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Field Test: Yeti SB115 - The One That Wants to Be a Trail Bike

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Slice Trails on the Lively and Precise Yeti SB115

The SB115 takes the acclaimed SB100 platform and gives it more travel and capability.

The Takeaway: Yeti counters the lower, longer, slacker trend and the result is a quick and agile short-travel trail bike.

• Built on the same frame as the SB100, but with new upper link and longer shock increase travel and minor geometry changes.
• Five models starting at $4,700

Price: $6,900 (as tested) Weight: 27.62 lb. (medium)

Yeti’s newest bike is its oldest bike. The SB115 name might be new, but it shares a frame with the oldest bike in the brand’s line: the SB100. What’s new is a bump in travel front and rear, and the trail-oriented build kits.

Yeti claims using a roller bearing rear eyelet, instead of bushings, improves sensitivity.

Translating Link

The Switch Infinity lower link slides up and down which, Yeti claims, provides more control of the suspension’s properties.

Hoses and housing route through individual molded tunnels.

A 30 tooth ring with 52 large cog provides gearing for long and steep climbs.

The SB115 uses a BB92 press-fit bottom bracket.

Born From The SB100

All this is why the SB115 looks and rides similar to the SB100, even though the model name makes it sound like the new bike falls half-way between the SB100 and SB130 in Yeti’s line. I asked Yeti reps why they took this approach instead of building the SB115 on a new platform. Because it works, they said.

“We really liked how the SB100 climbed and descended and we didn’t want to lose any of that character. We wanted that playful, agile trail bike feel,” said Yeti spokesperson Kyle Rajaniemi. “The SB100 platform was a better place to start because it’s lighter, has less aggressive geometry (steeper head angle and shorter front-center), and is a ton of fun to ride.”

Not Longer, Lower, Slacker

For a couple of years, almost every new mountain bike that rolled out was lower, longer, and slacker than its predecessor. This tilt toward greater stability is a good thing overall, but, as I’ve said before, this trend has compromises—imprecise low-speed handling, a wandering front end on climbs, sluggish handling in tight terrain. And quicker handling isn’t always bad; in fact, it can be beneficial. Besides, if all bikes are low, long, and slack, then none of them are. Differentiation and variety prevent stagnation and helps satisfy the diverse needs of different riders in different regions.

As I mentioned above, the SB115’s geometry is almost identical to the SB100. That bike launched in early 2018, which—considering all the bikes and changes we’ve seen since—seems like an eon ago.

The SB115’s head angle is 67.6, with a 74-degree seat angle. Reach dimensions are comparatively short—a large SB115 has 10mm shorter reach than a medium SB130—although the SB115’s top-tube lengths are somewhat long. Compared to most of the bikes it competes against, the SB115 has shorter reach, steeper head tube angle, and slacker seat tube angle.

That Yeti didn’t make the SB115 lower, longer, slacker might be surprising and perhaps controversial. I’m sure some riders will write it off immediately because it doesn’t have a 65-degree head tube angle. I’ll admit to being surprised. But I’m also glad because, at the very least, some riders are better served than if Yeti enduroified this little bike.

SB115 Models

There are five complete SB115 models priced from $4,700 to $8,000. The three highest-priced models—T1-$6,300, T2-$6,900, T3-$8,000—use Yeti’s Turq Series carbon, the company’s premium offering. The two lowest-priced—C1-$4,700, C2-$4,900—models use C Series carbon, which, the company claims, offers similar stiffness and durability to the Turq frames, but the C-Series frames weigh about 120 grams more.

C1 and T1 builds use Shimano drivetrain and brakes (SLX and XT, respectively). The C2, T2, and T3 build use SRAM Eagle drivetrains with 10-52 cassettes and G2 brakes.

All builds use 1x12 drivetrain, 170mm cranks with a 30-tooth ring, four-piston brakes, 180mm rotors, Fox fork, shock, and dropper, DT-Swiss wheels with 30mm aluminum rims, and Maxxis tires (front-Minion DHF 2.5, rear-Aggressor 2.3).

DT-Swiss 30mm carbon wheels are available as an upgrade for all three Turq models. Yeti offers an AXS upgrade for all three SRAM builds.

The Competition

The SB115 has some heavy competition. Here’s an incomplete list of bikes that you might cross-shop when considering the SB115: Cannondale Scalpel SE , Evil Following, Giant Trance Advanced , Ibis Ripley , Pivot Trail 429, Santa Cruz Tallboy , Specialized Epic Evo , Spot Ryve 115 , Trek Top Fuel .

I’d divide the competition into two groups. In one are the Epic Evo, Scalpel SE, Ryve 115, and Top Fuel which are more XC like than the SB115. The other group is longer, slacker and more enduroish: the Following, Trance Advanced, Ripley, Trail 429, and Tallboy.

The SB115 somehow exists between these two groups: softer and more capable than the XC group, quicker and more efficient than the enduroish group.

Ride Impressions

When Yeti said they were sending me an SB115, I was beyond excited. I have an SB100 and an SB130 in my garage, and, though I like both bikes a lot (with a slight overall preference for the SB130), I found the SB100 to be small and the SB130 too big to by my preferred daily driver. I’d been yearning for something right between the two, a beautiful blend of the SB100’s lightness and efficiency with the SB130’s sturdiness and capability.

Without any additional information and based on the model name alone, I imagined something between the SB100 and SB130. So I’ll admit to being disappointed when I discovered that the SB115 is an SB100 with a bit more travel.

But after riding the SB115 for about a month, I’ve let go of my disappointment. Yes, the SB115 is a lot like the SB100—I don’t see enough daylight between the models for both of them to exist—but SB115 is a good bike that can stand on its own merits. But I still think there’s room in Yeti’s line for a bike that’s half-way between the SB100/SB115 and SB130.

The SB115 is an efficient and quicker-handling bike with surprising capability. Lively, poppy, and agile are apt descriptors. This is a bike that moves easily: Press the pedals, and it accelerates crisply, and moves very efficiently; give the bars a light press, and it smoothly drops into a turn. You can steer this bike: turn the bars, and the front tire grips and the bike pivots around its axis, making it perform well on slower-speed trails. This stands in contrast to lower/longer/slacker bikes with sloppy front ends at slower speeds.

Though it is a quicker-steering bike, the SB115 can be leaned and carved through berms and sweeping corners. This ability to walk the line between slower-speed steering and higher-speed carving gives it more versatility than I expected. However, the SB115 isn’t a bike for plowing through terrain with total abandon: It rewards a smooth rider who is precise with their lines.

The rear suspension is, as I’ve come to expect from Yeti’s Switch Infinity bikes, balanced and well-tuned. Pedaling efficiency is excellent, and the SB115 stays high in its travel with little unwanted movement—this bike accelerates with authority and snaps out of corners. But even though it is very efficient, there’s enough sensitivity remaining in the suspension to track over-steps and roots and keep the bike hooked up.

Coasting and cruising, the rear end is sensitive and controlled, with a supportive mid-stroke that gives the rider something to push off to loft over obstacles or pop up on trail features. There’s a smooth progression at the end of the stroke, which helps this shorter-travel bike hang on admirably when pushed into bigger terrain.

Though there’s a lot to like about the SB115, there are a few shortcomings too. Full frame stiffness is okay, but only just okay. This wouldn't be a huge deal if the SB115 wasn't capable enough to push into demanding terrain. But it is, and I felt it squiggling beneath me a few times. But I will add that I am 180 pounds dressed to ride these days, and I only felt the squiggling on trails where I felt I was reaching the limits of the SB115's capability.

Then there’s the weight. I wouldn’t say the SB115 is heavy, but it is certainly not light. My $6,900 test bike—with the lighter Turq frame and the second-from-top build—was over 27.5 pounds before I added pedals and a bottle cage. In fairness to this SB115, almost all mountain bikes seem to be creeping up the scale these days. Plus the build kit is solid, and was trouble free for the entire test period. Still, the SB115 won’t satisfy riders looking for a light trail bike.

As for who and what the SB115 is for: This is a bike for the rider who wants the faster feel of a shorter-travel bike, something that’s agile and efficient, and a bike at its best in the vast and nebulous space between XC racing and enduro riding. It’s for riders who want a capable trail bike with a healthy dose of sharpness and precision.

