The SB6C's predecessor was the SB66, a bike that wasn't long for this world before Yeti replaced it with the new machine reviewed here. Jared Graves then immediately took the 152mm travel SB6C out and won a handful of ridiculously hard enduro races on it, as well as the 2014 EWS overall title, which is pretty much a storybook debut for the company. Considering that he did a similar feat aboard the SB66 (minus the EWS overall), and that his speed might have little do to with how the majority of riders will be using the SB6C, I don't think we can put Graves' success solely down to Yeti's new design. Then again, it was Jared who penned the SB6C's geometry - the head angle is a full degree slacker, putting it in the mid 65° range, and it's also longer up front by half an inch compared to the SB66 - so saying that the SB6C is 'race inspired' isn't a stretch by any means.
Yeti SB6C Details
• Intended use: all-mountain / enduro
• Wheel size: 27.5''
• Rear wheel travel: 152mm
• Switch Infinity suspension
• Carbon fiber front and rear triangles
• Tapered head tube ((44/56mm)
• Internal dropper post routing
• Designed to accept Di2 batteries and cables
• ISCG 05 chain guide tabs
• Weight: 29lb 4oz
• MSRP: $7,399 USD
The redesign saw Yeti fit 27.5'' wheels, as expected, but the big thing here is a revised suspension design that doesn't look like anything out there right now. And while the two-rail Switch Infinity layout is very different from the bearing-in-a-bearing design of the older Switch system, it actually accomplishes a very similar thing. Why the change? There are completely unconfirmed rumors that the original Switch system infringed on another company's patent, but Yeti denies this, saying that the reason is three fold: it's much more impervious to the elements, it allows them to have more precise control over the suspension action, and it's around 100 grams lighter.
Our test bike is the 'X01' model that retails for $7,399 USD, and complete bikes start at a still pricey $6,499 USD with their 'Enduro' model. An SB6C frame with a FOX Float X CTD goes for $3,499 USD.