With the Yeti SB-66, the abbreviation SB stands for nothing less than "Super Bike", which is quite something. Although the bike has been around for some time and a carbon version of the frame has already been presented, it has taken until now to get hold of one of the few aluminium test bikes. The Switch Technology kinematics alone make the bike an interesting test object. At first glance, the frame looks like an ordinary single-pivot bike, but it is not. This is because the main pivot point of the rear triangle is mounted eccentrically, which in principle corresponds to a short rocker arm. When the suspension compresses, the eccentric first moves upwards and then downwards again in the last part of the suspension travel. As a result, the SB-66 should work sensitively on the one hand and free from drive influences on the other. The former is impressively successful and ensures a sensitive, active suspension. The second is only partially successful. Although the rear suspension remains extremely smooth when pedalling and generates plenty of propulsion, you can still feel the suspension reacting to the drivetrain with a slightly rough ride. In terms of handling, the Yeti with its very low bottom bracket shows no weakness and ploughs confidently over the Latscher trails. For hard, big hits, the rear suspension could do with a little more progression and compression damping and it bottoms out easily. In combination with the long 160 mm fork (150 mm is also possible), the seat angle is very slack. Only the short head tube prevents the front wheel from rising quickly when climbing. At 3647 grams including the shock, the beautifully finished frame is one of the heavier models in this suspension travel class and pushes up the overall weight.
ConclusionYeti remains exclusive and will rarely be seen on the trails. The SB-66 impresses with good performance, but is quite heavy and could do with a steeper seat angle.
PLUS Successful handling, sensitive chassis
MINUS High frame weight, flat seat angle
