2019 Yeti SB130 Review

Has Yeti made the perfect one bike to do it all? It certainly is possible with the SB130. This modern mid travel 29r can handle anything you throw at it and punches both below and above it's travel category with ease.
[Review Segments]
Build/Geo - 00:41
Climbing - 3:39
Trail Riding - 6:02
Descending - 7:46
Comparison - 10:48
Final Thoughts - 11:54
[Links]
Beaufort Cycles: beaufortcycles.ca // / beaufortcycles
[Socialize]
Instagram: / island.bike.life

[@danielgibson5848]

Thank you for this review. I was flip flopping between the SB130 and 429 Trail, test rode both and was still having trouble coming to a decision. This video confirmed my thoughts on the Yeti and now just waiting for my GX Comp to be delivered. Cheers!

[@IslandBikeLife]

Thanks for watching, happy to help.

[@oot-n-aboot]

Yup, totally agree. Just picked up a ‘21 130LR. What an absolute joy of a bike! Was running a Mach 5.5 for the past two years, but then I demoed a 130 in bend, and a 130LR in Crested Butte...and, well, the rest as they say is history. I loved the pivot, but I adore my yeti. 👍🏼

[@IslandBikeLife]

Right on! Thanks for watching

[@Canadian0990]

I demoed an SB5.5 at Beaufort last year after a buddy of mine bought one in the GX build. Good shop. I really liked the pedaling platform, but as you mentioned, there are other options for that kind of money, so I decided to wait a little. Then Yeti comes out with their new 2019 models! I'll have to take one out for a run and reconsider my options. Great review. Thanks for throwing a wrench in my decision making. :)

[@IslandBikeLife]

Haha happy to help mess you up! Many options out there for sure but when you go with a Yeti you are paying for a few things including that switch infinity platform and very high attention to detail and quality that I have only seen beaten by Santa Cruz.

[@camodudemtbh7594]

Yeti SB130 my dream bike, my obsession🚲🚲

[@pjbeattie1]

Greetings and Happy New Year from Calgary! Good review, like the format, and the riding looks great!! I got my 130 just before the snow started flying here back in October so only got a few rides in. Cannot wait for spring!! Currently in Fernie in fat biking but that 130 is calling me and 4 months seems way too long to wait! Anyways, keep up the good reviews. Cheers!

[@IslandBikeLife]

Thanks Paul and stay tuned for more!

[@TheEYALT]

great review ..... i own a SB130 (regular) for a month and a half now, sooooo good ! never had a bike that fit me. i am 6'4 and 238.1lb (but who's counting:). for me is not so demanding on the turns, but i do charge or maybe have enough weight for the front and back :). i am so centered on the SB130 so on drops (not doing big ones) i do not need to make a huge effort to get the front level... it is just so amazing. The funny thing when i timed 38km rout (230m climbing, fast rout) it was exactly the same speed and the same average HR as my Ripley V3(same outside temperatures) . on the technical stuff the SB130 just wants to help you instead of "stuck" on the rocks like i felt on the Ripley V3. Do not get me wrong, loved the Ripley but when started to advance and ride harder/gnarly the bike just is not enough and hung up on stuff (best for down country). last bike the Ripley V3 with 9cm stem since it was too short, the V4 is worse (with 5cm stem), bought the Ripley V4 and left it in the bike shop, after waiting 8 month for the bike. it is so important to try the bike and see that it is OK for you and your current style of riding.

[@4wheelfan365]

Hey....I know that I'm late to the party but I just stumbled onto this video. Great review and as a yeti sb130 clr owner I agree with everything you mention. I bought my 2021 in August of 2020 and am loving it. I do think it is worth noting that while the yeti is still a bit more expensive than other brands....it seems like pricing on other more common brands are getting closer to yeti. I was a die hard Norco rider before my yeti but pricing on the new sight is in the same ballpark as my 130 CLR. So bottom line....bikes are expensive and it really just depends on each individual's comfort zone and budget. There is a bike to fit each budget these days. Thanks for the great review 👍

[@IslandBikeLife]

Yeah I agree, this whole idea of Yeti being wildly more expensive just isn’t the case any more. I am finding that most bikes have a comparable build to spec ratio as every other brand now. The exception being some direct to consumer brands which still have pretty solid value. Glad you are enjoying the bike!

