First Look: Yeti's New SB140 - Splitting the Difference

Nov 17, 2022
by Mike Levy  
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If you're a Yeti fan, it's been a pretty good month. Matt showed you the new SB160 a week ago, then came Kazimer with the SB120, and today we're splitting the difference with the also-new SB140. There's still a 27.5" version in the lineup, but this SB140 is essentially the next generation of the SB130 (confusing, I know), and can be configured with either a 150mm or 160mm-travel fork depending on the build kit.

Like the other new bikes, the SB140 is offered in two flavors. Sign up for one of the burlier Lunch Ride models with that 160mm fork and there are six complete bikes to choose from, all with a Float X shock and burlier tires and brakes. The C1, C2, and C3 are all based on the heavier carbon frame and retail for $6,600, $6,900, and $7,800 USD. There are another three models based on the pricier and lighter Turq frame that uses pricier and lighter carbon fiber. You'll need $8,800, $10,200, and $11,700 USD to get the T1, T3, and T4.
SB140 Details
• Intended use: Trail riding and more
• Travel: 140mm
• Fork travel: 150mm / 160mm
• Frame material: Carbon fiber, two versions
• Head angle: 65.4º / 65º
• Seat angle: 71.8º - 73.7º
• Wheels: 29"
• Sizes: SM - XXL
• Reach: 435mm - 525mm
• Frame weight: 3,375 grams (med Turq frame w/ DPS shock)
• Price: $6,400 - $11,700 USD, $4,500 USD (frame only)
• More info: www.yeticycles.com

If you want that 150mm-travel fork and a bit lighter build kit, pricing starts at $6,400 for the C1 or $6,700 USD for the C2. Turq-framed bikes begin with the $8,600 T2 and $10,000 T3, or you can get the top-end T4 for $11,500 USD. There are eleven different SB140s to choose from, as well as the $4,500 USD frame, so head over to Yeti's website for all the specs and details.

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The C1 model is the least expensive SB140 at $6,400 USD.
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You can get an SB140 with a Turq frame in non-Lunch Ride for $8,600 USD.

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If you want a 160mm fork and piggyback shock, Lunch Ride SB140s start at $6,600 USD for the C1.
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$10,200 USD will get you a Lunch Ride SB140 T3.


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The new SB140 looks similar to the previous version, but Yeti's made a bunch of updates ranging from geometry to cable management.


Frame Details

The new SB140 looks a lot like the previous version, but the differences are more obvious up close... or if you've already read about their other new bikes. The low-hanging bit of bulbous carbon in front of the bottom bracket has finally been trimmed down to a slimmer shape that also offers more ground clearance. That's also where you'll find a dual-density downtube protector that uses a softer inner layer combined with a harder cap bolted over the top, all of which can be removed to make it easier to route the dropper post line.

Cables enter and exit at the usual places, but Yeti's added small clamps at each of those points that gently hold them in place and should keep excess slack from rattling around inside the frame. Other notables include a switch to a threaded bottom bracket shell rather than Pressfit BB92, plenty of rubberized protection on the swingarm, and a relatively cheap and easy-to-find Universal Derailleur Hanger.


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The downtube has a much slimmer shape and more ground clearance around the bottom bracket.
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Cable routing isn't tube-in-tube, but they're held in place with small clamps at each entry and exit point.


Yeti has also changed a bunch of stuff in the suspension department with an eye on reliability, most notably moving to pressing all of the bike's bearings into the metal suspension components rather than the carbon front or rear triangles. This makes sense for all the obvious manufacturing and long-term reasons, but it's also easier and less risky to remove and install bearings in a chunk of aluminum than some expensive hand-laid carbon fiber. There are also new floating collet pivot axles to hold it all together, and Turq-series frames see better seals, bearings, and hardware used at the sliding Switch Infinity unit versus C-spec frames that use last year's stuff.

What's all this about Turq and C-series? The two versions of the frame are made in the same place and look identical on the outside, but Yeti says that the Turq versions, "are made with the highest quality carbon fiber available and offer the perfect balance of stiffness and compliance." The C-series frames receive, "small changes in the carbon fiber layup" that make them less expensive to manufacture, hence the slightly lower price point for complete builds. The ride quality and frame rigidity are said to be identical, but the fancy SB140 Turq frame weighs 3,375 grams, 174 fewer than the peasant-y C version when they're both fitted with the same Fox DPS shock.



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The SB140 uses a revised version of Yeti's Switch Infinity to control its 140mm of travel. Lunch Ride build kits get a Float X, while the standard version comes with an inline Float DPS.


Suspension Details

Some of us thought that the new SB160 might use a similar six-bar layout as the motorized E160, but Yeti stuck with a slightly revised version of the sliding Switch Infinity design they've been refining for years. It's the same story with the SB140, too, and that's a good thing; we've always liked the balanced nature of Switch Infinity for how it's always managed to do the pedal and bump-absorbing jobs equally well.

Yeti has an interesting history with unconventional suspension designs, and if you're not familiar with Switch Infinity, here's the gist of it. The solid rear triangle floats on two links; the upper one drives the shock via a split clevis and is pretty ordinary, but not so down at the bottom. That's where you'll see that the main pivot is on an anodized black aluminum carrier that slides up and down on two Kashima-coated rails and a set of upgraded bushings. Grease ports let you inject some love as needed without taking the whole thing apart, and Yeti's also added better seals, bearings, and hardware.


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See that black thing? That's the carrier that determines the bike's axle path and suspension characteristics.
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Switch Infinity exploded.


What does all that do? "When Switch Infinity reverses direction, anti-squat drastically drops for freedom of suspension movement," Yeti explains, with the black carrier sliding up on the two gold rails in the first part of the bike's travel for more anti-squat and better on-power feel, before moving back down later on in the travel so that the chain has less effect on the suspension action.


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Geometry

The refinement continues in the geometry department, with a few small changes here and there but also the notable switch to size-specific chainstays. While the previous version had a 433mm rear-end across the range, the new bike gets 2mm longer per size, starting at 436mm for the small and up to 444mm for the double-extra-large. The same goes for the actual seat angles that start at 71.8 and go up to 77.3-degrees on the Lunch Ride version (slightly steep on the normal models).

The Lunch Ride builds get a 160mm-travel fork that puts the head angle at 65-degrees even, whereas the less aggressive builds with 150mm forks sit at 65.4-degrees. Reach numbers run from 435 to 525mm, with a large sitting at 485mm and a 623mm effective toptube length.




Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

350 Comments
  • 240 9
 More like “flossing” the difference
  • 115 5
 Braces yourselves for the dentist puns.
  • 103 9
 My dentist has an obsession with different kinds of dinosaurs. But his favorite kind is the Flossiraptor
  • 18 15
 the yeti hate thing must be a USA thing i dont think ive seen one in the uk on a trail since CRC were punting them out the door with no comeback for 50 p years ago
  • 112 2
 Give this man a plaque.
  • 30 7
 @Compositepro: They are very expensive in the US, they are extortionate here. Nobody in their right mind gets them. All the dentists go for Santa Cruz.
  • 61 3
 Let's drill down and get to the root of these new bikes.
  • 39 3
 The prices for frames and bikes these days, will leave a cavity in most bank accounts. Its almost enough to make me want to write in all caps.
  • 8 3
 @redrook: oh santa cruz, love child of MBUK
  • 42 2
 That pun deserves a crown.
  • 99 4
 Lunch ride??? More like fluoride.
  • 9 14
flag andrewfrauenglass (Nov 17, 2022 at 10:47) (Below Threshold)
 ...starting to look more and more like an e-bike. Is there a battery in the seat tube?
  • 21 10
 Yeti is the root of all evil
  • 8 8
 this joke deserves to be in some plaque
  • 7 10
 Looks like a copy and paste of the old one
  • 24 5
 @redrook: I'm a therapist and occasionally not in my right mind, especially with respect to my addiction to bikes. My SB 140 was the most expensive bike yet, yes, but much less costly to my wallet and psyche than divorce. I'd definitely buy one again. They climb well and are very playful downhill, kind of like my cat.
  • 26 2
 $6400-10,200 is pretty hard to palate, some might say a bridge too far.
  • 5 3
 I like Yeti walked in for the 5 year checkup on the SB130 and said yup everything looking good. Let’s just send them a bill
  • 3 4
 @Compositepro: not sure where you ride. Loads on the trail around Surrey Hills.
  • 4 3
 @Hairyteabags: sheffield innit , full of oranges and turbo levos
  • 47 2
 @Compositepro: you don’t see them in the UK cuz…uhm…(dentistry)
  • 26 5
 @Compositepro: Because you don't have Dentists in the Uk, we've seen your teeth.
  • 6 0
 @inside-plus: I was trying to be nice. You just laid it right out there like Trump would.
  • 1 0
 @Hairyteabags: you see a fair few in the Tweed Valley but apart from that, I very rarely see any around
  • 2 0
 @nyhc00: that pun is a bridge too far. Wonder if these bikes come with a cavity only dentists could find and fill.
  • 1 0
 @Compositepro: I loved my SB6c. I had it for five years before some scrote stole it. I've seen a couple out on the trails, but you're right, they're quite a rare sight.
  • 5 8
 The only thing dumber than Yeti soon having a bike per mm of travel is people who make dentist jokes about Yeti bikes. Yeti bikes are expensive, get over it.
  • 9 0
 @warmerdamj: sounds like we..hit a nerve?
  • 1 0
 @warmerdamj: i recon 5mm increments will be next years hot ticket
  • 2 0
 @scary1: lol that's a good one.
  • 1 3
 @redrook: you have dentists in the UK???? Would never have known. No way a UK dentist could even afford a polygon. They are equivalent to a fish and chips shop in the US. No one goes, no one cares.
  • 2 0
 @ElDebarge: oh yes a lot of them train on the NHS and then go on to set up a private practice often with many clinics earning literally millions it’s hardly a fish and chip shop level affair I see our local example out on plenty of 20k custom builds he’s quite well known round here amongst us peasants
  • 123 2
 Pinkbike reviewing a pink bike, nice
  • 47 1
 Is it bad that I really like that color?!? I’m leaning no….
  • 14 1
 @TooManyBikess: it's ok we are here for you. We'll work through it.
  • 1 1
 but it's...hot......nice ....nice
  • 5 1
 @TooManyBikess: yes it's totally okay. I'm digging it too (had a pink 2016 SC Bronson)
  • 6 1
 @vhdh666: That frame was beauty.
  • 2 1
 @TooManyBikess: I love it, too. I just don't love that I could just buy an entire Stumpjumper comp for $500 more.
  • 1 1
 @jrocksdh: thanks bro, I needed that.
  • 5 1
 I think I finally found out where all of my printer's Cyan and Magenta ink went.
  • 53 18
 So do Yetis suck? Or are they expensive? I get confused from the comments... Do you hate them because they suck? Or because you can't afford to buy one? Has anyone actually ridden one and not liked it?
  • 189 4
 Yes
  • 41 6
 I’ve demoed the SB130, SB140 and SB150 and they were ok, but nothing special other than the price tag. I do like the look of the new 120, but I don’t see how it can be any better than a Spur or Element.
  • 51 1
 They’re good bikes. Just cost as much as a used car
  • 59 5
 I work at a yeti dealer, and still cant afford one. They are amazing bikes they are just very expensive
  • 45 66
flag swcyclingproducts (Nov 17, 2022 at 9:18) (Below Threshold)
 They ride mostly well but you WILL crack the frame from an impact or just general riding and the switch infinity bushings wear out fast and develop a lot of play, and you cant really fix that without replacing it(yeti will say its designed compliance). The amount if brake jack killed me though when I was racing it. It's just an absurd amount.
  • 89 6
 I’ve had two that I’ve bought second hand. Both have been awesome! It’s mostly a PB tradition to hate on them because of the price. The thing is, they’re just one of those brands that only does high-end, nothing mid range or cheap. You can spend the same or more on a Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Rocky Mountain, etc., but they all offer bikes that start in the hundreds (kids bikes) and go all the way to north of $10,000. Anyways, that’s my take, but I don’t really ever shop for a brand new bike. I’ve been really happy with mine, and when I run into others on them, the story is the same.
  • 19 6
 someone wrote an entire article for you can decide
  • 8 4
 @rich-2000: I demoed an SB130 and didn't love it.
  • 32 4
 I have demoed Yetis and didn't feel like it was worth the cash.

Realistically people hate on them because of the price and the type of rider that you normally see on them (mostly older, mediocre riders).
  • 18 9
 @swcyclingproducts: why are you breaking while racing? Seems like their racers don’t have an issue with that.
  • 7 4
 @HB208: There's also younger dentists
  • 17 3
 I can’t speak to the new ones but I had a new yeti 303WC back in the day. It dented upon itself - no impact. The yeti factory dh team knew it was an issue. I called yeti to get my frame warrantied and they denied a design flaw. It still baffles me that they can have a frame dent on itself and turn their head.

I sold all of my yetis (had 3 new ones for racing that season) and switched brands.

The new bikes look really nice and I’m sure they ride well but that still sticks with me.
  • 2 2
 @HB208: is it because it didnt have a hole in the downtube
  • 29 5
 It's not that people can't afford them. It's that you can choose to pay $5k for a Yeti frame, or $5k for a complete bike that's literally just as good.
  • 11 3
 @swcyclingproducts: Usually I hate the people who always bring up these broken frame conspiracies, until I actually did snap my sb130 in half at the bike park. Hit a table a good 20ft to flat, but I was fine and got it warrantied. I’m on a 150 now and I gotta say, the 130 was awesome until it’s unfortunate end, and as far as I can tell the 150 will be even better
  • 15 6
 @rich-2000:
"I’ve demoed the SB130, SB140 and SB150 and they were ok, but nothing special other than the price tag."

^^^This. There are numerous bikes available that ride as well or better than Yetis that have even more features and significantly lower prices. The name and price exclusivity seem to be the big selling points for Yeti.
  • 6 0
 I test rode some 4-5 years ago, I thought they were amazing....SB4.5 and SB5.5 I think, I was very impressed.
  • 11 0
 They may be expensive and or suck. Unless they're purple. In which case they rock.
  • 21 20
 It comes from envy. People can’t afford them
  • 9 8
 They're too expensive and don't ride good enough to justify their price. And they make some really weird spec choices. For example, their choice of CrankBrothers wheels on the C models...barf.
  • 19 14
 @swcyclingproducts: don't know why this is getting down voted, EVERY yeti we had come through the shop that we sold had at least one warranty issue within 6 months of purchase.
  • 5 5
 Yes. I was underwhelmed when I rode a 2020 SB150. It was meh. The price was not. I mean, it's a fucking bicycle, it's not going to be all that different to any other high-end bicycle, so the price seems unjustifiable.
  • 15 5
 @darkstar66: I worked at a yeti dealer for years and I’d say maybe 20% had a warranty issue. Maybe EVERY single one because you sold two?
  • 38 10
 I've had a 130LR for years and it was and still is the perfect bike for me after demoing tons of bikes that didn't impress me. Geo is perfect and the suspension feel blows everything else away. If you gave me unlimited funds to buy one bike, it'd be the 130LR all day. Several guys that crush trails around me ride Yetis - dudes that don't care about the brand or bling, just want the best bike for their purpose.

Some people don't like them because they're kind of expensive and they like to bitch about anything that costs above $3k even though the boring big brands have even more expensive bikes at the high end. Some people don't like them b/c they don't have a 100% no-failure rate even thought it's a product that people beat the shit out of and no other brand does either (I've never actually met anyone outside of the comments that actually had a frame break). Some people just like to rehash the same tired dentist joke ad nauseum b/c that's what other people do in the comments. Some people think that whatever they ride is superior and everything else is shit. Some people love Yetis. Some others actually gave them a fair shake and weren't impressed. Just like everything.
  • 4 0
 @cuban-b: Or perhaps Enve?
  • 8 3
 @brookscurran: 20% is extremely high for warranty issues. I've worked at a Spesh dealer for 8 years and I'd say our warranty claims are around 5%. That's not to say that more bikes don't break, they just don't fail because of a warranteeable issue.
  • 4 0
 @MC13368: ...until it's more unfortunate end resulting in your spinal accordionitis.
  • 11 1
 They ride very well (like many bikes these days), they are priced similarly to many expensive brands (Santa Cruz comes to mind), they do have an earned reputation of frame failures (even on a PB review years ago...and the ensuing saga, GTS), they are a brand that wealthy folks LOVE to support (i.e., first ever MTB, a $10k MTB), and are really easy to hate when you add all of that up.
  • 6 1
 @Chippps: agreed. Love my SB130TLR. You can enduro it but it is great for general trail use to. They really don’t break as much as people say, but when they do, Yeti customer service is awesome.
  • 6 1
 @Chippps: The 2020 130 LR was a ok value prop. It was probably $500-1000 more than other brands, but I think that was justifiable to a lot of people. If memory serves, you could get a 130LR with GX for $5,500. That same build is now $6,900 (which if memory serves, used to buy you factory suspension XT build). The price increases are just absurd now.

Things like pricing for shipping have fallen since peak pandemic, yet bike companies want to still price as if there is unlimited demand.
  • 3 1
 @Chippps: Agree! Also, people can’t afford them
  • 8 2
 @meathooker: I had a 575 way back when, and it was amazing. Thing was ahead of it's time. Today's Yetis are selling based entirely upon nostalgia and the illusion of exclusivity, with absolutely nothing to justify their self-assessed worth. Yeti, Rocky, and Santa Cruz are all cut from the same cloth, pretending they're amazing while frantically hoping that people will buy their products because they either don't know any better, or have some absurd brand loyalty. if you want an actual boutique mtb, get a REEB, or a Starling, or a Raaw, or an Antidote, or hell, if you really want to spend a bajillion dollars, get an Unno. If you want a really great bike and don't want to spend $10k for a great build, get a Specialized, or a Trek, or a Giant.
  • 4 2
 @swcyclingproducts: No sure why all the Negs. My SB5C after 2 years had 15 cracks, around the infinity link and HT. Loved my Sb66.
  • 1 0
 @adamszymkowicz: - I'm genuinely curious if you have actually ever ridden the Crankbrothers Synthesis wheels, or are you just passing judgment based on a negative past experience with their pedals?
  • 5 1
 @brookscurran: Do you live in a dry areas of the US?

