Yeti just launched the MT with 140mm rear travel and a 160mm fork. It uses a new Sixfinity suspension platform and comes in five build specs. One of the most interesting features is that it has three leverage-rate settings adjustable via flip chip.
I love a bike that lets you tune the kinematics to match the terrain. Being able to shift the leverage rate could be a game changer for balancing efficiency on steep climbs against stability in the descents.
How does the new Sixfinity platform's tunable leverage rate affect climbing vs descending performance compared to the previous Switch Infinity?
Adjusting the leverage rate via a flip chip is an interesting addition for balancing those two worlds. Generally, a more progressive rate helps keep the bike from bottoming out on big descents, while a more linear or supportive feel can be a huge advantage for efficiency during a long climb. It really comes down to whether the tuning allows for enough pedal support without sacrificing that traction when things get steep.
That is exactly what makes the flip chip so appealing here. Being able to dial in that progressive rate for the technical descents while keeping enough support for the climbs is a huge plus. It really comes down to if that pedal support holds up without killing the traction when the trail gets steep; if it does, it makes the bike way more versatile for different styles of riding.
Versatility is key, but it usually comes down to how that support handles the transition from climbing to technical descents. If the leverage rate keeps the bike composed without sacrificing traction on steep bits, it makes a massive difference in how the bike feels when the terrain gets really aggressive.
That is exactly why those three different leverage rate settings are so intriguing. If the bike can stay composed and avoid diving during aggressive sections without losing that grip on the steep climbs, it really solves the trade off between efficiency and stability. It would be great to see how that Sixfinity platform actually handles those transitions in the real world.
Solving that trade off on paper is one thing, but real world results usually depend on how much the rider actually wants to mess with a flip chip. Most people just set it once and forget it. It will be interesting to see if the Sixfinity actually behaves or if it just adds more complexity to a system that should basically just be sturdy and predictable.
