yeti

In 1985 mountain biking was in its infancy and at the heart was Yeti, producing no fills bikes for core riders.

Before mountain biking was even considered an industry, racers became the backbone of our product development efforts. Soon our factory was outpacing the biggest companies with cutting edge race-specific designs. The knowledge gained from R&D testing on the track led to invaluable knowledge in materials, frame geometry and suspension designs.

Over the years Yeti developed one of the most widely recognized race teams in mountain bike history and has become known for fielding such greats as Juli Furtado, John Tomac, Jimmy Deaton, Miles Rockwell and Missy Giove to name a few. Numerous World and National Championship titles followed and those names have gone on to become legends of the sport.

THE EARLY 90’S SHAPED OUR MANTRA OF “HAND BUILT, RACE BRED” AS RACING WAS THE BACKBONE OF ALL OUR EFFORTS.

As advancements in suspension and materials evolved in the early 90’s Yeti led the charge with race-specific designs, to go fast. The Yeti racing team continues to be the backbone of all R&D efforts. That commitment to racing finds a loyal following of riders who appreciate the details and race-first approach. From XC to DH, the team powered its way to podiums on the NORBA and World Cup circuit.

As the industry rode the wave of technological advancements, yeti continued to find new racing talent and radical changes in downhill bike designs are on the horizon. The mid folate 90s just add to the mythos the yeti lore.

In 1995 Schwinn bicycles acquired Yeti Cycles. In theory the deal makes sense as Schwinn could tap Yeti’s design prowess, while in return provide much needed influx of capital for the Durango facility. John Parker compared the deal to that of a merger. Some great Yeti bikes come out of this period, but as Schwinn tried to have it all they lost grip themselves.

As the mountain bike industry flourished during the late 90’s, sponsorship dollars increased in tow. Soon manufacturers were fielding large roster of racers to promote their latest designs. Yeti is no exception as the racing talent was split between Schwinn and their painted-over Yeti models. This time was seen by many as the golden age of racing, and many felt the sport was going to become mainstream.