Yeti SB135 'Dopamine Machine' Trail MTB Live Ride Review

Yeti have bucked the 29er - or at least mullet - trend and introduced a twin 27.5in wheeled throwback trail bike aimed squarely at fun focused riders. But how does their self styled "Dopamine Machine" really ride?
Thanks to Yeti Cycles UK for bringing me the bike to ride and for supporting the video. Big thanks to Giro Cycling UK, Peaty’s Products, Enduro Bearings, Crud XL Fenders, Torq Nutrition and Hebtroco for supporting the channel long term. And to my Patreon supporters for their invaluable monthly pledges.
If you like what I'm doing and want early, extended and exclusive edits, personal buying and tech advice and other Patreon perks click on the link here: www.patreon.co...
Any questions get busy in the comments.
Cheers
Guy

[@chimps4gimps]

I’m all about fun over top speed. I’m more than happy with 27.5.

[@The_Rumpo_K1d]

I went back to 27.5 as I think they are the sweet spot between speed and agility.

[@The_Rumpo_K1d]

I bought a trek remedy in November last year purely because it was a full 27.5. Love it much more than the Stumpjumper I had previously.

[@jltrack]

New full 27.5 bikes: Yeti SB135 Pivot Shadowcat List more below 👇

[@ricosuavez_uk]

There is actually a lot to be said for 27.5 wheels on the trails>>> faster acceleration for one thing…. And there are many other things also..! 😎🚲

[@troyesch6203]

I bought a pivot trail 429 a year ago. Never really got use to the 29’s. I prefer maneuverability and acceleration over high speed stability. Gonna be getting some 27.5’s for it for 2024

[@sirvince7853]

I remember the early Fisher 29er prototypes. We were racing at the 2000 Worlds in Napa, CA. I saw GF on a yellow hardtail with a very short head tube and big wheels.

[@GuyKesTV]

Haha I raced one of those proto bikes in a 24hr team with GF that same year!

[@William.Driscoll]

I'm 5'9" and am eager to ride 27.5", front & rear. I grew up with 26", and want the fast acceleration & agility of the SB135. Your videos are very exciting. Thanks for posting them.

[@HUKIT.]

Trek has had the Remedy for years and unfortunately that ended with the 2023. I still grab my 2021 Remedy 9.8 more than any other bike I own.

[@JoesBikesUK]

Good Morning Guy, another informative video dude. 👌

[@GuyKesTV]

Well thank you dear chap, loving your content too. Really must get myself down your way at some point!

[@JoesBikesUK]

@@GuyKesTV You are welcome anytime dude ;-)

[@Biking_with_Akiva]

Fantastic riding 🤙🏾 great review💯

[@johnnydodgem4369]

This wheel size, wheelbase and geo is also good for smaller, lighter riders. My whip: Stanton Slackline - running 27.5 x 2.8

[@MTB_Derbyshire]

"Full Run Fart!". Well that needs a TM. Plus "shit eating grin". Great stuff Guy.... as always 😎

[@brendanford4850]

That vid was all good. Thanks for the entertainment.

[@GuyKesTV]

Glad you enjoyed it Brendan 🤘🏻

[@njafry]

Brilliant video @GuyKesTV. Goes to show that every bike “type” has its place - it just really depends what you want from it. Any opinion over how this new SB135 compares to the previous 27.5 iteration SB140? I’ve both the 27.5 SB140 and the 29 SB150 and they are different beasts for different situations. I’d be keen to read your thoughts on the comparison on the 27.5 versions. Keep up the brilliant work, Guy.

[@roilev]

I have YT Capra 27.5 and I regret not getting the 29". I wanted maximum travel but the bike I replaced with the YT, my previous 29" Stumpjumper brought me much more confidence on gnarly DH/enduro trails. I also have an XC slayer, 29" Epic Evo, and when I put the alu wheels and burlier tires it rides faster and more confident than the YT. I tried 29" YT Jeffsy and I instantly felt more confident on it than on my 'burlier' Capra. The major difference, I think, are the wheel sizes. I feel the smaller wheel gets in between rocks and dips that the 29" just rolls over. 27.5" is also easier to slide over a wet root that the 29" just wraps around it. Even super-sticky Michelin tires don't help much the 27.5"

[@patb6281]

Don’t blame the bike, ride more.

[@Karlsvbike]

Thank you for the review! I have now a great doubt between a sb140LR and the 135lr! Still riding a santa cruz 27,5 and being a bit afraid to go up for a 29”.. I actually like the sc reaction, but also the sb140 looks smooth.. Looking for an all around bike to pedal and climb (not a lot.35/40km rides) and also go fast down hill.I dnt know what to do😂 Any recommendation? Cheers

[@petergill6714]

Great vid. Where is this trail?

[@GuyKesTV]

It's shot on Ilkley Moor but save them for summer as it's all very wet now

[@brodiealanis3870]

😭 "promo sm"

[@cjohnson3836]

Any bike that can bring out the inner 10 year old is a good bike.

[@GuyKesTV]

Yep, this bike is specifically designed to discourage 'adulting' of any sort