[@ryandouglas4553]

Another great review for the weekend warrior. I ride mostly north shore in Vancouver. Primarily Seymour with Mt Fromme thrown in too. After your SB150 review I came close to pulling the trigger this December. After this review I am wondering if the SB130 would be better. Curious on your thoughts. Thanks for the time you put into your reviews. Really enjoy them. Keep it up.

[@IslandBikeLife]

Both will be excellent for the Shore. In 2 weeks a more in depth comparison between these bikes will be released so check back for that, might help you make your decision.

[@kermit456]

Washington state here. I’m just about sold based on this review. Sounds like it is perfect for this area. Thanks!

[@IslandBikeLife]

No problem thanks for watching!

[@51476]

Great review! I felt the exact same as you when I demod this bike. I’m thinking about getting this same build. Can’t justify spending thousands more for the Turq frame and Kashima coating. I’ve demod the 100,130,150,ripmo,ripley ls, Tallboy and Nomad and this came out the winner for me. I loved the climbing ability and how lively it felt when peddling and feel like it would be a perfect all around bike if it were just slightly more plush on the rockier faster descents. The Sb150 and ripmo were amazing but felt like a little overkill for a one bike quiver for me. Do you think a 160mm grip 2 would be the sweet spot?

[@IslandBikeLife]

Thanks for watching! The price jump to the Turq is no joke. I had trouble doing it on my Sb150 as the most expensive bike I have ever purchased. For me it made sense to pull the trigger after I sold some parts off etc to offset the overall cost but they are not cheap. The Turq SB130 will come with the Fit4 damper which is great and technically better than the GRIP damper on the CSeries frames though I personally like the feel of the Grip damper once dialed in. I think the better question is the overall part upgrade worth the cost than just the fork alone. Considering the only real difference is the cranks outside the suspension and the ‘factory’ suspension maybe? It won’t make the bike infinitely better but only you can answer if it is worth the extra $1000 for those smaller changes plus a half pound lighter frame.

[@mariorock76]

Yeti have made the CLR and TLR versions of the sb130, with 137mm of travel and 160mm of fork with the fox 36 grip 2. It starts to be very interesting! The best of both worlds in my opinion!

[@IslandBikeLife]

I totally agree!

[@brandonolson7068]

I've narrowed my big list of trail bikes down to 2: Yeti 130 & this Trail429.....until I saw the Switchblade yesterday... I've really enjoyed your reviews since I'm riding in eastern WA & we're about the same height. 85% of my riding will be local trails, but I'd like my 1st full.susp to be capable of chasing friends @ Silver MT several times a summer. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated & if the fam makes it up your way for summer vacay--it'd be great to find your shop!

[@kubiklefree]

Hi Nick, Have you ridden the SB5 v2? For me, it was the best bike I have ridden in my 30+ years of biking. I have yet to test ride the 130 (SB5 v2 for that matter) and it seems like a good option. I am x-country rider at heart, but learned to ride the downs following my DH/Jump park friends (I own and ride a slope bike). The reason I loved the SB5 v1 was it was good enough all around for me, but still very playful (I felt the SB5 v1 preferred to stick to the ground vs going in the air, which is my only negative of the bike). Even though I have to try the 130, did you feel it liked to get off the ground when you asked it to? From following my DH/Jump friends, I learned to go over obstacles rather than go around them. This is my big dilemma with the two bikes. In the end. Long days in the saddle is where I will be most, but I really need the bike to move and get in the air when I ask it to (for those "oh shit!" moments). This is where the wheel size comes and my perception that the 27.5 size is better. I feel your opinion would be very helpful and thank you!

[@IslandBikeLife]

Hey Stephen, I have time on the SB5 and it is a great all around bike for sure. As for the 130 I think it would meet your needs easily. It is a great all around machine and can handle technical and rough downhills. A friend of mine has one and rides almost exclusively on the north shore here in B.C. and he can’t get enough of it!

[@kubiklefree]

@@IslandBikeLife Thank you Nick, that is exactly what I needed to know and hear. Funny enough, I have stumble across the 100 as well and I am now going to decide between those two. I am cross country rider at heart, but I do have that downhill background chasing my friends. I truly appreciate you taking the time to reply to my long message! :)

[@IslandBikeLife]

No problem at all. By all accounts the SB100 is a great bike. I am trying to get my hands on one to do a similar review between it and the SB130.