Yeti Cycles SB115 Turq T2 X01 Eagle

A gear editor for his entire career, Matt’s journey to becoming a leading cycling tech journalist started in 1995, and he’s been at it ever since; likely riding more cycling equipment than anyone on the planet along the way. Previous to his time with Bicycling , Matt worked in bike shops as a service manager, mechanic, and sales person. Based in Durango, Colorado, he enjoys riding and testing any and all kinds of bikes, so you’re just as likely to see him on a road bike dressed in Lycra at a Tuesday night worlds ride as you are to find him dressed in a full face helmet and pads riding a bike park on an enduro bike. He doesn’t race often, but he’s game for anything; having entered road races, criteriums, trials competitions, dual slalom, downhill races, enduros, stage races, short track, time trials, and gran fondos. Next up on his to-do list: a multi day bikepacking trip, and an e-bike race. 

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Yeti SB 115 Review

by Kyle Scott | Nov 12, 2021 | Bike , Mountain Bikes , Short Travel Mountain Bikes

Table Of Contents

Build options.

• The Bottom Line
• Price Comparison
• Climbing Ability 70% 70%
• Downhill Ability 70% 70%
• Overall Fun 80% 80%

Travel: 115mm rear/ 130mm fork

Head Tube Angle: 67.6

Seat Tube Angle: 74

Reach: 450mm (large frame)

Weight: 29.63 lbs

Price: $4,900

What We Like: New rear linkage

What We Don’t: Not different enough from the Yeti SB100

The Yeti SB115 is a slightly longer travel ride than the SB100 , but that is about the only difference. Yeti did not upgrade the geometry of the bike, which leaves us wondering if it could have been better with a more modern set up. The SB115 is also a fair bit heavier than the SB100 and just seems to be like an awkward pre-teen unsure of where it belongs. The rear linkage did get an upgrade from the SB100 and is now bulletproof, which is a great feeling when you take the bike into the chop. Yeti makes good bikes; unfortunately, this one just seems to miss the mark.

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See Our  Best Short Travel Mountain Bike Review 2021 Article HERE!

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Yeti SB 115

New rear linkage, not different enough from the yeti sb100.

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If you are reading this and thinking to yourself, wait a second isn’t there an SB100? Well, you would be correct. Yeti has introduced the SB115—the same same but different bike—that slides into the new and highly controversial category of “down country” bike. If you were a fan of the 100 and like most riders on the SB100 were always thinking, “This is fun, but if it was just slightly more capable, it would be stellar…”—well, the Yeti SB115 is the ride for you.

An important upgrade made by Yeti was to improve the Switch Infinity rear suspension linkage, so now it is built for added travel as well as being more durable so you can ride the Yeti more aggressively. The old linkage on the 100 had a trend of loosening after harder rides, but with the new locking threaded nuts, the current linkage is verging on bulletproof.

As in the name, the next upgrade is that now you’re cruising on 115mm of rear travel versus the 100mm of travel, and the front suspension has been upgraded from 120mm to 130mm. The tires have become beefier from a 2.3 Minion DHF to a 2.5 Minion DHF, and the brakes have been upgraded from 2-piston to 4-piston.

Yeti bikes have always had a good reputation for climbing. With the additional travel in the front fork, it does feel more sluggish compared to the 100. Yeti did not do too much to the geometry of the new 115, so you are riding a fairly slack 74-degree seat tube angle. Compare this to the newer geo with bikes like the Evil The Following on a super steep 77-degree seat tube angle. The head tube sits at 67.6-degrees—pretty steep. Yeti has essentially taken the geo of the 100 and smacked a bit more travel on both ends. So in terms of geo progress, there has not been too much. The bike is also on the heavier side with build options sitting between 27.3lbs to 29.76lbs, which is fairly burly for a bike that is built to be a climber.

It feels like the Yeti was built for races and to be put on long rides with a slight variation in terrain—but nothing too choppy or aggressive. This may be why the “down country” bike type has been so hard to narrow down, as no one really seems to know what it means.

Again here is the problem with the older style of geo, the head tube is steep, the seat tube is slack, and the reach is too short to lend the most confidence to riders. The additional travel on both ends is an upgrade from the SB100, but was it enough? Leaving the same front and rear triangle on the 115 as the 100 makes it seem like a bit of an afterthought. Why not change a few of the angles to add a bit more confidence on the downs while not compromising the climbing. Anyone who only wants to climb will go for an XC bike like the SB100, the SB115 should have been built with a greater difference so that it can stand out and fill a different category than the 100.

As always you can go for just the frame, which is built using Yeti’s TURQ series carbon for $3,500. The TURQ carbon is as Yeti states “the highest quality carbon on the market, stiff and compliant, with an optimized layup to reduce the overall weight.” A lot of words, I know, but the bike sure does feel good.

There are two C series carbon build options for $4,800 Shimano SLX drivetrain, and $5,000 SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain with different brakes as well. The TURQ carbon build options range from $6,400, $7,000, and finally up to $8,100. There is no wireless build option at the moment, helping to keep some of the drool in our mouths instead of on showroom floors or our keyboards.

The Bottom L ine

We really wanted to like this bike. A more capable version of the highly impressive Yeti SB100? Sign us up! Unfortunately, the Yeti just fell short on a few areas that could have made the difference in producing a truly remarkable bike. Don’t get us wrong, it is still a blast to ride, and you could ride it on some well-maintained trails all day, up and down, no issue. Where the problems rear their ugly heads are in the small geometry numbers that keep the bike from being in the new class of modern geo short travel crushers.

With a 7 year warranty, you’ll be able to trust this bike until “modern geo” standards change again, and we’re all riding on bikes with 5-meter chainstays and 42-degree head tubes looking like Fred Flintstone on his way to work.

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First Ride: The New Yeti SB115 Mountain Bike

The company's brand-new SB115 evolved from its super-capable SB100 cross-country model. The latest rendition is even more versatile and well suited to being an everyday trail bike for many.

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After our annual bike test, Outside declared 2020 “ the year of the short-travel 29er .” Contributor Josh Patterson, who ran our test, lauded this category of mountain bike for its well-balanced personality: it has the lively feel of a short-travel bike, paired with the descent-capable geometry of a more aggressive trail bike, and is built around big 29-inch wheels with great rollover capability. 

Yesterday, Yeti Cycles released its latest answer to this much hyped breed with the new Yeti SB115 , an evolved version of the SB100 cross-country bike  that the company says it will eventually replace. The SB115 has 115 millimeters of rear-wheel travel, a 130-millimeter-travel fork, slack trail-bike geometry, and a build that wouldn’t be out of place on an enduro bike.

Though the SB100 was declared a genre-blending bike when it first came out in 2018, with a 120-millimeter fork, longer and slacker geometry, and a stock build that included burly tires and a dropper post, it was, at its heart, a light cross-country race bike. Reviewers and Yeti athletes alike praised it for handling much gnarlier terrain than its 100 millimeters of rear-wheel travel should have allowed, calling it a “downhiller’s cross-country bike.” But it still only offered 100 millimeters of travel. 

So the SB115 began as an attempt to make the SB100 even more capable through one of Yeti’s Lunch Ride (LR)   builds, says product manager Ryan Thornberry. (The name Lunch Ride is a nod to the company’s long-standing midday-ride tradition, in which employees started putting burlier suspension parts on their personal bikes.) LR kits make existing models more downhill oriented, with a longer   fork and a slightly longer stroke shock, as well as a few other build tweaks. 

To make an SB100 LR, engineers swapped in a 130-millimeter fork for the previous 120-millimeter fork, but this slacked out the headtube and seat-tube angles. To maintain the geometry and handling of the 100, engineers redesigned the upper link and moved the pivot that connects the shock to the seatstay to the rear. This not only allowed for nearly identical geometry to the SB100, but it also enabled the installation of a longer-stroke shock and gave the bike an extra 15 millimeters of rear-wheel travel. (Because of the longer fork, the bottom bracket height is taller on the SB115, but the headtube and seat-tube angles are essentially the same as those on the SB100.) Thus the SB115 was born. Impressively, Thornberry says they achieved the extra travel without a net-weight gain—an SB115 frame weighs the same as an SB100 frame.

