2023 Yeti SB140 vs SB120 Head to Head Comparison & Review

[@robpfrogner2721]

I think what you’re missing is that some people prefer the climb. The exercise on a bike that holds its line on technical climbs, yet still performs when coming back down. That’s where the 120 peaks.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, both these bikes are highly competent climbers

[@BryanLinfesty]

Yum Yum is always spot on. I live in NE and my speeds are low. Sold my long travel bike, bought a Ripley with a 36 at 140mm, Rekons….it so fun! Blues better with a sporty bike over big. Thanks for the best bike reviews and advice!

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah buddy!! Your bike sounds dialed!!

[@edwinlarsen7942]

"I like to go really fast and do really scary stuff at lot of the time." Love it!

[@sirvince7853]

It is a great time to be a mtn biker just wish I was 20 years younger to take on a long travel bike

[@scottdarragh6946]

Thank you so much !! I pulled the plug on a 140 Lunch ride yesterday and took advantage of their sale as I had been toying back and forth as this will be my "do it all" bike and most likely will be my last one. The last bike I purchased and just sold was a 1996 Cannondale Super-V 900 spec'd out but def out of date with all the new tech. As I am a little older and have some arthritis in my spine, I figured getting the 140 would be a little more comfy for me and the New England trails.. Can't wait to hit the Loon mountain bike park this spring!! thanks again for your breakdown.

[@mtbyumyum]

Congrats! Did you end up using one of my links to purchase or go through Salt Cycles?

[@scottdarragh6946]

Unfortunately no as I used my local bike shop Cycles Etc. Manchester, NH@@mtbyumyum . They were great. Looked at Devinci, salsa, ibis, but felt as if the yeti checked off all the boxes plus I always wanted one since I used to live in CO. I did look at the salt cycles site which was very nice. I used to live in Denver and biked all over colorado but now I need to get back into it not only for my mental health but physical as well. Kids are still small, but that won't last for long. need to get them on bikes soon. I don't know how you do it between working, kids, wife and a channel... Keep up the good work!!

[@mtbyumyum]

Nice. In the future, it's a huge help when people purchase using the affiliate links below the video or from Salt Cycles as they both support the channel. Good luck with the kiddos.... it's super busy but totally worth it to live a full active life!!

[@oregonphototrekker8894]

Thank you so much for all your videos. It’s really helping my selection process.

[@mtbyumyum]

Happy to help!

[@AOL0321]

How does the SB120 compare to the Tallboy on descents and technical climbing? I know it’s a more efficient pedaler, but I wonder if it damps small to mid sized bumps as efficiently as my Tallboy? Plus the Santa Cruz customer service is phenomenal!

[@mtbyumyum]

I'm anxious to try out the new Tallboy... it's always been the class leader on the down hill in the past... I've got one lined up for next week... we'll see if it actually happens!

[@dajtothe3472]

Fun review as always. Try out a SCOR 4060 ST if you get a chance. Amazing ride. Would be interested to your thoughts on how it compares to the 140, switchblade, ripmo, etc.

[@scottflowers8601]

Started looking at the short travel trail bikes to ride local trails but also needed something that could handle some light gnarly stuff. Built a 2023 Top Fuel with a 130 Pike and 120 Cane Creek IL coil. I couldn’t imagine a better bike. Great video, keep up the good work

[@willemdesmond4876]

Are you planning on doing a Transition Smuggler review anytime soon? Looks like a really interesting bike in this category.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yes, I should have one soon

[@bikebudha01]

After doing so many bike reviews, has MTB yumyum ever thought of doing a tire shootout? (My suggestions to include Specilized Butcher and Ground Control. And for retro fun, if you can get your hands on a set of Panaracer FireXCpro tires).

[@mtbyumyum]

Love the Butcher!! Just bought another one in T7 to see if it's as good as the T9 I have now.

[@bikebudha01]

@@mtbyumyum Love to hear if you can tell the difference between T7 and T9...

[@frienduro24]

The top tier SB120 at 12k is just under 28lbs. That’s a tank for a small bike, Yeti really beefed up the frames this generation.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, that's why I try and point out the Ripley might be a better option if you're leaning toward the 120mm bike... The Ripley is also priced better and is more fun at more moderate speeds.

