Jared Graves Signs For Yeti

After yesterday’s wild speculation about who might be joining Richie Rude on the Yeti/Fox team, we’re feeling rather smug to discover that we are – at least in part – right.

It’s just been confirmed that Jared Graves is returning to Yeti to join former team mate Rude in what must surely be an enduro winning pairing? 
But away from the big travel enduro stuff, could we also be right that there’s something less bouncy in the offing from Yeti?

The press release makes something of Graves’ BMX palmares, and says he’ll be contributing to new bike development, as well as mentoring the younger riders. With BMX freestyle in this year’s Olympics for the first time, and Yeti’s recent SB140 launch coming laden with whips and tricks, plus the signing of Reed Boggs we’re wondering whether Yeti is eyeing up the freestylin’ youth market. They’ve certainly got a host of handy young riders receiving their support…

Will Rude and Graves be getting any additional teammates? Or is that the full line up? Cody Kelley, Paul Serra, Jakob Snow are all yet to confirm where they’re headed.

JARED “GRUBBY” GRAVES RETURNS TO RACING ROOTS WITH YETI CYCLES

(Golden, Colo.) – Yeti Cycles announced today they have signed legendary rider Jared Graves.

Graves raced for the Yeti program for over a decade where he won a World Championship in 4X, an Enduro World Series overall title, took a World Championship bronze in DH on a trail bike, and represented Australia in the Olympics as a BMX rider.

“The Yeti crew is like family, so it feels very comfortable to be back,” said Graves. “They’re a small company, focused on product development and committed to making bikes that help racers go faster. Yeti doesn’t compromise. It’s only the best and their passion for the sport is unmatched. Those are traits we share.”

Graves’ new role will be as a Yeti ambassador. His race schedule includes select Enduro World Series events and he also has plans to compete in some unexpected races yet to be announced.

“I still feel like I have some good racing left in me, and a little bit to prove. After a very difficult year-and-a-half personally, I’m looking forward to racing and working with Yeti again,” Graves said. His new role will also focus on mentoring and coaching the younger Yeti riders.

“We’re stoked to have Jared back in the family,” said Chris Conroy, president of Yeti Cycles. “In my mind, he’s one of the best bike racers of all time. His work ethic and commitment to the sport will set an example for our younger riders. We’re excited to see him riding a Yeti again.”

According to Yeti’s vice president and engineer, Steve Hoogendoorn, “Jared was an integral part of developing Yeti’s early race bikes, including the 303 DH, DJ, 4X, limited edition BMX frame, SB66, and SB6. He’ll contribute immediately to our product development process and we’re happy to have
him back.”

About Yeti

Founded in 1985, Yeti Cycles makes race-bred, obsessively engineered, masterfully crafted mountain bikes proven by the fastest riders in the most demanding conditions. Based in Golden, Colorado, Yeti is owned and staffed by riders who are more likely to be out riding the company’s latest creation than sitting in a conference room. Visit www.yeticycles.com to learn more.

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

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