If the SB100 lived somewhere between a cross-country and trail rig, the parts for the SB115 belies its intentions to evolve closer to the trail end of the spectrum. I’m testing an SB115 in the T2 build ($6,900), which features Yeti’s top-tier (lightest) Turq carbon frame and SRAM’s X01 Eagle drivetrain, with its new 10-52 cassette. My bike sports four-piston, downhill-style  SRAM G2 RSC brakes, based off SRAM’s high-powered Code brakes. It has 780-millimeter-wide handlebars. And it rolls on a plump 2.5-inch Maxxis Minion DHF tire in front, with a 2.3-inch Maxxis Aggressor in the rear—the same setup I’ve run on my enduro bike.

I owned an SB100 for about a year, along with a 135-millimeter-travel 29er that was both enduro and trail oriented. While the SB100 always wowed me with its capability, I still found that I preferred my long-travel trail bike in most normal riding situations, since I gravitate toward technical riding, faster descents, and the bike park. Having ridden the SB115 for the past few weeks, I can say that this new bike is even more versatile and well suited to being an everyday trail bike for many riders.

Unsurprisingly, the SB115 climbs very, very well. Yeti claims that a size medium in my T2 build weighs 27.6 pounds, with a frame weight of 5.9 pounds. (The mid-tier C series carbon frame has a claimed weight of 6.2 pounds.) For a lightweight trail bike these days, that’s impressive. Compare these numbers to a couple of the SB115’s current peers in the 115-to-120-millimeter-travel 29er category: Pivot’s Trail 429 has a purported frame weight of 6.4 pounds; Santa Cruz’s Tallboy CC , with a similar X01 build to the SB115, has   a stated bike weight of 28 pounds. 

Having ridden the SB115 for the past few weeks, I can say that this new bike is even more versatile and well suited to being an everyday trail bike for many riders.

But the SB115’s ability to punch up hills in a direct, efficient fashion is not just because it’s light. Yeti’s Switch Infinity—its signature suspension design, which pairs a four-bar linkage with a pair of “translating” shafts housed near the bottom bracket—has always displayed great small-bump compliance, amounting to confidence-inspiring traction. On climbs ranging from steep, loose fire roads to scrabbles up lumpy or ledgy sandstone, the SB115 sticks to surfaces, providing a welcome assist on technical uphills. It made noticeably easier work of the hardest climbs in the Colorado Front Range.

And when the trail flattened or turned downhill, the extra 15 millimeters of travel in the rear and 10 millimeters in the front showed. If the SB100 rode like a cross-country bike with trail geometry, the SB115 rides like a short-travel trail bike, period. I rode the SB115 as my daily driver for about a month, on the same terrain where I’d normally take my 135-millimeter 29er or the Yeti SB130 LR I’ve also been riding. The most revelatory descent I experienced on the SB115 was a fast, notoriously rough, downhill-only trail filled with water bars, bombed-out landings, and bony rock gardens. This was nowhere close to ideal terrain for a bike like this, and while I did have to choose my lines more carefully, the SB115 was remarkably composed at high speeds. On a few similar descents, I even set PRs or lost very little time compared to rides on long-travel bikes. Bigger and frequent slower-speed hits did buck the bike more, but that’s to be expected for a short-travel bike. Yeti boasts that Switch Infinity enables engineers to tune for a “bottomless feel”—meaning it’s extremely difficult to bottom out—which helps contribute to a bike that rides like it’s more capable than its travel suggests. The SB115 exhibits this personality trait to a T.

While it’s impressive that the SB115 holds its own on the gnarliest trails, in reality those trails represent a small percentage of the terrain that most of us ride most of the time. It’s on all the other trails—the ones that fall in the fat part of the bell curve, the blues and tame blacks—where this bike really shines. Sharp, nimble handling makes the SB115 a joy to dive-bomb through S-turns and flat corners and to lean over and maneuver quickly around obstacles. That same precise feel pays off at slow speeds, too, like when you’re threading a tricky line in a rocky switchback turn. And a 67.6-degree head angle strikes a sweet balance between accurate handling and stability: after months of riding super-slacked-out long-travel bikes, the SB115 made me feel like I had suddenly become a better bike handler.

This was nowhere close to ideal terrain for a bike like this, and while I did have to choose my lines more carefully, the SB115 was remarkably composed at high speeds.

A solid pedaling platform encouraged me to hammer out of the saddle on flat and downhill sections more often—even when I was standing up and cranking, the rear suspension held steady without detectable bobbing. Solid mid-stroke support (much easier to achieve on a shorter-travel bike) also makes the SB115 wonderfully poppy off of little rollers and helps it shoot out of deep berms and float over chunky rocks at high speed, displaying grace under pressure. During a time when bikes continue to get longer and slacker and gain more travel, riding the SB115 is a reminder of how fun and playful a well-balanced short-travel trail bike is. If the gnarliest trails are more fun on a long-travel trail bike, most other trails are more fun on the SB115. 

If you’re reading this review, though, you’re likely already sold on the benefits of a short-travel 29er. So is the SB115 for you? Here’s one way to think about it: if you were to do genetic testing on some popular models in the short-travel trail-29er category, results would show that the SB115 is a more direct descendant to a cross-country bike than peers like the Ibis Ripley , Pivot Trail 429, or Santa Cruz Tallboy/ Juliana Joplin (all three bikes feature 120 millimeters of rear-wheel travel and 130 millimeters in the front). Remember, the SB115 has essentially the same frame as the SB100, which was designed as a lightweight cross-country race bike that could punch above its weight on the downhills. Bikes like the Trail 429 and the Tallboy, by contrast, have never attempted to pass as cross-country race machines. (Both Pivot and Santa Cruz also offer dedicated, superlight, 100-millimeter-travel cross-country race rigs.) While I haven’t ridden the current Trail 429 or Tallboy to be able to speak to how this translates to ride differences, the SB115’s racy lineage shows itself in the overall weight numbers presented above, as well as a slightly steeper and shorter geometry compared to these other bikes. (Just for quick illustrative purposes, here are the head angles on the Trail 429, Ripley, and Tallboy: 67, 66.5, and 65.7 degrees, respectively.) 

That makes the SB115 an easy choice for endurance-oriented riders and those who might compete in multi-day events with big uphills and ripping downhills, like the BC Bike Race in British Columbia or the Breck Epic in Colorado. But whether you ever race or not, you want a bike that’s not just damn good at climbing but fun to ride all the other days of the year, too—which the SB115 most certainly is. So perhaps another way to think of it is this: Are you looking for a fun, playful, and capable short-travel 29er, and do you also prize having a little extra confidence on the climbs and accurate handling? If the answer is yes, I think you’ll be very happy on a Yeti SB115.

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Yeti SB115 Mountain Bike Review: ‘Down-Country’ 29er Slays Ups and Downs

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Yeti introduced the SB115 as a strong contender in the new category of down-country bikes. We put the SB115 to the test for this review.

Down-country bikes, a new category of doped-up mountain bikes with cross-country geometry and nearly enduro spec, are the hot trend for 2020.

Light and fast, with short suspension and relaxed enough geometry that you can hop, drop, and rail, they’re the flip side of the coin from the megatravel 29ers that nabbed riders’ attention over the past couple of years. Without sacrificing weight, a down-country bike — like Yeti’s SB115 — has enough travel to hit most trails, without the weight penalty of a bigger bike.

Yeti SB115: A Bike That Loves to Party

Yeti’s new SB115 , which we’ve been riding for the past month, is a party animal. It has a 67.6-degree head angle, particularly suited to when the party goes uphill as well as down.

The 27-pound, short-travel 29er SB115 has 115mm rear travel and 130mm front travel. It has the geometry of the brand’s BC Bike Race-winning 100mm travel 29er. More squish makes it less teeth-rattling than the SB100 and easier to maneuver in more terrain, without sacrificing speed and agility on climbs.

If you’ve followed Yeti Cycles, you know the brand likes to “Lunch Ride” models — adding more suspension to an existing bike to make it more capable in more terrain. Functionally, consider the  SB115  a Lunch-Rided SB100 that doubles as a replacement for the now-discontinued SB4.5. And honestly, that SB4.5 may have been the first down-country bike, although the category didn’t exist at the time.

