I set out to ride the Fullerton Loop with
Mark. To my surprise, this is what awaited at the trailhead.
The Yeti truck was setting up for a free demo day. The demos were not officially being released, which gave Mark and I a good hour to do the loop. An hour later, I returned to the parking lot to chat with Nick and Sarah from Yeti, and to demo ASR 5C for a quick second loop. I have to say the bike was impressive for 5 inches; it took the little jumps without hesitation and pedaled like a champ. However, it rode very similar to my 575. Though it wasn't what I was looking for in a clyde-worthy XC racebike, I did leave with one important piece of information. The Yeti ASR 5 comes in x-small.
I tracked down the Yeti demo truck a few days later near Whiting Ranch, but this time had girlfriend in arm. Sarah was reluctant to take a bike out for a demo, reluctant as always from buying more bike toys. With a few test rides around the parking lot, she seemed determined not to take the bike out. It didn't feel right. It's too big. It's too expensive. But with a bit of persistence, and some A+ help from Nick @ Yeti, we finally got the fit dialed in. Nick swapped out the 90mm stem for a 70mm, put on brand new carbon bars, and then cut the new bars (!) for our use. Still, the bars were maybe 1/2" too wide on each side, but Sarah said they felt much better.
We rode Whiting with vigor and excitement. With every trail section, Sarah seemed to enjoy the bike more and more. She said things like, "The bike is just so smooth," and "This trail is actually a lot of fun." Being that it was her first time at Whiting, we hit the same trail the next day on the Turner Flux for a direct comparison. Here is how the bikes fared in a back-to-back trail comparison.
Our ride began with Borrego, as per the usual Whiting loop. The ASR5 suspension is much more active than the Turner Flux, and Sarah says she feels like she's gliding through the terrain. I can visually see the rear triangle actuate over bumps, something I never really saw with the Turner Flux. Even with the high volume air canister and 50psi of pressure, the Flux didn't look quite right. The Yeti looks spot on.
Small bump compliance - Yeti: 8.5/10, Turner: 4/10
Climbing Mustard proved to be physically strenuous, but the bike characteristics were apparent. Even though the suspension was moving, the ASR 5 didn't seem to exhibit any pedal induced bob. Though it goes against traditional thinking, suspension movement while climbing isn't always a bad thing. Less slipping, more traction, minimal power loss through pedaling. You could argue that a stiffer, less active rear suspension is more efficient, but a novice needs more rubber on the ground. As long as pedaling doesn't cause the suspension to actuate, there really isn't much efficiency lost. Perhaps if the climb was a stand-up-and-smash climb, the Flux would have the edge.
Climbing Efficiency - Yeti: 8/10, Turner 7/10
Top of Four Corners. Yeti Tribe!!
Our descent from Four Corners took us through Whiting Ranch Road and Serrano Cow (no Cactus/Sleep Hallow yet). I call out the upcoming downhill sections, but Sarah just plowed through. The rest of the trail has somewhat steep, non-technical fire road downhills, some flowy singletrack/doubletracks, and a few dips. Though there were some squirrely parts on the dips and rutted downhills, the ASR5 floated through it all. The Flux performed much better with the high volume air canister vs standard volume, but it wasn't even close to the ASR5. Yeti all the way. Stable, 67d headtube angle. Longer wheelbase. Superior suspension design.
Downhilling "Fun" - Yeti: 10/10, Turner 6/10
In the end, the Yeti wins hands down. Is it worth the $$$$ to upgrade Sarah's bike? Hell yes. Sarah and I discussed the particulars and have the exact bike we would like to purchase.
Yeti ASR 5 Alloy
X-small, blue with white rear triangle
2011 Enduro Build
(Fox Float 140mm fork, 3x10 SRAM X9/X7)
Eventually, the bike will get the Thomson/Ergon/Shimano Dyna-Sys treatment.
Unfortunately, I haven't seen any 2011s in the right color/build combination. I have a few calls out to my LBS, so I am hopeful. I have the specific frame, fork, build, and price point. Let's make a deal!
