Yeti SB95 Comp (2014)

Affordable Yeti trail bike

Pros

- Gorgeous frame design
- Innovative suspension setup
- Affordable

Cons

- Mixed SRAM Component levels
- Slightly heavy wheels
- Non Tubeless

Review

The color and name of Yeti is as old as mountain biking itself, or so it seems. Yeti have been making bikes since 1985, and the Colorado manufacturer shows no signs of slowing down, or losing the passion they've become renowned for.

When Yeti released their 2014 range, we couldn't help but single out the Yeti SB95 Comp dual suspension trail bike. With a refined look, this bike is as rough and ready as any other in their award winning lineup.

The Yeti SB95 offers a performance orientated ride at an affordable price, done so through carefully selected components and a brilliant frame design. The frame on this bike is an Aluminum build with an array of cool features. The direct mount front derailleur provides improved shifting accuracy and cleaner lines, while the internal cabling maintains that pro look. Best of all, the frame design allows for either quick release wheels or thread thru 'maxles' to be fitted - you choose!

Fox Suspension have provided a a gorgeous set of Fox Evo 34 120mm travel forks to keep your line pinned through any rock garden. These forks are greatly refined from 2013, and are reported to be much smoother in their stroke than previous years. The rear shock is equally capable, again courtesy of Fox Suspension.

If there's anything as important as suspension, it's your wheelset! Yeti have chosen to run with DT Swiss hubs and rims again in 2014, after much success with them in the past. The rims are the M1900 model of the DT Swiss range, aimed more at reliability and strength, than super lightweight design. Maxxis have fitted their enduro specific tires, given the nature of riding you'll be doing!

Sticking to durability and strength, Yeti have selected the usual SRAM X7 and X9 shifting components much like many other trail / enduro bike setups on the market today. Offering the same performance as their higher end gear, the SRAM X7 and X9 bits and pieces are not to be shunned. A 10 speed rear cassette keeps things simple in a market where people don't know whether to ride 10 speed or 11 speed. Luckily Yeti only knows one speed - FAST!

In the braking department, you can rely on a pair of Avid Elixir 5 rotors, pistons and calipers. This full house of Avid parts is a recipe for consistent and maintenance free brake performance in all weather conditions.

Seeing as this bike is all about speed, we can only assume you'll be doing a lot of hanging on... Fortunately this bike is showered in Truvativ cockpit parts, from Truvativ T30 handlebars through to the stem and seatpost. This awesome package is then topped off with several colors you can choose from, as well as the trademark Yeti Turquoise.