Yeti’s SB135 trail bike fits and feels the same for more riders

New 650b trail bike comes in seven models tuned for different heights and riding styles

By Finlay Anderson

Published: Thursday, 20 April 2023 at 12:00 am

Yeti Cycles has released the new SB135 trail bike, which features 650b wheels and 135mm of rear-suspension travel.

Seven models are available, two of which fall under Yeti’s Lunch Ride specification, boasting burlier forks and shocks.

The bikes have 150mm suspension forks, and the Lunch Ride bikes have 160mm forks.

Yeti says the extra-small and small-medium models have an entirely different frame to better fit smaller riders.

Pricing starts at $6,900 and rises to $10,300. UK and international pricing is to be confirmed.

Yeti SB135 in detail

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Yeti analysed the carbon layup to achieve a consistent ride feel across the SB135 range.
Yeti

Yeti states that by analysing the carbon layup of the SB135 frame, it has been able to achieve a consistent ride feel throughout the whole range, optimising the compliance of the frame for each size.

The pivot hardware uses cartridge bearings, which are pressed into the linkage as opposed to the front or rear triangles.

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The shock extender helps optimise leverage ratios and increases compatibility.
Yeti

The new, two-piece shock extender positions the rear shock forward in the frame. Yeti claims this design helps to optimise leverage ratios, while also allowing for increased shock compatibility, decreased standover height and more water bottle clearance.

Like the best trail bikes, the Yeti SB135 has a short, straight seat tube for maximum dropper post travel across the range.

Sizes XS and SM get 150mm dropper posts, size M gets 175mm of drop and sizes L and XL get 200mm.

The SB135 has internal cable routing, which enters the frame via clamped ports on the side of the head tube, while the threaded bottom bracket makes servicing easy.

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The top-spec models have SRAM’s new Eagle Transmission.
Yeti

The SB135’s dropout is compatible with a SRAM UDH, which should make finding a spare derailleur hanger straightforward.

Yeti has equipped the two top-spec models with the new SRAM Eagle Transmission, which can only be fitted to bikes compatible with SRAM UDH.

Lunch Ride spec gets burlier suspension

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The range includes burlier bikes with increased travel and gravity-focused specs.
Yeti

For those looking for maximum descending capabilities, the Yeti SB135 range includes two Lunch Ride models with burlier suspension, brakes and tyres.

SB135 LR models get a 160mm-travel Fox 36 fork, giving them an extra 10mm of travel, and a burlier Fox Float X shock for improved damping performance on long descents.

Lunch Ride models also benefit from 200mm disc brake rotors front and rear and roll on a gravity-focused pairing of Maxxis tyres – Assegai and Minion DHR II in the tougher EXO+ casing.

Custom frames for XS and SM riders

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Custom frames on the XS and SM sizes are said to fit riders down to 4ft 11in.
Yeti

To improve clearance and fit, Yeti designed an entirely new frame for sizes XS and SM.

By moving the shock mount to the down tube, the brand claims to have minimised the frame’s standover height while maximising seatpost insertion.

Combined with a custom shock linkage and swingarm, Yeti says the SB135 should fit riders down to 4ft 11in.

Yeti SB135 geometry

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The bike has a 65.4-degree head angle.
Yeti

The SB135’s geometry is focused around a modern, balanced climbing and descending position.

A 65.4-degree head angle is paired with a 77-degree effective seat tube angle. The chainstays grow with each size, preserving a consistent ride across all sizes.

SB135 Lunch Ride models have a slacker set of angles due to the oversized fork, measuring 65 degrees at the head tube and 76.5 degrees at the seat tube.

Yeti SB135 spec and prices

Yeti SB135 LRT3 (Lunch Ride)

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The Yeti SB135 LRT3 has a 160mm-travel fork.
Yeti
  • Frame: TURQ Series carbon fibre frame, 135mm travel
  • Shock: Fox Float X Factory
  • Fork: Fox 36 Factory GRIP2, 160mm travel
  • Drivetrain: SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission
  • Brakes: SRAM Code RSC 200/200mm
  • Wheelset: DT Swiss Custom EX1700 30MM
  • Tyres: Maxxis Assegai 2.5 EXO+/Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 EXO+
  • Seatpost: Fox Transfer
  • Price: $9,500

Yeti SB135 LRC2 (Lunch Ride)

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The Lunch Ride version of the SB135 C2.
Yeti
  • Frame: C Series carbon fibre frame, 135mm travel
  • Shock: Fox Float X Performance
  • Fork: Fox 36 Performance, 160mm travel
  • Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle
  • Brakes: SRAM Code R 200/200mm
  • Wheelset: DT Swiss E1900 30MM
  • Tyres: Maxxis Assegai 2.5 EXO+/Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 EXO+
  • Seatpost: OneUp Dropper Post
  • Price: $6,900

Yeti SB135 T4 Transmission

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This paint colour is called ‘Rhino’.
Yeti
  • Frame: TURQ Series carbon fibre frame, 135mm travel
  • Shock: Fox Float Factory
  • Fork: Fox 36 Factory FIT4, 150mm travel
  • Drivetrain: SRAM XX Eagle Transmission
  • Brakes: SRAM G2 Ultimate 180/180mm
  • Wheelset: DT Swiss Custom XM1700 30MM
  • Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.6 EXO/Maxxis Rekon 2.6 EXO
  • Seatpost: Fox Transfer Factory
  • Price: $10,300

Yeti SB135 T2

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The Yeti SB135 T2 in Cherry.
Yeti
  • Frame: TURQ Series carbon fibre frame, 135mm travel
  • Shock: Fox Float Factory
  • Fork: Fox 36 Factory FIT4, 150mm travel
  • Drivetrain: SRAM X01 Eagle
  • Brakes: SRAM G2 RSC 180/180mm
  • Wheelset: DT Swiss Custom XM1700 30MM
  • Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.6 EXO/Maxxis Rekon 2.6 EXO
  • Seatpost: Fox Transfer
  • Price: $8,000

Yeti SB135 TXT

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The Yeti SB135 TXT.
Yeti
  • Frame: TURQ Series carbon fibre frame, 135mm travel
  • Shock: Fox Float Factory
  • Fork: Fox 36 Factory FIT4, 150mm travel
  • Drivetrain: Shimano XT
  • Brakes: Shimano XT 180/180mm
  • Wheelset: DT Swiss Custom XM1700 30MM
  • Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.6 EXO/Maxxis Rekon 2.6 EXO
  • Seatpost: Fox Transfer
  • Price: $7,500

Yeti SB135 C2

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The Yeti SB135 C2 retails for $6,700.
Yeti
  • Frame: C Series carbon fibre frame, 135mm travel
  • Shock: Fox Float Performance
  • Fork: Fox 36 Performance, 150mm travel
  • Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle
  • Brakes: SRAM G2 R 180/180mm
  • Wheelset: DT Swiss M1900 30MM
  • Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.6 EXO/Maxxis Rekon 2.6 EXO
  • Seatpost: OneUp Dropper Post
  • Price: $6,700

Yeti SB135 C1

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The Yeti SB135 C1 is the least expensive bike in the new range.
Yeti
  • Frame: C Series carbon fibre frame, 135mm travel
  • Shock: Fox Float Performance
  • Fork: Fox 36 Performance, 150mm travel
  • Drivetrain: Shimano SLX
  • Brakes: Shimano SLX 180/180mm
  • Wheelset: DT Swiss M1900 30MM
  • Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.6 EXO/Maxxis Rekon 2.6 EXO
  • Seatpost: OneUp Dropper Post
  • Price: $6,400