Test: Yeti SB115 - when a CC bike mutates into a trail rocket
Is it really that simple? You take a frame platform - which is already a few years old - and "drill" it out from 100 to 115 millimetres of travel with a new linkage and a matching shock? Obviously you don't always have to reinvent the world, but you can make good things better. This saves resources, keeps costs down and therefore makes ecological and economic sense.
If you look at the geometry data of the SB115, you will be surprised at the conservative values. They do not correspond to the "long, low, slack" orientation that has prevailed for years. But the real amazement comes on the first test ride. This bike goes off like crazy. "Want to have", says the brain. Probably not exactly the center of reason, but the area that generates joy.Ride asked the Swiss Yeti importer what makes this bike stand out:
- The combination of long reach, aggressive head angle and progressive rear suspension ensures confident downhill handling in this travel category (130/115 mm).
- Optimal traction and pedaling performance thanks to "Switch Infinity" technology
- Super playful for a 29er bike
Statement by: Lorenzo Bastianon, Product Manager Bikes & Tech Brands, TST Trading GmbH
Special features
- Switch Infinity rear triangle
- Two differently produced frames available: Standard and Turq (weight-optimized)
- One-piece rear triangle
- Internal tube-in-tube cable routing
- Upcycling approach
On the flat
The SB115 is designed for speed. You sit in a slightly stretched position and make sporty progress thanks to the drive-neutral suspension. At least until you ride downhill or over root carpets. As soon as you get deeper into the stroke, it becomes softer. The handling is extremely playful and tempts you to push the limits of the terrain.
Up the mountain
13 kilograms is no mean feat for such a "small" bike. The stable and downhill-oriented wheels with robust tires put a lot of pressure on the scales. Despite the extra weight, the Yeti climbs quickly. Not least because of the ingenious Switch Infinity system. If you ride up single trails, the steps literally "dissolve" and the SB115 simply glides over them. Only a few will need the platform support of the suspension strut.
Down the mountain
The Yeti holds its line nicely and swallows more than expected. Sure, it's not an enduro bike that flattens everything out, but with a good line choice and a slightly active riding style, the limits of what is possible are pushed upwards. You won't reach the same high speed as with a 160-millimeter bike, but you'll be quicker through corners because you don't have to brake as hard and the suspension doesn't dive as much. Fast, small bumps are absorbed well, but big ones require a bit of physical effort and riding technique. The fact that a 115-millimeter rear end provides so much grip is impressive, and it really feels like mountain biking again. A feeling that has been somewhat lost on modern, long-travel bikes.
Conclusion
The Yeti SB115 is a down-country bike as you would imagine. It skillfully masters the fine line between agility and smoothness and proves that less can be more. The Yeti feels like it delivers more suspension travel than it has, and you don't always have to redo everything, but can certainly "upcycle" the tried and tested. Anyone who likes to play with the terrain and loves jumps will be happy with this bike.
Recommendation
When you combine the SB115 with a lightweight wheelset and good rolling all-mountain tires, there are hardly any limits to the bike. The perfect rocket to rock the single trails on the Central Plateau and in the Alps, or to chase your bike buddies.
Specifications
| Frame material: | Carbon |
| Price: | CHF 7490.00 (from CHF 5990.00) |
| Weight: | 13.2 kg (frame size M, with pedals) |
| Suspension travel: | 130 mm front / 115 mm rear |
| Suspension fork: | Fox 34 Factory Fit4 |
| Suspension strut: | Fox Float DPS Factory EVOL |
| Shift: | Sram X01 Eagle |
| Brakes: | Sram G2 RSC, 180 mm |
| Crankset: | Sram X1 Eagle, 170 mm |
| Wheels: | DT Swiss XM1700 30 mm |
| Tires: | V: Maxxis Minion DHF, 3C Maxx Terra Exo, 29 x 2.5 WT H: Maxxis Aggressor Exo, 29 x 2.3 WT |
| Saddle: | WTB Volt Custom Yeti |
| Saddle post: | Fox Transfer, 150 mm |
| Rear stem: | Race Face Turbine Basic, 50 mm |
| Handlebars: | Yeti Turq, 780 mm, 20 mm rise |
Geometry
All data here: Link
Manufacturer/distributor
www.yeticycles.com / www.tst-gpr.ch
Test report published in issue 02/2021 of Ride Magazine
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Note: This content has been automatically translated from German. Please report any incorrect translations.