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 29′ers 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.
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 this 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, if it were up to me, I would opt for either the Race 20 kit, or wait until 2009 when the 15QR front forks will be offered. The stock Fox Vanilla 32 RL isn’t the greatest and the stock wheelset is a bit flexy for my tastes. Swap out the wheels and slap on a 2009 Fox Vanilla 32 RLC with the 15mm front axle and you’d be stoked.
Buy Now: Visit JensonUSA.com to Buy a 2008 Yeti 575 Enduro
The first flakes are falling in the Wasatch. Finally. From new
Jason, thanks for the great write up. Your review is by far the longest & most detailed we’ve seen so far of this redesign. Can you speak about the rear tire clearance near that carbon brace on the seatstay? In every pic we’ve seen, the bike has been sporting a “smallish” Maxxis Crossmark 2.1, and the clearance seems limited. I know the terrain I ride my ‘07 575 in would chew up a Crossmark within the first mile, and need a larger tire back there…but am not willing to buy a new frame to find out if one will fit!
The test bike had Maxxis Larsen TT 2.35’s in the rear. I talked to Chris Conroy, the President of Yeti Cycles, and he confirmed that the Larsen TT is a very high volume tire compared to say the Maxxis HighRoller 2.35 or the Kenda Nevegal 2.35 and that those tires would have greater clearance.
As it was, the new carbon rear on the Yeti 575 did have sufficient tire clearance for the largely dry and rocky conditions found in the desert and dry mountain areas here in Utah. I’m going to contact Maxxis and Kenda directly for specific tread heights and volumes on their tires, then post an update.
I was able to arrange for a pair of Kenda Nevegal 2.35’s to be sent to Seth Mukai at Yeti Cicles. I just got an email from Seth and here’s what he said:
“They fit perfectly. Plenty of room beneath the carbon bridge! While they are a little wider (closer to the stays) than the Maxxis Larsen TT tires, it shouldn’t pose a problem.”
Now for a picture… that may be awhile.
Great review but were you able to compare the 575 against the Intense 5.5 or Ellsworth Epiphany? Would you still rank the new Yeti above them?
Rope…
Honestly, I can’t say much for the Ellsworth Epiphany or the Intense 5.5. I can speak for the Ellsworth Moment and the Intense 6.6 though. The Ellsworth Moment is a great bike as is the Intense 6.6, but VPP designs aren’t the end-all-be-all. They are super-smooth all around, but I find them to be a bit numb on long climbs. Kind of like the bike is disconnected from the trail or something.
So, I would still say that the Yeti 575 Carbon is going to be the best overall all-mountain bike on the market. It is a bit cheaper than Ellsworth or Intense options as well. You can deck it out much more for a lower price.
Thanks for the quick reply, had no idea anyone would do so. The Yeti will most likely be my next bike but how about the Stumpjumper? Have seen some good, maybe biased, reviews. It also comes with a drastically reduced price; price not being the most important factor.
Thanks again!
I just bought a 575 and love it, great bike.
Joe… glad you dig yours! The 575 is really a solid bike and one of the best all-mountain bikes on the market. You can’t go wrong with it.
So if I’m reading this right, the rear is a single pivot design with flex stays? Since it flexes, how is side to side flex? Is it kind of squirmy? I’m worried that on a longer travel bike that it may lose its side to side stiffness.
Lateral stiffness on this bike is top-notch. The flex stays are built to flex in one direction only (up and down). Because the entire rear triangle is a unified single-pivot, lateral torsional stiffness is excellent.
Jason, how this bike compare to the Santa Cruz Heckler?
Good question… they are both essentially single-pivot bikes although the Yeti does have that carbon flex pivot and carbon stays that soften things up a bit on the chattery stuff.
I honestly haven’t ridden a Heckler in a long time, so I can’t really compare them apples-to-apples. Both are great bikes, but I would give the nod to the 575. The Heckler is certainly a bit less money, so if that allows you to get a nicer build for the same money, I wouldn’t blame you.
I’ll try to get on a Heckler for comparison at the Interbike Outdoor Demo next month.
You are right on with your update of the new 575 stiffness. I have an 2005 575 and my only complaint was the slight feeling of instability due to the 2 pc low top tube. A price I was willing to pay for extra clearance. I thought from looking at the new tube design that it might cure the problem. Thanks to your review, now I know.
