Preview: Yeti 303R DH 2009
2009 Yeti 303R DH
Yeti Cycles introduced the 303R DH this year to complement the current 303 DH. The 303R DH is designed to maintain a similar progressive rate as the 303 DH but in a lighter weight package (by ~2lbs) that is also more agile and lively. One of our buddies Ryan Cathrall (Rufusphoto.com) built one up this year, so we teamed up with him to give more details on the Yeti 303R DH inside for those of you who asked for information. See inside for the details.
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The new Yeti 303R DH is a single pivot frame, but instead of using pivots to control the shock rate they use a rail to control it. The R in 303R DH stands for Rate.
“The single linear rail controls the shock rate. To achieve the same rate using only links, a very long link would be required. By using the linear rail, we can optimize the shock rate, optimize the lateral stiffness of the frame, and keep the suspension linkage low and within the confines of the frame. It also limits the shock rotation to less than 0.5 degrees from full extension to full compression. This translates to longer shock life and increased suspension efficiency.” -yeticycles.com
The rail and link design of the 303R DH works by isolating suspension from the adjustable geometry. The 303R DH has 8″ of travel in all geometry settings and the shock rate does not change. This allows a rider to tweak the geometry of the bike (bottom bracket height and head angle) without affecting the shock rate or travel. These geometry adjustments are done via the concentric shock mount in three predetermined positions. The shock mount is eccentric and offers 3 adjustable geometry settings: 64 degree head angle /13.85″ bottom bracket height , 64.5/14.1″, and 65/14.35″. This type of adjustability lets you setup the 303R DH to suit various courses quickly and easily.
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Sag gradient marks are located on the rail at 30% for each setting. Nothing insanely special, but a nice touch none the less. The single rail also helps to cut down on weight and servicing. The cart rides smoothly once lubed up via the grease port. The rail uses the same grease as the 303, White lithium grease or Shimano grease. Basically you grease the rails, cycle the rear swingarm to apply a light layer of grease to the rail and to lube the cart, wipe the extra grease off of the rail, re-install the shock and you are good to go (this is done easier with the shock removed and is easier to service than the 303 DH). The frame comes with a 6cc syringe and tube for easy lube application or you can use a grease gun.
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It is recommended that you grease the rail after every ride to keep the cart smooth, same with the 303, but the 303R DH is much easier to grease and maintain since the rail is easily accessible whereas the 303 DH is a bit more of a process to do. It seemed that the previous owners of the 303 DH’s lengthened the time between greasing which effectively hurts the performance of the bike.
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The 303R DH frame is made in Taiwan for all production models and all pro models are made in the USA.
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- Travel: 8″ 203mm
- Sizes: small, medium, large
- Colors: team (shown here) and ano black
- Rear shock: (stock) Fox DHX 5.0 but the setup above is running a RockShox Vivid 5.1 with Obtanium Ti. 9.5″ x 3.0″
- BB: 83mm shell, 128mm spindle
- Rear wheel: 150mm 12mm thru axle
- Seatpost: 30.9mm
- Seatpost clamp: 35.0mm
- Headset: 1 1/8″
- Chainguide tabs: ISCG 05
Some other things Yeti has done with the 303R DH is a replaceable chain stay protector that is made out of plastic and rubber. It should be coming out in multiple colors soon as well to help with customization should you want something different.
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The rear brake cables is secured with some Yeti custom bolt on cable guides on the bottom of the chain stay.
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There are 3 cable guides on the bottom of the down tube hold the shifter and rear hydraulic brake line (Perhaps not the best placement for reasons like shuttling in trucks, easy cleaning, debris, and objects that can get flung from the front wheel).
The derailleur cable routes cleanly through chain stay so there is no chain slapping on the cable and its kept away from harms way.
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The 303R DH features a replaceable derailleur hanger and a lightweight alloy axle is included.
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All measurements for a medium frame in inches ( with a FOX40 and Maxxis 2.5″ tires)
- Seattube length: 16.5″
- Toptube length: 23.5″
- head angle: 64-65 degrees
- Chainstay length: 17.25″
- BB height: 13.8″-14.3″
- standover: 29.5″-30″
- Headtube length: 4.5″
- 203mm fork has a ride height of 571mm
Weight:
| Manufacturer | Model | Year | Real(g) | Desc. | Pic. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yeti | 303R DH Medium Frame Only |
2009
|
4138 |
 |
 |
| Yeti | eccentric shock mounts |
2009
|
33 |
|
|
| Yeti | shock bolts |
2009
|
22 |
|
|
| FOX | 9.5 x 3″ Shock w / 450lb coil (stock) |
2009
|
1052 |
|
|
| RockShox | 9.5 x 3″ Shock w / 350lb Obtainium Ti |
2009
|
798 |
|
|
| Yeti | 150mm Yeti alloy axle |
2009
|
62 |
|
|
| Salsa | 35.0 Seat Post Clamp |
2009
|
32 |
|
|
Price:
- $2570 Frameset including DHX5
- Full build option available $4700
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Stay tuned as we’ll get Ryan’s full 303R DH build up shortly for you all to check out.