[@echobenav8]

Love these head to head videos! Quick question, and apologies if you covered this already, but are you riding the 140 Lunch Ride or standard 140? And would that change your assessment? Thanks again for putting all the time into these videos.

[@mtbyumyum]

Good point. I'm on the Lunch Ride... so, 160mm fork and float x shock... Yeah, I'll bet the standard 140 is an interesting balance between the two bikes... 150mm fork and dps shock as I recall. Thanks for pointing this out. I wrongly assume everyone buying an SB140 is getting a LR edition... my bad!

[@MarioXcore1]

I already have a rail29 so the 120 is my next N+1. It’s also fun to be underbiked now and then, just to dial up the sketch.

[@mtbyumyum]

Dial up the sketch haha that's awesome! I've got a Rail29 on order... pumped to ride that bike.

[@MarioXcore1]

@@mtbyumyum oh yesss can’t wait for that review! You’re gonna love it man

[@gregoryjhickman]

I have rail 29. Was looking at 120 as my short travel. You like that combo?

[@PM-xr5lt]

Great review, I wish I could get the 120, It looks great, but if I got all the ones I wanted my bank account would empty faster than Mach Chicken,,, :) I already have two bikes, I am team Ibis, I just got the Ripley. It was the best bike for my trails and have a Ripmo V2 (I need to sell), I'm in San Diego and the Ripley is super. The Yetis look great and like you said it's a great time to be a mountain biker, we have come a long way from the ridged Fat Chance bike I had with the 26 by 1.75 tires,,,,, Thanks again for the fun informative videos.

[@mtbyumyum]

Ripley > sb120 so I think you’re good👍

[@jamiemilton3973]

If by any chance, you still own your RMB Element, would you consider doing a head to head between something like the SB120, trail 429 and the Element. That could be a rad video! Cheers

[@thomasbobby7444]

I 👍 agree

[@Gavlister]

This would be interesting. I own an SB130 and recently took the Element for a spin. They have similar geo and felt very similar when sitting on them. As a result I hit things much much harder than I would normally expect from a 120 travel bike. Despite similar geo, the Element felt so balanced in turns and I found I could push harder despite lighter tyres because I never felt I would lose the front. Ended up getting a PR on a Black section that I have ridden a hundred times. Maybe the SB120 will be better?!?

[@mtbyumyum]

The Element has a lot of traction in part due to it's long wheel base... longer than most 120mm bikes. It's a neat little bike for sure! After owning it for a time, I missed the snappy feeling of shorter wheel base bikes like the Ibis Ripley and Yeti SB115.... the SB120 is actually a very good balance although a bit on the heavy side compared to these other bikes.

[@jameshall9053]

@mtbyumyum any chance your going to get your hands on a SB120 LR?

[@billw_mtb3220]

Great comparison! It would be a real tough choice for me make. For me a 135-140mm bike is as big as I ever need.

[@mtbyumyum]

Looking forward to riding the current Tallboy… might be right between these two bikes.

[@briangong007]

Another great comparison video. Your description of the 120 fits its lineage of Yeti trail bikes that punched about its numbers like the Sb45c. I offer this version of increasing the down performance of the 120... You could over fork 10mm and run a Float X shock Creating a "lunch ride" build. I have successfully done that with my Sb45c and my Sb115 in the past.....great bikes and like you Sb140LR is my go to for my riding...

[@mtbyumyum]

Totally agree... I remember a buddy of mine had a dpx2 and 150mm fox 36 on his sb4.5.... and rode it in crazy sketch stuff lol they just go!

[@briangong007]

@@mtbyumyum the other thing I may add Imho....the 140LR is closer to the 150 than it is to the !30LR. The 120 is closer to a 130 has been my observation riding all of them. For the 120 , it would be interesting for you to ride it with the new 2023/24 Fox Float shock on it.

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I spent a week (about 70 miles) on the new Pivot Mach 4 and it has the new Fox float shock... it's very good! About the 150 vs 140 LR... It's been a minute since I last rode the 150 but I remember it feeling like a big burly straight line beast... the 140 LR feels more approachable and can access the "feel" of the bike at lower speeds than the previous sb150... maybe not as stiff too.

