Yeti's New 27.5" SB165 is Designed to Ride Steeper Tracks Than Any Other Mountain Bike in Their Lineup

Yeti’s new 27.5″ SB165 looks like the bike to erase any excuses, on or off the main trail. If there is a line riders can’t huck on this giant shred sled, it won’t be the bike’s fault. Some of the geometry lines between downhill frames and long travel-trail bikes remain, particularly at the seat tube, though the travel and component spec between the two genres is growing increasingly similar.

Apart from the single fork crown, dropper post, and a few extra gears, the SB165 builds would be welcome on any DH frame. The base build is equipped with a 180mm Fox Performance 36 fork, and comes stock with a Fox Performance Coil shock. The full SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain, and Code R brakes with dual 200mm rotors finish off the burly build to make this full carbon frame gravity-ready.

This C-Series build retails for $5,599, while the top tier Turq-series frames, with Fox Factory components, a SRAM XX1 Eagle drivetrain, and DT Swiss EX1700 wheels go for $8,799. If you prefer to build-it-yourself, Turq-Series carbon frames retail for $3,999 with a Fox Factory DHX2 coil shock.

The new bike is specifically designed around coil or high-volume air shocks. “The Switch Infinity platform provides us the ability to manipulate the bike’s kinematics and tune leverage rates within a wide range, while maintaining the same proven anti-squat properties. At 27.5%, the SB165 leverage rate is the most progressive in the line, optimized for the linear spring rates of a coil or high-volume air shock.” said Yeti Director of Engineering, Peter Zawistowski.

Geometry

In addition to being the most progressive and longest travel whip in the Yeti lineup, the SB165 is also their slackest. The 63.5° headtube angle, 460mm reach (medium), and 433mm chainstay length culminate to form a frame designed for fun gravity grinding. The sharp 77° seat tube angle will certainly help you return to the top, and to reach the steep tracks that start far beyond any ski lifts or passable roads.

As can be expected with any new Yeti frame, all of the housing and hoses are routed internally, in the quietest and cleanest manner possible. The frame’s integrated headset and short head tube lengths across the S-XL size run leave stack height up to the rider. Shorter folks will be able to slam their stem as they wish, while taller riders will need to throw a few spacers under the stem to balance their weight across the bike.

The full carbon frame, like all new Yeti bikes from 2019 forward, comes with their no-BS Lifetime Warranty, and a crash replacement policy that follows the same “no-BS” ethos.

Check prices and get specs at Backcountry.com, and look for an SB165 demo event near you.