Yeti Cycles

SB66 Carbon Mountain Bike Frame

Taking the trail bike to uncharted levels, the six-inch (152mm) travel Yeti SB-66 Carbon Mountain Bike Frame expands on the quickly building, trail-dominating reputation of Yeti's Switch Technology suspension by adorning it with a weight-dropping and stiffness-enhancing carbon chassis. In fact, the hand-laid high modulus carbon front and rear triangles knock a whopping pound and a half off its aluminum counterpart -- and that's without sacrificing anything to the stiffness department. That's right, you're looking at a six pound (2.72kg), six-inch trail bike.

This is the first Yeti SB (Super Bike) series frame to feature collet-type pivot hardware, which ensures the correct bearing preload while protecting the structural integrity of the carbon fiber. Enduro Max angular contact bearings fill the bores and offer ultra-tight, flex-free tolerances while easily managing side loads that would send conventional cartridge bearings straight to the dump.

The heart of the SB line lies in the suspension design. Unlike multi-link systems, which require linkages packed in between the main triangle and rear triangle, Yeti's Switch Technology features an eccentric mechanism buried low in the frame-enabling super-short chain stays and a low center of gravity for lively handling. This compact eccentric continuously adjusts the lower pivot position for a rearward, small-bump-damping axle path while maintaining a firm, pedal-friendly platform. Towards the end of the suspension's travel, the eccentric rotates in the opposite direction for a responsive mid-stroke, and finally to the end position where the suspension becomes progressively stiffer to provide big hit absorption. Think efficient pedaling perfectly meshed with big hit capabilities.

Aside from the major drop in heft, updated bearings, and hardware, the SB-66 Carbon chassis is loaded with new-school features. The boys in Colorado provide the option to run a triple, double, or single ring with a chain guide thanks to removable ISCG tabs. There's also routing for a seat dropper post, a direct mount for the front derailleur, and it's only available for the stiffness enhancing 12x142mm thru-axle. A tapered inset head tube (ZS44/ZS56mm) ensures front-end precision and strength for long-travel forks. Yeti recommends a fork in the 150-160mm range (resulting in 67 or 66.5 degree head tube angle, respectively). If you're aiming to charge through the rough, then match your SB-66 C to a 160mm fork with oversized stanchions, but if you want an all-day backcountry machine, add a 150mm travel fork with 34mm sanctions for climbing ability and some weight reduction.

Like all factory-prepped Yetis, the SB-66 Carbon has its rear suspension motion controlled by the highly respected FOX FLOAT CTD Adjust. However, this isn't any run-of-the-mill FOX Float rear shock. Yeti has long worked closely with FOX Shox—including their jointly run World Cup mountain bike race team—so you can be assured that this factory-tuned Float CTD (equipped with a Kashima coated shock shaft for ultra smooth and durable out-of-the-box performance) is the perfect match to the SB-66 C.

The Yeti SB-66 Carbon Mountain Bike Frame is available in the color Raw Carbon with either Black, Grey, or Turquoise decals. It comes in four sizes from Small to X-Large. The SB-66 uses a High Direct mount for the front derailleur, a post mount rear disc, a 73mm English Bottom Bracket, and you'll need a 30.9mm seatpost.

US Yeti dealers are prohibited from shipping Yeti bicycles to any country other than Canada, Mexico or the US.