Why Yeti Stands Out Among Premium MTB Brands
Yeti does not follow trends. They set them. Here is what makes the Yeti mountain bikes we stock unique.
- Colorado born, Colorado bred. Designed and tested at elevation. Yeti knows mountains, and so do we.
- Switch Infinity suspension. A translating pivot that switches direction as the bike moves through its travel. Incredible small-bump sensitivity and mid-stroke support.
- Turquoise carbon. Yeti's highest quality carbon fiber. Lighter, stiffer, and stronger than standard carbon.
- Race proven. Enduro World Cup wins. Leadville 100 podiums. Yeti races what they sell, and we stock what they race.
- Killer aesthetics. Turquoise is iconic. Raw carbon is stealth. Every Yeti mountain bike in our range looks as fast as it rides.
How Switch Infinity Works
Most suspension designs use fixed pivots. Switch Infinity uses a translating pivot—a small cartridge that slides up and down as the bike moves through its travel.
How it works:
- Initial travel: The pivot moves downward, making the bike incredibly supple over small bumps.
- Mid-stroke: The pivot changes direction, ramping up support for pedaling and pumping.
- End-stroke: The pivot moves upward, providing a bottomless feel on big hits.
Why it matters. Switch Infinity provides efficiency when you pedal, traction when you corner, and control when you descend. No other suspension system does all three as well, which is part of why we built our premium mountain bike range at Colorado Cyclist around Yeti.
Turq vs Carbon C Frame Grades of Yeti Bikes
Yeti offers two carbon frame grades. Here is the difference:
Turq
- Lightest
- Highest stiffness-to-weight
- Premium Price
- Suited to Racers, weight weenies, maximum performance
Carbon C
- Slightly heavier
- Still excellent stiffness
- More accessible price pioint
- Suited to Riders who want Yeti quality without the premium upcharge
Our take. Both are exceptional. Turquoise is for racers chasing seconds. Carbon C is for everyone else who wants elite ride quality without the premium upcharge.
Choosing the Right Yeti Mountain Bike for Your Riding
Browse our selection of Yeti mountain bikes for sale, from race-ready XC hardtails to enduro-ready full-suspension rigs. Match the bike to the riding you actually do.
I race XC or marathon events: Choose the ASR (120mm). Lightweight, efficient, and race-ready. Available in Turq and Carbon C builds. Want to see how Yeti compares? Our full-suspension mountain bike range offers more options.
I want a do-it-all trail bike for local singletrack: Choose the SB140 (140mm). The most versatile Yeti. Climbs well. Descends confidently. Does everything.
I race enduro or ride bike parks regularly: Choose the SB160 (160mm) or SB165 (170mm MX). The SB165 won the Enduro World Cup. It is the real deal.
I love hardtails and value simplicity: Choose the ARC (120mm hardtail). Race-ready geometry. Carbon frame. Pure feedback.
Cross-shopping other brands? See our broader hardtail mountain bike range.
I want to do lap descents without dying on the climbs: Choose the MTe (electric). Bosch motor. Yeti handling. Extended range.
I ride tight, twisty trails and prefer 27.5" wheels: Choose the SB135 (130mm, 27.5"). Playful, agile, and discontinued, but still available in limited stock.
Why Buy Yeti Bikes from Colorado Cyclist
- At Colorado Cyclist, we offer a wide selection: ASR, SB120, SB135, SB140, SB160, SB165, ARC, and MTe, all stocked alongside our broader mountain bike collection for cross-brand comparison.
- Expert support: We know Switch Infinity setup, the differences between Turquoise and Carbon C, and Yeti sizing quirks. Call us.
- 90-Day Returns: Unassembled and unridden? Return it.
- Price Match Promise: Lower price elsewhere? Email sales@coloradocyclist.com.
FAQs About Yeti Cycles
Is Yeti the best mountain bike brand?
"Best" depends on your priorities. Yeti is among the most respected premium brands in mountain biking. Switch Infinity suspension is genuinely unique and race-proven. Build quality is exceptional. However, you pay for that quality. Yeti is not a value brand. It is a performance-first brand.
Where are Yeti bikes made?
Yeti bikes are designed and engineered in Golden, Colorado. Carbon frames are manufactured in Asia (Taiwan and China) to Yeti's exact specifications. Final assembly and quality control happen in Colorado. The brand remains American-owned and operated.
How often does Switch Infinity need service?
Yeti recommends servicing the Switch Infinity cartridge every 100-150 hours of riding or annually, whichever comes first. The service involves cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting the cartridge. Many riders extend this interval with regular cleaning. Yeti sells replacement cartridges if needed.
What is the difference between Yeti SB160 and SB165?
The SB160 has 160mm travel and 29" wheels. It is designed for enduro racing, climbs efficiently, and descends aggressively. The SB165 has 170mm travel and MX wheels (29" front, 27.5" rear). It is designed for bike parks, freeride tracks, and World Cup enduro tracks. The SB165 is burlier, slacker, and prioritizes descending over climbing.
Why are Yeti bikes so expensive?
Several factors: American design and engineering, premium carbon fiber (Turq), proprietary Switch Infinity suspension, small-batch manufacturing, race team sponsorship, and brand cachet. Yeti does not mass-produce. They build in limited quantities with exceptional quality control. You pay for performance, exclusivity, and the turquoise logo.
What is the Yeti MTe?
The MTe is Yeti's electric mountain bike. It features a Bosch Performance Line CX motor, 580Wh battery, and the same Switch Infinity suspension as analog Yetis. Available in 29" wheels with 150-170mm travel depending on build. For riders who want Yeti handling with pedal-assist range.
What gear should I pair with a new Yeti?
A Yeti deserves a matching kit. Start with a quality MTB helmet, grippy MTB shoes, well-matched pedals, and a pair of sunglasses for high-elevation glare. Add gloves and trail-ready shorts, and you are set for your first season on the Switch Infinity platform.