My quick one-day trip to the Outdoor Demo came and went in a flash, so it’s quite appropriate that most of the bikes I chose to ride were carbon-fiber beauties dialed in for uptempo singletrack assaults. The all-new Yeti ASR 5 Carbon was definitely tops on my list of must-rides at the demo. After catching up with owner, Chris Conroy and domestic sales master, Seth Mukai, I got the low-down on the new ASR 5 C.
Billed as a long-legged XC bike that’s built burly enough to handle all-day adventure, yet still capable on the race course, the full-carbon frameset is superlight (4.7 lbs.) and downright sexy. Yeti knows how to build dialed-in single-pivot mountain bikes and the new ASR 5 C is no exception.
Yeti ASR 5 C Specs
The test bike was built-up with a solid parts spec including:
- 130mm rear wheel travel via Fox Float RP23
- 120mm Fox F-Series RLC 15qr fork (120-140mm fork recommended)
- Shimano XT/XTR drivetrain
- DT Swiss XR400 wheelset
- Thompson cockpit
- Convertible rear dropout from 9mm to 12 x 142mm
- Weight: 4.7 lbs (carbon) or 5.5 lbs (aluminum/carbon)
Yeti ASR 5 Carbon Quick Review
The ascent out of the mayhem of the demo booths was met with a responsive and fast climber. This bike shows its XC lineage in its efficiency and quick handling. One onto the twisty, rocky singletrack of Bootleg Canyon, the bike continued to shine. Right at home with narrow desert ribbons winding through unforgiving rocks and “no fall zones”, the ASR 5 C took me up West Leg Trail without so much as a flinch. The rear wheel stayed firmly planted in the desert sand and rocks and propelled me with ease. Quick, steep ascents were no match for this bike.
When the trails turned downhill and the real fun began, this bike felt absolutely solid under pressure. I enjoyed railing it down the swoopy singletrack and dropping small ledges along the way. While the suspension is very compliant and can take some abuse, I still felt like I needed to be careful which line I chose to take. It’s not the kind of bike that can take the burliest line without so much as breaking a sweat–you’ve still got to finesse it down the rough stuff.
Overall, I felt completely balanced on the ASR 5 C and look forward to bringing it in for a long-term review in the Spring.
Good ASR 5 C
- Love the feel of the carbon fiber frame
- Extremely lightweight
- Travel sweet-spot… not too much, not too little
- Very balanced feel both up and down
- Tracks through winding singletrack with ease
- Loves to be pushed hard
- Efficient climber and cross-country trail slayer
Bad ASR 5 C
- Gotta pick your lines through the rough stuff (not really a bad thing though)
The Bottom Line: Yeti ASR 5 C
This bike loves to be pedaled hard and fast both uphill and down. I really dig the balanced feel of this bike and its ability to ascend up virtually anything yet still give you enough confidence to tackle rough terrain.
Buy Now: Search for Yeti Bikes
Growing up in Seattle, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continued as he founded 
How does it compare to the 575? Is it a better climber?
Amazing! The ASR 5C will climb much better than the 575. Don’t get me wrong, the 575 is a good climber, but the ASR 5C is a bit more composed with less tendency to wander. It feels more efficient too and the lighter weight only helps too!
Great climber and solid descender with reasonable limits on the down. It’s really a killer trailbike for most folks looking for XC efficiency yet enough comfort for all-day pounding.
Could you give us an idea of the weight of the complete build?
Total guess, but it was light. I’d say about 25 lbs. Could be lighter.
I just found this site – AWESOME reviews.
It seems your focus is around Ibis, Santa Cruz, Yeti, and Scott… but nothing on Cannondale? Is this by design? (or I completely missed other reviews)
Could you shed any light on the differences between a Scalpel 2 and ASR 5 C? My initial impressions strike me as similar bikes that fit into the same category – XC race machine with a little extra to push all-mountain?
Hey Ryan
Actually, I secretly loathe Cannondale.
