First Ride: Yeti's New Sixfinity Suspension Could Change Everything

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First Ride: Yeti's New Sixfinity Suspension Could Change Everything

Yeti's new LT enduro bike swaps the iconic Switch Infinity for the Sixfinity six-bar linkage. We rode it on the toughest trails near Innsbruck to see if the $11,900 carbon bruiser lives up to the hype.

The Yeti LT isn't just another enduro bike. It's a signal that Yeti is ready to rewrite the rules. For years, their Switch Infinity platform defined the brand, but now they've swapped it for something entirely new: the Sixfinity six-bar linkage. And after putting the $11,900 carbon bruiser through its paces on the rocky trails near Innsbruck, we can tell you this much โ€” it's not just a gimmick. ### Sixfinity: The Big Change Let's get straight to the point. Sixfinity isn't about adding pivots for the sake of it. Yeti's engineers spent nearly a decade developing this six-bar system, and it first showed up on their 160E eMTB before trickling down to the LTE and MTE models. The real magic? It gives them more freedom to fine-tune how the bike feels โ€” from the way it absorbs bumps to how it handles corners. Compared to Switch Infinity, Sixfinity offers a more progressive feel. You get better traction when climbing and more composure when things get rowdy. It's like having a bike that reads the trail ahead and adjusts itself. On the descents around Innsbruck, the LT felt planted even when the trail turned into a minefield of rocks and roots. The suspension stayed active, keeping the rear tire glued to the ground. ### Geometry That Adapts Yeti didn't stop with the suspension. The new LT comes with a modular dropout system and multiple flip chips that let you tweak the geometry and suspension kinematics. Want a slacker head angle for steep chutes? You can adjust it. Prefer a steeper setup for tighter switchbacks? That's possible too. The bike ships in a neutral setting, but you can dial it in to match your local trails. - Head angle: adjustable between 63.5 and 64.5 degrees - Reach: 18.9 inches on a size Large - Chainstay length: 17.3 inches (adjustable via dropouts) The frame itself is full carbon, reinforced with Vectran fibers for added durability. And for the first time on a Yeti, there's integrated downtube storage. It's a small compartment with a single pouch and a relatively small opening, but it's enough for a tube, tire levers, and a multi-tool. Not bad for keeping your pack lighter. ### On the Trail: Real-World Performance We rode the LT on everything from flowy singletrack to technical descents that would make most riders think twice. The 170mm front and 160mm rear travel might sound like a lot, but the bike doesn't feel like a monster truck. It pedals surprisingly well, thanks to the anti-squat characteristics of the Sixfinity platform. You won't feel like you're dragging a boat anchor up the climb. Downhill is where the LT shines. The suspension stays active under braking, so you can charge into corners with confidence. The bike feels balanced โ€” not too front-heavy, not too rear-biased. It's the kind of ride that makes you want to take the rough line just for fun. ### Who Is This Bike For? The Yeti LT is aimed at serious enduro racers and aggressive trail riders who want a bike that can handle everything from park days to backcountry epics. At 36 pounds for a size Large, it's not the lightest enduro bike out there, but it's not a pig either. The $11,900 price tag puts it in the premium category, but you're getting a frame with Vectran reinforcement, a Fox 38 Factory fork, and a Float X2 shock. ### The Downsides No bike is perfect. The storage compartment is a bit tight, and there are no torque specs printed on the bolts โ€” annoying if you're making adjustments on the trail. Also, dirt tends to collect around the lower shock mount, so plan on cleaning it regularly. But these are minor quibbles on an otherwise impressive machine. ### Final Thoughts Yeti took a big risk by replacing Switch Infinity with Sixfinity. But after riding the new LT, we think it paid off. The bike is more capable, more adjustable, and more fun than its predecessor. If you're in the market for a top-tier enduro bike that can handle the gnarliest trails you can find, the 2027 Yeti LT deserves a spot on your short list.