One reviewer in the UK had to replace the Switch Infinity link 3 times in their year of long term testing. Just looking at it, it looks like a dirt and grit trap, and I'm not surprised that they don't seem to survive in UK riding.
  • 3 0
 @BarneyStinson: wasnt a lad called leon was it i know his has been replaced 3 times
  • 3 1
 @Compositepro: LOL what? Have another one on me....
  • 15 2
 @BarneyStinson: What are y'all doing to ur bikes lol. I'm in the PNW and I've ran a used switch infinity for 3 years straight and never had an issue. Got another and have been running for a year without issue. You guys pressure washing them? Taking them through a carwash? Just never servicing them?
  • 8 1
 I own an SB130, SB150, and 2 Arcs...all amazing.
  • 5 1
 @brookscurran: *braking while racing but yes they do break when you race them.
  • 1 0
 @shredskyy: it's called Northern Grinding Paste, a special mix of Gritstone dust and clay, and it f*cks anything that isn't kept meticulously clean on a mountain bike.
  • 18 2
 In 2019 I purchased an SB150, which was decidedly "pretty good". I never fell in love with it and sold it after 10 months. The bike I replaced it with was worlds better - no comparison between the two.

I have not hate for Yeti bikes - they are perfectly fine mountain cycles. But if I am paying Ferrari prices, I want Ferrari performance AND features. These bikes lack some basic "nice to have's" that I prefer: partially rearward axle path, in frame storage, tip-top rear suspension performance, etc.

For giggles, I priced out a Deviate Claymore build, including very bling kit (EXT suspension, Trickstuff Maxima brakes, SRAM AXS + Shimano HG drivetrain, etc.). How is it that I can build the "dream" bike at full parts MSRP for ~$9.8k, but a lesser spec, "top build" Yeti is going to run me $12k+?
  • 1 1
 @HB208: I resemble this remarkSmile
  • 2 0
 @HB208: I'm old enough to remember when the dentist jokes we're funny and I aspire to mediocrity. Maybe I should get one.
  • 1 1
 I have owned two Yetis, both alloy DJ's.....perfect bikes! I guess those were the only 'good' Yetis out there (not carbon, US made and no pivots) Big Grin
  • 6 3
 @KJP1230: But, you get Ferrari prices and Ferrari maintenance with a Yeti.
  • 13 4
 @meathooker: I just had a 2021 frame crack during normal riding for an SB 150 and Yeti denied the warranty…made me buy a crash replacement. I’m certainly never going to look their way again. Due what bikes cost and weigh now, a company has to either make a bike that lasts or honor their warranty. Really, we should be able to expect both. One might be sufficient. But neither? Come on, Yeti
  • 5 2
 @brookscurran: 20%! Holy Smoke! 1 in 5 chance my 5K frame is junk? Wow!
  • 5 2
 I've owned an SB66c, an SB5c, and now an SB165. I'm not rich, I've gotten them in poverty spec on sale for pretty reasonable prices and upgraded the stuff I care about.

I like them. Part of it is vanity because I think they're pretty bikes, but mostly it's familiarity. My SB5c felt kinda like my SB66c, and the SB165 feels kinda like the SB5c.

Like most of us, the bikes are all far more capable than I am. I'm sure I could find a cheaper bike that I like, but I don't want to spend time demo'ing (I don't live anywhere near a bike shop), so I'm going with what I'm pretty sure I'll like. And so far not disappointed.
  • 4 0
 @shredskyy: +1

SB66c from 2013 to this past summer. She had weekly use around Seattle and a couple weeks worth of riding at WBP and Blackcomb. Switch is complicated and wants maintenance but is robust enough to keep working if you don't service it regularly. Just bought a very lightly used SB115 and doubt I could be having more fun riding anything else.

The prices are high if you don't know how to shop around and find the price you are willing to pay. Hard time believing that PB commenters are shopping for new bikes at the LBS or buying straight-up online, and don't have hookups or know where to look. That's just silly.
  • 2 1
 @Compositepro: just trying to be funny, your sentence:

"wasnt a lad called leon was it i know his has been replaced 3 times"

With a gem like that I figured you were drinking Smile
  • 7 4
 They are a poor value. Not much more to say than that. Many people would prefer to spend the $3000 premium a YETI commands on a vacation where they can ride their Kona Process, etc. that will bring just as much joy.
  • 4 0
 @adamszymkowicz: agreed on boutique. I got a Forbidden Dreadnaught and love it. The UNNO would have been right there but the Burn and dash weren't out yet. Those are gorgeous bikes!
  • 4 0
 @RadBartTaylor: no mate im from yorkshire its how we speak im f*cked because i write how i speak sadly

www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2eERK3S9Hc
  • 9 5
 $6400 for factory suspension, switch infinity, and SLXT seems pretty banger to me. Over at Santa Cruz $6400 will get you rhythm suspension and SRAM GX.
  • 5 0
 @ThatOneGuyInTheComments: Factory suspension is a $600 upgrade and the SLX build only comes with an XT shifter (which is barely more expensive than a SLX shifter). So the build you're talking about is $7k.

Value shopping against SC won't get you very far anyways.
  • 2 0
 @BarneyStinson: ain’t that the truth
  • 4 0
 @Jordansemailaddress: they offer mid range or low end components for the same price as other companies XO1 builds.

I’m not a yeti hater but they definitely don’t only offer high end offerings. They don’t even offer carbon rims till you’re in the $11k range.
  • 3 0
 I had a 14’ sb6c. It was fun. Climbed well and rocketed down hills. No matter how much I played with it though I couldn’t get it to feel very plush. It felt like I was skipping over things. On a transition scout now and the difference is clear. Way more traction and suspension just feels better. Although very different bikes and 6 years apart in development. I wouldn’t go back based on my experience. I think there’s better bikes out there.
  • 4 1
 @IsaacMagers: Just buy one used or build a frame. That's what I did and I'm far from being a dentist (or even "rich"). I'm on my second Yeti now (SB66c, SB6) and they are the best bikes I've ever ridden (and I rode quite a lot in my 30+ years of mountain biking). So, yes, they are expensive but worth every penny, at least as much as any Santa Cruz, S-Works Specialized, or high-end Trek (among others) and the Infinity Switch is really impressive. Of course, you can get very good bikes for about 1/2 the price of a Yeti, but it's not all Myth... there's some magic in those frames.
  • 1 5
flag speed10 (Nov 17, 2022 at 13:46) (Below Threshold)
 @blinglespeed: maybe you just suck at bike riding and love making. Ever consider that? #Yetiinthebed
  • 6 4
 @rich-2000: A demo does not say much about the real assets of a bike. Often, people expect a Yeti (or any high-end bikes for that matter) to be so much better as soon as they throw a leg other it, but actually, it takes time to appreciate all the small details and overall great handling of Yetis. Just check Jeff Kendall-Weed riding and talking about the SB130 and SB140 LR -- and this guy rides harder and faster than 99% of us.
  • 2 1
 @redrook: I have the opposite experience, sir. I've been riding numerous bike in the past 30+ years and the SB150 is the one that impressed me the most on chunky trails... but as you know, to each his own.
  • 10 4
 @cool3: Oh cool, a pro mountain biker can ride a yeti fast. That's such a dumb way to judge a bike considering that pros could ride any bike fast. Believe it or not, Jeff is also trying to sell you bikes.
  • 1 1
 @blinglespeed: The SB6(c) was sold from 2015 to 2019...
  • 2 0
 @Compositepro: I have a few friends in Belfast and although they do not speak with the same accent and slang, I still found myself understanding far too much of this for a Yank! Big Grin
  • 2 0
 @drlancefreeride: Gotta give us more than that. What was your claim, and what was the reason for denial?
  • 1 0
 @bman33: awesome :-)
  • 1 1
 @HB208: Whenever I see a mixed drivetrain, I feel like Im being nickel and dimed... and I pass.
  • 3 2
 @HB208: Just check his other reviews -- he's got good judgment and does not praise all bikes for the sake of selling them.
  • 1 0
 You know the real answer to this one…
  • 1 1
 @cool3: Its marketing.
  • 2 0
 I owned an SB130LR that was fitted with Factory FOX 160mm up front and a Factory DHX2 coil shock in back, and it was both the best bike Ive owned to date and the one I liked the least and ultimately sold it quicker than any other bike Ive ever owned. Main reason, I didn't like the twitchy feel, it blasted thru everything, but not as stable for my riding as I would have liked. My new Devinci Troy feels so much more stable and it is a less expensive bike, tho is heavier. So I think the Yetis are insane good, but with some compromises that will annoy people, ie like the twitchy light feeling frame. Now, Ritchie Rude blasts away on the 160, which does feel way more stable, and I sure AF dont ride as hard ashim, but I feel way more stable on the Troy, but penalty for uphill speed for sure. Best bike Ive owned was my Knolly Warden Carbon that it has been 2 bikes since I've owned it and I still think about it.
  • 3 1
 @tgent: yep, i recently bought a 2023 Norco Fluid FS1 for $3800 Fox 34 factory suspension and XT drivetrain. 4 piston brakes. It rides sooooo nice. It's aluminum frame but finished so smoothly I've had several people think it's CF.
  • 2 2
 @kilgore-trout: I haven't ridden any CB wheels lately, but pretty much everything I've ever owned from them (seatposts, pedals, older wheels, shoes, etc) falls apart. I have absolutely no faith in that company whatsoever and never will.
  • 2 0
 @brookscurran:

I was wondering why Richie was so fkn slow. Damn brake jack.
  • 4 4
 Go join the Yeti Owners group on Facebook.
90% of the content is images of scratched or cracked frames, with the owners asking if this is a scratch or a crack, Most turn out to be cracked. So I think the quality might suck going from that.
  • 1 0
 @cuban-b: yes agree people can't afford them just the reason I got a forbidden druid over a yeti the forbidden was more reasonably priced Smile
  • 7 0
 @Baller7756: The reason for warrantee denial was that there were scratches within an inch of the crack, which went all the way around the toptube. This is per the shop that I had to bring it to, because Yeti wouldn’t even talk to me. First owner, receipt, registered the day I bought it. No shit there are scratches. There are scratches all over the bike because it is used for what it was designed for. Racing and generally getting rowdy. It finds the dirt sometimes, despite my best efforts.

