vw addict

Well, ordered my Slayer 2 weeks ago. With all this time waiting for it I am having "second thoughts". Our shop just got in/built up a Yeti 575. It weighs 29 lbs vs the Slayer 50's 32.5 lbs. Now both these bikes retail for about the same amount, so I am considering cancelling my order and getting a Yeti. I am not a heavy guy, nor do I ride super agressively. Only difference I can see is the extra heft in the Slayer frameset. I'm kinda leaning towards the lighter bike. Thoughts?

mtnbiker66

I thought you were a Rocky man. How could you think of riding some other brand.

Maelstrom 

One is xc and one is more freeride or bigmountain. I dont' see them as any competition between the two. What type of riding do you do primarily.

vw addict

I would describe my riding style as cross country. I ride an ETSX now, but I could really use some more travel. The trails around here are pretty techy, and I like to go wide open on the downhills. I don't go in search of stuff to jump off, but drops on the trail I don't think twice about(biggest is a 4 footer). Our rides are generally in the 3 hour range when we have time, and we do spend a little time sessioning the longer log rides. I was just thinking how the Yeti would give me a bit more travel for the same weight I have now. Honestly I wouldn't really mind the extra little weight on the Slayer, most of the guys I ride with are on bigger bikes like Bullit's and such. But I don't ride the bigger drops and stunts they do, yet.

Maelstrom 

If thats a serious "yet" than I would get the Slayer. As it stands your riding right now will work with the yeti just fine. But if that "yet" ever gets to fruition you might find the slayer a better fit.

vw addict

Do you know how good the stifness of the frame is(the Yeti)? That swing link makes me wonder, dosen't look very beefy. I just want to make sure if I do go with the Yeti that the frame will be laterally stiff and track good.

Maelstrom 

No I haven't heard much. But yeti has a 50/50 following I found. When looking into their frames I found people who loved them (and/or their boutiqueness) and people who hated them. I found that pretty scary in and of itself. I can't comment directly on the frame as I don't own one myself

vw addict

so you have heard bad things about Yeti? Like what? Lots of people have ASX's around here and I don't know anyone that has had a problem/dosen't like it. Dosen't mean they don't exist I guess.

Specializerider

Im not sure have you rode either ones because that would help but i like the look of the Yeti 575.

vw addict

lord knows thats important. trying to hook up with a buddy on bikerag.com to try his Yeti. As for the Slayer, I would be the first in the area to get one.

mtnbiker66

What?? I think I saw "Nice, but my Slayer eats those for breakfast." in another thread. Hmmmmmmm

vw addict

the same exact thread that made me think. 28 to 29 lbs for a 6" bike? I admit the Slayer is beefier looking, but worth the extra 3 lbs? Had I ordered my Slayer, it was in stock and shiped, I would have built it and been perfectly fine. it's all this waiting around that is killing me.

dminor 

If you have to ask, you are not ready for a Yeti (hey, that rhymed ). Seriously, you are either Tribal or you are not.

BoSoxYacht

I wouldn't Ride the Slayer without $$$ from a sponser. That bike is WICKED FUGLY . I do own a 1994 Yeti ARC , so I'm a little biased . If my folks ever ship it to me , she'll be a sweet SS conversion .

vw addict

Sorry, didn't mean to offend you. It's a BIKE tho, get over yourself.

dminor 

Awwww . . . I was just pulling your leg. To tell the truth, I'd always considered Yetis kind of a boutique brand and out of my reach, until I got sponsored by them. Of course, RMs are pretty boutique as well. The 575 is basically a long-legged AS-R and a very nice machine. Depending on how you build it, it can be a stout XC-er or a burly all-mountain. I would LOVE to own one for trail riding and Super-D. For now, my ASX has to be my do-it-all bike. Good luck on your choice - - they're both fine bikes.

Maelstrom 

My opinion is based on mixed reviews from varried riders. Some loved it, some loved it even if it broke and some downright were disapointed. I had heard everything from "strongest bike ever" to "thing is fragile"...being one not to take chances I walked away. I do love the look and sizing of it, but don't have the coin to risk buying a potentially poor bike. I have one friend who races bsx who blew 4 shocks in 2 weekends in whistler. All dhx.

Hank Rearden

I wouldn't describe the 575 as fragile. I have a few friends that have 575s and they have held up well while being pounded on technical terrain.

Deanoldo

I think you'll be happy with either bike. My 575 weighs a little over 30 lbs, but I have a Pike Team and a couple of other not-too-light components on it. When I bought it I was at 175 and never noticed any flex to the frame, now I'm at 160 and it's still rock solid. It's also rated to take a double crown fork, so I don't think it should be particularly fragile...... that's not to say I'd be hucking 10 footers with it though...

Dean

dminor 

Deanaldo, you're going to have to bring that bad boy over for Silveroxx at Silver Mountain in June. Your 575 would be perfect for doing the Super-D down the Hammer.