Foldable Bikes Party: Yeti SB45c punches well above its measurements

Wednesday, 26 August 2015

Yeti SB45c punches well above its measurements

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When Yeti introduced the SB5c last summer it was clear the company was heading in a new direction in terms of suspension design.

Yeti replaced the eccentric main pivot previously used on its Switch Platform with a new sliding tube design dubbed Switch Infinity. This suspension overhaul signaled that many of the companyâ€™s other models would soon be replaced.

Highs: Incredibly stiff frame; clean lines; good standover clearance
Lows: Somewhat imbalanced suspension feel, no chainguide option, 1x-specific frame design
Buy if: Youâ€™re searching for a short-travel 29er with an aggressive edge

The SB45c â€“ which is being unveiled at Eurobike as this goes to press, and which we've had a chance to ride â€“ is the successor to the well-regarded SB95c. On paper at least, it doesnâ€™t quite measure up to its predecessor. The SB95c had 127mm of rear travel, while the SB45c sees a decrease in suspension travel to just 114mm â€“ so does this matter on the trail? Read on to find outâ€¦

Yeti SB45c highlights

4.5in / 114mm via Yetiâ€™s Switch Infinity suspension system
Designed around 130-140mm suspension forks
5.4lb / 2.45kg claimed frame weight
25.94lb / 11.76kg weight as tested (medium X01 build)
BB92 bottom bracket
148x12mm rear axle spacing / 110x15mm front axle spacing
Frame with shock will retail for $3,400 (UK and Australian pricing TBA)
Compete builds will range from $5,599 to $10,449 (UK and Australian pricing TBA)
Available beginning September 15

Design details

The SB45c borrows heavily from the Enduro World Series-proven SB6c in the shortest travel incarnation of the Switch Infinity suspension system to date.

While the SB45c sports just 114mm of rear suspension travel, the familial resemblance to the rough and tumble SB6c is readily apparent. It shares the same clean lines, with an extremely low top tube, giving the rider ample standover clearance and internal routing through ports on the sides of the down tube.