It was near the end of day one when I hopped onto the all-new 2008 Yeti 575 Enduro. Typically, by that time of day, the sun has given me the eternal beat-down and I’ve all but pedaled every ounce of energy and sweat out of my system. This year was different. Even after spanking the trails for most of the day, the all-new 2008 Yeti 575 Enduro felt especially quick and agile on the climbs–an attribute not demonstrated by a single bike earlier in the day. Having identified the previous Yeti 575 as one of the top trailbikes of our day, the all-new 575 crushes the previous design on all fronts.
Not satisfied with the current frame design, Yeti went back to the drawing board on frame materials and design. The new front triangle boasts hydroformed tubes for a 30% stiffer ride and I’m guessing a slight weight savings. Gone is the old knuckle junction in the top-tube in favor of an un-welded, continuous (yet still bent) top-tube. And, while I’m on the subject, the top-tube lengths have been extended ever so slightly in all sizes.
The rear triangle continues the evolution of the 575 with a full carbon option that features asymmetrical chainstays and a reinforced seatstay similar to the reverse arch sported by Manitou forks. Of course it still features the carbon flexpoints instead of full pivots. Everything about the new frame is flat out awesome. It looks much more refined and sexy compared to the previous model and those looks are not just skin deep because as I quickly found out, this bike flat out rips up the trails.
Quick Review of the 2008 Yeti 575 Enduro
As mentioned above, I rode the 575 as the final bike of day one, which isn’t usually the best time to be testing a bike. But, as it turned out, it was the best time to hit the trails on the 575 because it instantly stood out as the finest bike of the Demo. While I didn’t get a chance to ride every trailbike, I have ridden every bike in this category over the past three years and this bike is quite honestly the new benchmark in the category.
After slogging uphill on the Commencal Meta 6, pushing a the bigger hoops of 29ers and climbing pretty darn efficiently on the Marin Mount Vision Quad XC, the Yeti cruised uphill better than any 6-inch travel bike I’ve ever ridden. This thing is the epitome of smooth and efficient. It tracks uphill straight and smooth on both fire roads and singletrack.
When the going gets rough and gravity takes over, the 575 continues to show that it is the boss. The Fox TALAS RLC provided just the right amount of squish and stiffness to keep the rubber side in contact with the ground–no matter how rough. Although I believe the rear shock (Fox RP23) is completely sufficient for the downhill portion of the show, this bike could benefit from a tad longer-travel up front (as is stock on the more expensive Enduro Pro build). The Fox 36 or RockShox Lyrik would be stellar options on this ride–just so long as you could reduce the travel on long climbs.
Good Yeti 575
- Efficient climber
- Very comfortable at speed and through the rough
- Laterally very stiff
- Excellent suspension feel in all conditions
Bad Yeti 575
- Rear tire clearance can be challenging
- Enduro build kit leaves something to be desired (wheels and fork especially)
The Bottom Line
Both Kendall and myself felt that the 575 was the best bike ridden at the show. And, to prove that we aren’t the only ones, as I was climbing up the trail I happened to overhear another rider’s phone conversation with a buddy not at the show. I can only guess that his buddy asked what bike was the best he had ridden. His response was something like this… “Dude, the new Yeti 575 is F&*&$ awesome!” I couldn’t agree more.
EDITOR’S UPDATE (May 2008): After riding the Yeti 575 Race bike and absolutely LOVING it at Interbike (October 2007), I’ve since gotten a stock 2008 Yeti 575 Enduro here on the local Utah trails for some hometown tests (May 2008). While I still whole-heartedly recommend this bike as an all-mountain trailbike, the wheels included with the Enduro kit leave something to be desired. Keep that in mind and upgrade the wheels and fork to something like the Fox TALAS 32 RLC with 15QR and you’ll be much more stoked than just the entry-level Enduro kit.
Buy Now: Search for a Yeti 575
Growing up in Seattle, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continued as he founded 
David
Depending on your build, you could easily get an awesome aggressive trailbike out of the Yeti 575. Put a Fox 36 up front, a nice stout set of wheels and you’re golden.
The Santa Cruz Nomad or Blur LT would be great options, or the Ventana El Terremoto as well.
Thanks Jason,
I’ve already ordered my 09 575. Due to monetary constraints, the fox 36 is abit out of my budget, was thinking of going with the Kowa 169ss. Have you ever tried them? Thanks again, your inputs are certainly a big help.
