The Yeti stand was getting loads of attention at the London Bike Show last week, and of particular interest was the brand new SB-66, and for the 29er fans the SB-95. We even featured the SB-66 in our top ten mountain bikes of 2012 list!

We grabbed Pete Drew from Silverfish (the UK importers of Yeti) and asked him to talk us through the main points of interest on the new frame.

Discuss the video in the forum right here.

What makes the Yeti SB-66 so special?

The new bike introduces a new suspension platform to get your head around. On first inspection it looks like a single pivot with a linkage driven shock, but peer a little closer and you’ll notice that the main pivot actually resides within an eccentric shell, situated just above the bottom bracket shell.

It’s called Switch Technology, and Yeti describe it thus “Switch Technology is a dual-link design that uses an eccentric link that switches direction as it moves through its travel.”

It’s been two years in development, and the design of the suspension allows a compact linkage arrangement with a stiff rear triangle, and is completely sealed to the elements with four bearings. A single forged piece houses the upper pivot and eccentric assembly, along with oversized linkage pins ensure maximum stiffness in this area.

By developing this design Yeti have been able to tune the suspension precisely and control the path of the rear axle. Early in the shock stroke the eccentric link rotates anti-clockwise, moving the main pivot backwards and creating rearward wheel path creating an anti-squat feel. Then, 100mm into the suspension the link begins rotating in a clockwise direction, the ‘inflection point’ and the suspension can then work independently of chain forces.

Around the new suspension platform is a custom butted hydroformed 6000 series aluminium frame with details including a tapered head tube and Yet’s Chip System rear axle design that allows a choice of rear hubs. Cables are routed internally for clean lines, there’s guides for a dropper seatpost, direct mount front derailleur tabs, elastomer chain slap guides and clever removeable ISCG chain guide tabs.