Yeti unveils new SB160 enduro racer with updated Infinity Switch link

By Nick Clark

Published: Thursday, 10 November 2022 at 12:00 am

The new Yeti SB160 features 160mm frame travel and a revised Switch Infinity link.

The new enduro bike replaces the outgoing SB150 with a 10mm increase in travel making this Yeti’s longest travel 29in bike.

Compared to the SB150, the new SB160 features a longer front end, slacker head angle, and frame size-specific chainstay lengths.

The Switch Infinity link – developed in collaboration with Fox – has also been updated on the top-spec T-series SB160 and features new bearings, seals, and hardware.

Five key things you need to know about the SB160

  • All models feature 170mm forks and 160mm rear suspension
  • The bike is designed around a 44mm offset fork
  • Geometry refinements include a 64-degree headtube angle and a 77.5-degree effective seat tube angle (saddle height dependent)
  • The threaded bottom bracket is co-moulded in the carbon layering process
  • Compatible with longer dropper posts

New carbon layup and longer reach

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Yeti claims to have refined its carbon layup techniques with the new SB160.
Yeti Cycles

Yeti has made changes to the geometry and carbon layup of the SB160 frame.

The brand has increased the reach of the bike by 5mm, from 480mm on the SB150 to 485mm on the SB160.

The SB160 features size-specific seat tube angles and chainstay lengths. Seat tube angles range from 72.1 degrees to 77.5 degrees, but the effective seat tube angle remains 77.5 degrees across all sizes dependent on saddle height. Chainstay lengths range from 437mm to 445mm and help to give proportional geometry across all sizes.

More travel and updated Switch Infinity system

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Yeti has updated the Swytch Infinity link.
Yeti Cycles

The SB160 features 160mm of rear wheel travel controlled by Yeti’s Switch Infinity link suspension system.

Switch Infinity sees the main pivot mounted to a ‘shuttle’. The shuttle moves up and down on two Kashima-coated stanchions embedded in the frame.

This gives a rearward axle path to the suspension stroke, which is said to improve pedalling performance.

The T-series bikes get an upgraded Switch Infinity system. This features improved seals, bearings and hardware. Yeti says this will increase the longevity, sensitivity and strength of the system.

Finishing touches

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Cable entry and exit points lead to internally routed tubes that guide cable housings through the frame.
Yeti Cycles
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The outer layer of protection can be removed to access the internally-routed cables.
Yeti Cycles
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The aluminium threaded bottom bracket is co-moulded during the carbon layup process.
Yeti Cycles
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The SB160 has an integrated chainstay protector, which continues up the seatstay.
Yeti Cycles
Yeti says it has improved cable management by adding secure entry and exit points for internal cables. The brand claims this has eliminated rattling and cable rub on the new bike.

The downtube protection now features two layers. Yeti says the rubber under guard will provide cushioning and the external hard cap provides impact protection. The external hard cap can be removed to assist cable routing.

Yeti continues to use SRAM’s Universal Derailleur Hanger (UHD) standard. This means replacements should be available in almost every bike shop, Yeti dealer or otherwise.

The threaded aluminium bottom bracket shell is co-moulded during the layup of the carbon, rather than glued in. Yeti says this makes the interface between the two more durable. The bottom bracket shell also features internal ISCG-05 tabs.

Yeti SB160 spec and prices

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The Yeti Sb160 T1 with SRAM GX Eagle and a Fox Factory 38 GRIP 1 fork.
Yeti Cycles

There will be five SB160 models available, three of which will be the top-spec, higher modulus Turq series frame. Two C-Series frames follow this. The Turq series fame is also available separately at $5,000.

All models feature Fox 38 forks with 170mm of travel and four-piston brakes. The range is available in Turquoise, Cobalt, or Radium paint options.

Yeti says the SB160 range will be available from January 20th 2023, though not all models will be available in all territories.

Yeti SB160 T1

  • Fork: Fox Factory 38 GRIP 2 170mm
  • Shock: Fox Factory Float X2
  • Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle / X01 derailleur
  • Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
  • Wheels: DT Swiss EX1700
  • Tyres: (Front) Maxxis Assegai EXO+ 2.5, (Rear) Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO+ 2.4
  • Price: £8,999 / $9,100 / €10,390

Yeti SB160 T3

  • Fork: Fox Factory 38 GRIP 2 170mm
  • Shock: Fox Factory Float X2
  • Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle AXS
  • Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
  • Wheels: DT Swiss EX1700
  • Tyres: (Front) Maxxis Assegai EXO+ 2.5, (Rear) Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO+ 2.4
  • Price: $10,500, international pricing N/A

Yeti SB160 T4

  • Fork: Fox Factory 38 GRIP 2 170mm
  • Shock: Fox Factory Float X2
  • Drivetrain: SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS
  • Brakes: SRAM Code RSC
  • Wheels: DT Swiss EX1700
  • Tyres: (Front) Maxxis Assegai EXO+ 2.5, (Rear) Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO+ 2.4
  • Price: $12,000, international pricing N/A

Yeti SB160 C1

  • Fork: Fox Performance 38 170mm
  • Shock: Fox Performance Float X
  • Drivetrain: Shimano SLX
  • Brakes: Shimano SLX
  • Wheels: DT Swiss E1900
  • Tyres: (Front) Maxxis Assegai EXO+ 2.5, (Rear) Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO+ 2.4
  • Price: $6,700, international pricing N/A

Yeti SB160 C2

  • Fork: Fox Performance 38 170mm
  • Shock: Fox Performance Float X
  • Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle
  • Brakes: SRAM Code R
  • Wheels: DT Swiss E1900
  • Tyres: (Front) Maxxis Assegai EXO+ 2.5, (Rear) Maxxis Minion DHR II EXO+ 2.4
  • Price: £7,299 / $7,000 / €8,490