Hey, I’ve got a 08 575 with a Talas 32 on the front and I can say that it thoroughly crushes a lot of bikes in its travel range both uphill and down. The stability on downhills is top-notch and the bike is very maneuverable without feeling twitchy. Descending over rough terrain is a breeze and the bike rides down in the travel somewhat, but this is cured for climbing with the pro-pedal lockout on the shock.
Hey Robert… that fork is much better than the Vanilla 32 RL that comes standard with the Enduro Kit. You likely don’t have the stock wheelset either. Those were my two complaints with it. They are nice, but just not quite as stout as I’d like them to be on this type of rig.
I’m glad you love yours… this bike is awesome!
Have you any opinions on this bike being built up as a lightweight endurance machine? Seems like a build you could really rely on while being light at the same time…
Hey Doug… You could definitely build the Yeti 575 as an ultralight machine that would still handle all-day abuse. With the plethora of carbon parts available and lightweight wheelsets, you could get this in the 26 lb. range–maybe even lighter. If you end up building it out, let me know what parts you choose.
Of course, going ultralight, you’ll spend through the nose, but if you want light and durable in a long-travel package, that’s kind of a given.
Doug,
I am building up an Enduro with all XT parts. I am replacing the Fox Vanilla with a 09 Talas-not the 15q. My dealer has been trying to talk me out of the 15Q. Is this wise? I thought that the extra 10mm would be nice. My question then is if you recommend the 15Q, what wheel set (reasonably priced) would you recommend. If not the 15Q, what wheel set do you recommend? I was thinking the Mavic X717/XT Combo for about $250 or a E540/370 for $450. or a 240 Hub and XR 4.1.D
There are so many options when it comes to wheelsets, it’s hard to pin down the right one without knowing more about your riding style. I can say that getting a wheelset with the 15QR is quite difficult still. Come Spring, things will be better, but right now, there are few choices.
I know that WTB and Ellsworth will be making nice trail-worthy wheels with 15mm front options.
If I were you, I’d definitely hold out for the 15mm front hub if you can. It makes a HUGE difference.
So I took your advice. Here is what I have decided to build.
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
Pretty good?
Of course the 08 575 all carbon
Nice work on that bike. You could go for a little wider tires at some point, but those should be fast on the trail. Let me know how that Fox TALAS 32 RLC 150 treats you! I wanted to get that one, but the 150mm wasn’t quite available in June when I got the Vanilla 32.
Did you go for the 15mm QR front? I’m guessing so if you have a Hope front hub. It makes a big difference!
Jason,
Yes, I went with the new Talas 150 QR with the Hope2 and XT in the rear. I also made a couple of other adjustments. XTR Crank and XTR shifters. Any tire recommendations? Now is the time as the bike is being built and I have not taken delivery. Universal in Oregon recommended the Tomacs.
Sorry for the delay, Dave… have you checked out any tires in the WTB line? Where are you located?
I’ve had great luck with the WTB Mutano Raptor 2.4’s on the 09 Santa Cruz Blur LT2 I’ve got.
Hi Jason,
I also read your review on the Transition Covert and was wondering if the Yeti is that much better than the Covert to warrant the price tag difference. My budget is 3800, which gets me either the Yeti w/ the enduro race kit (not the long travel one, just the one with the float) or a custom build on a Covert, which in my opinion would be a better build kit than the Yeti). I’m a firm believer that you should by the better frame because you can always upgrade the components to your dream build, given enough time. So is the Yeti that much better?
Great reviews on both bikes, btw. I’ve been fence sitting between these two bikes for a while now, and your reviews made it that much harder.
Alan
Hey Alan… it’s a tough call–especially since it’s been a year since I’ve ridden both bikes. I can say that you wouldn’t ever regret going with the 575 and if you had to get lesser parts and upgrade later, that’s the bike.
However, the Covert is really a sweet bike. It does lean a little more towards enjoying the downhill. The seat angle is a little slack, thus putting you a teeny bit rearward.
If you want to get an awesome trailbike build with a solid frame, get the Covert. The guys at Transition are AWESOME!!!