Think of down-country bikes as a ride with the frame, weight, and geometry of a cross-country bike. Then, sass it up with wide bars, big tires, and more suspension to help it punch above its weight class on fast, techie descents. And — this is key — all without compromising the climb.

When the SB100 launched, riders started swapping their 120mm forks for 130mm and 140mm, which inspired Yeti to take a look at the SB100 and what it could become. Though the SB100 doesn’t use the full stroke of the rear shock — many bikes don’t use their full rear travel — it wasn’t possible to just give it a longer shock stroke.

The bike also needed new pivots to keep the suspension intact, and a new link to keep the geometry efficient and lively, so the SB100 Lunch Ride became a new model instead. The bike also got new Switch Infinity hardware — a threaded version with a washer and locking nut on the inside and the same protective fender used in the SB100.

YETI SB115 Review: The Ride

The SB115 takes what Yeti learned from making big-travel 29ers and the short-travel SB100, and packing the best climbing and descending features of both into a rowdy but not ridiculous ride.

Most of the SB115 specs are consistent with the SB100. The wheelbase is 3 mm longer, as is the front center. There is a 0.2-degree head angle change. But overall, the SB115 puts you in the same attack position as the SB100. And the SB115’s front tire receives an agro 2.5 Maxxis Minion (up from a 2.3), while the handlebar goes to a very aggressive 780 mm, versus the SB100’s 760 mm.

Whether you love uphills, or you ride them to get to the downs, this bike will take you places. No one wants to feel spent before the day’s big downhill. Because this bike is so light and efficient climbing, it helps you save energy while you’re pedaling uphill. There’s no bobbing, no need to lock the shock, just your power translated through the pedals into forward motion, even when the up is punchy, rocky, and technical.

When you top out and it’s go time, you and the SB115 will be ready to rally — just drop your saddle and roll. While this bike isn’t as slack as Yeti’s SB130 or SB150, it’s designed for fast, technical descents, whether you’re carving berms or straight-lining a rock garden.

Though the head angle is within half a degree of the SB100, it’s more capable on the downhill because it has more suspension. Twenty-five miles of east coast single track in, I was smiling until my face hurt.

Want air? So does the SB115 . Where the SB100 has a somewhat serious wheels-on-the-ground personality, the SB115 likes to hop, whip, and sail through the air.

It slithers through tight corners like a snake, both up and down. On an old-school climbing trail that had been rerouted because its hairpin turn was so tight, I cruised through then crushed a machine-built jump line, pedaled back up through the hairpin turn, and swooped through berms, rock hops, technical rolls, river crossings, and more before climbing another 750 feet of technical vert home.

Yeti Signature Suspension

The SB115 isn’t a mini enduro bike. It was responsive and energetic, with enough suspension and Yeti magic that it kept us from getting into trouble when the downhill went from rolling to raging. It smoothed out the trail, but we still felt the trail — in a good way.

The special Yeti suspension feel comes from pairing the rear shock with Yeti’s Switch Infinity, a translating pivot that switches directions as you use more of your rear suspension to give the bike’s travel a bottomless feel.

Riding this bike, and most Yetis, you’re spending most of your time in the top to mid part of travel, and saving the end of the stroke for big hits. So the support doesn’t feel as poppy as some other shock designs, but when you do knock the rubber ring off the shock shaft, you won’t bottom out.

As you get deeper into your travel, the Switch Infinity changes directions and moves down, not up. That drops the anti-squat dramatically by decoupling the chain forces on the suspension, which lets the suspension work more efficiently to absorb impacts.

Yeah, yeah, yeah — translation: Yeti’s got your back and your landing. And when you don’t quite nail your landing, more often than not, Yeti’s suspension will save you.

Weight-Specific Settings

One thing we appreciated about the SB115 and all Yeti bikes is that the company provides detailed rider weight-specific recommended settings for front and rear compression and rebound, as well as tire and shock air pressures.

The numbers are starting points. They help this bike ride great from the moment you roll it out the door of your shop, with plenty of adjustment points to customize the feel as you get to know it better.

Yeti SB115 Notes

With the SB115 release, Yeti upgrades the SB100 with threaded Switch Infinity suspension. It also introduces a new measurement in its geometry charts, vertical fork travel, which indicates how much actual up-and-down movement a fork yields.

In the past, Yeti has been accused of over-forking its bikes. This number asserts that Yeti’s fork specs are spot on. Because while rear wheel travel is a vertical measurement, front travel is not, due to a bike’s head angle. In the SB115 , vertical fork travel is 120.2.

If you’re under 5’1”, you’re out of luck with the SB115 . It doesn’t come in XS.

YETI SB115 Mountain Bike: Overall Impression

My only beef with the SB115 is the rear tire. As an east coast rider, I am annoyed when the first thing I have to do to my new $7,000 bike is spend another $70 to swap rubber.

Yeti specs a Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5 front and a Maxxis Aggressor rear. The Aggressor is great for Rockies and West Coast riding. In the east, it slips and slides. I immediately swapped it for a Vittoria Mazza. A Maxxis DHRII would be another good choice. Both are appropriate for how and where I ride.

I suspect Yeti didn’t go to the bigger, heavier tire on the SB115 because it adds significant weight. That is one of the first specs riders look at. Put on tires to match your ride style, and this bike won’t hold you back.

It’s also one of the cleanest-looking bikes on the market. Tube-in-tube technology keeps cables out of sight inside the frame, except at the handlebar and where they pop out underneath the bottom bracket for a hot second. And there aren’t extra mounting points for tools, racks, or bags. Yeti likes to keep their frames sleek and clean.

Like all Yetis, the harder you ride this bike, the more it gives back. The SB115 specifically hits a sweet spot. It really is one bike that can do it all, without sacrifice or compromise.

Yeti SB115 Specs

• Price: Starting at $4,700
• Weight: 27 lbs. with a carbon water bottle cage (T2 size M)
• Frame material: Carbon
• Style: Down-country or All Mountain/Trail
• Travel: 115 rear, 130 front
• Groupset: T2 build tested
• Wheel size: 29 in.
• Sizes: S-XL

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Yeti SB115 T1: first ride review

• Danny Milner
• June 30, 2020

The new Yeti SB115 takes the SB100 recipe and adds some extra spice. But is it hot enough?

yeti sb115 Credit: Roo Fowler

Product Overview

Yeti sb115 t1.

• Works as an XC bike for burlier stage races such as the BC Bike Race. Plush yet efficient suspension.
• Needs to be longer. XT brakes were inconsistent and pads rattled. Press fit BB.

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:.

If you like your peaks to appear in a training diary, rather than attached to the front of your helmet, the new Yeti SB115 could be the bike for you.

>>> MBR Trail Bike of the Year 2020

Yeti SB115 need to know

• Yeti pumps up the SB100 with extra travel and a burly spec
• New linkage keeps geometry and kinematics similar
• Three bike range starts at £4,899 and gets heavier C series frame
• Covered by a lifetime warranty

It builds on the success of the Yeti SB100 , taking a leaf out of the ‘super size me’ playbook to bump up the travel and pump up the spec. It’s still very much a traditional XC bike in poise and attitude, but if you don’t get on with modern geometry , and cushy trail bikes leave you numb, then you’ll probably love the new SB115. More on how it rides in a moment, but first let’s take a look the steps Yeti has taken to get from the SB100 to the SB115.

The new SB115 is definitely easy on the eye

Before setting out on the SB115 project, Yeti’s designers had two options: downsize the Yeti SB130 or super size the SB100. It chose the latter for several reasons. Firstly it felt it already had a strong line-up of trail/ enduro bikes with new school geometry coupled with the capability to crush most descents and the efficiency to stomp most climbs. So it consciously wanted the SB115 to offer a different ride experience. It didn’t want a copycat range where the only discernable way to tell which model you were riding was to look at the sticker on the top tube; it wanted you to feel it through the seat of your bib shorts. And this didn’t extend merely to geometry; tuning the ride feel also encompasses frame stiffness and compliance, kinematics, pedalling response and bike weight. Shrinking travel on the SB130 would, it reasoned, have done nothing to reduce the mass or sharpen the reactions.

