Yeti is one of the few brands that can still get the longtime mountain biker all misty eyed, with visions of the carbon and aluminium C-26 a standout model in the company's history which stretches right back to 1985 (before many bikemagic readers were even born!)
The bikes have always enjoyed a cult following and this remains into 2010, with the all-new ASR-5 Carbon's head-turning looks and innovative design. wWe managed to swing a leg over one just recently while checking out the latest products from DT Swiss in Spain - and as you can see from the photo it wasn't very warm.
This new model is based around 120mm of travel at the rear wheel, via a single pivot and rocker linkage driven rear shock. The frame is all-carbon, the black stuff extending to the swingarm and even the linkage. Lines are clean and smooth, tube diameters are on the large side.
Underneath the lacquer is a 2.2kg (4.8lb) frame, thanks to all that carbon. But it's mightily stiff, and at the front there's a tapered head tube (1 1/8in to 1.5in). A DT Swiss XMM 140mm fork was plugged our test bike and proved a perfect match for the DT Swiss rear air can. All that carbon around the front-end and the massive slab-sided top and down tubes results in a bike with fantastically direct and communicate handling; picking lines through tight singletrack was an easy and enjoyable affair, requiring just the merest hint of input.
Despite it's light weight and 'only' 120mm travel, it felt bombproof and thoroughly capable. It's pert and stable while climbing and encourages you to push hard on the pedals and get out of the saddle, with the DT Swiss fork offering lockdown steep climbs were a doddle. On the way back down it felt like a bigger bike in its capability, taking the big hits with consummate ease and never really getting out of its depth or struggling to keep up with us pushing it fast through the corners. The stiffness of the frame's carbon contruction is noticeable during really demanding riding, it's sprightly and energetic.
This was a very limited test, and the trail conditions were far from favourable, but it gave us an insight into how capable and how much fun the new ASR-5 Carbon is. For the person looking for a bike with a bit of history and exclusivity and showcasing the latest carbon technology packaged in a very capable trail riding (and spot of racing) build, the Yeti is right up there. It's also, in my opinion, probably one of the best looking bikes around at the moment.
A full test in due course hopefully. Cost is £2136 frame only. An aluminium version priced a more affordable £1699 is available too.
www.yeticycles.com
