Yeti SB5.5 vs. Evil The Wreckoning | Review & Comparison Video [Video]

As the long-travel 29er revolution continues to take hold, brands like Yeti and Evil are capitalizing on the high demand by delivering truly special all-mountain/enduro bikes. The Yeti SB5.5 and Evil Wreckoning have taken the industry by storm and are hugely popular for both cross country riding and bike park laps. In this comparison, we dissect the primary differences between the two in order to help you decide which is right for you.

The Yeti SB5.5 and the Evil Wreckoning: two long-travel 29ers that rock a 160mm fork up front and have modern updated geometry. So which bike comes out on top? Or should we say, which bike gets to the bottom of the trail faster? A newer category of bikes, (like we need more of these), is the long travel 29er - the new monster truck of the trail bike/all-mountain/enduro style bike. Filling gaps from all these categories and possibly taking over the spot of your downhill bike as well, these bikes are capable enough to ride shuttle laps all day or hit the local bike park, but still, allow you to ride the local XC loop after work. These two bikes could have everything you're looking for in your next bike!

We now have experienced a lot of rides on both of these bikes -- on different trails with varying conditions, shuttle laps, and pedal loops. Getting to know both of the bikes’ characteristics and learning the differences between the two bikes took some time while getting used to riding each one did not. Visually the two look similar in geometry: slack front end, low bottom bracket, tight chainstays. Of course, the suspension design of the two are very different, but that is what makes this shootout a shootout.

Bike specs between our two test bikes: Both bikes are medium frames with the Yeti SB5.5 sporting the brand new SRAM Eagle 1x12 drivetrain while the Wreckoning runs the tried and true SRAM 1x11 setup. The Wreckoning is sporting RockShox suspension front and rear - a Lyrik 160mm boost fork with a RockShox Monarch Plus RC3 with a DebonAir can for the rear. The SB5.5 rocks a Fox set up front and rear - a Fox 36 Factory 160mm boost fork, and an equivalent Fox Float DPX2 Shock with a 3 position lever in the rear. This equal match made for some great comparisons.

Evil The Wreckoning Ride Review

Starting with the Evil Wreckoning, I think it's easy to say this bike wins on the playful factor thanks to its extremely short 430mm chainstays and extra-low bottom bracket height. It’s possible that this bike felt more at home being whipped around in the air than it did on the ground -- not the first thing that comes to mind when talking about a big 29-inch bike! Flicking it around tight and technical sections proved to be a normal task on this bike. Pulling this bike up into a manual was insanely easy also, so much fun that I found myself manualing around like a BMX bike every chance I had.

Getting into the rougher sections, it did not care about line choice, because its long-travel paired with 29-inch wheels took over and plowed -- or better yet -- monster trucked its way through with style. While I wouldn't say climbing is what this bike is intended for, it does a good job at being efficient for the amount of travel this monster has in the rear, 161mm! The overall impression of this bike is that it will especially please the rider who likes to hit all the side jumps, manual every roller and just enjoy the ride, whether it's up or down.

Yeti SB5.5 Ride Review

After spending lots of rides pedaling both bikes, we concluded that the Yeti SB5.5 is easily the victor for the better pedaling bike. The Switch Infinity link really does make this bike climb like a smaller travel bike. This is an especially nice feature when you're facing a daunting hour climb before the next downhill! Once you get to the downhill, maybe after a few breaks and picture spots on that hour climb, the SB5.5 really comes to life. Opening up and letting go of the brakes is when you feel the classic Yeti ride: stable in high-speed sections and comfortable tackling the chunky technical spots. The SB5.5 really does a great job at creating an all-around great riding bike. Admittedly not as playful as the Wreckoning, it still jumps, manuals, and corners the way you would expect a smaller-wheeled bike to handle.

The highlight of this bike is the way it takes on the high-speed sections -- specifically cornering at high speed and breaking both wheels loose around a sweeper -- felt 100% natural and boosted sliding confidence. This kind of confidence is amazing and can also get you into some trouble. Nevertheless, it is a characteristic you want in every bike. Even making switchbacks was surprisingly not any different than on the average 29” wheeled bike. Fast trails, drifting corners, or going out for an all-day trail ride, this is the guy you will want to be on.

Final Thoughts

Is there an overall winner? I'm not sure if it’s that black and white with these two colorful characters of “wagon wheel” bikes. The talk among the rest of the crew members who also tested both bikes is mixed. Some love the Wreckoning because pulling manuals and jumping big trail gaps define their preferred styles. The other half is biased toward the SB5.5 because setting their PR records, blasting down the fastest way possible and being in a controlled-out-of-control riding experience is far superior on the SB5.5. If you want to race the local enduro class, I would suggest the SB5.5 without a doubt. But if you're looking to spend your time at the bike park, hitting jumps, pulling manuals and shredding every possible section, then we recommend you take out a Wreckoning.

Yeti SB5.5 Specs and Geometry

Fast, light, and easy to maneuver, all these characteristics make the Yeti SB5.5 one of the best in its class. Whether your climbing long fire roads or bombing rocky descents, this bike can do it all with ease. It's no surprise that it has quickly become a shop favorite and the go-to bike for most of us here at Worldwide Cyclery.

The SB5.5 uses a 7.875" eye to eye length shock and with a 2.25" stroke. For more information on how to measure your rear shock, find our blog on the basics to upgrading your shock. For 2018, Yeti is specking the SB5.5 frame with Fox DPX2 rear shocks.

• Wheel Size: 29"
• Travel: 5.5" (140mm)
• Frame Weight: 5.67 lbs (2.58 kg)
• Frame Size: M, L, XL (See Size Chart Below)
• Rear Shock: 7.875” X 2.25”
• Bottom Bracket: PF92
• Rear Wheel: 148mm x 12mm Boost
• Seatpost: 30.9mm

Geometry

Size Chart

Evil The Wreckoning Specs and Geometry

Evil says that The Wreckoning "keeps out of control in control." Not only can this bike destroy the gnarliest of downhill trails, but it can just as easily turn back around and pedal all the way back up. The Evil Wreckoning is the ideal park bike and is at home sending huge gaps and charging massive rock gardens. Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, this bike does not disappoint!

The Evil The Wreckoning rolls on 29" wheels, and with 161mm of usable rear wheel travel, this bike is designed to eat the trail up! Currently, The Wreckoning is offered with an 8.5" x 2.5" shock with traditional 22x8 shock mounting hardware and features 148mm x 12mm boost rear wheel spacing. The Wreckoning also uses a 73mm threaded bottom bracket to keep everything nice and tight.

• Wheel Size: 29"
• Rear Wheel Travel: 161mm
• Frame Sizes: S, M, L, XL (See Size Chart Below)
• Rear Shock: 8.5" x 2.5", 22mm x 8mm shock hardware top and bottom
• Rear Wheel: 148mm x 12mm Boost
• Seatpost: 34.9mm
• Headset: FSA Integrated Tapered No. 58/68 Upper 44mm Lower 62mm Tapered OD
• Bottom Bracket: 73mm Threaded
• Chainguide Type: Integrated Upper Chainguide. ISCG 05 Lower
• Single Ring 1X Drivetrain Only
• Maximum Chainring Size: 36 Tooth
• Minimum Chainring Size: 30 Tooth / 32 Oval

Geometry

Size Chart

We currently have both of these bikes available for demo so if you're looking to try one out, come check them out at the shop and set up a demo! Click here to shoot us a message or give us a call at 805-375-4525 if you have any more questions. We have spent a lot of time on both of these machines and are more than happy to answer any questions you might have.