Yeti ASR SL

Been looking at getting a full suspension bike. After getting killed on the descents at Echo Valley I want something with disc brakes, with better suspension. Time to move into the modern age.

I tried out a few bikes at the races. They were universally fantastic, but then I realize the ones I like cost $7000. That’s too steep. I’m not worth that.

So I visited bike stores and to my ass, to my mind, the bikes they sell are pieces of shit. Somehow – with my old fashioned thinking – a $3500 bike had better make me feel good. Instead they weigh 30 pounds and have stupid high handlebars. Who buys these? Doesn’t anyone ride up hill any more?

I get a handle on a good deal, a Pivot Mach  429, deore xt complete for $3700. It climbs well but will weight 28 pounds. I can get a Pivot Carbon 429 for $4800, it weighs 27.5. Sheesh!!

So craigslist it is. I’ve been looking for months and nothing really “race ready” has come up. If one does I’ll ride it, if its good I’ll buy it.

So along comes this 2004 Yeti ASR SL, size medium. Hayes hydraulic disc brakes are supposed to suck, but it has new stans wheels and suspension has been rebuilt within the past 3 months. $1000.

Yeah, I’m totally cheaping out. The bike has a good following on the internet so probably a great way to develop a vocabulary for a modern bike. Right now it seems really flexy but very comfortable. The brakes are great. I am running higher pressure and will probably still need to use the lockout on climbs. I love the steep head angle, bike is quick handling and feels lively. Its enjoyable to ride. Takes a bit of getting used to sitting down over bumps, man is that comfortable.

Sizing is odd. The previous owner is only 5’7″, stem is very short and has riser bars on it. But the frame has a 23.5″ horizontal top tube, exactly the same as my beloved Kona, so I think it can be made the fit the same?

I ride it, it is fine, I can get a longer stem and better brakes. I buy it. Figure the resale maybe I’m out the cost of whatever maintenance and damage I do to it. Pay the big bucks for a modern bike, if I don’t like it there’s no getting that money back, just the long slow path of depreciation.

Without further ado I present my new bike:

My new race bike

Problems:

• The hayes brakes need bleeding. I quickly replace them with a pair of shimano units off craigslist ($65 for the pair).
• Stem is too short for me, the previous owner was 5’7″, had super short stem on board, seat all the way forward. The top tube length is perfect for me, I think the bike was too big for her.

I get a Richey WCS stem from my favorite bike store, 110mm with little rise. Super light at 105 grams, that helps to correct the riding position.

Set was set all the way forward, I adjust it back on its rails. Now I have exactly the same distance from seatpost to bars.

Rear cassette is worn and skipping so get a new one for $55, new chain SRam 951 for $25. Shock pump for $25. Liter of compatible mineral oil for $9.99. I will put my Maxxis Aspens onto these wheels so got two bottles of stans at $5 each.

Rear brake squeals like crazy but it does stop well. I’ll try and repair that without getting new pads. We’ll see.