With the Yeti SB5.5c the legendary American manufacturer is launching a long-stroke trail bike that is in the league of the new YT Jeffsy and the Santa Cruz Hightower plays. Although the suspension travel of 160/140 millimetres suggests an enduro bike, the wheels speak a different language. The Yeti SB5.5c is a genuine twentyniner and does not even offer the option of fitting 27.5 inch plus tyres due to the limited tyre clearance. The front derailleur has been omitted, as has an additional tyre size. But why?
According to the BIKE definition, the new Yeti bike is actually a hybrid, i.e. half enduro, half all-mountain. However, the Americans prefer to call such a mountain bike a trail bike, because the Yeti SB5.5c is a bike that you can really let rip with, but on single trails and not in the bike park. The steering angle of 66.5 degrees is quite slack, typical of Yeti, and the rear suspension is designed to be progressive at 140 millimetres in order to keep up with the 160 mm fork. In this way, propulsion is not neglected despite the generous suspension travel, which significantly increases the fun factor, especially on flatter trails.
1x11 drivetrain - but short chainstays
The decision not to fit a front derailleur on the SB5.5c is in the same vein. Although this would have really surprised us at Yeti, as the Americans have already completely switched to single-speed drivetrains, it also allows the Yeti designers to shorten the chainstays to 437 millimetres, which should significantly increase the fun factor of the new bike. The frame weighs around 2.8 kilograms including the shock. This is a good figure considering the Switch Infinity rear triangle and the bike's design for rough terrain.
The Rock Shox Reverb is a matter of course, as is the very good drive neutrality with optimum suspension performance, which is a real advantage with Yeti with the so-called Switch Infinity rear suspension system goes smoothly. According to our BIKE test in 2015, it is one of the best rear suspension systems currently available in the all-mountain and enduro sector. Other technical features include Boost axles at the front and rear. The frame of the Yeti SB5.5c alone costs 3599 dollars, complete bikes are available from 5699 to 10599 dollars. The total weight is between 12.5 and 13 kilograms, depending on the equipment. Prices in euros are not yet available.
More details on the SB5.5c can be found on the Yeti website.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