If you want to get an awesome frame and eventually build out an awesome build, go for the Yeti. Those guys are definitely cool as well!
It’s really a tough call dude… I’m sorry if I’ve just muddied the waters. Good luck!
This is the way I did my Yeti 575. I bought a demo frame which was much less than new, yet looks just like new. Then upgraded the parts to what has been shown previously and was given a sweet deal. I worked with Will at http://www.fullcycles.com. He can tell you what he can and cannot do. One thing though you have to settle for Black as that is the only color they put out for demo.
Jason,
Why did you go with the Santa Cruz Blur LT2 over the Yeti or the Covert? May be I should have gone the same way.
There’s no question that the 575 rocks. Both the Covert and LT2 are also fine examples of all-mountain bikes. I’m a bad person to ask when it comes to my own personal bike. I get to ride so many bikes during the course of the season that I get fickle pretty quick. Plus, I always like to have the latest-and-greatest. A long time to have a bike for me is 4 months, so don’t use me as a reason to think about something else.
The Yeti 575 that you’ve built up sounds stellar! You absolutely can’t go wrong with that frame–especially if you’ve built it up to your liking.
I am sure I will not be disappointed. I looked at the Blur LT2, but the cost was over $1500 more or so for what I built the 575. Also, the Blur did not allow for the new 15QR at my local dealer. I appreciate all of your reviews. The bike shipped yesterday so I should get it tomorrow.
Jason, how do the Yeti 575 and the Pivot mach 5 compare?
Hey SQRRRL…
The inevitable bike comparisons continue. It’s always hard to say one bike is superior than another–especially with two awesome bikes like the Mach 5 and the 575.
The Mach 5 is a great all-mountain bike, but it leans a little more XC than the 575. It is built for a 140mm front fork to match its 140mm rear travel via DW-link. Don’t get me wrong, this bike is supremely capable and the DW suspension is the one to beat IMHO. It’s so smooth and soaks up everything. It’s a comfortable bike right out of the box.
The 575 can handle a little bit more freeridey-type of riding and could take a 160mm front fork (if you wanted). The single-pivot suspension design is simpler than the DW, but it’s not quite as smooth throughout the stroke.
If you want a bike that can be a near-freeride machine while still being a super-light all-mountain steed, the 575 is your ticket. If you want something that can climb and descend with equal ease, is a little more exclusive and not quite capable of handling large drops, then go for the Mach 5. The suspension pivots and overall frame design on the Mach 5 is awesome!
However… you really need to ride each one to decide for yourself. That’s about the best comparison I could do for ya.
Hi Jason, I have decided to join the tribe and get my hands on a 575 for myself. But the main decision point for me now is if i should go with the full carbon version or the alum/carbon one? Aside from the weight savings, are there any other reasons for me to consider going the full carbon way vs the alum/carbon one? Is durability a non issue in the full carbon frame?
Right on! You know… I’ve only ridden the full carbon, but I’m guessing the difference won’t be that noticeable. If money is tight, spend the extra on another upgrade.
I’ve also heard that carbon chainstays aren’t the best application for carbon anyway. Of course this was from a competitor, so you might take that with a grain of salt.
Thanks Jason! I figured as much!
The savings I get by going the alum/carbon way I could surely use on other upgrades instead. And while we’re at it, another thing I’m thinking about is if I should go with an RP23 or DHX Air? Would the DHX Air be overkill? Im really just looking at this as a hard trail bike that can do some small-medium sized jumps and drops at best so was thinking the RP23 should suffice? Your thoughts….
RP23’s are awesome shocks and are sufficient for most all riders. What’s interesting is that many bikes (like the Ellsworth Epiphany) only come with a Fox Float R rear shock and still ride like a dream. All those adjustments can get in the way sometimes.
Stick with the RP23… you’ll be just fine.
Thanks again Jason! The tips are great and really help a lot! It’s all highly appreciated!
Jason,
I’m stuck 50/50 between the 575 and the blur lt2. If you had never ridden either bike, based off first impressions and overall performance, which bike would you go with? Obviously by looking at these bikes, I’m considering an aggresive xc/am bike that I’ll be using as my every day, do all bike. I’ll be doing the 15qr talas with hope hubs, 819’s, xt brakes, etc. Thanks for your input.
