Yeti Releases 2018 Bikes & Frames (The Ferrari of MTB)

First Look at the 2018 Yeti Bikes and Frames

Yeti dropped the new 2018 lineup not too long ago and as you could imagine we were stoked to build some up and get out on the trails! Ever since we brought on the brand, we have been huge fans and every customer of ours who owns a Yeti feels the same way - there is just something about being a part of the tribe that brings a unique feeling to owning such an awesome bike.

Last year brought some big changes with the release of two different carbon frame levels (TURQ series and Carbon series) as well as completely redesigned SB5 and SB5 Beti frames along with the brand new Yeti SB5+. With all of the updates to the 2017 bikes, there aren’t many changes to the 2018 Yeti line other than paint schemes, a new GX Eagle build for the Carbon series bikes, a wicked fun build kit for the SB5 dubbed the “Lunch Ride” or SB5 LR, and a Team Replica build kit on the SB6 which will have you riding almost as fast as Richie Rude and Cody Kelley.

Bikes, Build Kits, and Geometry

2018 Yeti SB6

With Richie Rude and Cody Kelley slaying aboard this 27.5” enduro destroyer, there isn’t a need to make any updates. The SB6 is the longest travel bike in the Yeti lineup and was built to handle the toughest conditions out on the trail. We are really digging the orange accents on this frame - if you can’t be factory, you may as well look factory, and the orange accents paired with the classic Yeti turquoise looks to be one of our favorite Yeti color schemes to date.

The 2018 Yeti SB6 will feature two build kits for the Carbon frame (Shimano XT/SLX and SRAM GX Eagle) and three build kits for the TURQ series frame (Shimano XT, SRAM X01 Eagle, and Team Replica).

The raw black frame returns in 2018 along with the classic Yeti turquoise frame, this time featuring orange accents instead of the yellow found on last years' SB6 frames.

2018 Yeti SB6 Team Replica

Brand new to the 2018 Yeti line of bikes is the Yeti SB6 Team Replica. That's right, you can shred the same bike as the two-time EWS world champ Richie Rude and his teammate Cody Kelly. This bike abandons the typical SRAM drivetrain found spec'd on most of Yeti's builds and instead favors the buttery smooth Shimano XTR drivetrain. Other components on this machine range from Renthal bar and stem, Fox 36 with shiny orange lowers and a Float X2 rear shock, Ergon saddle, and DT Swiss wheels. There will only be 125 of these bad boys produced and a retail price of $9,499, might want to start saving!

2018 Yeti SB5.5

Over the past year, the Yeti SB5.5 was hands down the best selling bike in our shop, and with good reason. The lightweight and agile frame makes technical climbs seem like nothing while hauling some serious tail on the descents. The bike is extremely easy to maneuver and remains stable even in the chunkiest of chunk. If you're looking for that do-it-all bike, the 2018 Yeti SB5.5 could be just the bike your wife keeps telling you not to buy. (Don't listen...)

The 2018 Yeti SB5.5 will feature two build kits for the Carbon frame (Shimano XT/SLX and SRAM GX Eagle) and three build kits for the TURQ series frame (Shimano XT, SRAM X01 Eagle, and SRAM XX1 Eagle).

The turquoise frame with yellow accents returns for one of this year's color schemes and replacing the silver color scheme from last year is the raw black scheme. We're excited to see a full stealth Yeti SB5.5, any takers?!

2018 Yeti SB5+

We didn't have too much experience on plus bikes until Yeti released the SB5+ last year but after spending a good amount of time on this rig, we can honestly say that this bike is just flat out FUN. The 5-inch travel plus bike is extremely balanced and with gobs of traction and stability for days, the Yeti SB5+ is ready to take on any trail condition you throw at it!

The 2018 Yeti SB5+ will feature two build kits for the Carbon frame (Shimano XT/SLX and SRAM GX Eagle) and three build kits for the TURQ series frame (Shimano XT, SRAM X01 Eagle, and SRAM XX1 Eagle).