Awesome… you’ll love it! Nope… I’ve never even heard of Kowa. You’ll enjoy the ride though!
Hello,
Thanks for probably the best review on the 575 that I’ve read so far. I’m buying my first FS bike, after 4-5 terrific years with my TREK 4300 HT. Most of my riding is XC and also very little AM. My shortlist for a FS bike includes the Yeti 575, the Gary Fisher Roscoe 1, and the Trek EX 8. I’m getting a very good price on a new 2009 Yeti, so there’s “only” a $300 difference between it and the other 2, which cost exactly the same. Any suggestions?
Thanks for reading!
You can’t go wrong with the Yeti 575, but if you’re primarily doing XC, it may be a little overkill. However, if you want to push yourself on more challenging terrain, the 575 is a great choice. It can be built very lightweight, yet still handle a ton of abuse.
I’m hoping to get on the Roscoe and/or the Fuel EX this Spring. I’ve heard good things about both bikes.
Thanks a lot for your answer …. Already ordered my 575
Hi Jason
Thanks for this thorough report and thread. I’ve been riding on a Santa Cruz Blur (the first blur version) for the last 5 years. Getting ready to replace my steed and am debating between the new Blur LT2 and the 575. Doing mostly XC, lots of climbs, but also get to go rough some times, mostly with all day epic rides.
Any recommendations / comparisons on both? money is not the main issue (hey, even my wife will let me spend some cash once every 5 years) so its mostly about getting the best ride.
If you have the ability to build the bike out to your exact liking, I think I’d go with the 575. Out of the box, the enduro build kit is lacking a bit in the wheels and the fork. Most everything else is acceptable, but the wheels and fork are the weak links.
Both bikes are awesome and are great trailbikes–you honestly can’t go wrong with either one. I just think you can get the 575 a little lighter and have a little simpler suspension design and setup. If you’re going to be doing more XC stuff, the 575 would be a tad more efficient.
The new VPP design on the LT2 is easier to maintain and should be much more durable than your current ride, but it’s yet to be completely proven over time. I had ZERO issues with mine, but it is new.
Thanks Jason for the prompt reply. Tough decisions… will post once I make my mind…
Good to hear such great comments about the 2008 yeti 575.
I have just ordered the yeti 575 enduro 2009 and changed the set up a bit.Would be interesting the know what set up yuo would reconmened at the back i.e (tyre)as i was reconmened to go with a smaller tyre at the rear.
Look forward to your feed back.
Keep thoughs pedals spinning.
The Larsen TT is a great rear tire. What did you end up going with in the rear? Did you swap out the wheelset or the fork?
The only thing that should stop anyone buying the 08 Yeti 575 with hyroformed carbon rear is price. I was lucky enough to have the Yeti 575 as an insurance replacement built to my own choice of components with Fox Talas RLC-15QR 150-130-110 mm adjustable travel forx which match up with this frame sublimely. At 29lbs build the bike climbs superbly. I think the geometry is just right-shock position, linkage, RP23 shock, everything.
I think everyone considering a new bike should just get to ride this BEFORE making a final descision on anything else-believe me you wont be disappointed. The only thing i would be concerned about if you do big jumps-is the carbon triangle as a heavier rider.
Just go and ride one.
Pete,Wales,U.K
Hi Jason,
I am looking into a full-suss bike frame for my wife who’s barely 5 feet in her socks. I’m considering a small Giant Trance X, a Yeti 575, a Pivot or one of DW-Turners. I am riding a Knolly Endorphin and a Knolly Delirium T, and have an Ellsworth Truth that I hardly use now. Grateful for suggestions! The truth is that I am hoping to pinch her ‘new’ bike to ride now and then – hence I am not looking at Knollys or Ellsworths. She only rides groomed trails!
Cheers,
Mak
She’s pocket-sized eh? It’s hard to make suggestions for someone so small and inexperienced at riding bikes. If you’re looking for a nice bike that she’d love, you’re on the right track. The bikes you mentioned are all great options, but I think the 575 would be overkill.
If she were a tad taller, I’d suggest a 29er, but she’d have a tough time on one. I’d check out the Kona Hei Hei and see what she thinks. You can get a heck of a bike for not much money with Konas.
Thanks Jason,
I forgot to tell you that her current ride is a 14-inch Litespeed Pisgah. Am looking for a full suspension for her. My Ellsworth Truth is too large for her, so I guess I’ll look at a small Santa Cruz Superlite or the Giant Trance X or perhaps the Anthem X.