It happened on the second wooden bridge drop on dirt merchant, right before the big step up. Landed clean and it sounded like a gunshot. It wasn’t like I cased some janky double out in the woods.

I’ve never had a problem with Yeti, and over the past 18 years I’ve owned three of their bikes. I don’t have anything bad to say about how it rides, and for a 35 pound bike with double downs and inserts it’s pretty comfortable for long days. What I am not OK with is paying a premium price for an unsupported product. If warranty issues at YT were bad, I’d understand…you have to cut costs somewhere to deliver at that aggressive price point. When it’s a mass produced product in China for boutique bike pricing, I want the warranty to be honored.
  • 1 0
 They were great back in the day, still have my 2013 Sb66 in the shed. Yeah now they're expensive and its really the same bike with new geomentry. Before that, they were cool asf with thei DH bikes.
  • 4 2
 The answer to all of your questions is yes... they aren't worth the premium IMO. Plus the switch infinity system is just more maintenance.
  • 1 0
 @MattyRides: overall, I think you’re right. I demoed Yetis in the past, and they are Ok, but I prefer other bikes. It obviously comes
down to a matter of preference, but I like the way other bike ride much better.
  • 1 0
 @HB208: I paid $7400 for a 2020 right when they came out at the end of 2019.That was a banger spec to me - literally the exact parts I wanted and grips were the only thing I replaced.
  • 1 0
 @brookscurran: or maybe here in the UK specifically where I live it's harsh on bikes, from cable chafe through, split bottom brackets to cracked frames. Multiple switch infinity links on single bikes. No definitely more than two by the way. Don't get me wrong we had a decent amount of NP megas come through with cracked swing arms but at least they are half the price with better gear!
  • 2 0
 @KJP1230: the same reason people buy yeti coolers instead of RTIC. In my example they are literally the same except for the brand. Yeti bikes and coolers are selling a brand. Just like Oakley or Jordan. If you’ve never paid more for a brand name product, you won’t understand. But I bet everyone on here has.
  • 2 0
 @trashpander275: I'm a member of this group and I guess you just see what you want to see, unless you made an epidemiologic study on the percentage of people asking if this is a crack or a scratch...
  • 11 3
 Honestly, I think most people just say they are too expensive without looking around. They were one of the first smallish boutique brands to charge a higher price and that has stuck with them with the consistent dentist jokes. Here is a quick break down of some bikes vs a Turq T1 @ $8200

PB favorites Evil and Transition:

Spur X01: $7200 before this new round of pricing, light weight RS suspension (shitty bushings), One up bar and Seatpost, Sh!t wheels as they are 25mm internal and limit your tires

Following: $7900 before new round of pricing, Code rsc brakes, bike yoke dropper, RS suspension, Hydra hubs


Big guys bikes Trek and Specialized:

Top Fuel: $7150 before new round of pricing, RS Select fork, Bontrager carbon wheels, pretty much all in house components

Epic Evo: $8900 before new round of pricing, Factory suspension, X01 AXS, carbon wheels. Spesh is in-between with pricing as the next model is $7000 and odd specs with GX AXS, carbon wheels, but then RS select suspension.

So yes Yeti is the most expensive compared here, but there are some reasons for that. RS is typically cheaper in the US than Fox, Yeti uses a Fox dropper compared to say a One Up or Bontrager, and say what you will about Switch Infinity, but it has to cost something for the parts and RD.

The Following seems to have the best all around build that needs little swapping, but it is only $300 less than the Yeti so..

Also I do not own, nor ever owed a Yeti. I have ridden a few over the years and I thought the switch infinity felt great.

Lastly, I think most bikes are too expensive and have made this even more of an elitist sport, especially when "entry" level bikes are $3000 and that is from DTC companies.
  • 1 0
 @yourrealdad: to your point in switzerland a norco range c1 costs 10k, a yeti sb160 c1 factory costs 8600 - Bikes prices are outrageous for every brand if you want top level components
  • 3 2
 @txcx166: I'll use your Oakley comparison as an analogue. Now, I've always been a Smith optics guy, but I will absolutely agree with anyone who asks that Oakley makes the best lenses in the game. Their frames?...Eh, not for me. The big difference in that comparison is that Oakley is making a premium product, and they're priced accordingly. If you don't want Oakleys, well, Smith is right there, generally for 35% cheaper. Yeti hasn't made a product that's superior to any other brand in 10 years, they're just hoping people still think that they are.
  • 7 1
 @yourrealdad: Here are two Specializeds. Stumpy Evo Expert (full GX/AXS, Codes, Performance Elite suspension) $6500. The second is an Epic Evo Comp (full mechanical GX, RS Select suspension, G2 RS brakes) $4750. You could get some blinging carbon wheels for the Epic and still come in under any comparable build for Yeti SB120. The Stumpy Evo eats the Yeti's lunch and stuffs it into a locker in terms of ride AND price AND component spec. The only "plus" the Yeti has is the Fox dropper, and having owned two of them, and having had them both fail fast, I'll take the OneUp every day of the week.

www.specialized.com/us/en/stumpjumper-evo-expert/p/200531?color=336227200531
www.specialized.com/us/en/epic-evo-comp/p/205806?color=336283-205806
  • 1 0
 @draggcj: That Norco seems like a really good value; if I didn't already have a bike this one would be first on my list to check out.
  • 4 0
 @adamszymkowicz: As much as I loathe parts of Specialized as a company, I must agree....both the 'regular' and EVO Stumpys are very hard to beat. Just great bikes, instantly feel comfortable, etc.
  • 2 0
 @brookscurran: There is some pretty great slo-mo footage of richie at the ews braking hard, while the rear suspension is basically locked up. You can learn to deal with it, but sometimes theres no other options. Racers all have big brakes don't give me that nonsense
  • 1 1
 @darkstar66: people don't like the truth. I can't tell you how many yeti frame swaps I have personally done for people
  • 2 1
 @brookscurran: I think you mean "braking", "breaking" as you say is what yetis do
  • 2 0
 @BarneyStinson: I had to replace mine once in 5 years and I rode all year round. If you pumped the grease into the grease ports often enough and cleaned the face of the port before hand, there were no issues.
  • 6 0
 @yourrealdad: Corrections to your comparisons:

You're comparing the Yeti SB120 I assume, which does come in at the T1 build $8200 (the SB140 T1LR is $8800)

Transition Spur X01 (full disclosure I own one): $7200. RS SID Ult suspension is quite good and the bushing issue has been addressed by SRAM and is no longer affecting many forks, push on suspension, OneUp bar and seatpost is a good thing, again pretty equal, and the wheels are the same level as the DT XM1700 on the Yeti vs XR1700 on the Spur, just trail vs xc wheels and they fit 2.4 Maxxis WT tires just fine. You failed to mention the T1 Yeti comes with a mostly GX drivetrain vs the Spur's full X01 lol. The Spur's weight is also 25 lbs with the Yeti being 29 lbs. The builds are quite similar, so pay $1000 extra for the Yeti with GX and 4 extra lbs vs the Spur with X01.

Evil Following: Probably a much better comparison to this bike as both are more trail oriented. $7400 as of current pricing, not $7900. X01 Hydra build. Also RS Ult suspension, comparable to the Fox Factory on the Yeti. Everything else you listed is a pro to the Evil, and again Evil X01 drivetrain Yeti GX Drivetrain. Evil is $800 cheaper and has better components almost across the board, similar weight to the Yeti.

Note here: It's silly to apply "before new round of pricing" when some, such as the Transition Spur, literally just raised the price and almost certainly won't be further, and you're simply assuming all prices will go up, which hasn't been the case with all brands.

I'm done looking up individual bikes, you portray the Yeti in very good light when you cherry picked components for each one and simply fail to mention the Yeti's downsides. You also outright don't have correct pricing on some.

Basically every bike you listed has better specs and is cheaper than your beloved Yeti. Some stuff is preference, obviously you prefer Fox suspension, that's not everyone's preference and the dollar difference doesn't make up for it.
  • 2 1
 @swcyclingproducts: yeah your right, genuinely not a great brand for longevity or maintenance, I'd never own one and neither would any of my mates and we work in the industry...
  • 4 3
 I've had an Sb130 and loved it...tbh they aren't anymore expensive than any other high end bike and like any other bike how expensive it is comes down to parts spec and ones preference. Also, Yeti's ride like Yeti's, same as Santa Cruz (SC) rides like an SC which is unique to each brand...if you like how a Yeti rides, you pay the money, if you don't have the money then you don't get a Yeti. I could keep going...IMNSHO (In My Not So Humble Opinion)
  • 1 0
 @cool3: epidemiologic ? Wow look at the thesaurus on Brad. Maybe a Brad? I am guessing Brad anyway. If you go ahead and join Revel Bike owners group and go through all the post Revel vs Yeti you can see how different the posts are. Revel's page is not full of photos of possible cracks. Yetis is...
Is that Epidemigoggleable?
  • 1 0
 @adamszymkowicz: The profit margin for shops on Oakley products is huge, The make their stuff cheap and sell it for a kings ransom.
  • 1 0
 @trashpander275: Agreed as it applies to the frames. Those Zeiss lenses aren't cheap.
  • 1 1
 @tgent:

All I pointed out were main differences in components, wether good or bad.

