Home >> Project Bikes >> Yeti ARC
THE GOAL...
The goal with this particular project bike was to build a lightweight XC race bike. I decided to build a hardtail since that's what I've been racing over the last couple years. In a future project bike, I am going to build a similar XC setup, but that one will have a rear shock. I'm thinking Yeti AS-R or Titus Racer X, but we'll have to wait and see.
CURRENT SETUP...
As of January 2009, my Yeti ARC is setup as follows...
FRAME/FORK...
Frame: Yeti ARC, Size Medium
Fork: Fox F100 RLC
Headset: Chris King
DRIVETRAIN...
Crank Set: Shimano XT FC-M770 Hollowtech II
Front Derailleur: Shimano XT
Rear Derailleur: SRAM X.0
Derailleur Cables: Avid Straight Jacket
Shifters: SRAM X.0
Cassette: SRAM PG-990
Chain: SRAM PC-991
WHEELSET...
Hub Front: Hope XC
Hub Rear: Hope XC
Rims: Mavic XC717
Front Tire: Bontrager Revolt SS
Rear Tire: Specialized Fast Trak 26x2.0
Skewers: Salsa Flip-Off
BRAKES...
Front Brake: Avid Juicy Ultimate Disc, 160mm rotor
Rear Brake: Avid Juicy Ultimate Disc, 160mm rotor
COCKPIT...
Handlebar: Easton Monkeylite SL Riser
Stem: Thomson Elite
Grips: Yeti Lock-On
Saddle: Selle Italia Flite Kit
Seat Post: Thomson Elite 27.2 x 410
Pedals: Crank Brothers Egg Beater SL
Current Weight: 23.78 lbs
SUMMARY...
- At 23.78 lbs, the bike is a about 4lbs lighter than my previous hardtail race bike. This is a HUGE difference. I especially notice it on climbs, and the bike feels much more nimble under me. Light = Good!
- The ARC frame is stiff... but not as stiff as other aluminum frames I've had, which is a good thing. I've had several Cannondale hardtails and those always beat the crap out of me. A couple years back I had a Specialized S-Works hardtail which I liked quite a bit, but so far I like the Yeti much better. Its definitely not as "plush" as my previous Ibis steel hardtail, but the Yeti's loop stays seem to smooth things out quite a bit. I think the ARC is about the best hardtail race frame on the market.
- I am still playing around with the Fox F100 fork, but so far it's awesome. I've been using the lockout quite a bit... reach down and lock it out prior to long climbs, then I just need to remember to reach down and UN-lock it when I get the top. I'm still learning how to use the adjustable lockout force, which will supposedly let you leave the fork locked out all the time, and it will "blow off" when rough terrain is encountered.
- The Avid Juicy Ultimate brakes are incredible. Even on really long dowhills, I am not getting any fade, and stopping power is near perfection. I like them quite a bit more than the Avid Mechanicals I used to use. And so far I'm getting no squeal.
- The new lightweight Selle Italia Flite Kit saddle is pretty comfortable. Since I didn't go with the gel model, I was a little worried about comfort, but so far so good.
WHERE AND HOW TO BUY...
I pulled a few of the parts off my previous bike, but everything else came from JensonUSA.com and PricePoint.com. JensonUSA is the largest Yeti dealer in the country, so they were a no-brainer for the Yeti ARC frame, and also the Fox fork and Avid Brakes.
For more info on the Yeti ARC frame and purchasing information, go here.
Also, checkout YetiARC.com.