[@briangong007]

@@mtbyumyum I have a 150 and the longer slacker geo definitely less flickable than the 140LR. 140LR feels a bit more stable at speed and on the down vs the 130LR while maintaining good climbing and maneuverability like the 130LR..imho. Great to be a mtber right now 😁

[@freddynogueira1803]

What kind of speeds are talking about being slow and fast. I went with a 120. But just curious

[@rayshaver5253]

Great Video...I'm curious how the 120 compares to the old SB115. I remember how you loved that bike which made me feel good because that's what I have. I actually love it more than ever and typically ride it more than my SB130 out here in PA. It's just such a blast. Wondered what you might say, do I need a 120? lol

[@juanhidalgo7043]

I have the yeti sb140 and I love it. I also have the yeti sb160 and it is my daily driver even on mellow blue trails. I don’t think the yeti sb120 will do for me. I can see the yeti sb120 (or the new yeti XC) for marathon or true XC trails. The one thing I will say, on yeti bikes, you need to be on the front side as supposed to a Santa Cruz tallboy (or Hightower) where your body position is more toward the rear.

[@morF1ni]

Great video. Thanks. Sb160 vs sb140 soon?

[@mtbyumyum]

Possibly!

[@michaelbrune7186]

I’m really trying to figure out which is a better option. Is it possible to quantify the climbing difference between these two? Does the firm switch help much on the 140? I’ve not been on a 120 but would choose it if the climbing difference were very meaningful. 140 comes down awesomely. Would you pick it if your ride includes 2500 to 3000 feet of ascent?

[@furion..]

Hey Jason, do you remember which one of your videos showed you launching a power bar off of the specialized dropper post?

[@furion..]

Jason I also meant to ask how much difference you think it would make to have a 36 fork on the SB-120 in terms of your comparison-description at 7:47 ?

[@mtbyumyum]

Haha good memory! Here: 2019 Specialized Stumpjumper Test Ride & Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnLGhIqtqtB3fq8

[@furion..]

@@mtbyumyum Thanks! ...now I'm hungry 😂

[@justinlavish3862]

I got a SB130 C2 on a great deal right when these bikes came out. No regrets, as I love how the bike rides and I don’t think I could’ve afforded a Yeti without the discount, but I’m really curious which of these bikes you think feels more similar to the 130.

[@wgnwheels333]

Would love to see you do a yeti vs pivot ebike, yes really review to see how you think they ride more than the e side of it

[@tamwar3]

How do you think the transition smuggler would compare to these and or the pivot 429?

[@SplatteredWRX]

Do you still think the Revel Ranger is relative with how these shorter travel bikes are evolving?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, for sure. I still think bikes like the Revel Ranger, Yeti SB115 and Ibis Ripley are some of the most fun shorter travel trail bikes available! I will be sad to see more brands move aways from bikes with geometry and suspension travel like these...

[@GravelMountainRoad]

Looking forward to the Revel Rail 29 and Yeti SB140 comparison. 😊

[@mtbyumyum]

Yep! Me too!!

[@GreenTimYoung]

Amazing. I was just thinking I wonder if anyone has compared a 140 to a 120… what did you mean when you said the 140 is more demanding to ride? Btw, tested a 140 XL last week and I’m on a L this week.

[@mtbyumyum]

the 140 LR feels more demanding than the 120 in terms of it's geometry... the 120 is slightly more comfortable climbing... the sta isn't as steep and hta at 66.5 is just more easy going... I always notice right away when I get off a bike with a 77+ degree sta and 65 or slacker hta and get back on a less progressive bike how much more comfortable it is and just handles better when pedaling along the trail. The steeper sta is nice for really steep climbs but that's it... I otherwise prefer the 75-76 degree sta much better. Also at slower speeds, the 120 is just easier.... easier to maneuver and feels zipper... less demanding meaning less rider input. Hope that makes sense?

[@erikwright92]

Hey Yum Yum, I commited to a sb120 over the weekend and your comparison is really making me second guess it. I went back through my strava and only found a couple of times that I am hitting speeds over 22mph, but I am hitting 20mph on almost every ride. Not as much downhill in Southern Michigan. I had a Trail 429 before this and so far I am liking the pedaling better, but a little less capable down. I am thinking if I can get ahold of the lunchride suspension for the 120 that might split the difference good enough for my riding speed/terrain. Any of your input would be great, love your content!

