Field Test: Yeti SB115 - The One That Wants to Be a Trail Bike
PINKBIKE FIELD TEST
YETI SB115
Words by Mike Levy, photography by Margus Riga
YETI SB115
Words by Mike Levy, photography by Margus Riga
Do you remember the SB100? It was a cross-country-ish short-travel bike that Yeti debuted back in 2018, and I was a big fan when I reviewed it. Now the Colorado brand has something (kinda) new, the SB115 that you see here. Can you guess how much travel it has?
Yeti has put a 130mm Fox 34 on the other end, and they've installed things like a 50mm stem and 780mm-wide handlebar, and 30mm wide aluminum rims from DT Swiss. In stock trim, you'll also find a 2.5” wide Maxxis Minion DHF on the front and a 2.35” Aggressor on the back, both with an EXO casing. While Cannondale and Specialized take a racier, maybe Lycra, maybe post-ride beer approach, it's Transition, Revel, and obviously Yeti who come to the ride in baggies and already maybe a few beers deep.
SB115 Details
• Travel: 115mm rear / 130mm front
• Carbon frame
• Wheel size: 29"
• Head angle: 67.6°
• Seat tube angle: 74°
• Reach: 450mm (large)
• Chainstay length: 436mm
• Sizes: SM, MED, LRG (tested), XLRG
• Weight: 27.17lb / 12.3kg
• Price: $6,900 USD
• www.yeticycles.com
• Travel: 115mm rear / 130mm front
• Carbon frame
• Wheel size: 29"
• Head angle: 67.6°
• Seat tube angle: 74°
• Reach: 450mm (large)
• Chainstay length: 436mm
• Sizes: SM, MED, LRG (tested), XLRG
• Weight: 27.17lb / 12.3kg
• Price: $6,900 USD
• www.yeticycles.com
Once you've bolted on all that stuff, the bike comes in at a hair over 27lb, making it the chunkiest one at the Field Test. A medium-sized frame and shock are said to weight 5.8lbs, so I'm sure you could put together a lighter one - it's only money!
The SB115 name is new and, given the bike’s travel, makes all the sense in the world. But neither the front nor rear triangles are new - those are the same as what Yeti used for the SB100. What is new, though, are the linkage pieces that drive the shock, and the shock itself also has a slightly longer stroke to deliver more travel. As for the SB100, it’ll eventually be retired to make room for this bike. Now that you know that, you won't be surprised to see that the SB115's geo is damn close to the SB100's numbers.
Back in 2018, I said that the SB100’s 67.8-degree head angle was “out there” for being a cross-country bike, but it’s certainly more the norm these days, especially if we’re talking cross-country bikes made to party. On the SB115, you get a 67.6-degree head angle with the 130mm-travel fork, and my large-sized test bike has a 74-degree seat angle and 450mm reach. That last number could be considered conservative, but don't forget that this frame comes out of the same mold that made the SB100 back in 2018.
On to frame details, specifically those tiny, funny-looking Kashima-coated shocks by the bottom bracket. Just joking, those are essentially stanchions or rails, and the black carrier that the swingarm is attached to slides up and down on them. Yeti says that this 'Switch Infinity' system allows them to control the axle path and that initially, as the bike goes through its travel, the carrier moves upwards to provide a rearward path for improved pedaling efficiency. Then, as the rear wheel goes deeper into its travel, the carrier moves downwards to reduce the amount of chain tension so the design can better deal with hard impacts.
Other frame details include a two-bolt ISCG tab setup around the BB92 bottom bracket, and the internally routed cables are fed through internal guides within the frame. That means that you can just push a new line in when needed, and it's how every bike with internal routing should be - this is the horse I'm gonna ride for a while because it's how it should be done. Speaking of doing it properly, the newer Switch Infinity layout provides plenty of room for a large water bottle inside the front triangle.
Climbing
I'm pretty sure that Kazimer thinks I spend way too much time thinking about how these bikes climb, and maybe he's right, but it seems to me that's what we spend most of the ride doing, isn't it? I mean, if you're out there for a three-hour lap, I bet 70-percent of that time is spent working hard to get up so you can enjoy coming back down. So yeah, I definitely want my cross-country-ish bike to make me look better than I actually am as I pedal up something that he dabs on. Thankfully, the SB115 is pretty good at exactly that.