You obviously didn't read my post as I have never owned a yeti so don't know how it could be my beloved.

How do you know my preferences? The only mention I make of something being good or bad it the sh!t bushings in RS SID which is not my opinion, but basically a fact and held by the industry.

I own Sram, Sram AXS, Shimano, e13, Race Face...etc, etc for my drive trains.

I own RS, Fox, Manitou, Ohlins, Push, MRP for suspension, so please continue to tell me what I prefer without having a clue.

You are the one with the confirmation bias going on here
  • 1 0
 @yourrealdad: Lol you didn't point out the main component differences, you pointed out the component differences that were favorable for the Yeti. You also had most of your pricing wrong on all the compared builds, which baffles me as well. I am just looking at the specs and the price and the Yeti is obviously more expensive and worse value which is what I am pointing out.
  • 1 2
 @tgent:
All my pricing was and is still correct. Evil folllowing with X01 is $7,899

www.evil-bikes.com/products/following

Every other bike was listed at the current listed price from the company so don't know what you are smoking.

I also stated the Yeti is the most expensive compared to nearest competitors and attempted to explain why. R&D cost money, so you pay for switch infinity. You pay more in the US for Fox. You pay for the Yeti name.

My main point is that it is not that much more than other comparable bikes and people constantly moan about the cost. 90% of bikes are too expensive and over priced.

Also don't tell me that a 25mm internal width wheel is ok for a bike like the Spur. I don't even run that junk on my XC race bikes.
  • 2 0
 @yourrealdad: Agree with much of what you said. However, I have been running 25mm internal rims (DT EX471) rims on my DH and trail bikes for years (Trestle season pass, Whistler, Windrock,, etc) and zero issues. Up until recently (and maybe now) even WC Pros such as Loic Bruni ran 25mm internal. Zero issue with those rims with the correct tires.
  • 1 1
 @bman33:

Yep, there are some DH guys that have been running 25mm for years. Doesn't mean it is the best. Seriously I run 24mm wide rims for my gravel wheels and put 28-30mm road tires on it.

I used to run 19mm wide rims with my 2.4 tires. Doesn't mean its the best.

For 2.25-2.3 I like 28-30mm rims.
  • 3 0
 @yourrealdad: "Best" is subjective. Calling them "....junk ..." is also subject.
  • 1 3
 @bman33:
It is subjective. This is the PB comments section, isn't it a requirement to be subjective on here?

Also notice I didn't say my way was the best, or 25mm the best.

But lets look at what actual bike people are doing and not us archair peeps:

Scott Spark XC bike, Trek super caliber, Specialized Epic, Canyon Lux: All XC bikes all running 29/30mm rims

If WC racers are using it then it is probably the most optimized/best part for that need, and I am guessing they are running narrower tires than most daily Spur users.

Lets look at Stans whose wheels are on the two lower end models of the Spur.
Stans Arch S1 and D1 being 26mm wide and according to them optimized for 2.25-2.5 tires.
But then they have a Arch Mk4 which is 28mm wide and optimized for 2.2-2.5 tires?
But wait, they have a Crest MK4 25mm wide which is optimized for gravel and xc up 2.3.
Hold on a Flow S1 29mm wide and optimized for 2.3-2.8!

So if we go with stans (and probably some maxxis undersized tires) sure 25 will work, but it is not optimized/best

Also they say 25 is for gravel and up to 2.3. Again I imagine that most people are riding 2.4-2.5 tires on their Spur cause that is what comes on it. At least they are Maxxis so they will actually be 2.3 and the world is fine and no one's bike will implode.

I think we are probably agreeing on everything at this point.

My main point again is not about wheels, but that most bikes are expensive, and Yeti is not the most, not really out of the ordinary. That Scott Spark I looked at is $15,000 USD aka almost 2x the cost of the yeti I have referenced.

I do apologize for calling them junk. Rarely is any part of a bike these days junk. I just mean it is a pretty low end and ill fitting (IMO) component for a bike of that price.

Cheers
  • 1 0
 @yourrealdad: You somehow pulled up the old Evil Following. Here's the link to the current Following LS (www.evil-bikes.com/products/following-ls) which is $7400 for the X01 build. You can nit pick parts all you want, people prefer different stuff, that's cool, no one has an issue with that.

At the end of the day you're comparing GX Yeti builds with X01 builds of everything else and the Yeti costs $1,000 more than those examples for similar builds (other than the GX vs X01 drivetrains).

You also can't just pull up the highest end Scott Spark for $15k and say it's twice as expensive as a GX Yeti, lol you can spec your Yeti up to $15k too if you throw on those same wheels (which are $5k alone) and a power meter... Actually the Yeti would be more than $15k lol.

"My main point again is not about wheels, but that most bikes are expensive, and Yeti is not the most, not really out of the ordinary. That Scott Spark I looked at is $15,000 USD aka almost 2x the cost of the yeti I have referenced."

^This statement is why we're having this conversation, Yeti are absolutely among the most expensive (Scott and Santa Cruz are too) bikes available and are out of the ordinary. People are sick of that.
  • 3 0
 @yourrealdad: As to 25mm id wheels, I had the same concern prior to riding them on the Spur. My other wheelset on my enduro bike is 33mm front, 30mm rear running a 2.5 and 2.4 width maxxis tires respectively. I thought 25mm would be too narrow as well, then rode it with the stock 2.4 and 2.3 front/rear and honestly it's totally fine.

When 25mm id wheels are being ridden at WC Downhill levels, there's no way we can't all ride them on XC oriented bikes. If you have a preference for 30mm wheels, that is again a very minor nit pick to a bike that costs $1,000 less.
  • 29 2
 I'm the target market for this bike (not a dentist though). My SB130 has been great, but my next bike will be a We Are One Arrival 152. In this price range, the value that the SP1 provides is pretty awesome. Plus I like supporting manufacturing in North America.
  • 5 0
 I'm in the same boat, but with an LR. I'll probably just keep riding it though. There are a lot of bikes that are probably as nice, but the reality is that nothing that's come out since 2019 offers me anything better than what I'm riding. The arrival would likely be the first thing I'd look at if I did move on, though going up to 152mm where I do most of my riding might be a deal-breaker.
  • 3 0
 @big-red: I'm in the exactly the same boat, with a 130 and looking at an arrival. You can run the WR1 as a 140/150 by short stroking the rear shock and changing the fork airshaft. I don't think that the short-stroking of the shock voids warranty, as WR1 intends the bike to be run in many different configurations.
  • 4 0
 @big-red: I'm in your exact same boat as well..Still on my 19 sb130 that I converted to an LR...Nothing I've seen or ridden since makes me want anything else tbh.. Matter of fact these new releases make me realize how progressive the og sb130/150s really were.
  • 30 1
 That purple sure is Purdy.
  • 6 0
 Came here to say the same!
  • 4 1
 I would have said it's closer to the Salsa Blackthorn
  • 18 1
 I dont see point of inline shock on trail bikes. All new generations of trail bike should have piggyback by default. Not big difference in price, but decent in performance.
  • 12 0
 A freaking DPS?! Cmon. Coming from a former big yeti boi: this is a disappointment. I bought a C1 sb130 two years back with a much better build spec (+ a dpx2) than the current GX build. It was also 2 pounds lighter and more than a thousand dollars cheaper. what in tarnation?
  • 4 0
 yeah me too. $5500 for GX dpx2, fox 36, dt swiss wheels. that's $7k today! I sold last year it for more than I paid for!!
  • 16 1
 Why a FOX FACTORY FLOAT DPS on all the non lunch ride options?
  • 7 1
 I agree. so, do I upvote this comment, or downvote?
  • 10 20
flag souknaysh (Nov 17, 2022 at 10:02) (Below Threshold)
 @turtletim3: rule of thumb on Pinkbike is to downvote whatever the comment
  • 3 0
 For lightness, innit?
  • 24 11
 4,500 for an overseas mass produced frame….. profit margin to the moon! Can’t believe people buy these things
  • 21 1
 How else will Ford Raptor owners get into biking?
Silver lining: they can get a RaceFace tailgate pad for 50% off during their Black Friday sale. Brah.
  • 9 0
 As a current owner of the SB140 and SB165 (both mulleted), I love em both. I ride em like any alloy bike I’ve had and have crashed without major damage to the frames. Can’t really mullet 29ers without flip chips. Like most big bike brands, there are plenty of good Yetis to be had cheaper on the used market that will last a long time. No I’m not a dentist, medical clinician or attorney either, but am an avid trail builder/maintainer. Downsides of SBs? Rear grease zerk access for the SI system and the big square-edge DT/BB area that they improved for 2023. Currently my C1 SB140 weighs almost 34 lbs with pedals, spare tube and strap, OneUp pump and tools, SC Reserve wheels, and DD rear tire with a 150mm Fox 36 GRIP2 w/ Diaz Runt. When I ran full coil setup (Smashpotted 36 and PUSH 11.6 w/ CC progressive coil), the bike weighed just under 38lbs! My 165 is basically a dedicated park bike w/ a DC fork. Frames are not light but they have been durable for my needs. I will not pay full price for any bike anyways, and I would guess most people wouldn’t either.
  • 3 0
 This is the Yeti bike review I needed to hear. \m/
  • 3 0
 ^This. SB140 owner, though an accidental one as I never thought I’d own a Yeti. Cracked my old Stumpjumper during the pandemic and didn’t have a lot of options, but found a demo T2 build for 35% off (before the prices went bananas) and it’s been a perfect bike for me. Typical limitations for a 27.5” bike, but it climbs well and doesn’t hold me back on downhills — plus the bike just wants to get air off any feature and I love that. I’ve put ~2,500 miles on it and crashed a fair number of times and have not had any issues, though I do take really good care of it.
  • 12 0
 Ah yes, the $6,700 Gx performance build looks like a fantastic value
  • 11 0
 So there are two Yetis named SB140 now?
  • 1 0
 Looks like the former bike is now the SB140 27.5. Still on the Yeti page... at least until they sell out I guess.
  • 1 0
 You can get a SB140 29, SB140 27.5, SB140 LR