[@RyanAmirault]

Have you considered reviewing anything from Spot like the Ryve or Mayhem 130?

[@brighamyates]

Just rode ladder last week for the first time. Where the heck are you hitting 34Mph? My top speed was 24 but that was also going in blind.

[@mtbyumyum]

Ride from yesterday on the Stumpjumper: www.strava.com/activities/9208759676/segments/3100863503748071970 Here is the ride on the SB120 the day I filmed... 31 mph: www.strava.com/activities/9208759676/segments/3100863503748071970 I often hit top speeds of over 35 mph on Jacobs... typically on bigger bikes: Ripmo, SB140 and the like...

[@bbarend100]

These speed comparisons seem odd. How are the climbing characteristics, which one is lighter at the same build? I’m coming from a 130 and not sure which one is more comparable. Maybe I’ll just lighten up my 130.

[@mtbeliever5833]

I’ll take the SB130

[@josephcoppolino9929]

Any chance you'll be reviewing the Transition Smuggler any time in the near future?

[@mtbyumyum]

Should have one within 2 weeks

[@josephcoppolino9929]

You're the man! Thanks for the great content! I watch all your reviews.

[@Jacob99174]

Jason - excellent review as usual. I love these two bikes Wants your opinion on either Fox 34 Factory Step Cast or SID Ultimate 120? Which would you say is better overall?

[@mtbyumyum]

Thank you! I really don't have enough time on the Sid to have an informed opinion... I put one on my daughters Ibis Exie though!

[@earnesthurley6441]

Picked up my new 140 a few weeks and absolutely love it! One thing noticed are these faint white marks on the raw carbon are these graphics? I’m not sure they seem blotchy in some areas

[@mtbyumyum]

Interesting, I've not seen those on my 140

[@Gavlister]

Hey. How does the handling differ? I have an SB130 and love it. However, I'm considering a more neutral bike where I don't have to lean so far forward to feel confident with front grip.. I recently borrowed a Rocky Mountain Element and was blown away at how capable and fun it was. Despite the lighter tyres I always felt in control and found it easy to slide into corners. Was thinking that the SB120 with the longer chainstays may be a little more neutral?

[@mtbyumyum]

Yeah, I think the sb120 would be a great alternative to the sb130 for someone not needing those higher end speed limits. The 120 is also less demanding and more approachable than the 130. Call Chris at Salt Cycles and see what he can do for you... I know he's been taking excellent care of yumyum subscribers! 801-943-8502

[@akaktm]

I believe the SB140 would be ideally paired with a Mach 4SL, Ripley or, to be more budget and Yeti agreeable, an SB115. Seems the 120 is too close to the 140 and the 120 weighs close to the 140.

[@mtbyumyum]

Spot on! The 115 would be fun but M4… too good!! Fingers crossed mine shows up soon!

[@xav_1029]

I had an overbuilt Ripley (bigger brakes, fork, tires) and moved to a Canfield Tilt. Miss my Ripley tbh. Which bike would you say is an overbuilt Ripley? All the changes I made were due to overwhelming it, but I loved that bike. We have slower flatter trails with lots of features.

[@mtbyumyum]

I guess the sb120 but it feels pretty different from the Ripley…

[@chadclark2070]

Both great bike's

[@mtbjd3046]

I am tempted to sell my 2020 Trail 429 for the SB120... Just cannot think of a reason yet to make me justify it. I want to find one though. Already have a SB130LR. What do you think Jason... Worth it or nah.

[@mtbyumyum]

I personally wouldn't trade out a T429 for the SB120.... I think you're already on the better bike. That said, if you're simply looking for a change, that would do the trick! Personally, I'd rather be on a Ripley. Good luck!

[@mtbjd3046]

The Ripley… now that is an idea. DW link is IMO better at climbing and has more “pop”. Switch infinity is a more plush ride especially when things get sandy.

[@jordangottlieb3199]

What’s your thoughts on the newly announced SB120 LR?