Much like the Scalpel SE 1 (review incoming), the Yeti is quite adept at finding traction where the other bikes came up empty-handed. I might have considered the Yeti lucky if it weren't for the matching tires and pressure all-around that made it a fair fight during back-to-back laps. Back when I reviewed the SB100, I said that it ''pedals with nearly all of the enthusiasm of a race bike,'' but I don't get quite the same sense of urgency from the SB115 when I'm on the gas. It's not exactly slow - not many bikes in this travel bracket are - and Yeti's Switch Infinity suspension system has a well-deserved rep for being well-rounded, but I definitely got the trail bike vibe from it rather than the up-sized cross-country enthusiasm. The 130mm-travel fork plays a part in that, no doubt, but the upshot is that the SB115 has great technical climbing manners.
One side note: Back in 2018 when I reviewed the SB100, I did moan for a few sentences about its performance on tricky climbs, and now I seem to be doing the opposite about the SB115. What gives? Well, the SB100 was released two years ago, and the SB115 sports very similar geometry, while some brands have taken their numbers even further. So yeah, it's no surprise that the Yeti feels more manageable than the Spur and some others on super tight trails due to its shorter wheelbase.
I'd still give the nod to the Scalpel, though, as it seemed to have more enthusiasm for hard efforts than the Yeti. The clock agreed as well, and I had my slowest timed loop result on the SB115, 5.58-percent back from the Epic EVO's winning time. A lot of that came from Yeti being second-to-last over the full climb, just ahead of the Revel Ranger.
With the longest-travel fork and active, traction-aiding suspension, it's not a surprise to find that the SB115 climbs like the trail bike that it really wants to be. If all you read was 'It feels slow,' don't forget that the SB115 is pretty much a climbing rocketship compared to the over-forked, 150mm trail bike in your garage.
Descending
The descent that we chose for our test loop has a handful of medium-steep rock rolls that any good cross-country machine should be able to tackle, even while high-posting in the slimiest of conditions. But while those rocks are best rolled slowly, the rest of the trail is a high-speed mix of small and medium-sized impacts; nothing crazy, but enough to easily upset a short-travel bike if you're not paying attention. The SB115's rear-suspension does an impressive job of dealing with all of it, and I'd go so far as to say that it offers the 'deepest' feel of the bunch, despite having 5mm less travel in the back than some others.
It doesn't erase the roots and rocks under you like a bigger bike would, of course, but with all five set to bang-on 30-percent sag, the Yeti's suspension was the least upset by the kind of stuff that doesn't make you take a different line, but does require some sort of rider input.
The descent that we chose for our test loop has a handful of medium-steep rock rolls that any good cross-country machine should be able to tackle, even while high-posting in the slimiest of conditions. But while those rocks are best rolled slowly, the rest of the trail is a high-speed mix of small and medium-sized impacts; nothing crazy, but enough to easily upset a short-travel bike if you're not paying attention. The SB115's rear-suspension does an impressive job of dealing with all of it, and I'd go so far as to say that it offers the 'deepest' feel of the bunch, despite having 5mm less travel in the back than some others.
It doesn't erase the roots and rocks under you like a bigger bike would, of course, but with all five set to bang-on 30-percent sag, the Yeti's suspension was the least upset by the kind of stuff that doesn't make you take a different line, but does require some sort of rider input.
Timed Testing
Our timed lap for the trail bikes was just shy of 20 minutes long and split into three sections. First, we powered up a smooth section of switchbacks before starting up a more technical, twisty section of trail that tested the bike's slow-speed handling and traction with tired legs. After that, we evaluated how the bikes maintained speed on a short bumpy traverse before the main descent, comprising of a small rock roll before a series of rough, suspension-testing corners and straightaways. Nothing too rowdy, but representative of the terrain the trails these modern cross-country bikes were intended to see.
Don't forget that timing is just one of many ways to judge a bike, and fast doesn't always mean it's the best for everyone.
Mike Levy: "I had my slowest total loop time aboard the SB115, 5.58-percent back from the Epic EVO that won. My best time on the descent while riding the Yeti was 3.79% behind the Spur, putting it in fourth place ahead of the Scalpel."
Having a 130mm-travel fork, 10mm more than the other bikes, lead the charge into rough sections is surely a helping factor as well, and there were times when the SB115 felt like the trail bike it really wants to be...
But I think a trail bike has to offer a clear step forward in descending capability over a whatever-country bike. The SB115 didn't tick that box for me, but then why should it? After all, it's the same frame as the SB100, which is definitely not a trail bike. They have added 15mm more squish, a 130mm fork, and Yeti's 'Lunch Ride' flavoring that includes stuff like a wider handlebar and stouter tires, but the geometry remains close to unchanged.
