1997 Homegrown Factory Hardtail XTR

The 1997 Homegrown Factory XTR is the first Homegrown actually made by Yeti, and was the top-of-the-line hardtail. The 7005 series frame can be distinguished from the 6061 Anodizing, Inc. frames by the lack of a gusset where the down tube joins the head tube as well as the forged chainstay yoke with rounded edges, while Anodizing, Inc. frames have an extruded yoke with square edges. Another unique aspect of this model is that the frame was offered with three different paint jobs, at three different prices. The standard paint job was "Killer Tomato Red," while the black and red darts paid homage to Schwinn's history and added $150. The "Bass Boat Blue" paint was an additional $150, or $300 more than the base paint job.

The build was straightforward, using a complete Shimano Deore XTR group, including pedals and headset. Though the bike came with XTR v-brakes, it still featured the rear brake boss for cantilever brakes. As an aggressive XC race bike, the suspension fork was a Judy SL with 63mm of travel, though a suspension seatpost was used. Complete specs are on the left.