FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Yeti Cycles has added a new model to its lineup. The 4.5-inch-travel SB4.5c is the first 29er Yeti has built using the Switch Infinity link, joining 27.5-inch-wheeled 5- and 6-inch travel models designed around the brand's patented suspension platform.
“It's built around 29-inch wheels but is designed like all of our bikes with a low bottom bracket height, slack head angle and long toptube,” said Chris Conroy, Yeti co-owner and president.
“We really wanted to build a trail-specific bike with a firm pedaling platform and supple bump absorption that our Switch Infinity design is known for. It's versatile and, depending on which fork it's built with, can be used for everything from XC racing to enduro racing and everything in between.”
The SB4.5c's 5.4-pound carbon frame is built around Yeti's Switch Infinity link, a translating pivot that changes directions as the rear wheel moves through its travel to provide pedaling efficiency and small-bump sensitivity on climbs while allowing for plush travel on descents.
It also features 148-millimeter Boost spacing for added stiffness, a 67.4-degree head angle when built with a 140-millimeter fork, and 437-millimeter chainstays equipped with custom molded guards on the drive side. The same guards also protect the downtube and drive-side seatstay.
Yeti is offering a range of SB4.5c complete bikes, including an enduro spec built with a Fox 36 140-millimeter fork and SRAM GX 1x11 drivetrain and a race spec that uses a Fox 34 140-millimeter fork and SRAM XO1 drivetrain (also available with Enve carbon wheels). The pro model is built with a Fox 34 140-millimeter fork and Shimano XTR 1x11.
Prices range from $6,899 to $10,499. The SB4.5c is also available as a frameset. It will begin shipping Sept. 15.
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Yeti's newest trail bike, the SB4.5c, is built around 29-inch wheels and is available in a variety of builds to suit different riding styles. -
The SB4.5c's carbon frame features details like integrated frame protection on the drive-side chainstay and seatstay as well as on the downtube.
