1989 Yeti F.R.O.

This is my 1989 Yeti F.R.O. (For Racing Only) it's a special one as it's an early FRO made in California and later updated by Yeti in Durango to Pro Fro specs. It also features a rare steel Frank The Welder made Yeti stem.

The most astounding thing to me is how forward thinking this bike is compared to other late '80's mtbs. Gone are the slack angles and present is the geometry which would carry mountain bikes all the way through the next 15 years until 29ers became prevalent.

The red powdercoat is not the original color, judging by the overspray on the fork purple was, and the decals (which state "Made in Colorado" and Tange double butted tubing) are also incorrect though obviously consistent with what Yeti was doing at the time the frame was reworked (seat collar added?) and the gusset was added to the chainstay junction.

The bike came to me pretty much as is and only required cleaning and a few small changes. I swapped out the tires for a set of modern Smoke and Darts, changed the brake pads to make it rideable, swapped out the purple King for a silver one and added the white housing and my preferred pedals. I have every reason to believe that the parts kit are all native to this frame circa 1989 with the possible exceptions of the Titanium American Classic seatpost and the titanium bulge handlebar of unknown maker.

1989 YETI FRO

Build List
Frame: 1989 Yet F.R.O.
Fork: Answer Accutrax
Stem: FTW Steel
Headset: Chris King 1 1/4"
Handlebar: Titanium - unknown maker
Grips: ODI
Brake Levers: Shimano bodies with aftermarket carbon levers
Drivetrain: Shimano Deore XT M730-M735
Hubs: Shimano M732
Rims: Araya RM-20
Seatpost: American Classic Titanium
Saddle: Avocet Racing 1

Yeti's are known for the "looptail" design. The entire rear end was made from one piece of steel bent to form the seat and chain stays.

These carbon brake levers are a pretty rare and obscure part, forgive me but the name of the maker escapes me at the moment. I've only seen a few sets and don't believe many were made.