Cheers and thanks!
Mak
Hi jason,i love downhill i do some light freeride staff but also i use my bike everyday to go to my job.I also like to use my bike rather to use my car.Is Yeti the perfect bike for me.I leave and ride in Greece.
Tasos
Thanks for reaching out to me all the way from Greece. If you’re looking for an excellent “do-it-all” bike, you really can’t go wrong with the Yeti 575. It’s really one of the more capable bikes on the market today. And, you can get into one for less than you might think compared to other comparable models. You could throw some urban tires on it and pedal around the pavement, then toss some trail tires on it for more epic riding.
Jason,
I’m on the fence between a BLT2 and the 575. I have an older 575 which is awesome although I’m looking to upgrade. What I’ve always liked about the 575 was the slacker cushy feel when the 6″ fork is running. I’m presently riding a medium w/50mm stem. I’m wondering if the same setup that I have now would be to short with the new frame.( The toptube looks huge for a medium bike.)How do you think that carbon rear Triangle would hold up in North East Coast conditions (lots of rock gardens, rocks in general,super tech up and down singletrack). That BLT2 looks pretty burly and seems to have the same Geometry as the older 575. Based on those questions, what do you think? Hope I didn’t ask too many questions.
@MARK…
Thanks for the comment and the myriad of questions.
Picking that “one bike” is always a challenge isn’t it? If you really like your 575, I see no reason why you wouldn’t be even more stoked on the new one. I’ve owned both the old and the new 575 and the new one is awesome–especially with a custom build and 6″ fork.
That said, I would worry about the lack of tire clearance in the rear if you’re riding in wet/muddy conditions. Carbon fiber worries are really unfounded–it’s bomber.
I think the 575 would be a more capable climber than the BLT2, but it’s really a toss-up. I just feel like the VPP design is kind of a numb but still efficient climber. But that bike eats up rock gardens for breakfast.
The new 575 frameset actually has slightly longer TT lengths. A Medium 575 has a 23.8 in. TT and the Large Blur LT2 is 23.5 in. Both are right inline with what you’ve got (I think).
hi, ive got a santa cruz nomad, and i looking at getting either a new yeti 575 or the new shape nomad? can you help me to make a decision as with a bit of luck you may have ridden both. i mainly ride at uk trail centers but do a little bit of downhill from time to time.
thanks james
Hey James
I have yet to ride the new Nomad. I really liked the old one, but it’s been several years since I swung a leg over it so my memory is a little fuzzy. I can remember it was a fun bike. The new one looks even better–more refined, stiffer, etc. The Nomad and the 575 are really in two different leagues. But, you can put a Fox 36 on the 575 to make it more sled-like so I can see the quandary.
I don’t think you could go wrong with either choice.
Jason,
Are you in Salt Lake City? Here is the deal. I purchased a Yeti 575 08/09 frame with the following
WTB Rocket V SLT Ti Saddle
Kenda Nevegal 26×2.1 UST
XT Shifters
09 Fox 32 Talas 150RLC
XT Crank
Chris King Headset
Hope 2 Front/XT756 Rear
XT Brakes
Same spec that Dave did back in October. I went with it over the Blur LT2. I have ridden it a few times on Clarks and corner canyon. This is where I need your guidance. The ride is very rough. I remember when I test rode the LT2 it felt plush. However, I went with the Yeti due to cost. Is there anyone is SLC you would recommend I speak with to get fitted right or get the 575 more dialed in? Otherwise I may look at selling the Yeti and paying more for something else.
Not that it matters but I just realized I wrote I have XT Crank and XT shifters, but they are XTR. I bought the bike out of state as well as Dave suggested from Full Cycles
@Robert
Nice purchase! Sorry it’s not riding as perfectly as you’d hoped. Don’t give up that easily!!!
Yes, I’m in Salt Lake City… who built your bike up? Did Full Cycles do a build and ship it to you? Did you take it to a shop for final build inspection? If not, I’d say head to http://www.Go-Ride.com off 33rd South. They sell Yeti and will dial you in.
When you say it’s riding “rough” are you talking shifting, cockpit fit, shock performance, tires, wheelset or all of the above?
That was fast! Full Cycles did the complete build and shipped it to me. I had Gutherie do the final because I had done some other things with them. I did rent a 575 from GO-Ride to test first, but their price difference at the time was $2K because I was buying a demo frame and they were not closing anything out. By rough I mean in the suspension. The shifting is great! When I go through a rutted out section it feels harsh on the front end.