I spent a ton of time on the SB100, and I loved that it was a fun-loving precision instrument. All those people who say things like, ''I hate XC, its laaaame,'' need to go for a spin on an SB100; it'll change their tune. But the slightly longer-travel SB115 feels muted, not just in comparison to its predecessor, but to the other four bikes as well. The good: Its 130mm fork and very impressive rear-suspension will trick you into thinking you have more travel than you actually do. The bad: The conservative length means that you don't get the same stability as you would from a bike with a longer footprint. So while the suspension is ready for your dumb line choices, it can't keep up with more contemporary bikes when the speeds rise and/or it gets rough.
The SB115 is a good bike, but it's hard to argue with back-to-back laps over and over again around the same loop - my best time on the descent while riding the Yeti was 3.79% behind the Spur, although it was still faster than the Scalpel SE 1.
Am I crazy for wishing this bike had less travel? My thinking is that sure, it has an additional 15mm out back and a 130mm fork, but because it sports the same geometry, the SB115 isn't any more capable than the SB100, regardless of the parts hung off it. Since I wasn't going any quicker, or inspired to attempt more challenging terrain when I was on it, I have a hard time finding a place for it in my riding. Bottom line: It isn't any better than its predecessor, but it is different.
The ideal SB115 owner is probably someone who rides cross-country but wants no part of that firm, what-have-I-done-to-deserve-this suspension action. And they probably doesn't chase those downhill KOMs, or any KOMs, but they're out there all damn day and riding everything they come across.
Pros
+ Impressive suspension action
+ Great technical climber
Cons
- If you want progressive geo, this isn't your bike
- Relatively heavy compared to other bikes on test
The 2020 Pinkbike Field Test was made possible with clothing, protection, and support from Giro. Control tires provided by Schwalbe, and power meters provided by SRM. Filming took place at The Backyard pub in Squamish.
Photos: Margus Riga
Video: Jason Lucas, Cole Nelson, Max Barron
Author Info:
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Am I dedicated SB100 Guy or 115 Bikurious..?
Maybe go for the “DownCountry XC bike Route” SB100 & Just add the 130fork Best of both
Keep the good pedaling Of the “old”.. add the extra fork PlushNess Of the “New”
Middle Earth Country Riders Rejoice
PB: Only dentists can afford it
I agree that this will work well in the flat lands, but so will a ton of bikes from 2-4 years ago. Why pay for a cutting edge bike when this is what you're getting?
Regardless, you're right. They'll sell like hot cakes because they're Yetis.
Also, I'm not entirely sure why anyone would understroke a shock. Why not just run less sag and more volume spacers so you would theoretically never use the extra travel? That way if you have an 'oh shit' moment, you won't bottom out.
The SB130 and Spur geo are very close... the larges SB130/Spur: Reach 480/480, WB 1230/1219, HTA 65.5/66.0, STA 76.9/75.9, BBH 337.7/335.0, CL 433/435.
I'm sure it's a great bike compared to just about anything in the same class from 3 years ago. The issue is that other bikes have come a long way in that time.
Another point is that for the 240 (exp) hubs, it is now going to be more of a pain to clean/service/upgrade the ratchets because one half is now part of the drive ring (which I've nearly broken a bench vise trying to remove). I'd rather just have the old design unless there's some huge hidden benefit that I'm not aware of.
Perfect bike for an Amazon executive?
When Levy says this bike is for "tighter and slower riding", I get the sense that what he's really saying is "slower riders on non technical terrain".
There are a bunch of bikes in this category that are far better suited for trail riding, including an SB130.
The AXS dropper... Mechanically (and electronically?) it's rock solid and precise. I really like the tension of the movement. There is a very solid thunk as it moves quickly to the top of its travel and hits the stop. That said, I won't be mirroring this seatpost onto the SB115. Number one reason is because it won't fit, lol... but more to the point, the AXS dropper is a lot heavier than the 2021 Fox Transfer, and the SB115 is already a little porkier than my Spur, so i'm trying to save every bit of weight I can. Do I enjoy using the AXS dropper? Yeah, I really do. I honestly can't complain about any aspect of it other than weight. There is one cool thing about it that I think is *really* nice if you travel with your bike on a plane, and that is you can just pop it out and bring it with you. No dealing with cables on a dropper. That's a really cool thing (again, if you travel with your bike on a plane).
Oh. and a word about the batteries. They last longer than you think they do. People hear 23 hours of time and they think they're going to have to charge them often. No.. that's 23 hours of IN-USE time. They can stand-by basically forever. I still haven't charged them again since their initial charging, and they still show green when you hit the button to turn them on / check battery. I was impressed by that. Oh, and the battery status shows up in the AXS app, which I thought was pretty clever.
