Yeti SB135

92/100
BikeRide Score
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Users (0 ratings)
0
Experts (3 reviews)
88
Yeti SB135
Where to buy
$4,800.00 World­wide Cyclery See it $4,800.00 evo See it
See at World­wide Cyclery
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Facts

Gender
Men, Women
Type
Trail, Non-Electric, Mountain
Release Year
2023
Brand
Yeti
Wheel Size
27.5”
Number of Gears
12 (1x12)
Gearing Type
External Derailleur
Weight
30, 31, 32 lb
Suspension
Full
Brake Type
Disc: Hydraulic
Frame Material
Carbon Fiber

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Yeti SB135. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

15 reasons to buy

  • The SB135 comes in seven builds (two 'Lunch Ride'), covering a wide range of budgets.
  • Lunch Ride editions get beefier tires, an additional 10mm fork travel, and more powerful brakes for gnarlier shredding.
  • Testers say the low top tube, XS frame sizing, and 27.5" wheels make the SB135 a good option for short riders (4'10" and above).
  • Multiple experts call the bike super playful and nimble, ideal for jibbing. They highlight how the SB135 makes even mellow and "boring" trails fun again.
  • Riders enjoy the improved acceleration and agility that 27.5" wheels provide over 29ers.
  • The SB135's pedaling efficiency impresses experts. One claims that they never needed the suspension lockout.
  • Yeti provides lots of room for dropper posts (150mm on S/XS, 175mm on M, 200mm+ on L/XL).
  • An expert says pedaling and shifting on the T4 Turq's SRAM XX AXS Transmission are "smooth as butter".
  • Several reviewers regard the SB135 as one of the most fun bikes tested this season.
  • Riders agree that the SB135 is a great descender.
  • Testers appreciate how easily the bike changes lines, so the 27.5" wheels don't get bogged down in technical sections.
  • One expert says he rode two double black diamond trails just like he would have on a 29er.
  • Testers relish how the SB135 compensates for rider error.
  • An expert says the comfort and traction of the LR T3's DT Swiss EX 1700 aluminum wheels reduce rider fatigue, giving them more control at the end of a trail.
  • The SB135 is compatible with a 29" front wheel and fork.

6 reasons not to buy

  • As with all Yeti bikes, the SB135 is expensive.
  • Some testers find the bike a bit sluggish when climbing.
  • The SB135's compact geometry and smaller wheels require the rider to move their weight around more than on typical 29ers, which roll more easily over techy terrain.
  • One expert believes a longer front center would help the SB135 better cope with steep, rocky descents.
  • One tester thinks the Lunch Ride T3's Maxxis EXO+ tires lack grip when going fast through corners.
  • The Lunch Ride builds don't come in XS or S sizes.

Bottom line

The SB135 is a premium carbon-framed 27.5" trail bike. The standard builds have 150mm/135mm front and rear suspension. The Lunch Ride versions get an extra 10mm front travel. This bike is designed with the goal of having a good time. However, Yeti's "dopamine machine" is as pricey as it is adept at having a blast. Though designed for fun, not racing, it demands a more active, skilled riding style than 29er fans might be used to. Overall, reviewers are united in their praise of the SB135's performance, playfulness, and ability to spice up "mellow" and "boring" trails.

Expert Reviews

88/100 based on 3 rated expert reviews
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87
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This review has been given a score. Read more here
The Radavist
Level 4 expert

To Switch Infinity and Beyond: A 27.5″ Yeti SB135 With SRAM Transmission Review

Level 4 expert

…riding a carbon rocketship like the SB135 is a real treat. It climbs with a relaxed yet precise demeanor and demands an adapted riding position when coming from a 29er sled.

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89
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
Gear Junkie
Level 5 expert

Yeti SB135 Mountain Bike Review: Hops, Jibs, and Rails Like No Other, Especially if You’re Shorter

Level 5 expert

If you’re a rider who desires fun over absolute performance and who loves to look for every rock, bump, and stump to jib off of, this bike will add snap, pop, and air to your lines.

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87
?
This review has been given a score. Read more here
Pinkbike
Level 5 expert

Review: 2023 Yeti SB135

Level 5 expert

The SB135 is a fun-focused trail bike that can handle long days of hard pedaling as well as a day sessioning jumps and features…

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The Loam Wolf
Level 5 expert

Introducing the New SB135 The Dopamine Machine

Level 5 expert

I have not had the time to truly push the limits of the new Yeti SB135, but from first impressions I can safely say that it is a surprisingly capable bike both up and down the hill, whilst providing that dual-slalom mindset when you hit up the local flow trail.

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Mountain Bike Action
Level 4 expert

2023 Yeti SB135 – Bike Review

Level 4 expert

It’s really an extraordinary bike: very, very, very, fun, and there’s really not much more to say about it, aside from that.

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GuyKesTV
Level 3 expert

Yeti SB135 ‘Dopamine Machine’ Trail MTB Live Ride Review

Level 3 expert

Such a good bike, this. This is really changing my opinions on 27.5.

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off-road.cc
Level 5 expert

Yeti SB135 LR T3 First Ride Review

Level 5 expert

It’s a bike for small riders but also those who want the ultimate in maneuverability without sacrificing confidence when throwing themselves down something more technical.

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NSMB
Level 4 expert

Yeti Cycles SB135 Lunch Ride T3 Review

Level 4 expert

I’ll be sad to see this Yeti go…The 160/135 SB135LR is as perfect a ride as it was designed to be. I’ll say it again, there has been no bike as fun…

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BikeRumor
Level 5 expert

Yeti’s New 27.5” SB135 is Playful and Agile Without Sacrificing Trail Capability

Level 5 expert

This versatile MTB has everything it needs to handle technical trails, but it keeps its dimensions on the smaller side allowing it to rail tight corners, whip around pumptracks, and jump with a lot more agility than a big ol’ 29er.

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ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine
Level 5 expert

New Yeti SB135 TLR Transmission T3 2023 First Ride Review – 650b Ain’t Dead! [German]

Level 5 expert

The Yeti SB135 TLR Transmission T3 is clearly more than a nostalgic blast from the past, clearly standing out from the 29″ crowd and slapping a massive smile on your face with its playful character.

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User Ratings

0/100 based on 0 ratings
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  • 3 star
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Rankings

Compared to other bikes
#17 Best Trail
Top 30%
#32 Best Mountain
Top 30%
#4 Best Yeti Bike
Top 50%
#169 Best of All Bikes
Top 30%

Best Trail Bikes

Trail bikes with the highest BikeRide Scores
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Bike Comparison

Yeti SB135 in comparison to averages
Yeti SB135
92
Average All Bikes
86
Average Yeti Bike
89
Average Trail Bike
87

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