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Every model is built to custom specifications by skilled bike fans who understand and appreciate the Santa Cruz products. Their obsession for quality translates to making better experiences for riders.
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On the subject of steel, Starling are relatively affordable for a low-volume, high-quality (mostly) UK-made full-sus frameset.
You could almost get two for the price of a Yeti frame, eh?
Sort of get your point, but having looked at them recently once you’ve specced a decent shock, adjustable shock mount, iscg tabs, (and perhaps custom paint) you’re close, if not more than 3k. Also factor in these frames have no decent integrated chainstay/down tube protection and a single pivot (rather than more complex linkage - not to say that’s a bad thing) which all cost to spec, and it’s not such the comparative bargain.
Lamborghini are owned by VW/Audi and share engines and other parts across the brands
Yep, aware of that but I imagine most, if not all of their cars (wondering about the 4x4?) have a fairly hefty amount of bespoke build, carried out in the Italian factory rather than on a production line in Germany/Poland/Spain/Ukraine?
All bikes share components but the assumption is usually that you'll pay more for a hand built frame over a production line bike. Seems to me that Yeti, SC and some others have convinced people to pay Lambo money for a Audi build?
Just because something is built in the same factory, by the same people using the same materials, doesn't mean it's the same thing. An A321Neo is ~€10m cheaper than an A321neo XLR built on the same line. It's the same size and uses the same materials and people to build it, but the bits that go into it and the complexity is slightly different, so It's a 10% higher cost.
Yeti's suspension frames are unique due to the infinity switch, the amount of bespoke shaped CFRP pieces and types likely make the jigsaw puzzle quite complex, especially around the bottom bracket. There's also the infinty switch itself, which is a substantial additional component. both of these will add cost. The fact that the frame is a competitive weight and cost (compared to SC, Hope, etc) with these additional things is notable.
Similarly - the ARC Hardtail is comparable on weight an cost to a SC Highball, but is intended for much more aggressive riding, which is again notable.
Are Yeti's prices high? Yes, are they comparable to peers despite additional "features"? Also, yes.
I've had two Yeti's and still have an SB95C. I'd happily have another - if I could afford it.
having looked at them recently once you’ve specced a decent shock, adjustable shock mount, iscg tabs, (and perhaps custom paint) you’re close, if not more than 3k
Which of those do you get on the £4.3k Yeti though? I see ISCG tabs.
And the special (magic?) Turquoise paint obviously. ;o)
Sort of get your point, but having looked at them recently once you’ve specced a decent shock, adjustable shock mount, iscg tabs, (and perhaps custom paint) you’re close, if not more than 3k. Also factor in these frames have no decent integrated chainstay/down tube protection and a single pivot (rather than more complex linkage – not to say that’s a bad thing) which all cost to spec, and it’s not such the comparative bargain.
Most riders won't want those things, the only obvious omission as stock is ISCG tabs IMO.
Bit of mastic tape on the chainstay and some protective tape on the downtube and you're good to go.
It's steel and round so it will laugh at rock strikes (hopefully).
It’s steel and round so it will laugh at rock strikes.
It will and even if you do manage to prang it, it's repairable in any number of cheap and efficient ways.
It still won't be turquoise or have a "Tribe" though.
There’s also the infinty switch itself, which is a substantial additional component
The fact that the frame is a competitive weight and cost (compared to SC, Hope, etc) with these additional things is notable.
One person's substantial additional component and competitive weight is another person's almost guaranteed warranty replacement because it's femmer shite.
It will and even if you do manage to prang it, it’s repairable in any number of cheap and efficient ways.
Both steel and carbon fall into this category.
nickc
Both steel and carbon fall into this category.
Only one will be "as good as new", the other will be cracked, repaired - and virtually worthless.
Exactly, no-one would trust a previously failed steel frame.
dangeourbrain
Exactly, no-one would trust a previously failed steel frame.
lol - like you'd ever be able to tell
I'd put money on spotting a repaired steel frame sooner than carbon assuming both are done equally well.
Done properly and painted both are going to be very difficult to spot
Bear in mind a carbon frame is lots of patches/layers stuck together.
You're forgetting that with a braised steel frame it's simply a matter of removing a tube and replacing with like for like. TIG is obviously a different matter.