It just seems odd that they'd put all this effort into this huge comparison/shoot out...then one of the bikes is just completely different (geo wise) to all of the others. Would a M Spur (comparable to the other brands L) climbed a bunch better and still nailed the downs...or: maybe it is only a marginally better climber, but loses its stability when descending. Mr. Owl: The world may never know!
Longer/slacker: more stable on descent/more of a chore climbing. Most of us don't need a professional reviewer to figure out that model rocket science.
I hate to keep harping on this, but, once again, the more compact (albeit heavier) Scalpel climbs better...but descends worse.
That just sounds like you don't ride the 5.5 hard enough.
tho I jumped the Gun.. Threw a 130mm 34 Grip2 fork on and I’m pretty happy just leaving it alone now!
So I’ve spent the last month + on the 115. Lots of laps here in Cave creek, Sedona, and flagstaff Arizona. A week in Bend and a week riding post in Hood River, both in Oregon. I’ll be clear, I wanted the same 100 geo. I wanted that ripping quick BMX feel. I love to rip jibby jumps and berms. The 115 just has that increased ability to drop into a more aggressive riding style Immediately. . Quick, stable, planted, and “sendable” are the words I would use to describe the bike in ALL the above mentioned locations. I bought the T2 build and put on my old Reynolds wheels and run a 2.6 recon on the front with a 2.3 aggressor on the back. I also switched the fork to a Fox 34 grip 2 140 lowered to 130. (Huge difference)
I mean @#$& guys you have to look at the geo and know what you want. The bike is a sick ass Big BMX bike.
If I’m going down vert all day I go with a slacker bike and smash thru everything. 85% of my rides these days is on this115 bike.
And I’m not a dentist I just kinda go old school and work more when I want nice shit........
I share your thoughts on SB vs. rough and rooty trails as well.. Its just a very different platform than what most bikes are using. I could probably say that about the Spur as well though..
That's just silly. Sag is a starting point, not "the" setting for everyone. Just setting a sag percent and calling it done is _not_ a proper suspension setup.
Does that even match all the manufacturers' recommended sags? Are they even all the same shock on all the bikes? For bikes with the same shock, were all the clickers set the same? Did they all have the same volume spacers installed?
Yeti factory spec dudes - I know that the DHF/ Aggr combo is tried and true but putting the exact same tires on your entire lineup is absurd when the bikes are clearly meant for different trails and riding styles. The result is many riders say things like 'the SB150 pedals just as well as the SB130 so I might as well buy the SB150 for trail riding' when if both models had tires appropriate for their usage the SB130 in fact would pedal much easier.
Trance is slacker in the HA and steeper in the ST, to boot. Most build kits come a little on the burly side, especially the upper trim levels.
Most review outlets quote high 26lb range for the middle and top carbon spec, which generally includes 1000-gram tires and piggyback shocks.
The trance 29er 3 in alu starts at $2150 w/deore/fox/marzocchi.
You could buy the frame only for cheaper than that at just about any shop if you ask nicely. Or, buying the lowest-priced spec last year at $3350 and stripping it for parts for sale would make sense as well. Either way, you'd get a better warranty. Love mine as a NE daily driver. Starts to run into trouble in the chunky stuff, or huge hucks to flat. Flow, moderate tech, or crawling up nasty climbs and its a ton of fun.
Lots of decent options in the short-travel trail category, the yeti may not be one of them. Seems like we should be seeing more of the sid-equipped short travel bikes and fewer of the 34/pike/piggyback options like what the trance is, tbh.
Including a few sentences about the Top Fuel, Izzo, etc in the wrap-up would be awesome, although you probably have it all in the can by now...
PF92 - You suck and will always suck
interested why this cost more than made in house UNNO?
Or its just business, and fanboys going to pay anything to get new china bike?
I am still riding my trusty 2014 sb66 carbon rear and it rips.
From here on out it’s simple hardtail, 100, 130, 150, 170 and a
DH sled that made your brand in the first place get back to it.
Jeeeeeeezzzzzz this Could easily be a Friday fail.
Yeti SB-40110W1NG (v1)
Yeti SM-UGG13R (v1)
I know that we are living in a pretty sweet time for bikes, bike geometry and I think the great thing is this all comes down to personal choice. This demo on this stretch of trail convinced me to order a SB115 and I can't wait to set more PR's on the trails here in Western Colorado as well as come back for some more time on the Colorado Trail- I never felt under or over biked and I never felt like the SB100 was holding me back or slowing me down. It would have been great to be on an XL, but I made due.
Also, it should be noted, I am NOT a dentist! Haha! I had the lowest end build of the SB150 and I am buying the SB115 as a frame and building it up on a budget.
i just don't believe you