[@jimmyireallyhatetore]

WhT tires do you recommend for the 120. Stock tires are beefy but super heavy.

[@clintondavies8098]

Another great review 2 great bikes I would go with 140 between the 2 I'm about to buy a new bike yeti sb 140 or the stumpjumper which would you go for? 🤔

[@mtbyumyum]

I would say the SJ evo is more similar to the 140 and original stumpjumper to the sb120... I've got a video coming out soon between the evo and 140. Hands down the 140 is a better bike in every way... but the evo is very good and attractive value at the current discounted price... I own both!!

[@Gavlister]

@@mtbyumyum sorry to repeat questions I have posted earlier but do you find with the SB140 that you still need to hang off the front to weight it?

[@mtbyumyum]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2rHo2Nudstpf8U

[@suhulhaile3435]

Great video, many thanks. Really interested to hear your opinion of the SB135... SB135 vs. 140 head-to-head maybe?

[@mtbyumyum]

That would be fun…

[@neilrichards9633]

Conversely, I'd be interested in SB135 versus SB120, my thinking being, is the difference in wheel size offset by the difference in suspension travel?

[@mtbyumyum]

After all the different bikes I've ridden, I'd say the 29" wheel is good for close to 20mm in travel over the 27.5 wheel... different suspension systems are a factor as well but I'd say that's about right... 120mm 29er can handle similar terrain at similar speeds as a 140mm 27.5 bike... but even then I think most people are better off with the 29er unless the rider is pretty small... sub 5'4" even then I have my 5'2" daughter on a short travel 29er...

[@neilrichards9633]

@@mtbyumyum That's helpful, thanks. I'm 5'6" and come from a motorbike trials background, so favour technical riding over high speed straight-lining obstacles.

[@suhulhaile3435]

@@mtbyumyum Yup, super interesting. I'm 6'4", and riding a highly modified XL v2 Bronson (so, angle adjust headset making it 65 deg HTA, 160mm Grip2 fork and X2 shock, so it rides well now), but it's definitely way short (tweaked with a long stem). Been more interested in improving my riding than buying a new bike, but geometry changes seem to have settled down, and now changes seem to be mostly about suspension kinematics. Of course an SB135 means buying frame only and moving the components over, so half the price of an SB140. I'm more interested in fun than outright speed (there are motorbikes for that!) hence the question... but maybe I should just bite the bullet! Thanks again...

[@khema6085]

How would you compare your stumpy vs your SB140

[@mtbyumyum]

I've got a SJ evo VS SB140 LR video coming soon... The original stumpy is more similar to the SB120 in my experience.

[@MikeHunt-en7fo]

brandy and yumyum! been a roadie for 6 months 🤣

[@mtbyumyum]

Fun! My wife just did a 100 mile event... I still have a road bike but it see less than 500 miles a year...

[@Makula1]

Hey men i want to know what do you think about this bike : REIGN ADV PRO 29 1 giant . Your opinion is very important to my Thanks 🙏🏼

[@gregoryjhickman]

@mtbyumyum how would you compare 120 to your Rocky Mountain element?

[@dtolios]

SB120 vs Element? How are these different?

[@mtbyumyum]

Pretty different... sb120 is the better bike other than it's sort of heavy... the Element can feel a bit long in the wheel base... the SI suspension is just head and shoulders better... they're just really different

[@timgair6930]

Which bike is the most DH capable? SB 120, Ripley, Trail 429, Ranger, or Stumpy?

[@mtbyumyum]

Probably the stumpy… then sb120 and T429

[@dralexbrothers]

How does it compare to Pivot 429 enduro

[@mtbyumyum]

Never rode the T429E

[@dralexbrothers]

@@mtbyumyum ok how about the 429

[@mtbyumyum]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYe2nYOlhKt8iZo

[@michaeldevries2482]

Hard to beat the color of the 140!

[@mtbyumyum]

💯🙌

[@marksandoval5361]

I think the sb120 missed in two ways. First, the sb120 should come with the same geo as the sb140. A 65* HTA and 77* is about ideal for a Trailbike. Second, the sb120 should come with the 140mm Fox 34. Why not get that extra 10mm of travel. It doesn't add weight or cost compared to the 130 Fox 34.

