Yeti MT XO: The Trail Bike That Could Steal the 2026 Crown

Jennifer Miller · 2026-09-08

The Yeti MT XO just rolled into our group test, and it's already turning heads. With 160mm of travel up front, 140mm in the rear, and Yeti's new Sixfinity suspension, this bike is built to climb efficiently and charge through rocky descents. But can it beat 11 other top trail bikes to claim the 2026 title? Let's dig in. ### First Impressions: A New Beast Awakens Yeti's brand-new MT is the more versatile sibling to the Enduro LT, designed for everyday trail adventures. The recipe? Efficient climbing, composure through the rocks, and a genuine trail bike feel. Our test bike, built with SRAM's X0 Eagle Transmission, weighs in at 33.1 pounds (size L) and costs $10,700. That's a bit above average for this test field, but Yeti never promised cheap thrills. ### The Details That Matter Yeti's Sixfinity suspension platform replaces the old Switch Infinity link, giving the frame a cleaner look and an upswept down tube. The full-carbon frame has large bolted cable ports for tidy routing, and there's even a hidden AirTag compartment—because who hasn't lost a bike? The suspension progression is adjustable in three settings, so you can tweak it to your riding style. But it's not all perfect. The lower shock mount tends to collect dirt, and there are no torque specs printed on the bolts. Small annoyances, but worth noting. ### How It Rides On the climbs, the MT feels efficient and eager. The 140mm rear travel keeps things lively without wallowing. When the trail points down, the 160mm fork and Sixfinity platform provide composure through chunky rock gardens. It's a bike that encourages you to push a little harder, yet it remains playful enough for all-day epics. > "The Yeti MT XO blends climbing prowess with descending confidence in a way that few bikes can match." ### The Verdict So Far With 12 bikes in this test, competition is fierce. The Yeti MT XO stands out for its refined suspension and thoughtful details, but the price and minor quirks might hold it back. Can it take the win? We're still putting it through its paces. Stay tuned for the full results. ### Key Specs at a Glance - Full-carbon frame - 160/140mm travel (front/rear) - 33.1 pounds (size L) - 29-inch wheels - Four sizes: SM–XL - Price: $10,700 ### What We Love - Sixfinity suspension with three adjustable progression settings - Service opening beneath the down tube protector - Hidden AirTag compartment ### What Could Be Better - No torque specifications on bolts - Lower shock mount collects dirt We'll keep testing to see if the Yeti MT XO has what it takes to be the best trail bike of 2026. For now, it's a strong contender with a few rough edges.