The matte black frame with yellow accents returns on the 2018 frame and the navy blue storm colorway will also be added the SB5+ lineup.

2018 Yeti SB5

Last years' SB5 received a ton of updates including a new frame design, internal routing, and boost spacing to name a few, so the only updates to the 2018 SB5 are a new paint scheme to the turquoise colorway which features some sweet orange accents and a metric suspension. This 27.5" all mountain king is everything a trail bike should be: light, nimble, and dominates the descents. 

The 2018 Yeti SB5 will feature two build kits for the Carbon frame (Shimano XT/SLX and SRAM GX Eagle) and four build kits for the TURQ series frame (Shimano XT, SRAM X01 Eagle, SRAM XX1 Eagle, and Lunch Ride).

The SB5 will come in the raw black color scheme as seen on last years model with an updated turquoise scheme that contains orange accents. #sofactory

2018 Yeti SB5 Lunch Ride

We've had so much fun on the SB5 and are stoked to see Yeti releasing the "Lunch Ride" spec which is a more beefed up enduro version of the SB5. Tested exclusively by Richie Rude on the EWS circuit, this build is essentially a Yeti SB6 kit spec'd on an SB5 frame. Some key differences on the Lunch Ride build in comparison to the standard SB5 is the addition of a 160mm Fox 36, replacing the 150mm Fox 34, a Fox Float DPX2 in place of the Fox Factory DPS, a Maxxis DHF 2.5/Aggressor 2.3 tire setup replacing the narrower Ardent's, a larger rear rotor, and wider DT Swiss XM481 rims replacing the XM421 rims.

2018 Yeti SB4.5

When a local customer comes in the shop saying they want an all around trail bike that is great for the Southern California area that our west coast location inhabits, we always steer them towards the Yeti SB4.5. This 29er is incredibly efficient due to the Switch Infinity platform while the short chainstays lend to the bike's lively tendencies on the downhills.

The 2018 Yeti SB4.5 will feature two build kits for the Carbon frame (Shimano XT/SLX and SRAM GX Eagle) and three build kits for the TURQ series frame (Shimano XT, SRAM X01 Eagle, and SRAM XX1 Eagle).

This SB4.5 will come in the raw black color scheme as seen on last year's model along with the new storm color featuring orange and turquoise accents.

2018 Yeti SB5 Beti

Built for women that shred, the Yeti SB5 Beti is the ideal bike for that trail slaying woman looking for a little more out of her bike. The Beti takes the SB5 frame and specs it with women's specific components including a women's specific saddle, handlebar, and crankset. Whether you are out for a nice evening ride or pushing the limits, the Yeti SB5 Beti is just the bike for you.

The 2018 Yeti SB5 Beti will feature two build kits for the Carbon frame (Shimano XT/SLX and SRAM GX Eagle) and three build kits for the TURQ series frame (Shimano XT, SRAM X01 Eagle, and SRAM XX1 Eagle).

There will be two colorways for this frame in 2018, the storm with turquoise and magenta accents and the classic Yeti turquoise with storm and magenta accents.

The 2018 line is available now. We will have every model to demo in the next few weeks so call today to schedule a ride! Yeti bikes are not available to purchase on our website, please contact us at 805-375-4525 or e-mail us at info@worldwidecyclery.com to inquire about Yeti bikes for sale.

Final Thoughts after riding the bikes!

Not much has changed with the bikes when looking at geometry or build kits but the bikes are nothing short of amazing. Every Bike form Yeti is in its self a piece of art and anyone who has ever owned or ridden one can share the same thoughts. Now they do not offer everything there is to give on a bike but they are doing a lot better than a few of the other brands and creating a bike that is made to be ridden or all types of riding conditions. There was no detail spared on the design and with just about every person at our shop riding a Yeti, it is pretty clear to say that we are impressed. Although many of us have switched to other bikes in between we always seem to find ourselves falling right back on the saddle of another. With the only complaint being the bottle cage mount placement, that is pretty a pretty insignificant complaint about an entire line-up of bikes!