Sounds like you just need to adjust the pressure for your weight and riding style. I could even meet you at a trailhead to troubleshoot if you wanted. I’m heading out in Corner Canyon today and most afternoons this week. Drop me a line: jason at feedthehabit.com
Hi jason,i bought the yeti 575 frame 2008 a month ago and built it with fox 36 talas,xt-slx,sun rims rhyno lite xl(a bit heavy but strong),avid elixir r 185-185.I,m so impresed with this bike,i do mostly downhills and i can keep the pace with my friends that all has downhills and freeride bikes.The rear suspension feels super plush and smooth.With a flick to propedal(position 2)rise the sadle and the fork to 140 the bike transform to a very capable xc bike that i can do my all day riding if i want to.I thing fox float 36 is better than the talas 36 for downhills and freeride.I ran the sag (15 mm) the rear shock and 30 mm (160 travel) the fork.The only problem i have is that the rear brake is very noisy till it gets warm.All the bike cost me to built it 2000 euros…I bought the frame slightly used and i bought all the other stuff from the internet.
Picked up a 08 575 race at a great price since the 09 are comming out I must say I love this bike. I first started riding on a trek 9800 OCLV hard tail and several others after and I must say this is the best I have ridden so far and I believe will be the last. Will deff buy a yeti again.
Joe… glad you dig your Yeti 575. It’s a great bike and the Race spec is outstanding. Giddy up!
Hey Jason, thanks for your imput, I was wondering if you know of any reports about frame durability issues, frames breaking, the carbon chainstay not holding up under abuse, or stress fractures throughout? I am in the market for a new bike and I really have always liked the 575. I tend to be hard on bikes, not to the point of performing any drops from above 5 ft or extreme DH maneuvers, but I am pretty aggressive and do ride hard and fast taking moderate drops and jumps. I was comparing the SC Heckler and the 575. I know you said you do not have any experience with the Heckler, but from what I have heard it is a beast and very durable. I still like the 575 and would probably build it up with a DHX air, and Fox 36, or 32-150 qrl. So that is my main question, should I be concerned about breaking this bike or putting any annoying squeaks in the frame. – Again I know it is not a DH bike and I will not be treating it as such. Thanks Jason. -Nate
I have not heard of any issues with the frame… The Heckler is a great choice, but it’s an old-school single-pivot design. The Yeti is a more refined single-pivot design that will provide a better overall ride in all conditions.
Decking the 575 out heavy-duty style you’d end up with a solid near-freeride machine. I don’t think you could go wrong with either, but the Heckler is likely less expensive.
I can vouch for the new Fox 32 150mm TALAS 15qr and can say it would be an awesome match to either bike.
so reading this makes me happy i own this bike (with rp23 and 09 36 talas).only problem is that i have tyre rub when cornering with a 2.35 nevegal folding? i’m a bit pissed cause i hate skinny tyres. anyone else running these rubbers?
slayer vs 575?
@Jon… hard to tell you with just that as the question. 575 is a dialed-in trailbike that’s capable from XC to AM (light freeride). The Slayer is a trailbike that can actually be a light freeride bike.
Both are great bikes, but the Slayer is built burlier and is a tad slower on XC-type stuff like long climbs and rolling terrain.
I currently own the old style Yeti 575 frame (2006) which I think is an incredible bike. Is it worth the upgrade to the new frame? can you describe the difference in the ride. Also, I have been told that the “new” blurs, treks etc.., have more advanced technology in design, suspension etc.., than yeti…can you comment on that. thanks
Hey Dean
Yup… your old bike is a great bike for sure, but I think you’d definitely notice the difference between it and the newer-style frameset. For starters, the lateral stiffness of the new frame simply blows the old one away–they simply can’t be compared. They are both very capable bikes in so many ways, but the new one is more refined and much smoother overall.
You’re correct on the many bikes offered by the competition being way more capable these days. Here are a few along that same vein:
1. Pivot Mach 5
2. Ibis Mojo
3. Trek Remedy
4. Santa Cruz Blur LT and LTC
Three different suspension technologies, but each one is a solid performer.
Thanks Jason for the quick response. So if you are looking for the latest and greatest all mountain bike and you would buy one today, which would you pick? Does the Yeti design still keep up with the competition? Would I be able tell the difference with climbing technical terrain, hills, downhilling etc.., vs the competition or am I just splitting hairs?