I got the pricing yesterday for our CAD market and i had to laugh a lot.
SB165 Frame $7000

The SB160E with a basic XT Drivetrain and Carbon wheel upgrade has a MSRP from $20.000

The LR T4 all in or Regular SB140 T4 all in vary in between $200 bucks. 16900 for the T4 and 17100 for the LR model!
  • 6 0
 Its a brilliant marketing strategy.

1. Sell a range of bike at 100mm , 130mm, 150mm
2. Incrementally update the travel numbers by 5-10mm every few years, claiming its an improvement
3. Once you get overlap, re-release a short travel 100mm bike.
4. Go back to 1.

You can reference this comment when Yeti Release a SB170/175/180 to replace their "freeride" 165, and again when they come out with another 100mm bike.
  • 13 2
 Switch Infinity? Just call it what it is, "2 dicks inna Box".
  • 10 1
 Damn, another 27.5 ripper bites the dust! About time to start hoarding 27.5 frames I guess...
  • 4 1
 27.5 is on the way out across the board sadly, the discounts on anything 27.5 are ridiculous and used market is dead in the water
  • 5 0
 No need to worry. As long as mullets are being made we can just swap the forks over to 27.5 and get even more travel in the front. That's my plan anyway.
  • 6 0
 I think the party is going to come to and end for yeti and santa cruz and their insane prices. Back 5 years ago Yeti, Santa Cruz or Specialized did have some performance gains over the competition and could almost justify the price but now that most brands have figured out good geo and how to make reliable bikes I don't see a lot of consumers ponying up the extra couple grand for the same build kit just to have the Yeti or Santa Cruz logo.
  • 5 0
 Nah, they'll still pay for it.
  • 5 0
 @A-HIGHLY-EDUCATED-PROFESSIONAL: Exactly, the price is not related to performance gains, just to brand image and exclusiveness. Lot's of people just want to look rich, bikes are not a exception here.
  • 8 0
 Sprinkling these releases out is great. Just lets the contempt build and build.
  • 5 0
 I feel like uber-expensive "superbikes" have lost their charm in general. I remember when MTB pundits praised Yeti's switch infinity and Evil's DELTA system, but now it seems like cheaper, big-brand bikes (ie. Trek, Specialized) have become much better performing and that performance gap is closing. Cheaper bikes are also starting to look better too: the days when the carbon swoops/color schemes of Yeti looked super unique and appealing are gone. Other boutique brands (ie. Pivot, Transition, Norco) are offering cheaper competitors that often get better reviews. It doesn't seem like there's a lot left to justify the price tag other than the brand name.
  • 9 0
 Purple color is amazing!
  • 5 1
 since yeti is a boutique brand, i feel they should do an old school colorway for every model. they were so iconic and unmistakable back in the day. They should also make a missy giove edition. I'm not sure how that relationship is, given her troubles in recent years, but I associate her with yeti more than everyone else. I like how Rocky Mountain has maintained ties with wade simmons and the old school pipedream build. I'm just hoping and dreaming, but would like to see Yeti closer to it's roots
  • 3 0
 Great thoughts on the throwback colors. That said, I know Missy got her start at Yeti, but for me, I think Cannodale when I hear her name first...
  • 1 0
 The brand does have their own signature colorway that they have on every one of their bike models.. Close, but not quite.
  • 2 0
 @bman33: thats true, I still remember her part in chainsmoke. That was mostly cannondale footage
  • 3 0
 @Rexuis-Twin: Chainsmoke was SUCH a great video. I have a VHS copy still suffed in a box somewhere
  • 3 0
 I've had a bunch of Yetis - 575, ASR5, SB95, SB5, SB5.5, and SB165. They were all great bikes at the time. I got great discounts so didn't have to pay the dentists' premium. Then I discovered Transition (Spur and Spire). Also great bikes, much funner geometry and significantly more affordable. I love the idea of a 29er SB140 as an all-rounder, but I won't be shelling out $9k for one.
  • 7 0
 PURPLE!!! I don't want to want it, but I want it!
  • 3 0
 I'd really like to know what the specific differences between the Turq and C frames are. The language around them is super vague. Specialized uses the same frame from S-Works to Comp level carbon models of any bike you want, so literally the only differences are components. Basically the "C" version bikes are like buying clothes from a designer outlet. Yeah, it's got the same logo, but it's not really the same thing.
  • 3 0
 I had a 575 way back when, and it was amazing. Thing was ahead of it's time. Today's Yetis are selling based entirely upon nostalgia and the illusion of exclusivity, with absolutely nothing to justify their self-assessed worth. Yeti, Rocky, and Santa Cruz are all cut from the same cloth, pretending they're amazing while frantically hoping that people will buy their products because they either don't know any better, or have some absurd brand loyalty. if you want an actual boutique mtb, get a REEB, or a Starling, or a Raaw, or an Antidote, or hell, if you really want to spend a bajillion dollars, get an Unno. If you want a really great bike and don't want to spend $10k for a great build, get a Specialized, or a Trek, or a Giant.
  • 4 0
 Devinci bikes are a good choice too.
  • 2 0
 @EricHarger: I'd say Devinci and Pivot and a few others are more along the lines of Specialized/Trek/Giant than true boutique. They're smaller brands, and their prices are high, but the component specs match with the expectation. $7500 for a Trail 429 with XTR/XT drivetrain and full Fox Factory suspension makes sense. Do I wish there was a cheaper option? Definitely. If I'm buying a bike am I getting something with Performance ELite suspension that's 1000 bucks cheaper? Definitely, but I'm not going to say that the $7500 is wrong. it just sucks that that's their floor.
  • 3 0
 It’s all conditioning and a broader conspiracy over all the cycling industry. Yeti is getting kick backs from all the other brands to push the comfort zone. A little more every season. Some buy them anyway, the rest of us bitch an moan. Then when faced with a daunting $6000 it seems like a bargain. It will be proven in the future.
  • 3 1
 FWIW - Demoed many, landed on a 2017 Yeti SB55. Not a dentist, just a designer. Saved my pennies (which I would have had to do with any brand) with a bit of side freelance thrown in. Same would apply today. I often wonder how many on PB use cash or credit card...

If Yeti has priced themselves out of the market, then so be it.

*Just updated it with a Grip2 damper on the stock Fox 36 and a DPX2 after the stock Float X died. Same bike = new life! Now on to more progression! The HTA/STA is not holding me back Razz

:beers:
  • 5 0
 No mention of weight after the blood bath the SB120 received for weighing ~30#. Are we pushing 35# with this one?
  • 2 1
 Right? I was about to post the same thing.... only frame weight. My guess is ~33 lbs for the new Yeti trail bike.
  • 3 0
 @stevemokan: Vital says 31.13bs in XL with no pedals
  • 5 1
 @bicycle019: IF 31lbs is the weight, I have no idea why anyone would buy the 120...
  • 3 1
 @stevemokan: I'd put money on 31lbs for the Turq, 33 for the C model. In a vacuum those numbers aren't bad for what this bike is supposed to be, but when you take into account the spec choices...woof. Punt those CB wheels into the sun, please.
  • 2 0
 @adamszymkowicz: looks like this frame/shock is about a pound lighter than the sb160. I’m guessing half of that is in the shock since the x2 is pretty beefy.
  • 11 0
 We tested this bike for an upcoming Field Test, and with Maxxis DoubleDown control tires it was 32.5 pounds (size L), so expect a weight in the high 31 / low 32-pound range with lighter EXO+ tires.
  • 6 0
 @mikekazimer: That is surprising and pretty respectable, thanks for sharing Kaz! But it really makes the SB120 even more useless, on paper at least.
  • 2 0
 Anyone know how often you have to service the switch infinity? I’m brand loyal to Antidote, but seeing the exploded view is making me curious. You have have kashima coated parts baking into the frame. Are there grease ports as well?
  • 2 0
 There are grease ports, typically a little grease every few week and a full service on it once a year when you would replace frame bearings as needed.
  • 7 0
 I pump grease into the grease port every once in a while (40 hours is recommended). It takes a few minutes only because you have to pull the main pivot out to rock the swingarm out of the way for the rear grease port, but once you've done it a couple of times it's a five-minute job. Full service of the SI sliders isn't much harder. Same first steps as the grease port access, but then you just remove four allen bolts to remove teh whole assembly. The sliders slide out, you clean and grease everything nicely, slide it back together, and you're done. 30 Minutes of work, tops...though you'll probably want to do a fresh set of bearings at the same time, which is a good deal more work and you have to get a bit creative to press some of the bearings out of the various frame pieces.