Longer stroke shock combined with new linkage extracts 15mm of additional wheel travel

Hence, just as the SB130 had been puffed up into the Lunch Ride special by eeking a bit of extra travel out of the shock and installing a bigger fork, so the decision was taken to enhance the SB100 by adding a longer stroke shock. Switching from 37.5mm stroke to 45mm gave Yeti the 15mm of additional wheel travel it was after, while a new upper link kept the geometry in check and the kinematics comparable.

Switch Infinity link is side-by-side on the SB100 and 115. It’s tightly packaged but well hidden from the elements.

The rest of the frame, including the side-by-side Switch Infinity link, remains the same. But that does mean that current SB100 owners won’t be able to hack their bikes quite so easily as SB130 owners. Into the head tube, Yeti plugs a 130mm travel Fox 34 suspension fork with 44mm offset. That’s 10mm more than the SB100. It also gets a chunky 2.5in WT Maxxis Minion DHF front tyre in place of the 2.3in version, which further slackens the head angle from 67.6º to 67.2º.

Sloping top tube leads to one of the most esteemed head tube badges in the business. However, the dropper post cable rattles slightly in the frame.

How close is the SB115 to the SB100? The answer is very. So close that I’m not going to spend time listing the trivial differences. The only change worth noting is that the BB has been raised from 332mm to 339mm, although at sag the two bikes will have a near identical dynamic ride height.

In the UK, Silverfish will be bringing three complete bikes into the country. At the entry-level is the C-series model with heavier carbon lay-up at £4,899, and this is supplemented by two Turq Series models; the T1 with Shimano XT throughout (£6,499), and the T2 with SRAM X01 (£6,899). There’s also a frame-only at £3,199, and all the bikes are covered by Yeti’s lifetime warranty.

How does it ride?

We received our SB115 in size large fitted with the T1 build kit. Finished in the Anthracite it looks absolutely stunning, but the SB115 also comes in Yeti’s classic Turq and an understated Blanco white option.

Ice Tech pads tapped constantly on descents and both brakes had wandering bite points.

The no-fuss Shimano XT build on our test bike was hit and miss. We loved the ability to multi-shift with both index finger and thumb, and the gears worked well. Equally, in a bare knuckle fight between an XT and SRAM GX Eagle rear mech, our money would be on Shimano every time, but – and I never thought I’d say this – the Japanese drivetrain is marginally slower, rougher and noisier.

Yeti has given the SB115 extra stopping power in the shape of four-piston XT brakes, and much as the light action and ergonomic one-finger levers are a treat to pull, both front and rear brakes exhibited frustrating wandering bite points, and the finned Ice Tech pads rattled constantly on descents – which did muffle the noise from the dropper post cable inside the frame. Everything else hit the right note, especially the classic WTB Silverado saddle , the well-padded ODI grips and the stiff yet compliant Yeti Carbon handlebars .

The original Kona Process 111

In 2013, Kona launched a bike that quietly and gradually changed a lot of influential people’s perceptions of 29ers as stuck-up mile munchers without any sense of fun. That bike was the Kona Process 111 , and when I jumped aboard the Yeti SB115, it instantly took me back to riding that Kona. Having looked up the numbers, I can see why the memories came flooding back: the two bikes are really close in head angle, chainstay length, travel, BB height… you name it. In many ways that’s a huge compliment – the Kona was the kind of knife you’d be happy to take to a gunfight. It was a joy to ride and it set the benchmark for engaging, short travel 29ers and paved the way for cult bikes like the Evil Following .

The light weight and excellent suspension makes the SB115 easy to chuck about on mellow, loamy tracks.

But, 2013 was a long time ago, and things have moved on. In fact the seven year-old Kona geometry was actually more progressive than the brand new SB115, with all four sizes getting a longer reach, shorter seat tube and significantly more standover clearance than the brand new Yeti.

Of course Kona no longer makes a Process 111, so it’s a moot point, but by diverging so far away from the strides made with the sizing of the SB130 and SB150, I think Yeti has blunted the SB115 a little. And I don’t think it needed to fall into the trap of offering a cookie cutter range of bikes, with little model differentiation, to end up with a better bike all-round.

Minion DHF WT front tyre piles delivers grip you can trust in.

This traditional take on geometry and sizing works ok when you’re sat down, pounding on the pedals while steering the bike around tight, flat turns and weaving through convoluted course markings in a cross-country race. It takes less effort to work the handlebars, and the bike feels more agile. But as soon as you take it on a typical modern trail ride, with mixed gradients, flowing turns, choppy braking bumps and steep drops, you end up adopting this rocking horse motion where you’re shifting your weight over the front wheel in the corners, then getting over the rear axle to avoid being thrown over the bars on chutes and plunges. Ok, to a certain extent I’m exaggerating, but the SB115 keeps you busy mitigating sections of trail that wouldn’t even register on a bike with a more stable disposition.

Short wheelbase limits the SB115’s composure when dropping into steeper trails.

If Yeti had kept the geometry the same – head angle, seat angle, BB height, chainstay – but increased the reach on each size, it could have had a bike that still felt sharp as a tack and kept you on your toes, but also allowed you to settle into a composed riding position that inspires you to go harder and faster.

Yeti’s Switch Infinity suspension makes it feel like you’re riding through four inches of fresh loam everywhere.

Which is a shame as the suspension feels superb. It has that magic carpet ride that so impressed me the first time I rode the SB150 – a deep, luxurious shagpile that you seem to sink into but never touch the bottom of, and that still provides an supportive, urgency when you put the power down. It’s not hugely progressive, however, so if you like hucking to flat regularly, you might want to try a larger volume spacer in the shock. Ultimately though, it behaves like a trail bike on the descents, but devours the climbs like an XC bike. That steep seat tube and excellent pedalling traction combining to claw up tricky pitches as well as spin up steady fireroads.

Getting the right weight balance between the axles can be tricky.

Mate that suspension with a more contemporary set of frame numbers and the SB115 would be a winner; a have-your-cake-and-eat-it contradiction that embraces all the factors that make short travel bikes so enticing. As it stands, it still has one foot in the past, which will definitely appeal to some riders, but if you're looking for a modern, 'downcountry' bike, this isn't it.

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Yeti SB115 - The New Do It All Bike - First Impressions [Video]

Words by: Liam Woods

Yeti Cycles has always been a forward thinking brand, making bikes ahead of their time with a very unique ride feeling, but one thing they also do well is listen to consumer demand and riders’ needs. Introducing the new Yeti SB115 , a 115mm rear travel 29” bike that really doesn't fit in a normal mountain bike category, which is our favorite style of bike to ride. Yeti previously had the SB100 and SB130 for model year 2020, and while the SB100 is a totally capable XC-ish bike, and the SB130 is a do-it-all trail bike, the gap between the two was apparent and some riders, including Jeff and myself, noticed. Splitting the gap perfectly, the SB115 covers this XC+, downcountry, light trail or whatever name you wanna put on this bike. For us, it's just exactly what we want to ride. You can do long all day rides with tons of climbing, or you can go out and blast your way down some singletrack. You would be amazed by what 115mm of rear travel and 130mm of front travel paired with good geometry can handle. 

As I mentioned above, geometry is key to how a bike of this travel range rides. Similar to the rest of the industry trend, you see longer reach numbers, slacker head tube angles, and steeper seat tube angles, all put in a package for all day ripping. Some highlights on the SB115 are a 67.6 degree head tube angle, a 74.1 seat tube angle and a 436.7mm chainstay length. Reach numbers are longer than some short travel bikes but not on the extreme side, with a medium rocking a 430.6mm reach and a large at 450.6mm reach. For the entire geometry chart, check it out below. 

Yeti has always set up their bikes to be able to rip straight from the showroom flow without any changes needed, and it's no different with the SB115. Having lots of amazing riders working for Yeti, it's no wonder why they don't skimp out on tires, brakes or small parts to save weight or cost, which is something I think everyone can appreciate. Since I mentioned tires, this short travel bike comes with Maxxis rubber front and rear, with the front tire being a Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5 and the rear a Maxxis Aggressor 2.3,. This is quite a bit of rubber for a bike with only 4.5 inches of rear travel. Same with the brakes, as ALL build kits get spec’d with 4 piston brakes, no matter if you have a SRAM or Shimano build. Your brakes will not be lacking and those are matched with 180mm rotors front and rear, as well. Other highlights include Fox 2021 suspension front and rear as well as dropper post kits (once 2021 models are available), 170mm cranks on all bikes and SRAM build kits will get the new expanded range of 10-52t (once available). Check out the list below for a breakdown of all the build kits.