[@vincentday6640]

You mentioned that the sb130 is just as efficient at 33 and 35%. If I set sag at 35% what could I expect? Thank you.

[@mariorock76]

Good review! I ride a Rocky Mountain Instinct BC Edition 2018. I like it but I ride light enduro, trail, and xc with my girlfriend. Do you think the sb130 would be more appropriate? I'm pretty big at 5p10, 230lbs ... How do you compare these two bikes? In climing, and downhill?

[@IslandBikeLife]

That’s a bit tricky. In order to match the spec on your current bike you are going to be at least in the Turq X01 build which is spendy. The SB130 will be a better bike uphill and when trail riding for sure having been on both, however, the B.C. Edition isn’t trying to be a trail bike so not a fair head to head. Going downhill they will be very similar in ability. It might be a better fit for what you are describing going to a 130 but if you can demo one first. I think it will blow you away.

[@mariorock76]

@@IslandBikeLife However, the BC Edition is classified as an aggressive trail bike according Rocky Mountain but I think it's more of an enduro, no? It is better in downhill than the sb130 with 155mm of travel.

[@IslandBikeLife]

Travel isn’t the only factor though. The Geo on the 130 is very similar though a bit more slack for downhills. The BC Edition is a capable Enduro bike for sure. Between these two bikes I would peg them very close. If you were looking at replacing your BC with an SB150 that would be a very different story. The SB130 is very similar to the now defunct SB5.5 which arguably beats out the BC Edition in the ways you are considering.

[@mariorock76]

@@IslandBikeLife I know that geo is also important downhill but there is only 0.4 degree head angle difference between the two bike. The Sb130 is 18mm longer(medium size) but it has 10 mm less on the fork and 25mm less on the shock ... The sb130 has nothing to fear downhill but it's lower than the BC Edition on this level in my opinion. But the sb130 is higher in uphill what must make a better bike all around than the BC Edition. I'm going to try it to get a better idea. Thank you for your opinion 😉

[@jonathanmergui3568]

Great review! Would you recommend this bike for Vancouver North Shore mountains? Can it handle some rougher trails?

[@IslandBikeLife]

Yes however I would probably look to the LR edition if you ride some of the bigger trails like 7th Secret, Crippler, Ladies only etc. Just for that extra travel front and rear

[@jonathanmergui3568]

Island Bike Life that’s what I was thinking. Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@juliaw1107]

last month is my second time mtbing... someone let me ride one of his yeti at 440 mtb park (hurt myself bcz I ride too fast...😂 i just flys out and crash) but it was fun…it’s a monster for sure, love it

[@IslandBikeLife]

That’s great! Stay safe and enjoy the ride.

[@mtbrat7155]

Great Video such a lovely Bike Bike too and good skillz Mate! Espescially the Singletrail climb was mad steep! Cheers Dude you're subbed ;)!

[@IslandBikeLife]

Thanks for watching and the sub!

[@lowgeez1]

very detailed review,nice.i need some advice.....where i live there are no jeti bikes even to see live so i have to order blindly.i have 2 very good offers,one is sb130 C GX 2019 for 4300 euros and a sb5 T-Series XO1 (27,5) 2018 for 4500 euros from 8500 euros. i can't demo them so i would really appreciate any advice,i can't find any comparison for those 2 models on YT or the net.thanks.

[@IslandBikeLife]

I would probably go with the SB130. Updated geo and that is a good price for a new Yeti.

[@lowgeez1]

@@IslandBikeLife yes,it is a good price but it is the c carbon.so you don't think c or turq have much of a difference?does the sb130 feel better when riding due to the updated geometry? my gut tells me to go for the sb130 but the specs and the turq frame on the sb5 having me thinking twice. thanks for your time man,i really appreciate it.

[@IslandBikeLife]

Don’t worry about the Turq frame. Is is slightly lighter and that’s all.

[@slapthatplank]

Terrific review of the Sb130, best I've seen so far. I did have a question though. I was looking at picking up an Sb4.5/Sb5.5/or RM Instinct either demo or used for $3-4k USD. Would it be worth the ~$1500 USD premium to get the SB130? I live in the midwest (US) and our trails are a lot of 150' climbs followed by a descent, but pretty rolling on average. The trails around here are pretty similar to what you showed in your video, although we do have a lot of technical riding with rocks. Thanks!