Edit: I should also mention that mine is a 2019 frame and the original SI sliders still look and feel new.
  • 4 0
 spend an extra $2k to save 174g. wow. Maybe I should paint my next dumb turq and sell it for $2k, I think marcel duchamp was on to something.
  • 3 0
 Why can't this be the same frame as the SB120 with a flip chip or different links? Seems like with all the complexity of that infinity switch, should be relatively easy for folks to make easy changes.
  • 1 0
 Or SB 150. Seems really silly to have the line so split, but I guess that's how the industry is going. Unfortunate.
  • 2 0
 A suggestion:

What if PB made a resource where we could crowd-source the ranked value of every model from every manufacturer?

Even if it was just a blank article that asked everybody in the comments to post the answer to one question: "what's the best combo value/performance MTB model on the market this year" ... then let all of the cream rise to the top in the comments.

Or if you want to get wild, create polls or charts to look at that directly groups models by component spec and price or something....
  • 8 6
 Awesome! Now let me just hop over to Privateer and Marin for a just as capable bike for less than the cost of this frame! P.S. You can use the money saved for a weekend trip to rip the new bike too
  • 7 4
 I can say as an owner of a privateer 141 that they are awesome bikes, but they are not the same as a $10k Yeti. I don't think the benefits are worth the 2x the price, but the yeti definitely rides better than a 141. One could argue that the 141 is more resilient bike, and a bigger bruiser, so I think you could say that a 141 is a more capable bike, but not as high performing.
  • 3 8
flag wburnes (Nov 17, 2022 at 13:02) (Below Threshold)
 @ndefeo96: Yetis don't perform any better than their competitors. In many ways worse.
  • 1 0
 I had an SB130... got it on a little bit of a sale at my LBS in 2020, paid around $5k out the door for a C-frame. I sold it last year when my second kid was born, and I've regretted it pretty much every day since. I'm wanting to buy another one right now, but I can't get my mind around paying $1k over what I paid last time for the same-ish bike. In defense of Yeti, I also looked at the Fuel EX and Ibis and they both cost MORE than the Yeti I ended up purchasing. They're still just as expensive right now, more or less...
  • 8 3
 Was really hoping this was gonna be a mixed wheel option
  • 5 0
 Nate Hills is going to have a fire sale.
  • 2 0
 I broke a 6 year old SB66C swingarm. The frame was out of warranty. Yeti gave me 20% off a new SB150. I’d say that’s pretty good service. That said, a 50% increase in frame price 3 years later is wild.
  • 3 2
 Santa Cruz apparently keep spares for 10 years after a frame is discontinued. IMO they're still not great value but it sure makes Yeti look crap in comparison.
  • 3 0
 I just cracked a 5-year old Santa Cruz and got a brand new 5010. Yeti not that impressive in the warranty department.
  • 4 2
 Let history show that on this week, dentists, and private practice doctors rejoiced and experienced pure bliss! This "Week of the Yeti" will be celebrated by medical professionals for generations.
  • 2 0
 I guess I am trying hard to see the difference between the "old" and the recently reviewed Yeti bikes, but even if the pistol would be on my head I could not name any update that looks from the outside.
  • 3 0
 The most ridiculous part (excepting the price) is that they use cheaper/old Switch infinity on the non-turq version. Roflmfao (and I own a yeti)
  • 1 0
 Did Yeti get bought up by an old Germany car maker? The 120/140/160 releases make me think of the old-school BMW and MB days where you the lineup consisted of one sausage, three sizes.

There's so little difference in the models. There's no personality to each bike. I'm literally looking at the 120/140/160 side by side on multiple monitors right now and the only visual difference I can see is that there is a longer stroke shock on each frame...and the forward shock mount is further up the top tube. All the swingarms and BB area/Switch Infinity look absolutely identical to me.
  • 1 0
 They addressed the downtube clearance issue by the bb and it slopes upward now. Exactly the spot I cracked my SB130 frame. They were horrible to deal with for a warranty replacement and was without a mtb for several weeks. They will never see a penny from me again. And the hoops I had to jump through to get them to replace the frame was just silly. Pictures, videos, masking tape tests ‍♂️. Ridiculous. I ride rocky trails. Make the frame durable.

Ahem…My evo eats the trails up and has the flinched and is more composed through it all. Bye bitch.
  • 1 0
 **STUMPY EVO**
  • 4 0
 Poor salsa bever got the same love for that color
  • 5 0
 *never*
Dang it why isn't there an edit button?
  • 3 0
 Damn, I shouldn't have spent so much on Taylor Swift presale Eras tour tickets.
  • 1 0
 Not like I would buy a Yeti, quite pricey. However, I totally cool with bike companies having 130, 140, 150mm etc travel bikes. Just more options to fine tune the bike to your trails.
  • 2 0
 The new cable management on the yetis looks like something from eight years ago. Why did they get rid of those beautiful sculpted cable entry and exit ports?
  • 1 0
 new clamp to reduce cable vibration/movement
  • 3 3
 I like Yeti bikes-and this one looks like the sweet spot for a daily driver out west. “Entry” level is pricey, but a better deal on the build kit than most brands (even bigger brands). If I end up with 6k or so to burn through the next year or 3 this is on the short list.
  • 4 0
 You're going to need to provide some evidence on your "better deal on the build kit than most brands" claim. I see $6400 for an SLX build with crap CB wheels. Here's the same build on a Stumpjumper for $1400 less.

www.specialized.com/us/en/stumpjumper-comp/p/199786?color=320401-199786
  • 1 1
 Love my current 27.5 Yeti and am overall really happy with it. That said there are two things i wish they would've addressed in the new design but did not.

1) Regreasing of the rear switch infinity tube is can still only be done by removing the rear wheel and pivot bolt to swing the rear triangle out of the way to get to the rear SI grease port. Seem like they could've molded an access port in the rear triangle to allow access to that zerk fitting. It's not a huge deal but to say no disassembly is required to grease the SI link is a little misleading.

2) Small rocks can get kicked in between the rear triange and the frame portion surrounding the SI link. Sucks to go reagrease your SI link to end up with big paint chips where you wouldn't think you'd necessarily need to PPF. Had I known that initially I would've done that in that area. Along the same lines when it's muddy out the SI link area accumulates a lot of that mud. To solve both those issues I would've hoped they would've come up with some sort of mud guard that prevented that in the new design.


That being said I still love this bike. It's definitely been the most solid bike i've ever owned and those issues are pretty minor.
  • 2 0
 Just going to leave this here... Yeti SB140 Tailored Protection Kit
  • 1 0
 ....I can't tell if any of the cables root through the head tube cavity or crown at all.........Switch infinity does braces pretty well though.
  • 1 0
 How is it none of these moaners ever complains about the price of a Santa Cruz? Yeti's cost the same, and yet ride better.....
  • 4 0
 $4500...frame
  • 7 2
 I got a '22 Stumpy Evo Expert for $4500 in March. It had been ridden for 10 miles total. Guy liked his e-bike better. My gain.
  • 1 0
 @adamszymkowicz: the best kind of deals!
  • 3 0
 Ohhh let me get my popcorn ready for this comment section…
  • 5 3
 eww and no frame storage or even mounts! My guess is Yeti needs to hire an engineer LOL
  • 3 0
 I didn't even know I want a purple bike
  • 2 0
 wow, C-Frame just exactly 1kg weights more than my Ibis Ripmo V2 (frame, both w/FloatX) Big Grin
  • 1 0
 The only bikes on their website listed as "RACE" bikes now are the SB160 and SB160e does this mean they are abandoning the endurance XC sponsorships with Geoff Kabush?
  • 1 0
 It looks like the exact same front triangle (maybe rear too) as the sb120, probably just different linkages to get more travel. Smart move Yeti to pocket more $$.
  • 1 0
 It was strange that my dentist, or even not my dentists, have been calling me since last week to schedule appointment for multiple unnecessary procedures.... Now I know why.
  • 3 1
 Pros: No headset routing!
Cons: Need to know root canal extractions to buy one
  • 2 0
 I’m a dirty welder and I own a sb140. It a great ride
It was pricey for sure but I love it.
  • 2 0
 The hate comes from years of bad carbon that they wouldn’t stand behind… and the outrageous price.
  • 3 0
 Nothing to see here said the stumpjumper evo
  • 1 0
 I sometimes wonder if Yeti bikes are really that good why are there so many used ones for sale in the PB marketplace or are there really that many unhappy dentists.
  • 3 0
 Shit value and all but damn, it's a good looking bike in that purple.
  • 1 0
 No bike company can charge these prices yet not have a decent customer base. There must be a loyal base that is willing to part $$$ to have them.
  • 2 0
 I am a cheaper bike kinda rider.
  • 1 0
 I love how this goes, Yeti ups everything 10mm year after year then has to introduce a new short travel bike.
  • 2 1
 if it came in the old grey , blue paintjob like the 96 arc .....i will give you my money
  • 2 0
 Best thing is to see all the OEM burgtec stuff on those new Yetis.
  • 2 0
 So it's Yeti season. Can Thay update Arc: make hta 65-66 and threaded bb?
  • 2 2
 The yeti SB140 = super barney 140....lol you know the pink and green friendly dino