SB100 vs SB115 Differences:

So you might say the SB100 and SB115 are very similar, and that is because they are, but Yeti didn't just long shock the SB115 and call it a day. There are plenty of revisions around this bike with probably the biggest being to the rear suspension linkage. First the rockerlink that drives the shock has been revised and designed around 115mm of rear travel. There is an included roller bearing shock hardware on the rear shock mount that matches up with the rocker link. This helps deliver a smooth off the top feel with the rocker link and kinematics tuned for a supportive and bottomless feeling throughout the travel. This leads to the last bit of the suspension linkage that the Switch Infinity sees a revision or update. Previously on the SB100 , Yeti changed the Switch Infinity from running front to back like on the SB130 and SB150 to side to side, making more room in the frame. A smaller travel bike like this can get away with a smaller Switch Infinity. But some riders when riding the SB100 at or above its limits found that this new unit had a tendency to come loose. Well, Yeti wants its bikes to be able to be ridden as hard as the rider is capable of, so they updated the Switch Infinity link. Now the link has threaded bolts that thread right into the Switch Infinity that has a locking nut on the backside, so instead of a male and female bolt you have a threaded unit with a locking nut. After the first few rides (we pushed this bike hard), the Switch Infinity was solid and looking at the new design we can see how this will be much more durable and reliable. We're stoked to see Yeti make these small changes that improve the end user experience. 

Yeti SB100 Switch Infinity on the left, Updated Yeti SB115 Switch Infinity on the Right

A few other differences are on the build kit side of things. Firstly, the SB115’s rear shock has a longer stroke than the SB100 and up front you get a longer fork at 130mm on the SB115 versus the 120mm on the SB100. While that means you won't get the lightweight 120mm Fox Step Cast or even switch to the Rockshox SID Ultimate, the 130mm fork makes for a more capable bike. As noted in the build kit, the SB115 gets a bigger tire, with the front going from a 2.3 Minion DHF on the SB100 to a 2.5 Minion DHF on the SB115 as well as the brakes get burlier. Yeti makes the move from 2 piston brakes on the SB100 to 4 pistons brakes and 180mm rotors on the SB115.

On the Trail:

When you throw a leg over a Yeti, there is a special feel that you get that isn't apparent on any other bike. We're not sure what kind of black magic or deal with the devil they may have made but it's a pretty great feeling. The same applies to the SB115. Right when I first pedaled this bike after building it, I immediately knew it was a Yeti Cycles shredder. On the first ride I took it out to our normal lunch loop trails. They are a good mix of fire road climbs with some steep, loose sections and some singletrack descents that offer a bit more chunk than a smooth XC singletrack, but don't require too much travel and only have small drops or jumps. After the first trail and getting used to the SB115, you can immediately tell it has a bit more travel and composure than the SB100. It's what you would expect with 15mm more rear travel and 10mm more up front, but it's also the tune and revision to the kinematics that I think made this so apparent. 

When climbing the SB115, it felt smooth and fast, and also very similar to the little brother SB100. I really didn't feel any hindrance in pedaling performance and actually felt like I had a bit more traction while climbing loose or rocky sections on the SB115 over the SB100. While you have a beefier build kit that might make it feel slower, I don’t think the efficiency took a hit, which is something that you always want to see when getting a bit more travel on a bike. One thing I did notice was that even with the stem slammed down, it felt a bit high when climbing on the steep terrain. I had to put a bit more weight on the front wheel to keep it down and holding traction on steep switchbacks. The bike does have a positive rise stem and a riser bar so that could easily be combated with a different setup, but it’s worth noting since we rode the stock T2 build kit. It’s also worth noting that I didn’t need to use the climb switch at all while climbing and I think at this point with 2020/2021 models, that shouldn’t ever be needed. Bikes these days can climb well open and not have pedal bob. 

Descending:

Once you get the bike to the top and start heading down is where the big differences are made over the SB100. While I mentioned it's more composed over rough terrain than the SB100, I also felt like the travel is better used on the SB115. The SB115 has a very soft off the top feel, which is probably a combination of the revised linkage and roller bearing but also the Fox 2021 rear shock and the tune Yeti and Fox worked out. With the geometry and more travel matched with the beefy build kit, the SB115 really does ride like a trail bike while being a bit more efficient in the flatter or more pedaly sections of trail. Both Jeff and I were able to get a few weeks of riding on the bike and really felt like it hits the spot for what Yeti aimed for. It’s more than an XC bike but not a trail bike. Most local trails around the country don’t call for big 150mm forks, but you also want to have a bit more fun than what 100mm can provide out back. That is the Yeti SB115, a capable light trail bike that you can ride to the top and have a blast going down. The only thing I noticed on the SB115 when going down is the same as climbing, the front end felt a bit high when on not-so-steep trails. The front wheel needed a bit more weight to keep traction and it was more of an adjustment to be comfortable with flat, loose corners. Again, that can be fixed with a quick cockpit change, but it’s worth noting if you like a lower front end. 

• Revised linkage offers great ride quality
• Beefy build kit
• Great pedaling performance
• Feels like a Yeti
• Updated Switch Infinity
• Might be more build kit than you want 
• Front end on the higher side

Final Thoughts:

Both Jeff and I were able to get a few weeks of riding on the bike and it really feels like Yeti nailed it. It's more than an XC bike and it's not a trail bike, but let's face it, that's exactly the kind of bike most terrain calls for. Yeti really filled their line up with the introduction of the SB115, it's exactly what you need and nothing you don’t. We are stoked to see new bikes from Yeti and can't wait to see what sweet custom builds come out of this bike.

This article was written / authored by Liam Woods. Liam has been in the bicycle industry for over 10 years as a racer, professional mechanic, service manager and as of late, media and content creator. Liam has ridden thousands of different bikes , ridden countless components , tested endless MTB apparel of all kinds and written reviews on it all. He's a key piece to the Worldwide Cyclery "All Things MTB" content creation puzzle. He also makes consistent appearances on the Worldwide Cyclery YouTube channel and Instagram .

June 29, 2020

SB115 › Video › Yeti ›

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Shop new & used Yeti SB115 MTBs for sale at TPC - The Pro's Closet. Find reviews, specs, weight info, prices, and size charts on various models and popular years (2021, 2022, etc). Read our Yeti SB115 Quick-Take Review below.

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How much does a Yeti SB115 weigh?

How much travel does a yeti sb115 have, 2022 yeti sb115 - weight, specs, price, 2021 yeti sb115 turq t3 review - a tpc quick-take.

• The Perfect Balance
• The SB115 straddles the line between cross-country and trail beautifully. With 115mm of rear travel paired with a 130mm fork, this bike gives you enough cushion to handle more aggressive trails while maintaining the responsiveness you want on smoother, flowy trails.
• Switch Infinity Suspension
• Yeti's Switch Infinity suspension system is, quite simply, a marvel. It provides an incredibly efficient pedaling platform and excellent small-bump sensitivity, offering a ride that is supportive and plush.
• Top-End Build Kit
• Yeti's TURQ series represents the pinnacle of their bike-building expertise, and the SB115 T3 is no exception. Outfitted with a top-tier SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain, Fox Factory suspension, and DT Swiss wheels, this bike is a high-quality thoroughbred.
• The Price Tag
• The TURQ series from Yeti comes at a premium price point. ($10,000) The SB115 T3, with its high-end build kit, carries a substantial cost which may be a significant hurdle for some.
• Not a Pure Climber or Descender
• While the SB115 does an excellent job of balancing cross-country and trail capabilities, riders focused solely on one discipline might find it lacking. It’s not the fastest climber or the most aggressive descender on the market.
• Press-Fit Bottom Bracket
• As with other Yeti models, the BB92 press-fit bottom bracket might be negative for some. It can complicate maintenance and has the potential for creaking issues, especially in muddy or dusty conditions.

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The 2021 Yeti SB115

The fastest trail bike and the most capable XC bike, all in one

Video Overview Details Build Kits Geometry

Have you ever asked yourself something like:

“Should I buy a cross country racing bike or a fast and fun trail bike?”

Yeti’s answer: “Why not both?”

