Bike Check: Cody’s Yeti SB4.5c TURQ Edition
Gone are the days where mountain bikers were forced to choose between a bike that was ‘xc fast’ – that would climb well, weigh next to nothing – and a bike that was ‘fun’ – that was playful and confidence inspiring once the trail pointed down. If there was any question that the fast-fun gap was disappearing, Yeti obliterated it with their SB4.5c: a 29”er a comfortable tackling hour long climbs as it is destroying whatever trail that put you at the top of. The SB4.5c pops out of corners, immediately demanding you preform a wheelie. In Cody’s words, it’s like the bikes yelling at you – goddammit, just manual the whole thing!
“Hand Built. Race Bred.” Yeti has an impressive, long track record of winning races. From 90’s XC and DH to current Enduro World Series champion Richie Rude, Yeti really, really knows how to make bikes that want to go fast. While Yeti’s 27.5″ wheeled SB6 is the trail killer most often seen under Rude, the SB4.5c is a bit more versatile. It’s an “all day climb and still destroy your friends on the way down” type bike. At 4.5″ (114mm) rear travel, with 140mm up front, The Sb4.5c has a more balanced feel, perfect for us mere mortals who want to enjoy all aspects of the ride, while Rude is off riding with a single-minded focus on crushing rock gardens and gap jumps.
For 2017 Yeti’s split their lineup into the top end, TURQ series, and the more budget conscious Carbon series. Both are full carbon frames, with the difference being in type of carbon used and a little extra weight on the Carbon series. Cody still wants to race XC this year, as well as some enduro events, so it’s the full TURQ treatment for this SB4.5c to save weight and for a higher end parts spec. The SB4.5c will happily do that, while still being more than capable of toeing the line at the next BC Enduro Series or Island Cup event.
Fox Float Factory, with kashima coated goodness drives Yeti’s Switch Infinity suspension
The inner workings of the Switch Infinity Link. Surprisingly good at staying clean on a wet, wet day
Yeti’s crazy-smooth looking rear triangle makes magic with the Fox Float and Switch Infinity
Very smooth cable routing from Yeti, plus built in chain and seat stay protectors. Details are key
Extra stiffness and stability up front courtesy of a 140mm Fox 34 Factory 140mm Boost fork
Fox Transfer dropper post, kashima coated as well, gives dropper function with Fox reliability
Raceface featherweight, super tough carbon Next SL cranks & narrow-wide spline ring
Cody’s running the SB4.5c with Shimano XTR pedals. Beccause XTR.
Yeti branded WTB saddle, resplendent with teal rails. Because why not?
Shimano’s jumped in the wide range cassette game. It’s not Eagle gold, it’s functional. 11-46 range
Yeti’s proud of their Colorado roots
Full Shimano XT drivetrain for the SB4.5c for unbeatable Shimano reliability
With all the controls crammed into modern cockpits, the Yeti’s bars actually looks quite clean
Tapered head tube, and 67.4 degree head angle, which Yeti calls ‘sensibly slack.’ We say ‘fun.’
The Switch Infinity Linkage now run’s the majority of Yeti’s bikes, efficient and smooth
Meaty Ardent 2.40’s from Maxxis keep the SB4.5c going exactly where you want