Guapo…
It’s your lucky day because I just finished up the review of the Blur LT2 today. It doesn’t go live until Tuesday or so, but I can tell you this much… that bike is sweet.
It’s a tough call between the LT2 and the 575. Both are super-versatile and super-fun. There isn’t anything that they can’t do (well, within reason). I like both bikes a lot and would recommend either one in a heartbeat. The simplicity of Yeti’s suspension design is a huge plus, but the overall smoothness of the LT2 can’t be overlooked either.
If you’ve got the coin, have you considered the Ellsworth Epiphany? That’s another one to throw in the mix.
Just a couple of questions so I know a little more about where you ride… Where are you located? What type of terrain do you ride?
Quick reply…5 star service!
Jason,
I haven’t considered an ellsworth because a) I ride a four bar suspension bike right now and would like to try something different and b) they’re a little pricier than I’d like. I consistently ride southern ca up to four times a week. Long fire road climbs only to go down, and then up again, and repeat. No super technical downhills but I like to huck it if the opportunity arises.
Singletrack mag recently did a head-to-head review of both bikes and of course, both bikes performed very well. They are very similar yet very different bikes at the same time and I suppose that is what has me held up… I keep pressuring myself to make a decision but it just isn’t going to happen without more test rides and reviews….
It sounds like you would love either bike. I hear ya on Ellsworth’s prices, but they are solid bikes. Have you ridden any DW-Links? They too are expensive, but very nice.
Choosing between the SC Blur LT2 and the Yeti 575 is a tough one… like choosing which of your kids are your favorite. The answer is both! Good luck choosing one for yourself.
Hi Jason
Have been checking out the reviews for the Yeti575and was really impressed with your report. I noticed another question submited to you asked how the Yeti and a Santa Cruz Heckler would compare. You said in reply that you were going to check out the heckler and report back. Any news? I really can’t decide between the 2 so your views would be appreciated.
All the best
James (UK)
Hey James
Sorry man… I didn’t end up getting on the Heckler. Interbike is always busier than you think and I just didn’t get on the Heckler this year. The new Blur LT2 is awesome and would be a hard call between that and the 575.
Just got on to your site for the first time. Great to read comments on the 575. I just bought one last week. I live on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island which has multiple terrain. The 575 eats it.
Climbs smooth, Eats drops… i just ride and ride and ride.
Also I’m 52 and the Yeti doesn’t tire me like my old Avanti ADX. Keep up the good work
Glad you like your 575, Ric! Great bike for sure as I and all the others can attest. I’d love to get to the South Island someday!
Jason and everyone else…
thanks for the comments.
hey just to muddy the waters a little, how does the Ibis Mojo compare to the Yeti 575 and the LT2 in your opinion?
thanks.
Hey BJ… yup, the waters are muddy for sure. You’re really asking me to split hairs here. The Ibis Mojo is an outstanding bike and I absolutely LOVE The DW-Link. However, I don’t think it’s quite as capable downhill as the 575 or LT2. The steering felt twitchy on descents. Potentially a 150mm fork would remedy that a tad… not sure.
As far as 140mm DW’s, I’d go for the Pivot Mach 5 over the Mojo, but that’s just my prefernce… still a tough call to put one bike over the other.
Jason,
I have purchased the 575 with the specs I have listed previously but now I am contemplating a change of saddle. I primarily ride xc with long rides and great climbs. Not much downhill. Looking at the WTB pure V. I think the 575 came with the Rocket V. I believe your Santa Cruz has the Pure V. Any thoughts??? Also thinking about the Devo Carbon or Silverado.
I’m not going to go into saddles.
It’s such a personal thing, that it’s hard to say one over another. I can say that I’ve been pleased with all the WTB saddles I’ve used including every one you mentioned above. I’m not a picky saddle guy, I guess, but I’ve mostly ridden WTB’s over the past few years, so I don’t have anything to compare to.
Hi Jason,
I’m learning a lot from your inputs, in one of your posts you suggested the ellsworth epiphany. what then would you recommend for an aggressive trail bike? I’m curently considering the epiphany, motolite and the 575. Thanks and hoping for your immediate reply.
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!