You’d probably say, “Yeah well I can’t exactly go out and buy two brand new bikes right now.”

Enter the new SB115. Now you don't have to.

Watch the video and see what we mean

So what makes the SB115 such an innovative genre-bender?

Yeti has taken the main design of the SB100, their purebred short travel XC racing bike, and turned up the rowdiness so you get the best of both worlds.

On race day, the SB115 absolutely crushes climbs and is unbeatable on descents. It’s super responsive and erases little mistakes so the line you choose becomes the fastest way down. 

More control and more speed means more wins.

When you’re not on the course, the SB115 makes every millimeter of travel count, and makes for a killer trail bike that’s fun to whip around and pop up in the air. 

It is a Yeti after all.

Let's dive into the details...

Designed for modern XC racing

The rigors of cross country racing are getting tougher every year.

Longer, multi-stage events coupled with rougher terrain add a new element of difficulty that takes a serious toll on riders.

The SB115 goes a step further than the SB100, and is designed to excel in these extra demanding situations, all while providing a fun, natural Yeti feel when you’re out for a joy ride.

More rear wheel travel

The most notable difference for serious XC racers and trail riders comes from the 115mm of rear travel. To accomplish this, Yeti altered their Switch Infinity rocker link to accommodate a shock with a longer stroke. 

The Switch system still sits safely inside the frame like on the SB100, but the changes for 2021 allow the geometry to remain dialed for epically fast races.

The added travel helps provide comfort and control on grueling courses where hardtails just rattle your bones. Less fatigue on the body means you’re free to transfer that energy towards finishing first.

Plus, when race day is over and you’re just out for a good time, Yeti’s suspension system makes the bike feel much more fun, poppy, and capable than 115mm would suggest. Yeti rider Joey Schusler has said, “I’ve had to remind myself I’m not riding a SB130.”

The SB115 adds another 10mm of travel from the SB100 design, bringing 130mm of terrain-crushing suspension to the front end.

Yeti riders have noted that while the SB100 is definitely capable, it requires a higher level of precision when navigating tougher terrain. Geoff Kabush went on to say that the SB115 allows him to power through gnarly sections without worrying so much about being perfect.

This bike smooths out the course, and smooth is fast.

Efficient, Balanced, & Fun

The SB115’s geometry keeps the bike agile and responsive so you can rocket up climbs and navigate tight turns. The 74 degree seat angle keeps you in an efficient pedaling stance and the rear shock doesn’t work against you thanks to a high and flat anti-squat curve.

The 67.6 degree headtube angle is just a fraction slacker than the SB100 and offers the perfect balance between nimble handling and downhill control. Heading up, the bike feels punchy and quick. Pointed down, the SB115 feels confident and stable enough to have a blast on steep, rough trails.

While this bike is bred to win the most intense cross country races out there, it’s plenty capable enough for ripping up your locals trails, too.

SB115 Build Kits

Kit upgrades.

The C2 build kit can be upgraded to a SRAM AXS drivetrain.

The T1 kit can be upgraded with DT SWISS carbon wheels, and the T2 and T3 kits can be upgraded with AXS, carbon wheels, or both.

"T" stands for TURQ, Yeti's highest-end carbon fiber that provides the absolute best stiffness-to-weight ratio, and overall durability and performance that Yeti can make. 

C/series carbon is more affordable and still incredibly good, just not quite as light as TURQ.

Yeti SB115 C1

• Shock : FOX PERFORMANCE DPS 190 X 45MM
• Fork : FOX PERFORMANCE 34/130MM
• Drivetrain : SHIMANO SLX
• Brakes : SHIMANO DEORE 4 PISTON
• Wheelset : DT SWISS M1900 30MM

Yeti SB115 C2

• Drivetrain : SRAM GX EAGLE
• Brakes : SRAM G2 R

Yeti SB115 T1

• Fork : FOX FACTORY 34/130MM
• Drivetrain : SHIMANO XT
• Brakes : SHIMANO XT 4 PISTON
• Wheelset : DT SWISS XM1700 30MM

Yeti SB115 T2

• Shock : FOX FACTORY DPS 190 X 45MM
• Drivetrain : SRAM X01 EAGLE
• Brakes : SRAM G2 RSC

Yeti SB115 T3

• Drivetrain : SRAM XX1 EAGLE
• Brakes : SRAM G2 ULTIMATE

SB115 Geometry

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We search for prices on over 120 bike retailers to guarantee that we find the lowest prices – to save you time and money.

It’s a promise we stand behind: If you find a lower price on a bike elsewhere, we will sell it to you for 10% less. For example, if you find a bike for $480 that we have listed at $500, we will offer you to buy it for $432 through BikeRide. The bike must be the same color and size, sold in the US and not include the use of a coupon.

If you find a lower price, email us at [email protected] with documentation of the price. We’re committed to making sure that the cost of a bike does not keep you from cycling!

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Yeti SB115 . In summary, this is what cyclists think.

18 reasons to buy

• The SB115 is a short travel trail bike that is capable of long days in the saddle and multi-day stage races.
• Experts were pleased with the bike using the Switch Infinity suspension setup. With 115mm of rear travel, it offers support and cushioning over a variety of trails.
• A short seat tube allows for a longer dropper post.
• The geometry of the bike places riders in a balanced position for railing through berms.
• Tight, technical climbs and descents are easily maneuverable with the nimble handling of the SB115.
• Cables are cleanly routed with tube-in-tube pathways through the frame.
• Testers found there was minimal pedal bob when climbing. There is no need to lock out the shock on most climbs.
• The suspension has three adjustments: open, closed and trail mode. Switching between these allows riders to adjust the suspension to their riding terrain.
• Boost spacing and the Switch Infinity suspension system offer riders efficiency for climbing.
• Yeti uses a Maxxis Aggressor tire in the rear and a Minion DHF tire up-front. These excel on the type of hardpack trails found in the western United States.
• Four sizes, ranging from small to extra large, provide numerous riders with a size of the SB115 that suits them.
• The carbon frame is beautiful and durable, according to experts.
• Yeti offers the bike with Shimano or SRAM components.
• There is plenty of room for a full-size water bottle in the frame.
• The suspension setup offers fantastic small bump compliance. It floats over rocky and rooty trail sections.
• ISCG tabs are included, allowing riders to use a chain guide.
• A fender over the shock keeps it clean and free of debris.
• 780mm handlebars are wide and offer riders stability on trails.

4 reasons not to buy

• The bike is heavy. Even the small size weighs 27lbs.
• Yeti ask a high price for the SB115.
• The press-fit bottom bracket is not as easy to maintain as a threaded bottom bracket.
• Riders shorter than 5’1” can not use the bike. There is no extra small size.

Bottom line

Expert reviews, head to head: transition spur vs. yeti sb115 bike review.

The Yeti SB115 has better suspension, with geometry suited for riders who spend more time seated and steering through technical, lower speed trails.

Yeti SB115 TURQ3 in Review – A Motorless Rocket

With its nimble character and comfortable pedaling position, the Yeti SB115 TURQ3 is a great choice for sporty and experienced riders who are seeking maximum riding fun for fast post-work laps and long rides.

Field Test: Yeti SB115 – The One That Wants to Be a Trail Bike

The ideal SB115 owner is probably someone who rides cross-country but wants no part of that firm, what-have-I-done-to-deserve-this suspension action.

Yeti Cycles SB115 Test Ride & Review

It’s like riding a BMX bike. It’s so much fun.

2021 Yeti SB115 Review | So Nearly the Ultimate XC/Trail Mountain Bike

It’s a fantastic bike that does impress in many ways.

Yeti SB115 T1 First Ride Review

With a few tweaks to the SB100’s suspension, the SB115 is Yeti’s ‘downcountry’ bike – XC-bike efficiency mated with trail-bike components to create a bike that’s aimed at fast trail riders and those looking to head out for long singletrack adventures.

Slice Trails on the Lively and Precise Yeti SB115

Yeti counters the lower, longer, slacker trend and the result is a quick and agile short-travel trail bike.

Yeti SB115 | Review and First Ride Impressions

It’s literally just a blast to ride.

Yeti SB115 C1 Review. More Down Country MTB Than XC

This is Yeti’s XC/downcountry model.