[@mtbyumyum]

I see what you're saying... I love the geo on my Stumpjumper but for me, the standard sb140 will likely fit the bill for a lot of people between the sb120 and sb140 LR... I maybe should have been more clear about that in the video...

[@marksandoval5361]

@@mtbyumyum Just a few thoughts. 1. If you're going to choose the shorter travel bike, it should be lighter, climb better, and pedal more efficiently than the longer travel bike. Why accept less suspension if you get no benefit. Does the sb120 do that compared to the sb140? 2. Front suspension matters more than rear suspension. Therefore, the fork should have more travel and better quality travel than the rear suspension. 3. If it doesn't add significant cost or weight choosing the longer travel fork makes sense. Therefore, the 140mm Fox 34 is better than the 130mm Fox 34. And, the 160mm Fox 36 is better than 150mm Fox 36. The sb140 LR(Lunch Ride) with the longer 160mm fork is the bike to pick. I wish Yeti made an sb120 LR(Lunch Ride) with a 140mm Fox 34. 4. If I could design my own Trailbike, it would have 120mm rear suspension for light-weight efficient climbing and pedaling and a 160mm Fox 36 Grip 2 fork to maximize the quantity and quality of front travel.

[@mtbyumyum]

Really interesting to hear your thoughts. Thank you! I see what you're saying and for the most part agree... for the longest time I've said to anyone asking about the Santa Cruz Tallboy, why not just get an Ibis Ripmo? It weighs the same, climbs better and sort of has a similar geometry... in the end, I see A LOT of Tallboys out on the trail. I think we agree the SB120 is too heavy for a bike with 130mm fork, 66.5 degree HTA and short wheelbase. It's really a shame because the SB115 was more fun, lighter weight and overall just a better bike in terms of the brands "short travel full suspension" option. Thanks for weighing in!

[@BradRussellisAwesome]

@@marksandoval5361 Your #4 wish has been granted, Yeti just dropped an SB120 Lunch Ride with 140mm fork.

[@karl1120]

22 mph!!! Best enduro riders on trails near me don't even go that fast!

[@Accuracy158]

You noticed the other aspect that caught my attention. Each of the bikes are speced with different tires which could also be swapped to change feel a bit. I have a 140/150 Orbea Occam with very similar~ish geometry. Currently I'm not really using that 150mm travel maybe as become I better rider I might start pushing a little harder but 140 or 120 would probably both be fine for me currently. It's kind of odd to see 150/140 on a somewhat shorter wheelbase steeper head angle bike like the Occam anyway.

[@AOL0321]

Is there a big weight difference between the two?

[@mtbyumyum]

My SB120 is 27 lbs, the 140 LR is 30 lbs

[@JesseHenry-ps8th]

Can you imagine a scenario where you are riding an SB140 and you wished you were on an SB120?

[@mtbyumyum]

NoT likely

[@dreman5547]

Well I used to consider short travel bikes as kind of girly but after watching your videos I’m thinking 🤔 maybe I should man up and get one👍🏼 Great videos 👏

[@mtbyumyum]

haha after all these bike tests I've done over the years I think there is still a lot of value in them... bikes are different and do different things but..... in the end, it's the Indian not the Arrow! But I do like short travel 29ers!

[@MarioXcore1]

“Girly” lmao That’s how you know you’re a kook dude.

[@Gavlister]

I did too. Then I took a smaller travel bike out and had such a blast. So much fun to bounce off of everything and feel the bike push back

[@REB4444]

Do yourself a favor & stick to the Pivot Trail 429. It's better than this SB120 downhill and pedals as good as a Ripley uphill with a more neutral riding position than any Yeti. This is Yeti's attempt at a "me too" short-travel trail bike imitating the Trail 429 trying to make it more rideable for most people. If all you care is having the downhill capability on a short-travel trail bike, the Santa Cruz Tallboy is hard to beat and the Trail 429 is the closest to that, not this Yeti.

[@wilfriedmestdagh1676]

Bonjour, C'est bien d'être bavard comme ça mais le comparo mériterait un peu plus de concision, il faut aller à l'essentiel et faire ressortir les différences même si elles sont ténues. C'est dans les détails que se cache le diable.