Yeti AS-3?

[ssvirens]

Hello,

Just bought a used Yeti (my first) with Model name missing. Emailed Yeti and they said it was likely a 1998 AS-3.
Has the following specs:
Handle bar says Yeti Downhill and Tapered 2-4, fork is Cane Creek, rear brakes are Hayes Nine, front are Hayes, rear shifter is Shimano XTR 8sp, front is Shimano Diore XT.

Photos of the bike are provided in the following web album link picasaweb.google.com/105435074567539219476/Yeti?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCMXAzfmvy4rSIg&feat=directlink

I took the bike by a local shop for an estimate on getting the brakes in decent shape. They quoted me about $80 parts and $80 labor for redoing the pistons, new pads, and bleeding, and truing the rotors. They also said the rear gears and chain need to be replaced soon. They also pointed out that there are holes drilled in the rear of the frame near where the wheel attaches (no good reason for them and makes weak points.) They also said replacing the rear brakes with new would be hard, as that mounting style is no longer used.
So... I am looking for advice on what are the best options for getting this bike running. Is it better to pay them to do the brakes, or is there a custom mount that would allow me to put on new brakes that would be better than the old (and be more economical, by saving labor and letting me just install new ones)? Also, what to do if anything about the holes in the frame, if anything? Any advice regarding this and also things I haven't thought of would be welcome.
Thanks,
Josh

[Andrew]

The AS3 is the unloved Yeti, they ride Ok, but were a frame yeti released when in dire trouble and were owned by Schwinn. Schwinn let yeti use this design as they did not have a full suspension design at the time.

One good thing is they were USA made.

Those rear stays used to crack very easily, which is why you don't see many on the trail. So I'd inspect them very carefully.

Yeti still has the suspension bushings.

The brake mount is 21mm, a2z used to do a mount. But I'd not waste any money on that bike with new brakes, just get it running for as little ad possible.

I just sold a brand new one of those frames for around $250, so gives you some idea of the value.

Andrew.

[ssvirens]

Can you suggest a way to fix the holes to prevent cracking, or should I just leave em alone?
What should I do with the brakes? (bleed, replace pads, service pistons... have rotor trued...?)
Do they even make piston repair kits for the old hayes mag and 9?

BTW, I only paid about $40 for this bike...

[Andrew]

You should be able to service those brakes.

Don't know what you can do about those holes. There is no fix short of welding them up.

[ssvirens]

So after getting busy and setting this bike aside for over a year, I am back in the project... got the wheels on, bled the brakes, and test rode it. Still shifts excellent, brakes are decent (prob need to get a piston kit), however, front shocks need service, and rear shock is shot. So, advice please...
Front shock (Rockshox Judy XL): are these easy to rebuild myself, if so any tips, guide, what kit etc
Rear shock (Rockshox Coupe Deluxe): same question (or pay to rebuild), or is there another shock I can swap in there (besides the overly expensive risseracing ones)?
Thanks, Josh

[Yeti AS-3]

Hello,

I have this bike Yeti AS-3, its silver frame with yellow stripe. It cost me 3k back in the day. I didn't use it much when I got it as I was scared it would get stolen and have had it about 19 years since then. Its probably in good condition except the brakes probably need bleeding. I took it out once about 15 years ago and the brakes hadn't been bled so pumped out and blew the cylinder in one of the levers but I had replaced. I wonder what its worth now and if somebody would be interested in buying one of these?

It's one of these basically : -
www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?year=1998&brand=Yeti&model=A.S.-3+All+Mountain+XT

Regards