Actually, I’ve ridden and reviewed several Cannondale bikes over the years. I most recently rode the Rize 3:
http://www.feedthehabit.com/mountain-biking/cannondale-rize-three-mountain-bike-review/
But, Cannondale has completely re-vamped & re-named the 2010 Rize platform and will have a RZ120 and RZ140 in the lineup. Either of those bikes would compete with the ASR 5C. However, I haven’t ridden them yet (hope to this Spring), so I can’t say either way.
Hello Jason, compared to 575 how does thos descend? I want some nice trailbike and 575 was my choice but now I do not know…I like fast downs through rockier terrain so “slower” bike is not a problem. Thanks for help.
Daniel
If you’re more about the down than the up, the 575 should be a better choice for you. It will take more abuse than the ASR 5c will.
I’m torn between either a Titus RACER X Ti or Yeti ASR 5c. I’m a skeptic when it comes to Carbon Frames taken on the trail I worry about the tolerance levels in regards to frame and pivot integrity; Mind you..I just take take the various trails all over Marin Ca. No drives to the “ski resorts” to do down hill courses and such. So im wondering..of the two frames I mentioned ( to make a long story short..) what would be my most bang for the buck. Any and every opinion is of value in the decision making process.
I responded to your question over on the Ibis Mojo review:
http://www.feedthehabit.com/mountain-biking/2010-ibis-mojo-mountain-bike-review/
Bottom line… if you take care of your bike, there’s no question that carbon is a solid choice.
Jason
Awesome reviews man, add me to the list who would like to be doing what you are…
Been looking for a replacement for my 07 Stumpy FSR Expert and have been looking real close at the Blur LT, ASR 5, Mojo SL, Fuel EX 8/9, Remedy 8/9 and Rocky Mountain Altitude. I know a large list but I have all winter. Still tossing the carbon thing around but it appears outside of the cash aspect a lot of folks are recommending its use.
My riding style is all over the place no real big ups 2-300 foot climbs lots of rocky technical with a ton of roots ruts and twists tossed in. Based in Ontario Canada so we have some sweet classic XC single track with lots of Canadian Shield granite poking its head out.
Anything you would push off my list? Or push to the front?
Thanks
Wayne
Wayne… thanks for the kudos. It’s a fun niche to be in. Been doing this for a LONG time, but it’s nice to hear I’m providing some value.
Onto the bikes, yes… BIG list there with each bike being stellar in many ways. The carbon debate is worth considering, but it’s such a nice material (light, damp, stiff) that it’s hard to deny its use in MTB applications.
Looking at your list, your riding style and the terrain, I’d put them in this order:
Yeti ASR5
Mojo SL
Blur LT Carbon (not AL)
Fuel EX
Rocky Altitude
Remedy
The ASR 5 is fast, efficient and perfect for the terrain you suggest. It may not absorb everything, but it will be efficient and fun. I’d put that one at the top if I were you.
All of those are killer bikes though.
Jason
Thanks, always good to get feedback much appreciated you have confirmed the top 3 for sure. I have been flipping between the top 3, I do like a little longer travel bike, it is an age thing and the old back syndrome. I have slowed on the climbs but then again the stumpy is not a great climber anyway specially in 07. Any bike advantage to gain some speed back is so appreciated.
Thanks again.
If that’s the case, the Mojo (and I’ve heard the Blur LTC) rides like an XC machine if you want it to while still being super plush when needed. I really, really love my Mojo!
Hello Jason,
I was lost but found this awesome site! Would like your advise on a future purchase I want to make. I am between a Yeti 575 and the ASR5 and can’t make up my mind. I ride not very technical trails and don’t do any crazy drops/downhill. I want something light and efficient climber and maybe something I can race with in the future. I test rode the 575 (on the streets) and the suspension was AWESOME. My question is… If I was to get the 575 instead of the ASR, would I be loosing lots of climbing efficiency? How does the 575 climb compared to the ASR5? Because, if it is about 5-10% climbing efficiency I would sacrifice it for a plush ride of the 575.
