Yeti - Are they worth it?
Discussion
Hello, I'm thinking of treating myself to a full-suspension bike and really want to treat myself to a Yeti ASR 5 alloy (because I'm worth it). But, are they worth it?
I have'nt seen any bad reviews of them, but at £1500 for the frame, it should be pretty good. I dont really swallow the crap that is written in reviews anymore. My Mrs used to work in PR and much of it comes down how much free stuff they gave the reviewer. I am also looking at Olmo, but they seen tricky to get hold of over here. I had an Olmo years ago and it was the best (road) frame I ever had.
If anyone has a Yeti and some good/bad experences, I would like to hear them. Cheers!
I have'nt seen any bad reviews of them, but at £1500 for the frame, it should be pretty good. I dont really swallow the crap that is written in reviews anymore. My Mrs used to work in PR and much of it comes down how much free stuff they gave the reviewer. I am also looking at Olmo, but they seen tricky to get hold of over here. I had an Olmo years ago and it was the best (road) frame I ever had.
If anyone has a Yeti and some good/bad experences, I would like to hear them. Cheers!
Yes & No.
Yes, they're very good Bikes.
No, IMHO no 'Boutique Bikes' offer great VFM, in my experiance, even if you've got a great relationship with your LBS in terms of discounts, or search the web endlessly to get the very best prices on bits it's going to cost you 50% more to build a custom bike over a simular spec off-the-shelf bike.
Yes you can have the exact spec you want, yes it'll be 'special' and you'll get more admiring glances from other riders, but just don't expect it to ride any better just becase it cost more.
Yes, they're very good Bikes.
No, IMHO no 'Boutique Bikes' offer great VFM, in my experiance, even if you've got a great relationship with your LBS in terms of discounts, or search the web endlessly to get the very best prices on bits it's going to cost you 50% more to build a custom bike over a simular spec off-the-shelf bike.
Yes you can have the exact spec you want, yes it'll be 'special' and you'll get more admiring glances from other riders, but just don't expect it to ride any better just becase it cost more.
rhinochopig said:
I know, if the size was right I would have snapped it up without question. I have been watching Chain Reaction and Rutland Cycling for their discounted Yeti frames but they never have the normal sizes available. They only ever have small and Xlarge, I need large!Melchett said:
rhinochopig said:
I know, if the size was right I would have snapped it up without question. I have been watching Chain Reaction and Rutland Cycling for their discounted Yeti frames but they never have the normal sizes available. They only ever have small and Xlarge, I need large!A friend of mine has the ASR-7 and swears by it! He bought the frame in the CRC sale last year and built it up using top spec components, wasn't cheap but was a hell of a lot cheaper (and better specc'd) than a pre-built bike.
Oh, and in terms of 'are they good' - his answer is a resounding YES! He is not a light chap and rides like he stole it, so far its sucked up everything he could throw at it!
Oh, and in terms of 'are they good' - his answer is a resounding YES! He is not a light chap and rides like he stole it, so far its sucked up everything he could throw at it!
h4muf said:
I'd love an ARC as my next hardtail.
I have a 2009 Medium ARC. It is fantastic. Never liked aluminium hardtails before, but this frame is incredibly quick as an XC/general mountain bike, and doesn't seem to give me back jip. Mine is setup with REBA Teams (100mm), Crossmax, Carbon Bars/post, Syntace stem, XT drive, and Hope Mini discs. Really light, and a real flyer.I have a Yeti ASR5 Alloy 2011
Good
Really lovely all rounder. Would be v happy with it as my only MTB. The YETI website describes the ride quite well. Its XC like - speed prioritised over comfort, but its lots of fun with quite relaxed angles too
I spent 3 weeks with it in the Alps last year, and it did just what I wanted: fun on the downhills but efficient to climb with to access the more remote natural trails, or to link up different lift networks / bike parks
Good on fast stuff, good on slow technical stuff
My usual trails are XC single-track on the North downs (flowing & rooty) , and its great here too never feel like I'm over-biked for the trails or, feel any lack of efficiency vs my pure XC bike
Bad
Mine developed a creak in the carbon rear triangle, but was replaced by YETI promptly with no drama so am OK with this on balance
If you are looking for a plush 'magic carpet ride', this is not the bike for you? you will feel the bumps - but the flip side is the racy feel, and efficient climbing ability
For me its a good match for my riding (XC / all rounder) and I think its worth it to me. You will get more value from an off the shelf bike though, but sometimes you need to treat yourself
Good
Really lovely all rounder. Would be v happy with it as my only MTB. The YETI website describes the ride quite well. Its XC like - speed prioritised over comfort, but its lots of fun with quite relaxed angles too
I spent 3 weeks with it in the Alps last year, and it did just what I wanted: fun on the downhills but efficient to climb with to access the more remote natural trails, or to link up different lift networks / bike parks
Good on fast stuff, good on slow technical stuff
My usual trails are XC single-track on the North downs (flowing & rooty) , and its great here too never feel like I'm over-biked for the trails or, feel any lack of efficiency vs my pure XC bike
Bad
Mine developed a creak in the carbon rear triangle, but was replaced by YETI promptly with no drama so am OK with this on balance
If you are looking for a plush 'magic carpet ride', this is not the bike for you? you will feel the bumps - but the flip side is the racy feel, and efficient climbing ability
For me its a good match for my riding (XC / all rounder) and I think its worth it to me. You will get more value from an off the shelf bike though, but sometimes you need to treat yourself
... oh also the rear triangle design can pick up some mud. It has a v chunky arrangement for the rear triangle that mud can build up on even though general mud clearance is fine so may be a factor if you ride muddy rides (I ride a HT during most of the winter, so have not had an issue)
If it does what you want it to do and you can afford it, then get it. Is it better than a Giant/Spesh/Trek? Dunno, but I know I've never wanted one of those, whereas I have wanted a Yeti, which I've got. Currently blasting around on a 2012 ASR-5, which is a replacement for my 2006 575 that I bought as an ex-demo in 06.
Remember to try before you buy if you can - before the 575 I really wanted a Blur LT, then riding them side-by-side I realised the 575 fitted me better and just seemed to work better for me.
After-sales care with my LBS has always been top-notch.
Have noticed though that Yetis are now much more commonplace than 6-7 years ago - go to any long-distance MTB event and they're like sh!t in a field. So, can't be all that bad, if you believe in safety in numbers...
Just buy it.
Remember to try before you buy if you can - before the 575 I really wanted a Blur LT, then riding them side-by-side I realised the 575 fitted me better and just seemed to work better for me.
After-sales care with my LBS has always been top-notch.
Have noticed though that Yetis are now much more commonplace than 6-7 years ago - go to any long-distance MTB event and they're like sh!t in a field. So, can't be all that bad, if you believe in safety in numbers...
Just buy it.
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