[@IslandBikeLife]

That’s a tough one. I have purchased used/demo bikes in the past without problems but you never know what has been done to them even though they will be sold as ‘new’ with warranty etc. It would come down to the cost spread, for me, $1500 for a brand new SB130 would be worth it.

[@delawarepro3539]

Let’s get a review of those IPA’s Behind you🍻 If possible Install the ElevenSix on SB130 and do a second review...💪

[@IslandBikeLife]

That would be pretty awesome. I have never been on an ElevenSix but would very much like the chance!

[@andrewdecker627]

What type of brake pads do you prefer in those wet climates? Were those metal/sintered you were running in this vid?

[@IslandBikeLife]

I normally run metal pads. They bite a bit better and last longer at the downside of some more noise.

[@williamrobinson2452]

@@IslandBikeLife New to the Disc brake genre, but in automotive servicing they apply a type of grease or non-resonating pad to the rear side of the pads to help prevent brake squeal. Is this not also done in cycling?

[@danielgibson5848]

@@williamrobinson2452 DO NOT APPLY AND LUBRICANTS OR GREASE TO YOUR ROTORS OR PADS!!! Unless of course you like buying new rotors and pads.

[@MrNickHanson]

Are you still happy with your choice on the SB150?

[@IslandBikeLife]

I am for sure. There will be a more in depth head to head released in a couple weeks, check back for it!

[@bobbybrandnew3277]

@@IslandBikeLife please help. In Arizona with a lot of rocky desert where bikes get beat up here. would you recommend the 130 or 150? I love the descend but not in the best shape or ever get there, lol so the climb is crucial. thanks for your thoughts.

[@nafnaf0]

@@bobbybrandnew3277 I would demo them both. Yeti's dealer page says there are a few shops in Phoenix that demo Yetis Airpark Bikes sb130 and Action Rideshop sb150.

[@NDemanuele1]

How does this compare to an Ibis Ripmo? Also, is there anything wrong with buying a base model build? Thanks

[@IslandBikeLife]

I find them very similar. You move around some travel numbers but they both climb really well. Both are fun on the trail and descend wonderfully. Very close call and really a fit and feel for each person at that point. The base model SB130 will get you there for sure. The nice thing is you will then have the frame that you can update parts as needed/wanted.

[@NDemanuele1]

@@IslandBikeLife Thanks for the response! Currently, for the past 4 years I been riding a V1 Ripley which is also a joy to ride. Now I'm beginning to research my next bike. I'm considering buying used (which I did with my Ripley) because I can get better parts ( like the groupset) and save some money. I did demo an SB5 and was very impressed with that bike. Although it's a 27.5, I felt it climbed as well as my Ripley but was more responsive on the descent (maybe because it's lower to the ground). My next bike is a tough decision there are so many choices! I think I narrowed it down to an Ibis or Yeti, just got to decide which model. Thanks again!

[@IslandBikeLife]

No worries! See if you can get on a SB130 for sure. The pedal platform on the switch infinity is really unique. The new geo on both these bikes is pretty similar. The RipMo is very similar to the older 5.5 so there will be some differences in how they feel but not drastically.

[@ScurvyMcGruff]

How does this bike stack up compared to the Ibis ripmo?

[@IslandBikeLife]

They are very similar in riding and fitment. I would happily take either one and they are so close in performance to me that it comes down to brand preference and which pedal platform you prefer. I like the switch infinity but the DW link is very nice and less maintenance.

[@ScurvyMcGruff]

@@IslandBikeLife It seems like they are very similar. So many good bikes out right now. It really is a great time to be in to mountain biking. At this point I know I will be more than happy with one or the other. Thanks.

[@frankmijares7668]

How is this 130 compared to the 5.5 descending?

[@IslandBikeLife]

I found them very similar. Looking at the geo numbers between both I wasn’t surprised that was the case, very similar Bikes.

[@chawkins45ify]

Please demo the ibis ripley

[@IslandBikeLife]

I have it in the back of my truck to demo tomorrow. Stay tuned!

[@chawkins45ify]

@@IslandBikeLife bad ass! Would love to hear how it stacks up to the SB130 and the druid

[@damiansmith391]

If u have sb5.5 is it worth it to upgrade to sb130?

