Gone are the days when manufacturers just brought out bikes with a token nod to the female form, while still labelling them as women-specific. The Yeti SB5C Beti is a good example of how far we have come, with a premium carbon frame specifically made to measure for women, every bit as high specced as the male equivalent. As the price would suggest, the specification on our build is superb, with SRAM X0 drive components pulled to a halt by Shimano XT braking. A 55mm Thomson stem and 720mm bar are well specced for the shorter reach of the average woman too.
A close look at the main pivot on the SB5C reveals more than just a bearing and axle as you would expect, instead revealing a complex array of shafts. The floating pivot moves as it slides along these shafts, modifying the path of the pivot and thereby customising the feel as you move through the 127mm suspension travel.
It is undeniably beautiful to look at from an engineering perspective, but we are a bit concerned for the long term durability of yet more moving parts in our UK climate. Still, it certainly makes the SB5C pedal well, climbing and sprinting nimbly.
Of course that is helped greatly by the top-notch build, with the very intelligent combination of Shimano brakes and SRAM X0 drivetrain. It all just works perfectly and without fuss, and has made a bike that weighs very little straight out the box. The Thomson dropper post is an excellent addition for when the trails get steep and gnarly too.
If your pockets are deep enough, the Yeti is a superb option for the trail riding women out there, more than capable to take on technical trails while remaining light and zippy enough to be fun and efficient when the miles start to tick by. It doesn't hurt that it looks every bit of the £5799 price tag.