Bible Review: Yeti SB115 T2 Turq $____

Yeti’s new XC bike is one you don’t want to judge by how it looks on paper.

Yeti SB115 Mountain Bike Review: ‘Down-Country’ 29er Slays Ups and Downs

Light and fast, with short suspension and relaxed enough geometry that you can hop, drop, and rail, they’re the flip side of the coin from the megatravel 29ers that nabbed riders’ attention over the past couple of years.

The Yeti SB115: A Cross-Country Bike for Riders Who Get Rowdy

Everyone likes to get a bonus helping of the good stuff, and with the 2021 SB115, Yeti indulges cross-country riders that want a little more plushness, a little more pop in the terrain park, a little more tiger in the tank.

Yeti SB115 T1 in Review – Uphill Efficiency Meets Downhill Fun!

The brand new Yeti SB115 was designed to deliver top climbing performance on long days in the saddle and still provide a hefty adrenaline rush on the way down into the valley.

First Ride: The New Yeti SB115 Mountain Bike

The company’s brand-new SB115 evolved from its super-capable SB100 cross-country model. The latest rendition is even more versatile and well suited to being an everyday trail bike for many.

User Ratings

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2021 Yeti SB115 T2 Bike (discontinued)

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O ur patented Switch Infinity Technology system has been redesigned to deliver 115mm of travel for this short travel frame and provide smooth and continuous pedaling performance when the going gets rough.

• 29-inch wheels
• 115mm rear travel // 130mm front travel
• Patented Switch Infinity suspension
• All-new linkage adds travel and capability while maintaining our desired geometry without an inverse affect on efficiency
• High modulus carbon fiber main frame and swingarm
• Integrated 2-bolt ISCG05 mounts
• Integrated 41mm / 52mm tapered headtube
• Custom downtube protector and chain guards
• Internally molded carbon tubes for hassle-free cable routing and a quiet bike
• Integrated axle and derailleur hanger system
• Boost hub spacing, front and rear
• Custom Switch Infinity fender
• Clearance for standard sized water bottle inside main frame
• Uninterrupted seat tube for compatibility with longer travel dropper posts
• Available in Anthracite, Turq, and Blanco colors

Cutting-edge, high modulus carbon is hand laid to create our Turq Series frames. That same stiffness and efficiency can also be found in our Carbon Series framesets.

The SB115 does away with the front derailleur mount, making it a 1x drive specific frame. 2-bolt ISCG05 chainguide mounts are there for you in case you need extra drivetrain security for rowdy sections.

The bike is designed with an integrated 41mm/52mm tapered headset. The headset bearings are contained inside of the head tube for a lower ride height, simplified installation, and increased stiffness.

Looks like an SB100, rides like an SB130. - Yeti Cycles

It's also fitted with a 190x45mm Float DPS shock by FOX. Custom seatstay, chainstay and downtube guards keep the ride quiet while protecting the frame. The SB115 features internally molded cable routing tubes, making the bike quiet and clean looking while reducing cable rub and overall maintenance. Dedicated 12x148mm Boost dropouts and the integrated hanger with axle threads provide strength, stiffness, and easy hanger and wheel installation.

Geometry and Sizing

An “appropriate” frame reach keeps racers agile, able to react to race tactics and tightly taped courses. The forward bias posture gives racers room to stay comfortable over long race days.

The SB115 uses a 130mm fork because our 115mm of rear suspension outperforms similar travel forks. When paired with our more forward biased position, this balances the bike.

Build Kits and Pricing

The bike is available in five builds ranging from $4,700 to $8,000 USD, or as a frameset for $3,400:

Visit www.yeticycles.com for more details.

Post a reply to: Yeti Introduces the SB115

Specifications, sizes and geometry.

Yeti website

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Lemonaid said: My 115 Click to expand...

iLuveKetchup

Are there any drawbacks going to a Fox 34 140mm fork? In terms of lifting the front/geo? I have an SB115 and was thinking of either going to a Fox 34 140 Grip2 or downsizing to a Fox 34 120 SC for the weight savings. Thoughts?  

No. You will be fine. May adjust stack a bit to suit your riding position.. Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk  

iLuveKetchup said: Are there any drawbacks going to a Fox 34 140mm fork? In terms of lifting the front/geo? I have an SB115 and was thinking of either going to a Fox 34 140 Grip2 or downsizing to a Fox 34 120 SC for the weight savings. Thoughts? Click to expand...

I just realized I combined responses for the two threads... Disregard and the GRIP2 was what I was wanting to post...  

Dirt Dude said: I just installed the new GRIP2 in the fork of my SB115 and have teh DX2 coming (Sucks, but not available until March 2021). I am not wanting to XC the bike and honestly, the fine tuning was what I was after. Easy to do for sure and allowed me to service the forks. You'd be amazed at how little lube and oil was applied for initial install. Click to expand...

Dirt Dude said: I just realized I combined responses for the two threads... Disregard and the GRIP2 was what I was wanting to post... Click to expand...

iLuveKetchup said: With regards to your Grip 2, how much travel did you go with? All good info! Thanks! Click to expand...

Does anyone know what size q-factor cranks for the SB115? The Yeti FAQ just says "wide" q-factor cranks? Is 172 wide or does it need to be 178? My SB140 has the Shimano M8100 which I believe is 172? Thanks.  

• 9point8 Slack-R angle headset to ~65.8* HTA.
• i9 Trail 270 w/ Forekaster (F) & Recon (R)
• Enve M5 & 50mm stem
• XT cassette
• XT Ice Rotors 203mm (F) & 180 (R)

wrinklefree

Beautiful. Thoughts on the new HTA??  

APDuncan27 said: I'm in the market for a new bike, and have narrowed it down to the Ranger, Spur and 115. I would run the SID 120 fork on the Ranger or Spur, would that be a good fit for the 115 as well, or would it make the head angle too steep? I think any of these bikes will probably suit my needs, I am looking for a light bike that is still fun, I live in the CO front range and mostly ride longer, intermediate trails, every once in a while I will ride something steep and chunky, but it's not really my jam. I like to go fast up and down, and at least one of my rides each week I am trying to set a PR. Going to enter a couple of races next year, including the Leadville 100. I want to perform well in these races but not at the cost of having fun going down and riding the occasional rowdy trail. The only MTB I have owned is my Devinci Troy, which is 150 both front and back and weights around 34 pounds, I'm sure the Ranger, Spur or 115 will be a lot easier going up! Possible I would keep the Troy and have a 2 bike set up but would prefer to sell it. Click to expand...

wrinklefree said: Beautiful. Thoughts on the new HTA?? Click to expand...

Love the build... A few questions - What made you go with the narrower wheelset with the slacker setup? I was torn with going to a thinner inner width wheelset but stuck with the 30mm internal. I did go up a size which will get me a slightly longer wheelbase, but wanted to see your thoughts on that direction with the bike. I also saw you dropped to a 120 fork which makes it more SB100-ish but then the slacker setup. Just wondering as it seems to go against what might be considered an XC setup by adding the slacker adjustable headset. But, with all the wheels and fork changes, makes me think you're doing more XC oriented stuff and then I get confused on the headset setup. Trying to see what you are thinking towards as I am always thinking with this bike and go XC focused at times and then I ride it like my SB4.5 and it seems like sticking with the Trail/AM side seems more fun for me... I love hearing others and their thoughts as it helps me determine ideas. Love the look and the build. So unique!  

Dirt Dude said: Love the build... A few questions - What made you go with the narrower wheelset with the slacker setup? I was torn with going to a thinner inner width wheelset but stuck with the 30mm internal. Click to expand...

Dirt Dude said: I also saw you dropped to a 120 fork which makes it more SB100-ish but then the slacker setup. Just wondering as it seems to go against what might be considered an XC setup by adding the slacker adjustable headset. But, with all the wheels and fork changes, makes me think you're doing more XC oriented stuff and then I get confused on the headset setup. Click to expand...

I’m about to trade my Large SB100 for a Medium. Am I better off grabbing a 115 instead? I plan on swapping all parts over to include my SC34.  

Jrintx said: I'm about to trade my Large SB100 for a Medium. Am I better off grabbing a 115 instead? I plan on swapping all parts over to include my SC34. Click to expand...

^ Nice! How do you like the oval chain ring? Also, do you like Ducatis?  

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