[@IslandBikeLife]

Depending on your net cost to swap out yes. The climbing is so much better than my old SB5.5. Of the spread was too great to ignore than probably not.

[@williamrobinson2452]

*Really excellent & unique format with the split screen, love it!* I'm older & Old-Skool, retiring my '98 Klein Mantra/SID/Fox 26" for a New-Skool ride, but I don't like the idea of front loading the frame for peak handling performance, in fact I'm no downhill speed demon anymore - after a knee and a clavicle I glean plenty of joy from just being on the bike, breathing, pedaling, and love the twisty & technical & even appreciate a good efficiently done climb - but move to the side for the fast guys - med kit ready. lol SO, am I wanting a 2017 Tallboy? Jason (MTB YumYum) sure seemed to have a *blast* on the one he reviewed a couple years back. I don't mind great downhill stability because it's obviously safer at any speed, but for me, crisp handling is paramount. 27.5"? 29"? I've considered Mojo/Ripley/Ripmo, Stash-8, Canyon, YT, Yeti, Giant & SC but am really concerned I'm stepping into an arena I may not really want to. I'm XC-Trail at heart and doubt that's going to change. I value your opinion as one of the more level-headed reviewers I've enjoyed watching, and I can afford *any* build but I don't want to wa$te. - What have you been most impressed by in terms of crisp, snappy & playful handling but unconcerned with downhill speed?

[@rondre3000]

Thanks for the review. Great bike, but definitely not for everyone if price is a major concern. I would suggest the GX build (not Comp) for those interested as it is a lot more comparable to other brands at that price point.

[@IslandBikeLife]

Comparable with price but others at that price will have in general a superior part spec. The nice thing at the GX level is you get a good price on a frame that you can sell/upgrade parts overtime as you see fit. Thanks for watching.

[@rondre3000]

@@IslandBikeLife Sure, but there are others that are more expensive too. Take the Trek Fuel 9.8 @ $5400USD that is also spec'd w/ a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain. Specialized Stumpy Expert and Transition Smuggler go for $5000USD for their respective GX builds and the Santa Cruz Hightower is slightly cheaper at $4900. So compared to other brands, I think the Yeti SB130 GX build slots in quite nicely at $5200USD and you get their Lifetime Warrant. IMO, there isn't much bang for your buck at the GX comp level. XT brakes can be had fairly cheap and the upgrade from M1900 to M1700 wheelset + carbon X1 (not X01) cranks isn't enough to justify the $1K premium. But again, not everyone can afford a Mercedes and sometimes even those that can afford them don't want them. Cheers!

[@IslandBikeLife]

Yup absolutely. All various factors to consider for sure. Value or perceived value will be in the hands of the buyer anyways. It is a tricky price point but when you start getting up into the Turq framed it becomes even harder. The prices skyrocket there!

[@rondre3000]

@@IslandBikeLife Very true! Taking a listen to your SB150 review right now...another great one. Thanks for the insight. While I wish I had easier access to the trails that bike demands, I think I'd be very happy with the SB130 for the vast majority of my rides.

[@IslandBikeLife]

Yeah it is a very good all rounder that’s for sure. Will have a more in depth head to head out in 2 weeks. I wouldn’t go back on my purchase for a few reasons but regardless of what a lot of reviews are indicating these are very different bikes in my opinion. There is some cross over for sure but not interchangeable for everything.

[@keithgerlack7264]

How tall are you again?

[@IslandBikeLife]

6’1” or close to that.

[@alexanderaguilar5132]

If the sb 130 is a 10/10 in the climbs, the sb 150 will be 7/10...maybe? Or less?

[@IslandBikeLife]

8/10 or so. More in depth head to head coming in a couple weeks.

[@JohnSmith-jq5kl]

GX Comp is $6100 not $8400. 😳

[@IslandBikeLife]

These are Canadian prices like I said. And yes the exchange rate is that damn horrible! Yeti doesn’t seem to have fixed pricing like other brands like Santa Cruz for example so there is some flex in the numbers here.

[@phantasma2323]

Did this channel die?

[@NightmareCrab]

dentist category bikes, double the price of normal ones. shame

[@androconslet3314]

my dream bike please give away this bike bro