[Closed] Yeti SB66 vs Commie SX1 (2013)

SB66 all the way.

I've ridden the Meta SX and had a quick go and a heft on a SB66. They're quite different bikes. The SX is a bike for the downs, that you can pedal up if you need to. The SB66 is aiming for do-it-all isnt' it?

The new Meta frames are a totally different design and the designers have put a lot of work into getting away from the problems of old. I put a lot of hard miles on a Meta AM 29 this summer without a single problem.

Doug,

Yeh, I thought the Meta was a more gravity focused pinner. I try to as many varied trails as possible, from my local woods which you can thrash around and jump off stuff, to longer trail rides, and most things in-between.

The spec on the SX looks awesome and I'd only swap the bars and maybe the brakes. But given the Yeti can be built up as you'd like it's bound to push the £4k barrier with a similar kit build.

Glad to hear the issues have been ironed out on the Commies though.

I made this decision, recently, there isn't a whole lot to pick between them, i went with sb66 mainly because the sb66 was there but also because the suspension slightly edges it.

Geometry wise, they're pretty identical, they're going to handle essentially the same, The SB is slightly slacker in SA, which may result in slightly more wandering on the climbs.

Can't comment on stiffness or tracking on both, but the SB has a really good stiffness which translates to excellent feedback from the tyres so i can act, improving grip.

Suspension wise, in terms of feel, mechanically the meta is progressive, the sb is linear, this means in a standard guise, the meta is better at not using all the travel on big hits, the sb will use all the travel more easily, softer mid to end stroke as it were. They both have high volume air cans, this means that if you're struggling to use all travel on the meta with correct sag, there isn't much you can do. On the sb, it will be easier to get more travel, the mid and end stroke will feel more plush, if you end up using the travel too easy on the sb, you can do something about it, you can add an air can spacer to get more progression, just as i did and it's now perfect for me and my style of riding. So to recap on suspension feel, if you're a heavy hitter, the sx will be good stock, the sb will need an air can spacer. If you're a mincer, the sx will need lots of sag to get full travel, the sb will work well in a standard guise.

Pedalling, they both pedal incredibly well, both all the way across the cassette. But since the meta is just a single pivot, just with linkage actuation, it maintains good pedalling at sacrifice of pedal feedback on big hits (something that really bugged me on my pitch), this is where the "switch" technology comes in, the yeti pedals just the same (on paper) but with far less pedal feedback deep into the stroke.

The SB does get through shock bushes, you have to worry about shock placement and mud on the SX.

Chatting to the commencal sales rep, they've had very, very few breakages since the snappy era. Yeti warranty is awesome.

Coming from an orange, i take it you're not too concerned with brake jack.

Both are excellent bikes, but if i had to pick, it would be the yeti, just as i did.

Some previous sb thoughts here -

http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/carbon-sb66-long-legged-xc-bike

That post is a bit epic, got a bit carried away.

Andyjc 79, where did you get the test ride on the sb66c? I'm seriously close to buying one but a test would be great to confirm sizing....

Deanfbm, good post mate, well detailed and explained from someone who sounds like they know their onions.

Meta SX everytime. Looks nicer! 🙂

Have Yeti sorted the cracking swingarm issues on the SB66 now? I only know 2 people with these bikes and both cracked them although to be fair Yeti did sort the problem quickly.

deanfbm - excellent post. Thank you for that insight. It seems like there's not much in it, and it might simply come down to price.

What sort of build did you get on your Yeti?

I test rode the Yeti at JD Cycles in Ilkley (Leeds). I can't find anywhere north (Yorkshire way) that I can demo the Commencal, which is frustrating.

I've ridden an aluminium SB66 & I currently have a Meta AM (same F & R triangle as the SX - different linkage plate for travel). Deanfbm gives a pretty concise conclusion which I agree with in the most part.

I would say the Meta felt stiffer under load, but then the frame is a little bit heavier, so that could go some way to explaining it.

Regarding the pedalling, I was surprised just how well the SB went. That being said, the Meta also surprised me. I was fully expecting to need the Pro Pedal on most stuff, but it has very little bob at all.

I don't know why, but the Meta feels more fun on the downs than the Yeti did, I also feel faster. it could be due to the way the suspension works, or may just be down to spending more time on the Meta. It's a bike you seem to be able to just jump on and ride fast.

Issues wise, I have read elsewhere Commencal have had zero frame issues on the Meta platform since moving to the new style frame. It's not the lightest, but coming from a carbon Nomad, i'm no slower on the ups with it. I know Yeti had some issues regarding the bearings in the switch link, which should be resolved now, and some cracking issues on the rear alloy triangle on the SB, but they have been replaced quickly. Not sure if this is still the issue it was?

I don't think you will go wrong with either choice. The Meta's are probably a bit better value for money, and IMO look better if that's important to you, but both are great bikes 🙂

Thanks Hob Nob. I'd really like to test drive the Commie, but struggling with locations.

The Meta is maybe just edging it due to the offer of a £600 discount on a brand new SX1 and I'm considering a trip to the Alps next summer.

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My build is very much in the "gravity" bracket. Was debating coil, but the fox float shock has really impressed me. U-turn lyriks means that i can happily ride tamer stuff without the bike feeling like far too much and efficient for xc rides. At 160, the bike is transformed into a mini dh ripper which has been really composed for me on big gaps.

Commie being ragged -

(excuses for good edits basically)

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(everyone likes pictures)

The Meta does not look better than the Yeti.
I'm going to thought a curve ball here ,but have you looked at the 2013 Specialized Enduro?
I've got a Yeti ASR5c and a 2011 Enduro. Both are great rides in there own way, but for the type of riding you are talking about the Enduro is hard to beat

Meta looks very good IMO;

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I've just ordered a Meta AM (as above, same frame, just with a different linkage). Thought about a SB, my mate has one, so y'know... 😛

Is there any way of bodging a guard to keep the crap off the shock on the SX? It really is right in the firing line...

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Frames come with a neoprene shock guard. At least, mine has (even though the guy at Commy said it wouldn't..).

A guard that wraps around the shock itself?

This;
http://www.commencal-store.co.uk/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=10326126

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Mine is a Meta AM though, not sure if the same applies for an SX.

I think the shock cover is standard on the SX as well. Had a quote for the yeti and staring at almost an £1800 difference between the two. Some spec tweaking and negotiation to be done, but struggling to see where I'd get that saving and still have a spec competitive to the Meta.

rhysw - considered the Spesh and also a Lapierre Spicy and Transition Covert. There's way too many options!!! I'd initially got down to these two due to spec, value for money and some riders posts.

Interested to know how much people paid for their Yeti builds.

Thanks all for the posts though. Giving me more insight to consider.