Custom Built Yeti Cycles SB4.5 by The Owner of Worldwide Cyclery - Jeff Cayley [Video]

Overview

Jeff is known for making some pretty unique bikes. His last Yeti SB4.5 ended up being cut down as an "experiment". Who just cuts off part of a $3,400 frame? The mad-man behind Worldwide Cyclery does! The seatube on this Yeti SB4.5 was not cut, but we did end up doing a custom paint job on the fork. If you didn't watch the video, here are some of Jeff's thoughts on the build...

Why The SB4.5?

It might seem weird for me to build up a technically "Discontinued" model Yeti when there are fancy newer bikes available like the Yeti SB100, SB130, and SB150. But... I honestly just love the SB4.5. It fits perfectly in between the new Yeti models (SB100 & SB130) and it is simply "just right" for my appetite. I think the bikes are a little on the short end, which is why I took the time to cut an XL 4.5 frame seatube in the past but I didn't want to spend the time to do that again, so this time I went only one size up to a large size frame. I just love this bike for where I ride most often. I am a big believer in having a bike that is best suited for the riding you do the majority of the time. For me that riding is pretty general trail riding with a lot of elevation and mixed in some enduro style rocky stuff here and there. The SB4.5 is the perfect travel range, extremely light and efficient to pedal, looks amazing and the geo is just spot on (granted you size up and put offset shock bushings on it....IMHO).

There is a trend to ride a bike that has a ton of travel and more than you need. I am not about that trend. I still like light and fast and just enough travel to where the bike still feels agile and quick shredding along XC trails. 

No SRAM Eagle?

Also, why didn't I do Sram Eagle? Well, I just don't think I need it. It works amazing, looks amazing and I ride it on a ton of our demo bikes we have. But, to toot my own horn a little, I just feel that I am in good enough shape that it simply isn't necessary. I don't need the gear range. I also don't race nor do I do any 3+ hour rides. If I did either of those, I'd have gone with SRAM Eagle no doubt. But with my fitness level and where and how long I ride I just don't need it. So why not then keep the weight down and go with the 11 speed. They both shift perfectly.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, I want a bike that is unique, takes some effort to create, looks different, is different, and is fun as hell to ride on my favorite local trails and this thing fits the bill for now. Stay tuned for 6 months later when I build another bike and sell this sucker off :)