Thread: Yeti 575 build kit advice

I just got super lucky and picked up a 2006 Yeti 575-small frame for basically free from a friend who quit biking cold turkey. I have a stand, a full set of tools, the park tools website bookmarked and am ready to build this sucker. The catch, is that I know NOTHING about different brands of bike parts-whats the best, what sucks, what size of what I need, etc... I have never built a bike before but I have built lots of other stuff, and am ready to devote a lot of my time into learning how to do it well, I am prepared to screw up a bit, and came here for some advice.

I like to ride super long days of singletrack, I dont ride lifts to access my downhill but I like to go fast, and not jump off anything over 3-4 feet usually. I just want to build this thing to weigh in on the light side, pedal well on the uphills, and to take fast corners with ease. I am a little worried about just ordering a build kit from Jenson or pricepoint and having the parts not fit my bike. Are these the only 2 places I should really be looking or is there a better place to pick up a build kit?

Is the Shimano XT 770 / Hayes Disc Kit a good kit?

Or would the Sram X.0 Disc Build Kit be better?


Is there anything in those kits you'd think about upgrading or should I go a different route altogether? If anyone would help me out and make sure I am ordering the right size components in these kits so I don't end up having to return a whole bunch of stuff Id really appreciate it.

Or, if any mags own a bike shop and want to piece together a nice kit for me I am always down to patronize a mags shop.


I also need a fork for this, so if anyone has a decent one they want to get rid of that will suit my needs I will gladly take it off your hands.

for a fork, I have a 2008 Fox Vanilla RL 140 for sale. It came off of my (newer model) 575.

it's for qr wheels (not TA).

make an offer.

also, if you don't go with a build-kit I'll sell you my Juicy 5's for cheap. either the fork or the brakes and I'll sell them cheapish

have fun. I had a 2005 575 before my new bike and you'll freakin' love it.

oh. also. I also have some shimano spd pedals. buy any of the stuff above and I'll just give 'em to you.

pm flowtron, i bet he can put together a nice build kit. he manages salvagetti in denver.

Originally Posted by couloirman

I know NOTHING about different brands of bike parts-whats the best, what sucks, what size of what I need, etc...

Then save some money and buy SRAM x.9 parts or XT if you prefer Shimano. I personally like SRAM, but others will argue.

Originally Posted by Tech Tonics

for a fork, I have a 2008 Fox Vanilla RL 140 for sale. It came off of my (newer model) 575.

it's for qr wheels (not TA).

make an offer.

also, if you don't go with a build-kit I'll sell you my Juicy 5's for cheap. either the fork or the brakes and I'll sell them cheapish

have fun. I had a 2005 575 before my new bike and you'll freakin' love it.

oh. also. I also have some shimano spd pedals. buy any of the stuff above and I'll just give 'em to you.

Thanks for the offer on the fork, but I'm looking for a through axle fork I think. If my build kit doesnt pan out and I go separate Ill be in touch about the brakes.

Lots of close outs right now on parts, x9 or xt depening on your brand preference. The LX cranks at Jenson are about the best deal out there.In between them and Pricepoint and you can build an x9 set up for pretty damn cheap. The wheels on the XT groupo you posted dont match the level of the groupo very well

Suspension (depending on the weight and stiffness factor you're seeking):

Light, smooth, sweet climbing, okay at speed, okay on smaller airs (xc setup):
Fox 32 float/talas
w/ Fox RP23

Burly/heavier, bottomless, sweet climbing, amazing at speed, awesome at airs (am setup):
or Fox 36 Float/Talas
w/ DHX5 Air


For drivetrain:

Run x9 rear der with X0 shifter pods. The SRAM der's are a 1 to1 ratio and you get zero chainslapl; the X0 pods are stiff and crisp. I used to think the shifter pods didn't really matter until I tried the x0's.

I've run both Shimano and SRAM over the years, and SRAM rear ders win for me, no contest. I currently have an XTR rear der on my AM/XC bike and every time I get into a rocky tech section or land airs I can hear the rear der slapping around. Brand of front der is less critical (I personally prefer Shimano front der).

Run Sram x0 cassette and run a Shimano chain. SRAM X0 cassettes are slick, but SRAM chains cause very clunky shifting (IMHO). Shimano chains are way over-engineered (which is a good thing) in terms of the shape of the links and the flanges that allow for smooth shifting. If you run the setup I'm describing, you won't even feel the shifts...so smooth.

best bang for the buck build:

truvativ noir bars
truvativ aka stem
stylo cranks
x9 shifter, rear derailleur
shimano xt or slx front derailleur
sram pg-980 cassette
sram pc-991 crosstep chain
avid elixir r brakes (185mm, 160mm)
thomson post (worth a few buck more without question)
fsa orbit mx headset
revelation 150mm team fork w/ 20mm
pedals, tires, saddle - personal preference
wheels- look around for closeouts on last years mavic, etc

nice recs guys. Sounds like I should just put this together piece by piece this winter and pick things up as winter sales/closeouts commence and have it ready for the spring.



As far as forks go, I'm pretty set on a fox float 32 140mm 15qr fork, but is the TALAS really worth double the price? If anyone has one used(either version) I am all ears...

IMO- I rarely ever "dial the fork down" regardless of which fork or bike or terrain I am on. I'm just not a "fidgeter" like that.

However, if you do like to alter your set up mid-ride it may be useful, for you.

Originally Posted by couloirman

nice recs guys. Sounds like I should just put this together piece by piece this winter and pick things up as winter sales/closeouts commence and have it ready for the spring.



As far as forks go, I'm pretty set on a fox float 32 140mm 15qr fork, but is the TALAS really worth double the price? If anyone has one used(either version) I am all ears...

Some people like the travel adjust of the talas. I personally have a talas as it came stock on my xc/am bike [Rocky Mountain ETSX-70, has travel adjust front (talas) and rear (quick release on the rocker arms) between 4" and 5"]; to me the talas is not worth double the price of the float.

I do use the adjust sometimes; lower for the climb and higher for the descent. Depends on the trail, but the ETSX is an efficient climbing design and so generally I just run it in the 5" position.

My recommendation for your Yeti, as it doesn't have travel adjust rear...just go with the float in the front as the talas feature is just one more thing that could potentially break...