Yeti SB165

95/100
BikeRide Score
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
32.83, 32.58, 32.30, 31.80, 31.1 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Yeti SB165. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

12 reasons to buy

  • Performance was outstanding on rowdy descents.
  • For a long-travel rig, the SB165 pedaled uphills with the greatest of ease.
  • SRAM Code R brakes offered a high level of control.
  • The SB165 felt stable throughout varied and chunky terrain.
  • Well chosen components impressed experts.
  • Yeti offers the SB165 with a lifetime warranty and crash replacement program.
  • The OneUp bash-guide kept chainlines maintained when terrain got insane.
  • DT SWISS EX1700 aluminum rims offered a smooth ride.
  • The DHX2 rear coil shock was extensively and easily tunable.
  • Much to the relief of reviewers, the SB165 fits a bottle in the main triangle.
  • Neat, internally-guided cable-routing was easy to access and maintain.
  • Odi Elite Pro grips minimized fatigue on long runs.

7 reasons not to buy

  • The SB165 is undoubtedly expensive, especially in the Turq configuration.
  • Some felt that handling was great at speed but compromised on slow turns.
  • An expert felt that carbon wheels should have been stock at this price-point.
  • 27.5” wheels found more holes than 29”s. Some yearned for the larger hoops.
  • A rattling drivetrain was an annoyance and seen as unacceptable at this price.
  • One reviewer struggled with climbing on technical sections.
  • Most experts felt that the Maxxis Minion EXO+ tires needed upgrading to something with a downhill casing and a tougher sidewall.

Bottom line

This coil-specific rig offers 165mm of travel from the rear shock. Equipped with the Switch Infinity system, users are given a high level of control over anti-squat (the degree to which chain tension resists compression of the suspension system, due to pedal-power). For the SB165, Yeti has chosen 27.5” wheels, 460.1mm of reach and a 63.5° head-tube in their slackest geometry yet. A steep, 77° seat-tube contributes to this bike’s climbing abilities. Some experts were divided over the choice of 27.5” wheels, with some finding them playful while taller riders would have preferred 29”s. Either way, the SB165 is a high-spec, high-priced machine that performs at a high level.

Expert Reviews

90/100 based on 1 rated expert review
90

Vital Rides the All-New Yeti SB165

The SB165 is the one I’d call on when things are likely to get steep and deep, when you want to throw your bike around with ease, and when you want to mash through the rowdy bits without abandon.

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Bike Magazine

First Ride: Yeti SB165

…a perfect storm of tight geometry, a stiff chassis and suspension that seems able to both read your mind and tell the future.

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Freeride’s Alive – Riding the 2020 Yeti SB165

I’m going to stick with calling it a modern freeride bike. It’s lighter and much more pedal friendly than anything we used to lug around during the height of the freeride era, but the intended use is still the same.

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Yeti SB165 Turq T2 First Ride Review

While the Yeti SB165 is impressively stable, composed and efficient, I can’t help thinking the same bike with bigger wheels would be just a little bit better.

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[Tested] Yeti SB165

It is not a classic enduro all-rounder, because it requires a very active riding style that is accustomed to modern geometry, almost to exasperation.

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Gear Junkie

Yeti SB165 Mountain Bike Review: Pure Fun

If you like to style your ride, hop off little hits, and whip your bike through tight turns and features, the SB165 is the bike for you.

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ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

Yeti SB165 First Ride Review – Rip or Race?

The SB165 loves to jump, the supportive mid-stroke lets you hammer the life out of every take-off, always getting the maximum airtime possible.

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Yeti SB165 Unveiled

…when it came time to descend, the Yeti SB165 felt all but unstoppable, soaking up all manner of bumps and drops in a confident and controlled fashion.

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Yeti’s SB165 Is a Big Bike for Big Mountain Riding

If I decided tomorrow that I was going to race big mountain enduros, this would be my bike of choice without a doubt. The traction and responsiveness that this bike provides … is unbelievable.

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Steel Spring Balancer from Colorado [German]

The eye-catching switch-infinity rear triangle blends well with the steel spring damper and always gives just the right amount of travel.

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User Ratings

100/100 based on 1 ratings
  • 5 star
    100%
  • 4 star
    0%
  • 3 star
    0%
  • 2 star
    0%
  • 1 star
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Rankings

Compared to other bikes
#1 Best Freeride
Top 20%
#6 Best Enduro
Top 20%
#2 Best Yeti Bike
Top 30%
#110 Best of All Bikes
Top 20%

Bike Comparison

Yeti SB165 in comparison to averages

Forum Discussions

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