Yeti SB130
We see a ton of bikes come and go but the SB130 has come to be the “go-to” for intense path riding. Its all close to prowess in each ascending and descending technological terrain continue to keep it as a major selection for a selection of driving.
Words by Daniel Sapp, images by Trevor Lyden
The angles of the bicycle are some of the extra progressive out there, with 460mm of achieve on a sizing medium, a 65.5-levels head angle and a 77-degree seat angle. There is certainly also space for a water bottle on the suitable facet of the down tube, some thing that was lacking on Yeti’s prior SB styles. The SB130 is a remarkably capable ride, but if the bike park or enduro races are additional your speed, the extended travel SB150 could be a greater decision.
Intended use: trail / all-mountain
Travel: 130mm
Wheel dimension: 29”
Frame building: carbon fiber
Head angle: 65.5
Chainstay length: 433mm
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Weight: 28.6 lb / 12.9kg
Rate: $8,199 USD
Far more data: www.yeticycles.com
The SB130 works by using Yeti’s Change Infinity program, those two little and short Kashima-coated rails found just previously mentioned the bottom bracket, to manipulate the bike’s axle route. As the bicycle goes as a result of its vacation, the provider moves up on the rails to give the bike a somewhat rearward axle route and improved pedaling performance. As the rear wheel carries on by way of its travel, the mechanism moves downwards and cuts down the amount of chain rigidity for better absorption of significant hits.
The one of a kind two-piece shock extension structure bridging the hole among the website link and shock authorized Yeti’s engineering staff the means to manipulate the leverage amount of the bike in a huge vary, independently of other kinematic variables such as anti-squat. The SB130’s suspension design is extra progressive than the 5.5 that preceded it, which implies it truly is coil shock suitable for riders interested in likely that route.
The SB130 was designed alongside side the more time travel SB150 and shares a good deal of attributes with that bicycle but, apart from the obvious differences in rear-wheel and fork vacation, the head-tube angle and leverage price progressivity (12% for the SB130 and 15% for the SB150) are different. The SB130 is tested to Yeti’s trail expectations, whilst the SB150 is analyzed to their DH specifications as the bikes are suited for two different reasons. The best transform to the layup amongst these two specifications can be witnessed around the head tube, leading tube, and down tube with the SB130 saving excess weight in areas that you should not have to have as substantially reinforcement as its more time vacation sibling does.
Climbing
Most fashionable bikes in the 130-150mm travel variety pedal impressively properly when compared to the bikes we ended up on even a couple several years back, primarily provided their increased capabilities on the descents. The SB130 retains its possess though heading uphill from the best bikes now out there in its category, and even though it has a burly mix of elements, a very long achieve, and a slack head-tube angle, the steep seat tube puts you in a superior posture to control chunky terrain. It’s a incredibly amazing climber, and the only location I even think about cranking on the pedaling system change was on a paved street climb.
The very long achieve number might glimpse scary on paper, but the steep seat angle tends to make for a very cozy climbing posture. I by no means felt too stretched out, and I was capable to comfortably transfer the bicycle all around in tight and techy terrain.
You can find persistently a lot of traction on the SB130. Sections of trail that require a punch of electrical power to bump over roots or rocks on specified bikes are significantly easier to sit down and electrical power on more than with out spinning out. The suspension feels supple and conforming to the terrain, and will not combat or power you to pick the route of the very least resistance although climbing. It encourages you to give it a minor much more hell figuring out there is traction and a reduced likelihood of breaking totally free and smashing your kneecap into the clamp of your shifter.
Descending
The SB130 hits out of its league on descents, so a great deal so that I’ve continuously uncovered myself questioning the protection of the speeds I really feel comfy using this bicycle. The suspension stays lively and keeps the bike glued to the floor, all although preserving a energetic really feel that encourages having airborne anytime the prospect provides by itself.
The SB130’s very long reach tends to make it straightforward to remain well balanced and centered in the steeps, which arrived in handy on Whistler’s numerous rock rolls. Whilst it is a blast to hold on and plow down the trail, straight-lining over off-camber roots and rocks, it seamlessly transitions to holding a line into and out of turns.
The SB130 is as close to an enduro bike as any 130mm journey bike I have ever ridden, but it truly is light-weight and energetic plenty of to make it an apt alternative for major times of pedaling. Striving to make a decision between the SB130 and the SB150? It is really all about determining exactly where your priorities lie. If you’ve got acquired a calendar which is complete of enduro races, journeys to the bicycle park, and a bunch of rides with more-burly descents, the SB150 is the way to to. But if you’re on the lookout for a thing that’s a small a lot less gravity oriented, with plenty of travel to acquire just about wherever, the SB130 is the way to go.
All in all, the SB130 is a delight to ride and strikes a reliable equilibrium as a bike that can successfully get uphill and rarely maintain you back whilst heading down.