Yeti's SB135 trail bike fits and feels the same for more riders

Yeti Cycles has released the new SB135 trail bike, which features 650b wheels and 135mm of rear-suspension travel.

Seven models are available, two of which fall under Yeti’s Lunch Ride specification, boasting burlier forks and shocks.

The bikes have 150mm suspension forks, and the Lunch Ride bikes have 160mm forks.

Yeti says the extra-small and small-medium models have an entirely different frame to better fit smaller riders.

Pricing starts at $6,900 and rises to $10,300. UK and international pricing is to be confirmed.

Yeti SB135 in detail

Yeti analysed the carbon layup to achieve a consistent ride feel across the SB135 range. - Yeti

Yeti states that by analysing the carbon layup of the SB135 frame, it has been able to achieve a consistent ride feel throughout the whole range, optimising the compliance of the frame for each size.

The pivot hardware uses cartridge bearings, which are pressed into the linkage as opposed to the front or rear triangles.

The shock extender helps optimise leverage ratios and increases compatibility. - Yeti

The new, two-piece shock extender positions the rear shock forward in the frame. Yeti claims this design helps to optimise leverage ratios, while also allowing for increased shock compatibility, decreased standover height and more water bottle clearance.

Like the best trail bikes, the Yeti SB135 has a short, straight seat tube for maximum dropper post travel across the range.

Sizes XS and SM get 150mm dropper posts, size M gets 175mm of drop and sizes L and XL get 200mm.

The SB135 has internal cable routing, which enters the frame via clamped ports on the side of the head tube, while the threaded bottom bracket makes servicing easy.

The top-spec models have SRAM's new Eagle Transmission. - Yeti

The SB135’s dropout is compatible with a SRAM UDH, which should make finding a spare derailleur hanger straightforward.

Yeti has equipped the two top-spec models with the new SRAM Eagle Transmission, which can only be fitted to bikes compatible with SRAM UDH.

Lunch Ride spec gets burlier suspension

The range includes burlier bikes with increased travel and gravity-focused specs. - Yeti

For those looking for maximum descending capabilities, the Yeti SB135 range includes two Lunch Ride models with burlier suspension, brakes and tyres.

SB135 LR models get a 160mm-travel Fox 36 fork, giving them an extra 10mm of travel, and a burlier Fox Float X shock for improved damping performance on long descents.

Lunch Ride models also benefit from 200mm disc brake rotors front and rear and roll on a gravity-focused pairing of Maxxis tyres – Assegai and Minion DHR II in the tougher EXO+ casing.

Custom frames for XS and SM riders

Custom frames on the XS and SM sizes are said to fit riders down to 4ft 11in. - Yeti

To improve clearance and fit, Yeti designed an entirely new frame for sizes XS and SM.

By moving the shock mount to the down tube, the brand claims to have minimised the frame’s standover height while maximising seatpost insertion.

Combined with a custom shock linkage and swingarm, Yeti says the SB135 should fit riders down to 4ft 11in.

Yeti SB135 geometry

The bike has a 65.4-degree head angle. - Yeti

The SB135’s geometry is focused around a modern, balanced climbing and descending position.

A 65.4-degree head angle is paired with a 77-degree effective seat tube angle. The chainstays grow with each size, preserving a consistent ride across all sizes.

SB135 Lunch Ride models have a slacker set of angles due to the oversized fork, measuring 65 degrees at the head tube and 76.5 degrees at the seat tube.