Thanks,
Abe
Yo Abe… the classic question, my friend. Both are similar in many ways, yet oh so different. Both are excellent climbers, but the 575 needs an adjustable-travel fork to be as adept as the ASR 5c. The 575 will trounce any downhill that mortals will throw at it while the ASR 5c will whimper a bit but still make it through.
The 5c would be much more capable as an XC rig than the 575. I’d give the 5c the nod in climbing and the 575 the nod on descending. If you do go 575 you’ll definitely want an adjustable travel fork whereas the 5c can do without just fine.
Wow! Thanks for your quick responce, really appreciate it! One more question… Could you recommend me an adjustable-travel fork for the 575?
Thanks a bunch.
Abe
Jason
Mojo! Done. Found a frame very lightly used and built it out last weekend off my old ride. Will upgrade the parts over the winter.
First impressions, WOW! Sweet and efficient as hell. Very happy I went this route although I am betting the Yeti would have been awesome as well.
Cheers!
Wayne
@Abe… I’d go with either the Rockshox Revelation or the Fox 32 RLC with 15QR.
@Wayne… nice find man! I’m glad you agree on the efficiency. I’ve honestly been blown away by the Mojo’s ability to be both a durable trailbike and XC trail machine. Enjoy!
Thanks a bunch Jason,
It is so cool that sites/forums like this exist, were you can get GREAT help for free, can you believe that?
Keep up the good work man and again, Thanks a lot!
Happy Holidays,
Abe
To ALL What about the Covert ?
I’m going to start So. Cal. mountain and some XC. Not a HD (too old) but love to ride the trails.
Thanks for your help
John
@John
The Transition Covert should be a contender in the AM market, but the ASR 5 Carbon is a much more race-tuned AM bike than the Covert. I need to get on the new Covert (hope to do so in the Spring) for comparison, but it’s really more akin to a 575 or ASR 7 if you want to compare to Yeti’s offerings.
Thanks Jason. I like the ablitiy to use a hammerschmidt if I want to (tecno nut like myself).
I’ve been looking at JensonUSA which seems to be a big seller of the Yeti.
I’m 5′10 and about 200lbs and losing (hope to get and stay around 190lbs)
So with this do you think a mediun size would be a good choice.
Cheers and thanks for your advise
John
So hard to say sizes outright. I like the Medium 575 and I’m about your same size (5′10 and 175 lbs). So… at first blush, I’d say yes, but you should get sized up. However, the 575 doesn’t have ISGC tabs though, so no Hammerschmidt. The Covert does though (was that what you were talking about?).
Jason
Yea I like the idea of the Hammerschmidt and how simple it is and works. Also gives me the oppotunity to change back to a 3 ring crank as well.
There is a company JensonUSA in my area who sells Yeti but not Covert. Also learning more about different front forks as well. I don’t plan on racing down mountains or flying off the edge but would like to have a very nice ride for trails and any ruff stuff the trail might throw at me.
Cheers John
The Hammerschmidt system is sweet indeed, but its got limited applications. Most trail bikes don’t have ISCG tabs, so you’re out of luck. The Transition Covert is one of the few that does.
JensonUSA is a great shop… they should dial you in well. I know they sell a ton of Yeti’s as well as other brands.
Jason, you mentioned in your tallboy review that it was the most fun bike of the show. I’m looking at either an ASR5, Blur LTc or a tallboy with a 120 up front.
Looking for something just as confident down as up. Ther’s some great video and info on the SCblog about employees and their TB’s and that crew isn’t holding back on anything. So i’m sure a Tallboy would be a great all aorund bike for me. Just curious as to why the tall boy beat out the ASR 5? I’m still tempted at building a light 5 inch 26″ FS bike. I could get the ASR down to 24-25 pounds no problem which is the sweetspot for me for all day riding and enough weight not to skitter around on the downs. Tall boy would be 27-28? Thanks
Between that ASR 5c and the Tallboy, they were the best bikes of the demo in their respective wheel size. I’m quite taken by the smoothness of 29ers and the Tallboy rode like an exceptional trailbike with all the benefits of the larger hoops.
