The Yeti SB130 is available in two frame versions: the C/Series and the more expensive Turq, which is made from higher-quality carbon fibers. In addition to the Yeti color turquoise, it is available in anthracite and storm blue as well as in various equipment variants. It offers 150 millimetres of suspension travel at the front and 130 millimetres at the rear.

- Long reach, aggressive head angle, progressive rear suspension for this travel category, confident downhill performance for a 130 millimeter bike
- Optimum pedaling performance thanks to Switch Infinity technology and therefore the best traction on the rear wheel
- Super playful for a 29er bike

Statement by: Lorenzo Bastianon, Product Manager Bikes & Tech Brands, TST Trading GmbH

Equipment

The Turq version tested comes with a complete Deore XT groupset. The Fox suspension comes from the top Factory series. The dropper post is from the same manufacturer. The M1700 wheelset from DT Swiss is used. These roll on Maxxis tires, a 2.5-inch Minion DHF at the front and a 2.3-inch Aggressor at the rear. All solid products, nothing to complain about. One detail, however, is annoying and should not be found on such a high-end bike. The shift and brake levers are mounted with a separate clamp. This detracts from the look, but is complaining on a high level.

Processing & details

It goes without saying that a Yeti is extremely well made. Everything fits down to the last screw. The chainstay protector, which runs over a wide area, and the protector on the down tube deserve special mention. The generously dimensioned bearings indicate longevity. The icing on the cake is the Yeti head badge manufactured using the casting process. This is riveted to the head tube to prevent theft.

On the flat

With a total weight of 14.1 kilos, this SB130 is rather heavy for a trail bike. The robust wheelset contributes to this. On flat terrain, the excess weight is hardly noticeable and acceleration is good. The 77 degree steep seat angle means you are positioned centrally above the bottom bracket, which enables efficient cranking. The suspension bobs imperceptibly and provides good propulsion - one of the key advantages of the Switch Infinity system.

Up the mountain

This is where the mass becomes noticeable and creates a slight inertia. If you pedal hard, it takes off like a hardtail. This is where the advantages of the Yeti rear suspension come into their own. Thanks to the combination of the top suspension with a slack steering angle, the Yeti is very comfortable to pedal. The more rocky the uphill, the more fun the SB130 is. It climbs like a chamois and the rear goes smoothly over roots and steps as if they weren't there.

Downhill

The suspension provides little feedback from the ground - it practically levels the ground. Despite the low feedback, you can feel exactly how the rear wheel is positioned and have great control over it. The system is sensitive, releases a good amount of travel and is nicely positioned in the mid-stroke. The end progression comes very late and has a final reserve that is hardly used. The SB130 has an extraordinary amount of "pop"! If you push the trigger to jump, it goes up like a rocket. Yes, airtime on a trail bike is rarely so much fun.

But be careful, the short-stroke rear end can do a lot, but not miracles. If you go full throttle on very rough terrain, you might get a knock in the back. In the end, the 130 millimeters of travel are only what the numbers say they are. Although it feels like much more.
The SB130 runs its length and pulls through long bends without bottoming out. It also masters tight radii and technical terrain with agility and maneuverability.

Conclusion

The Yeti SB 130 Turq can be described in one word: Dream machine. For a trail bike, it offers unusually high riding qualities that drive you into a frenzy of speed. You often have to put the pedal to the metal because you're going a bit too fast. It masters jumptrails with flying colors, and jumping and doing tricks is so much fun on it.

Recommendation

In all honesty, it should be on every biker's bucket list to have ridden a Yeti once in their life. Even if only for testing purposes. It's something special and you sit on such a cult bike with a swelling chest. If you're looking for a trail bullet that you can ride beyond its intended use and who likes to go airborne, you won't be giving this bike away any time soon.

Specifications

Manufacturer/distributor

www.yeticycles.com / www.tst-trading.ch

Test report published in issue 04/2020 of Ride magazine