Employee Rides: Reamonn's 2018 Yeti SB4.5 (Custom Dream MTB) [Video]

What are you riding?

I am riding a 2018 Yeti SB4.5 in size large with a custom build. My very own custom dream MTB.

Why did you choose this bike?

I have been hooked on Yeti for a while now. It might be hard to go with anything else in the future. I rode an SB5 for the last year and decided that the 4.5 was more suited for the riding I was doing on a weekly basis. The bike is more pedal friendly and has 29” wheels so my fat a** can keep up with the big dogs now ; D 

What are some of your personal touches?

I custom built the bike to be like nothing I have seen yet. Aesthetics are really important for me so the color scheme is personal. Liam and I decided to swap out the Kashima stanchions on the Fox 36 to black because we thought it would look better. Not much of a surprise but it came out sick! I chose the Fox 36 because I had it on my SB5 and I really liked the RC2 Damper and knew exactly what settings I would need. Also, I run a really short stem. This Deity Copperhead is 35mm (slightly longer than the 32mm on my SB5). I try to slam the stem down as close to the headset as possible with my bars rolled a little forward.

Frame	2018 Yeti SB4.5
Rear Wheel	Industry Nine Enduro 305 29", 15 x 110mm, 6 bolt, Black/Orange
Front Wheel	Industry Nine Enduro 305 29", 12 x 148mm, 6 bolt, XD, Black/Orange
Fork	Fox 36 RC2 29" 15 x 110mm, 140mm Travel - Custom Orange and Black
Brakes	Avid Code Disc Brake
Brake Rotors	Sram Centerline 2-Piece, 180mm, 6 Bolt
Stem	Deity Copperhead 31.8mm, 35mm length - Platinum
Handlebars	Deity Mohawk Carbon Handlebar, 31.8mm clamp, 787mm width - Stealth
Grips	Deity Knuckleduster - Black
Rear Shifter	Sram X01 Eagle - Black
Seatpost/Dropper	Fox Transfer Performance, 30.9 x 150mm, Internal Routing
Seatpost lever	Wolftooth Remote
Seat	Deity SpeedTrap - Orange
Crankset	Race Face Next SL G4 170mm - Orange
Chain	Sram XX1 Eagle Chain - Black
Cassette	Sram X01 Eagle 10-50t - Silver
Rear derailleur	Sram X01 Eagle Black

How does this bike compare to others you have built in the past?

I have only ever had 1 other full-suspension which was also a Yeti with a similar setup soooo pretty similar. It is a completely different feel from the dirt jumper or BMX!

Why do you run such a particular set up?

Riding BMX bikes as long as I have, I didn’t expect myself to be so particular with a mountain bike. Unfortunately, my pickiness came quick and I wanted a bike that was more snappy and playful. Years of riding with “Chicago” style handlebars on the BMX left me rolling the bars forward on the big bike too.

How does it ride?

Like a dream! I honestly can’t complain about how it performs. It is quick both up and downhill and nothing was sacrificed since it is built as a slightly beefier trail bike.

Is there anything you have thought of changing?

I have been trying to get rid of that damn Kashima rear shock and get a Performance Elite Fox DPX2 to complete the build but have been unsuccessful in my searches. This is a cry for help! If anyone has one in a 7.5” x 2”, LET ME KNOW! Besides that, I have only had to change the tires do to unfortunate malfunctions on the trail…

Any last words?

Shred some brown pow, hit some jumps, screw a PR and just ride for the fun of it. If you are ever debating whether or not to build your very own and custom dream MTB, just do it. You'll be a lot happier that you did ; )