Utilizing Yeti’s new “Switch” eccentric suspension system, an all-new 29er trailbike will be hitting the market in 2012: The Yeti SB95 29er. Although it took Yeti a few years to deliver their first 29er, the Big Top is one heck of a hardtail 29er. After cutting their teeth on that one and releasing the much-heralded SB66 earlier this Summer, word was that a 29er version of the Switch platform was soon to follow.
I just got the official release on the new SB95 and let me just say that the market for 29er trailbikes just got a little more crowded. The SB95 looks great on paper at 127mm of Switch travel with the ability to run either a 120 or 140mm fork. It’s got all the typical bells-and-whistles to boot: tapered head tube, Yeti Chip System, internally-routed rear derailleur cable through the seatstay, chain guide and the Fox RP23 Kashima for good measure.
Looking over the specs, the only downside is weight. At 7.5 lbs, it’s at least a pound heaver than the venerable Niner RIP9 and maybe even 3 lbs heavier than the Ibis Ripley. Granted the Ripley is carbon, but 7.5 lbs is a lot of foundational weight that can’t be reduced. That said, my favorite 29ers all weigh more than their 26er counterparts and once on the trail, you’d never know the wiser.
With no official photos yet available, Singletrack Magazine was kind enough to grant me permission to use their photography from Eurobike. Thanks!
Here’s Yeti’s official info on the SB95:
Born from a desire to make a pure 29er 5″ travel trail bike that rails turns and maintains the agility of it’s 26-inch counterpart, the SB95 is a true head-turner. Utilizing the same Switch Technology found on the SB-66 to create a head-scratching combination of crisp pedaling and efficient bump absorption, the SB-95 also solves most of the problems inherent in other 29er full suspension designs . . . namely, long chain stays, poor tire clearance, and tall top tubes.
The Switch’s design and unique wheel path allows for shorter chain stays and loads of tire clearance. Similarly, the compact assembly of the Switch mechanism permits a lowslung top tube and stand over clearance that would put a smile on Danny DeVito’s face.
And the beauty of the SB95 is that all the positive attributes of a 29er are perfectly maintained, even amplified. You’ll carry speed over potholes, hold your momentum through the rough stuff, and maintain traction on loose terrain. It feels like a 3″bike going uphill and a 6″bike coming back down.
Designed with a murderer’s row of standard features (inset tapered headtube, thru-axle compatibility, cable stays for a dropper seat post, oversized pivots and fully sealed bearings), the SB95 won’t leave you wanting for upgrades.
Yeti SB95 Specs
- Travel: 5″ / 127mm
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Colors: White/Turquoise
- Rear Shock: Fox RP23 Kashima
- Bottom Bracket: 73mm Shell
- Rear Axle: 135mm QR or 12x142mm thru
- Front Derailleur: Direct Mount
- Seatpost: 30.9mm
- Head Angle: 69.6 deg w/120mm fork
- Frame MSRP: $2250
- Available April 2012
Other Features
- Custom butted hydro-formed aluminum nain frame and swingarm
- Tapered inset head tube
- Oversized pivots with Enduro Max angular contact bearings
- Oversized, fully-sealed eccentric Switch Technology suspension
- Seatpost dropper guides
- Custom elastomer chain slap guards
- Suspension provides efficient climbing, crisp pedaling and midstroke firmness
More Info: Visit Yeticycles.com
4 Comments
Just to confirm the RIP9 weight, I had a 2010 Lrg and the frame was 7.6 lbs/w shock. Sold it because it didn’t pedal well up, too much bob w/out leaving it on PP3! The Yeti may be the NEW do it all bike according to the news I’ve read……
Yeah, the RIP and the SB-95 are both tanky frames, but I’m surprised to hear you say that about the RIP. I loved mine and found it to be an amazing climber. It goes to show you that the rider input has a lot to do with how the bike rides.
I’m anxious to get aboard the SB-95!
Just had to chime in to applaud the climbing abilities of the RIP9 (not trying to start a flame-war, just my experience). I’m not the smoothest nor technically-adroit climber (re: Masher) yet it does not punish my less-than-stellar form. Climbs like a goat. Just curious, Jason…why no more RIP 9 for you???
I go through lots of frames in any given year and I’m now on a Jet9 patiently waiting for a Jet9 RDO to arrive.