Yeti Cycles SB5+ Carbon XT/SLX Complete Mountain Bike 2017

Anyone who's spent time on a bike built around Yeti's Switch suspension family knows that it has always excelled on the climbs. With the introduction of plus sized tires on the SB5 Carbon XTSLX Complete Mountain Bike, that climbing is only improved. The overall effect keeps pedaling floaty and weightless, adjectives we wouldn't typically attach to a bike with such capably deep travel. But that apparent incongruity has long been a hallmark of Yeti's Switch designs, and the SB5 carries the torch into the brave new world of Boost hub spacing and plus sized tires. The bike is kitted with a blend of Shimano components that privilege function over bling, and though it does climb well, a dropper post and plush, 2. 8in tires make its enduro intentions clear. The SB5 owes its expanded tire clearance which tops out at 3in to its Boost rear axle spacing, which is matched with a suitably Boosted 34 Float fork. The gains in traction and cushion from running plus sized tires are immediately noticeable both on climbs and root lattices and rock gardens. The SB5 can definitely be pushed harder than its non plus siblings, and we've found that it thrives in terrain typically reserved for six inch bikes. The 67. 1 degree head tube contributes to that impression by straddling the line between slacked out enduro and trail bike moderation. It keeps things stable on the descents but doesn't wander off line while climbing or during low speed maneuvers. Despite the plus sized tire clearance, Yeti manages to keep the stays at a reasonably stubby 17. 2in, contributing further to the bike's clean pedaling and ability to dice terrain that outmatches its impressively capable five inches of Switch Infinity travel. And this being a Yeti, that's where the bike really shines. Riding with the shock open won't condemn you to wallowing in squish when you have to transition quickly into a short climb on the other side of a long descent. Even when fully open, the bike still claws up anything w...