The ASR 5c is a stellar ride with a much more fast (almost XC race) feel to it. But, it still had enough travel to make an all-day burl-fest comfortable. I’m quite taken by both bikes actually and think you couldn’t go wrong with either choice.
Arrgh! Can’t decide
I’m taking a tallboy out in the spx guise out for 3 days next week. No way to demo the asr yet until competitive cyclist or my local shop get demos going. if it’s a tight XC version of the 575 then it might be hard to beat. I’d build it with a Talas 140 up front. keep it at 120 95% of the time. But when we do have extended down’s ( pisgah) then i’d crank it up to 140
Thanks for the feedback.
Hi Jason,
How would the ASR 5 perform uphill if I install a 140mm fork. Looking at the geometry, it gives a 68deg head angle. Seem like rather slack for efficient climbing.
If that fork is say the Fox 32 TALAS RLC, then it might be a pretty good match since you can drop the travel to 120mm for climbing. However, it could slacken it out so much that the steering becomes unresponsive too.
The 68deg head angle does seem slack on paper, but let me assure you this thing doesn’t wander one bit and is as efficient as the best bikes on the market.
Jason, interesting reads. I’m trying to determine myself between the 575 and the asr5. I currently ride a cannondale f 700…..yes it’s that old. I really enjoy the light weight of the bike. I’m 47 and ride whenever I get a chance….I want one more bike and think it is time to go to full suspension. I’m 5-7 180 the trails here are a mix decent drops no serious downhills but that doesn’t mean I wont be taking a road trip or two or three to get to some new areas. Anyway of the bikes I mentioned or if there is another you think would fit the bill, what are your thoughts.
Thanks and sorry for the long write.
Jason,
Also to throw into the mix, what about the Specialized stumpjumper fsr comp. How would this bike compare handling travel and weight?
Hey Paul
You’ve picked some great bikes indeed. Both the 575 and ASR5c would be great “do-it-all” bikes. I wish I could speak to the Specialized stumpy, but I haven’t ridden a Specialized in forever.
You never mentioned where you live and ride… that will help determine the type of bike. From what you did say, I’d lean towards the ASR5c because it is a little more XC-oriented, lighter weight and yet still capable. That bike is really going to be hard to beat as a do-it-all trailbike for the fast and efficient crowd.
Jason, thanks for the input. I live in Texas in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. I test rode the ASR 5 and the 575 this afternoon. Only a parking lot ride. The 575 was really plush and the ASR 5 was just a little firmer. Coming from the bike I was riding I’m leaning towards the ASR 5 alloy. I’ m thinking of doing the enduro build and changing the shifters to XT. That way I’ll get full XT. Bikes sure have come up in price though. I’m still trying to justify the cost??? I was amazed how the bike felt so smooth.
Sounds like the perfect ride for you then. Yes, nearly $3000 is a lot to spend but you sound like someone who will take care of it and have it for a long time. That will be a solid steed for you. Enjoy it man!
Thanks Jason for your input. Enjoy the ride!!
Jason, great site!
I’m thinking of changing my Rush Carbon for something quick, light but with more travel for more downhill fun. Think the ASR5 looks like a winner but wondered what you think about fork travel. The specs say it’ll take 120-140mm fork. Would it still be decent on climbs with 140mm Fox float? Thanks
As far as going 140mm, I’d recommend going with a TALAS and not FLOAT so you can adjust the travel down to 120 for climbs. The ASR5c is a killer trail slayer indeed, but I’d guess 140mm on technical climbs might cause it to wander a bit.
Now that I’m thinking this over a bit more, I’m not confident as to whether or not I was riding a 120mm or 140mm fork on this bike. Looking at the fork and comparing that to the Fox F-Series offerings, it appears that it must have been a 120mm fork, but I’m going to check to see if they have a 140mm OEM fork just for Yeti.
Yes, indeed… it has been verified. They have only spec’d that bike with 120mm forks, so that’s what I rode and what’s recommended. It can accept up to a 140mm fork, but it may make uphills a little more wandery.