Dean… in a lot of ways you are splitting hairs as they are all great bikes. Yeti’s simple design speaks volumes to the fact that sometimes the most simple solution is best. Their bikes are stellar performers… no question.
With the virtual pivot designs (VPP, DW, Maestro), you get a little different feel than the Yeti. They have a lot of negative travel so you get a very plush feel all the time, but sometimes they lack liveliness. However, the new VPP and DW can provide both liveliness and plushness.
Without having all of those designs in one place for a side-by-side test, it’s hard to tell you the differences. I have a small brain and can’t remember little details years after the fact.
All great bikes… no question.
Hi Jason
May I ask your advice?
I live in russia and plan to buy my first full susp. frame from Jenson and have it shipped internationally. My choice consists of; Yeti ASR Alu 09, Yeti 575 Alu 08, Titus X Carbon 09. I realize that 575 has more susp. travel then other two frames, but it is rather heavier as well. At the same time, I’ve ridden my friend’s Yeti ASR on mild off road and I was stunned how light and responsive that bike was. So my question is: is there anything I can rather do on 575 but not on ASR so it would worth of sacrificing weight difference between these two frames. I know, it sounds kind of silly, as I am asking you whether I need 575 or not, but what would you prefer between these 3 frames, if i ride 70% tough terrain with a lot of climbs and sometimes moderate downhill?
Hey Tim
Isn’t it great we have so many choices!?!? Well, it does tend to confuse things, doesn’t it? When considering a bike these days, you can almost have your DH cake and eat your XC cake too with the 575–it’s that good of a bike. Yes, it is a tad heavier, but you could always lighten it up over time if the weight is a factor.
But, if you were happy on the ASR, I don’t see anything wrong with that. You sound like you’re just starting to get into mountain biking more and more and you don’t sound like a teenage “roof jumper”, so a sensible all-mountain rider would be fine with an XC-type bike unless you hit really technical and rocky terrain on a regular basis.
It’s really hard to say not knowing the terrain and your exact riding style. But, there’s no need to get more travel than you really will utilize. Efficiency is a good thing.
Let me stir the pot though by asking if you’ve considered the new Yeti ASR 5C?
http://www.feedthehabit.com/mountain-biking/yeti-asr-5-carbon-mountain-bike-quick-review-interbike-2009/
It’s really the best of the 575 and ASR combined.
I am aware of ASR 5C and it looks to be great a frame, but alas, it will breach my budget.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a chance to test ride 575 and while I see, this frame significantly differs in geometry from ASR (which fits me just fine), this makes me to “fear” whether 575 can be “too big” for me for AM style of cycling. I don’t know, if I managed to explain my thoughts, but rather then weight, my concern is that 575 looks like a “biger bike” in comparison with very friendly stand over of ASR.
Can you say something on Titus X Carbon, if you know this frame?
Gotcha… The 575 and ASR should both have good standover with the bent top-tubes, but there’s no way getting around the 575 being a “bigger” bike since it has more travel, slacker angles, etc. I like the 575 and would also like the ASR if I wasn’t doing more technical rides. For long, smooth trails or tons of climbing the ASR is great.
As far as the Titus… unfortunately, I haven’t ridden it so I can’t really compare them.
Hi great review but i’d like to ask perhaps a silly question. Which is the best set up for the 575? Ride/race or pro. Of course the pro is best but is it really worth the extra cost? I’d hate to get the 575 ride and realise that i should’ve paid more to get a better spec and at the same time i’d not want the better spec if its not going to make that much difference. Thanks.
Tom
The build really depends on the depth of your pockets. As with most bikes of this caliber, the frame/shock is the same… what you pay for is the fork and component spec. You just need t ask yourself if you want a high-dollar, high-end spec out the chute or if you feel you can make do with midline parts and fork and then upgrade as needed. The truth is, if you aren’t a connoisseur, you may not even know what you’re missing if you go with an SLX or XT kit vs. XT/XTR kit.
For the money, the 575 Enduro kit is hard to beat. You can always go there and then upgrade the wheels. I guess you just need to decide how much you’re willing to spend because you can always spend more.
Jason thanks heaps for your reply, that’s helped alot. As i’m still beginning your probably right about not noticing any difference in many components. I’ll most likely go for the enduro set up, cheers!
The Enduro is a great spec for the money. And, you can always upgrade the wheels (weakest link) at a later date.