XC Geometry, Light Weight Frame, Beautiful Construction
Weaknesses: Not Produced anymore, Paint Chips Easily?
Bottom Line:
Sweet Bike, Especially for the price. Climbs and Descends well. Makes me feel more comfortable on long rides. Get One if you ever come across one.
Similar Products Used: Nuke Proof Ti, Amp Research b4, Santa Cruz Heckler, Trek Fuel, Giant NRS, Cannondale Prophet, Raleigh,
Bike Setup: Manitou Black comp fork, Xt/Lx components, Titec and Bontrager
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Submitted by
tumbleon
a Cross Country Rider
from Never in one place
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2005
Strengths: Yeti syle and name. Bad Ass Black. Amazing feel. Wallet friendly. Great components to start.
Weaknesses: Have to keep the pivots extra lubed.
Bottom Line:
The Koko with the Race Disc setup is a great bike. Fits my 5'8" 160lbs frame w/ only a few adjustments. It's properly abused on the trail and properly pampered off.
THE FIT: I swapped stems for a slightly shorter version and narrowed the bars a bit for proper fit and for the trails.
THE EFFECT: The bike itself was an immediate boost to my cababilities riding. I rode with the same group of guys and would consistently be in the middle to the end of the pack becuase my technical climbing was mediocre. My downhills were fast but not outstanding. Then i splurged on the Koko. immediately (same group of guys, just the following weeks) i was leading the pack. no change in fitness levels or the trails we rode. simply a koko! I give credit where I feel it is due.
LONG TERM: Over a year has passed and i have to say that the koko has held up well. The pivots need lubing consistenty or else I get an awful squeek. the badge and decals are fine and the ride is still awesome.
THE PARTS: The group it comes with has quality where it is needed. The black super air has great performance, however I have developed a small leak in the rebound control nob. The fox float L is good, but leaks a small amount over time too. Both give good performance and are fairly light. I started with Truvative Firex cranks/isis that were a little flexy and one bent on me (never seen that before). The LX shifters were mediocre at best and started to feel a bit loose, as did the Avid break levers. The parts had some issues, but the price was Soooooo right! Parts wear (not the koko), and if they don't then you aren't using them right.
BOTTOM LINE: Awesome bike, awesome ride. the group it comes with is good to start. Upgrade when/where necessary. The price is fantastic for a Yeti ride. Not everyone has 2G's to spend on a frame alone.
Bike Setup: Original Race Disc setup with SRAM X.9/X.gen DT. Race Face Evolve X-Type Cranks. e70 stem. Stock everything else.
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Submitted by
joshster
a Cross Country Rider
from oakland
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2005
Strengths: Strong, no ghost shifting, adjustable, fit.
Weaknesses: Electrical tape doesn't stick well to the finish. Yeti hasn't responded to emails requesting bearing/bushing service information.
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up review: Frame still kicks arse after over a year's use. Fox Float RL still holds all of its air. Read up on this frame and made a few adjustments about 6 months ago. Now I just wipe off the shock and check the air in the fork and tires. Thought I'd be doing more maintenance, but doesn't show signs of needing it.
Seems like the industry is moving everyone towards 120mm -150mm or more of travel, and subsequently towards 30lb+ bikes. Not me; I'll give them a try when my 3.7" Koko is no longer working. Ask your lady -- it's how many inches, but how you use them.
Bike Setup: Switched out the MXComp for a Vanilla 100RL. Sweet, plushy coil fork, but I'm hanging on to the MX Comp for when the Fox gives up on me.
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Submitted by
joshster
a Weekend Warrior
from oakland, CA
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2004
Strengths: Everything - perfect amount of travel for XC+, lightweight, stiff, geometry, sizing, yadda yadda yadda...
Weaknesses: My Colorado badge is coming off!!! Must not be made there... Cables & hoses make a noticable amount of noise, but can be solved with a few strategically-taped pieces of innertube.
Bottom Line:
This frame has blown me away. Lockdown the ETA & lockout the rear Float & it'll climb like a cyclecross bike; release the suspension and the 4" front fork sets the angle just right for pounding it down boulders & babyheads. It's seen a few spills but hasn't shown any sign of damage. Was a bit bummed to find out that they're made overseas (after I bought it), but at some point one has to just say F*** it & swim with the rest of the fish.
ps- I'd love to find out that they're infact made here, so if anyone would like to clarify, please do.