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VcHbf8Kz0c
  • 5 4
 Yet Tribe: Disbanded.
“Fcuk Yeti” Tribal Mentality: Stronger than ever.
  • 1 1
 Hahahaha, an 8lb 140mm travel carbon frame that cost $4500. New Yet motto. "It is morally wrong to let a sucker keep his money". W.C. Fields.
  • 1 0
 Think of all the weight savings from not routing the cables through the stem!
  • 1 0
 I feel like Yeti is reelasing bikes in every 5mm increment these days. I find it confusing.
  • 1 0
 *Looks at price, moves directly to comments*
Another day, another review of a bike I will never consider purchasing.
  • 1 0
 Much like the debate around whether Batman could defeat Darth Vader, I wonder if BC Edition might defeat Lunch Ride Edition.
  • 1 0
 They say you can't put a price on a healthy smile. I'm sure some professionals would agree...
  • 1 0
 give me a norco optic. lighter and with a better shock despite being cheaper and having a metal rear triangle.
  • 2 0
 Looks like an absolute rider's bike once you're on the saddle.
  • 2 0
 $6700 aud for a frame. Tell him he's dreamin
  • 1 0
 All other aspects aside, that magenta bike is f'n sexy.

$4500 for frame-only makes baby Jesus cry, though...
  • 1 0
 How is this with a coil versus the old geometry?
  • 1 0
 I dont think Levy realized this is a 29er and the old was a 27.5 Big Grin
  • 2 4
 That hta and wheelbase is not what we want a 2023 bike to be! The Tallboy and Element have better geometry and are xc rigs! This is supposed to be a trail bike like the Stumpjumper Evo but is nowhere near as modern!
  • 2 0
 Yeti releases BNC
  • 1 1
 "There's no such thing as bad publicity." - P.T. Barnum
"Hold my beer." - Yeti marketing department
  • 1 0
 I can think of another (misattributed) Barnum quote...
  • 1 0
 Going to have to alot of drilling to afford one of these.
  • 2 1
 How many teeth does this cost
  • 1 1
 What a coincidence, my dentist just called and told me he needed to re-do my implants……
  • 2 0
 Like the colour
  • 1 0
 Seat angles got to be a miss print?
Or return of the ol'school...
  • 1 0
 In my opinion, bikes are getting longer, lower, and slacker these days
  • 1 0
 Midtravel bikes/SB140, the most useless shlts in mtb.
  • 1 0
 I would never pay that much for a bike with an obsolete chain stay.
  • 1 3
 I just will say the couple times I was in the market to spend )
$10k on a bike, yeti isn’t the name that comes to mind in any capacity.

They look damn good though.
  • 3 2
 Wow no more 27.5...
  • 1 0
 Is it not....? No where on Yeti's website can I find that the new 140 is 29" specific.....Am I not looking hard enough?
  • 1 0
 @slapmackie: Look over the press release. On the description part it says 29" wheels
  • 4 0
 They now have two versions of the 140. The 27.5 version is here yeticycles.com/bikes/sb140-275
I'm assuming the old 140 and the 165 will get the same update as the 29ers just got eventually too
  • 1 1
 If I skip the dentist visit the rest of my life I can afford one.
  • 1 2
 I'm just here for the 650 deg HTA on the size medium. Also... why is the Large the only size with a different HTA??
  • 1 2
 this what Yeti resort to now, making their bikes look slutty to sell them to us, I know it works with dentist though
  • 1 0
 SB140 vs Intense Primer.
  • 1 0
 bye 27.5
  • 1 1
 Still waiting for frame storage and mullet options.
  • 1 0
 Odd numbers are so 2022.
  • 1 0
 Extreme meh
  • 1 0
 It just looks too much.
  • 1 2
 These are road bike prices
  • 1 0
 Road bikes are even more expensive, check out what an Ultegra Moots costs - moots.com/bike/vamoots-crd/#BuildPrice
  • 1 0
 @bicycle019: A local shop has a Pinarello Dogma for around $24000(cdn)? Absolutely insane...
  • 4 0
 @bicycle019: A Moots is hardly typical of road bikes.
  • 1 0
 @MtbSince84: I'd say pretty typical for a high end road bike. Almost a deal for a boutique bike. Top end Spec, Trek and Cannondale (not to mention the wide variety of smaller road bike companies) are similarly priced, if not more.
  • 1 0
 @bicycle019: I mean ...you DID just post a link to Moots. Those bikes have been way north of normal since pretty much the beginning of the brand decades ago.
  • 1 0
 @bman33: Don't think you are replying to me but MtbSince84. Agree Moots is not exactly a direct comp but indicates where road bikes are at price wise - definitely above some of the MTB prices people are freaking out about.
Another example that's more inline is an Sworks Diverge frameset, which is same thing other people have called the Yeti in other comments - a mass produced overseas carbon frame. The Diverge frame is $5500, but for that price you get a seatpost and fork. The Yeti is $4500 and you get the frame, linkages, axles, bearings, and a $600 Fox shock. Which one do you think costs more to manufacture?
  • 2 0
 @bicycle019: People also think S works are overpriced though
  • 1 0
 Close, but high-end roadies regularly out-do mtb'rs...by 2x. Before I moved I agonized over an "industry deal" of sorts on my road bike. It's a bike I would never consider in a sane world at over 11K MSRP and I still drove myself crazy deciding on the deal price. I really like this road bike (a lot) but I will never buy another at this price point again now that I've got experiences on both mid-range and high-range (and this isn't even the highest in that range...not even a super bike, let alone a hyper or ultra bike).

A mountain bike that gets chucked down a mountain...I'm good on an alloy version of a respected all-arounder. One day I may try to obtain this Spur thing many people speak of.
  • 1 0
 Meh-you can get a CAAD13 disc with 105 for under $2400. Since mountain bikes have suspension and dropper posts, the cost of an equivalent aluminum bike (say....an Ibis AF or Trek Fuel EXCool is $4000. So actually the cost of a competition-grade road bike is something like 60% of an equivalent MTB.
  • 3 4
 NOBODY BUYS THIS SHIT ANYMORE UNACCEPTABLE
  • 4 7
 The cost of mountain bikes is getting ridiculously expensive. Brands like YT and Canyon are such a better value.
  • 4 0
 And Propain. And GG. And a lot of others that ride just as well as the boutiques.
  • 1 0
 @stevemokan: That's true....
  • 1 0
 @stevemokan: Yup. Fezzari, Whyte, Radon, Commencal, Bird. Heck, Intense, Alchemy, and alloy options from others like Privateer, Cube. Lots of cool stuff
  • 1 0
 Definitely a great value. There certainly is a diminishing return on my Yeti's compared to my YT.
  • 2 1
 @andrewfif: Right! You can get the equivalent Alchemy right now, Alchemy HQ is a mile from Yeti HQ and their suspension designs were designed by the same guy and do essentially the same thing, with more modern geometry, for 40% less than the
Yeti price for a comparable but better spec build.
  • 1 0
 @gonzocycle: Alchemy bikes are nice, but you aren't getting an SLX build/DT wheels etc. for 4k.
  • 1 0
 @wyorider: GX build with Fox Factory suspension (even the dropper!) for $4600 on their Arktos 135.
  • 1 0
 @wyorider: Arktos 135 with XO1 build, full Fox factory and i9 wheelset for $5600.
  • 4 6
 Beautiful bike. But I’m willing to bet for 6400 you get a nx drivetrain.
  • 6 0
 Website says SLX
  • 2 1
 @sjma: Which, like, is a good groupset but $6,700 would buy you a XT or a X01 build pre-pandemic.
  • 3 0
 Bingo. My Norco Optic C1 came with full XTR drivetrain, XTR 4 piston brakes, E13 carbon cranks, Fox Grip 2, Fox Float X elite, Carbon triangle for $6500. And dare I say its just as good a bike as the Yeti. Yes, The Norco is 125/140 travel, but I guarantee its every bit as good. The Yeti with all the same trimmings will run you north of $10,000.
  • 4 0
 SLX, with an XT shifter and DT wheelset, good bar/stem etc. Better overall spec at that price than some of the bigger bike brands. So...buy-in is expensive but apples to apples the value for a built bike is decent.
  • 4 0
 @Simann: Pre-pandemic purchase, I presume? Can't ding a bike company for raising the prices on parts they're paying more for.
  • 2 0
 @HB208: I agree, but pre-pandemic deals (on new bikes) are history.
  • 2 0
 @croseman: Nah, I bet we see similar pricing soon. There is going to be deflation in consumer goods soon. Maybe not quite pre-pandemic pricing, but certainly more down to earth.
  • 2 0
 @HB208: You could be right, but I believe we'll see the rocket/feather analogy play out here. Any chance to raise prices happens quickly, while downward pressure is much slower to take effect.
  • 1 4
 Lol 120, 140 and 160. Talk about covering all the bases. Innovation, mmmm not so much
  • 1 4
 This is a 27.5” wheel bike and the spec chart shows 29”
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