Yeti Cycles

SB95-A Race XT 2012

29er frame designers have notoriously struggled with stand-over height and chainstay length — and we're talking about hardtails here. Take into consideration suspension links and shock mount locations and it gets exponentially more difficult. Yeti's compact Switch suspension, found here on the 2012 SB95-A with the XT Race kit, provides a full 127mm rear wheel travel — and made optimization of chainstay length and stand-over height an uncomplicated endeavor

The Switch suspension design does not require linkages packed in between the main and rear triangles, unlike multi-link suspensions. An eccentric mechanism buried low in the frame allows minimal chain stay length — a deciding factor in how nimble and flickable a full suspension 29er can feel. It also lets Yeti position the shock in the frame for an ultra-low standover height.

Those are just a few of the advantages of Switch technology for use on 29ers. It also happens to be extremely stiff and it's tuned for excellent pedaling and ride characteristics. The eccentric mechanism continuously adjusts the lower pivot position. This allows a rearward, small-bump damping axle path while maintaining a firm, pedal-friendly platform. As you start to blow through travel, the eccentric rotates in the opposite direction for a responsive midstroke, and finally to the end position where the suspension becomes progressively stiffer to provide big hit absorption. The eccentric is also tuned to be independent of chain forces, preventing any kickback felt in the pedals when spinning through rockgardens.

Switch Technology not only features near-perfect pivot and rear axle motion, it also rides on oversized pivots, pins, and axles to ensure precise, friction-free movement with long maintenance intervals. Controlling the suspension movement is the lauded Fox RP23 — but not just any run-of-the-mill RP23. Yeti has famously worked closely with Fox Shox, even campaigning a dominant mountain bike race team together, so you can be rest assured that this factory tuned RP23 with Kashima coating is the perfect match to the SB95. 

Up front, a Fox F29 34 with Kashima sports 120mm of travel. It features a plethora of adjustments, including preload, rebound, low-speed compression, lockout, and lockout-force adjust. The fork is also a 15QR,  and its tapered steerer with oversized stanchions ensure the fork will hold its line over aggressive terrain.

Shimano's stalwart XT components compromise the drivetrain, including the triple crank and 10-speed derailleur, cassette and shifters. The SB95’s high-speed nature calls for gobs of stopping power, for that reason, you'll find an oversized 180mm front rotor for the powerful XT hydraulic disc brakes. Equipped with DT Swiss XR400 rims laced to DT Swiss 350 hubs, wrapped in Schwalbe Racing Ralph tires, the SB95 Race will accelerate quickly with minimum effort

The Yeti SB95-A with the Race XT kit gets the preferred cockpit treatment with an Easton Haven carbon handlebar and Thomson Elite post and stem. A WTB Rocket V saddle finishes off this highly capable trail bike's build. It's available in Small through X-Large sizes and comes in Black or Silver.

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