Purchased At: frame only @ universal cycles, Portland OR
Similar Products Used: various HTs
Bike Setup: mxComp w/eta, hope minis
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Submitted by
Luke Webber
a Racer
from Hampshire, UK
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2004
Strengths: Fast, well finished, strong, cheap.
Weaknesses: Poor paint work, fat knuckle causes lots of chainsuck and collects lots of mud. Poor rear mud clearance
Bottom Line:
I am a hardtail addict but couldn't take the battering my Yeti ARC handed out on the longer enduro's so I decided to go get a Kokopelli.
At first I hated the bike. It felt heavy and when the rear shock was set to a trail setting (20% sag) the bike would not climb well, bobbing and bucking all over the place.
Reluctantly I whacked a load of pressure into the shock (160PSI, 10.5 stone rider!). It was the only thing I could do. I was on the brink of selling it on.
What a transformation. The bob was nearly all gone and yet the high pressure in the shock didn't affect the small bump capability too much either. Very quick through the singletrack and lots of added traction on steep loose climbs.
I'm not going to drop the ARC for shorter 2 hour races but now the Koko' will get used for the longer, rougher events.
The only thing I would recommend is using 85mm Marzocchi forks as the 105mm versions are very long. Other manufaturers forks should be OK at around 100mm.
Similar Products Used: No Full sussers, Yeti ARC Hardtail
Bike Setup: Yeti Kokopelli frame, Marzocchi MX Comp ETA forks, LX/XTR, Bontrager wheels, Thomson
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Submitted by
Anthony
a Cross Country Rider
from Conyers, GA
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2004
Strengths: Yeti quality beautiful looks handling
Weaknesses: none so far
Bottom Line:
Fantastic bike. Everything that is said about this bike on this site is dead on. I bought this bike because of the reviews I read on here and I couldn't have made a better choice. This bike climbs better than my XTR/Crossmax equipped Litespeed Unicoi. And it descends with absolute conficence. This bike is a perfect xc bike for people on a budget (If you can still get one).
Submitted by
Richard Eddy
a Cross Country Rider
from Castle Rock, CO
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2004
Strengths: Great up and down hills. Light agile great handling bike.
Weaknesses: Seat is uncomfortable
Bottom Line:
This is bar none the best bike in it price range that there is, maybe even at any price range. I have ridden many other full suspension bikes and nothing touches the Yeti.
This bike is unbelievably nimble and handles like it is on rails. I work for my downhill and this bike is great even on super long uphill trials here in Colorado. No bobbing and screams downhill.
I am going to keep this bike for a very long time!!
Wha should i say? I was always afraid of mailordering a bike without testdrive or even touching it. I read all those 5.0 reviews here and decided to give it a shot.
I was able to get the bike for 1150 Euros (should be around 1000 US$( without the front suspension which was rated very bad here (Skareb Comp).
Now for the Ride....
AMAZING. I couldn´t belive it. I am able to outperform my bikebuddy on long climbs where we used to reach the top together just a week before equaly exhausted. This bike climbs better thgan my 10 year old Hardtail. I can ride turns sharoer and even faster than before without even having a slightest feeling of insecurity.
This babe kicks ass (maybe because i ride 3 times as much as before ;-) ) and im VERY disapointed :p with mtbr about the fact, that i can rate only with 5 chilis (This bike deserves at least 10).
Strengths: Amazingly solid, light, comfortable and fast! Not to mention a great deal.
Weaknesses: Recommended frame sizing seems a bit large. Still dialing in certain stock components. Bicycle Buys customer service seemed a bit scattered. Thank Gawd I live close to Yeti Central, if I have any problems.
Bottom Line:
I was able to find a 2003 Kokopelli Ultralite (the last year made, unfortunately) at a great price online. Ironic that, living in CO, I had to get this bike from NY. After reading the reviews and riding a friend's ASR, I went with the Ultralite instead of the Race or Race Disc. I'm a 145 lb. XC rider who is easy on equipment. I thought I could get away with using the lighter (more fragile?) setup on the Ultralite.
A very smooth and fast ride! And very confidence inspiring! I would recommend Yeti to anyone looking for a solid XC racer. Spend time with various frame sizes to make sure that you get the best fit.
Weaknesses: some component choices (since changed)
Bottom Line:
I love the ride of this bike. It's hard to tell it's a full suspension on the climbs, but easy to tell on the downhill. This bike is for everyone from the weekend rider looking for a nice ride, to the racer looking for a full performance bike on a budget.
