2023 Yeti SB160 T3 Review

 

Hi readers!  In this blog I will review the new Yeti SB160 with the T3 build, in a new color "Cobalt, and answer the question, "could I be a dentist"?  I rented this bike from Yeti's Corporate Office in Golden, CO for a mere $40!  Btw, the crew there were super rad and kind.  One of them even made me an espresso after I mentioned I was exhausted and had a long drive ahead of them, very kind folks!

The Yeti SB160, photo credit Yeti Cycles

While you're up there check out the mini-museum they've created in the lobby.  It was pretty sweet.  




Spec's and Value

Yeti Cycles are known as a premium mountain bike afforded by those with fat wallets, hence the "could I be a dentist" joke/reference.  Without a doubt their bikes are beautiful, high performance, and well spec'd.  The cheapest complete SB160 one can buy is $6,700 in with Shimano SLX components, DT Swiss 1900 wheels, Yeti cockpit, with Fox 38 and Float X Performance.  The frame only option is $5,000, or the price of a Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Expert build (complete bike)[on sale at the time of this blog].  At least the frame comes with a lifetime warranty to the original owner!  The SB160 provides a few key upgrades over the SB150 such as,

  • Threaded bottom bracket (goodbye pressfit!)
  • Sram Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH)
  • Size specific chainstay lengths
  • Standard cartridge bearing sizes
These ought to make life a bit nicer than the previous generation.

The T3 Turq Transmission build kit has great components such as Fox Factory 38 fork, X2 with climb switch, DT Swiss EX1700 aluminum wheelset, Sram Code RSC brakes (big 220/200mm rotors), and the new Sram XO Transmission drivetrain!  This bike retails for a whopping $9,800 which would be much more appropriate if it came with carbon wheels and a lift ticket.  This build kit adds up to approximately 34 lbs. in size large, which is consistent with modern enduro race bikes, heavy by my tastes.  

The Sram XO Transmission

Climbing & Pedaling

Yeti utilizes their very own Switch Infinity link suspension designed for the usual small bump sensitivity, mid-stroke support, and bottom out resistance.  The suspension is also supposed to do well for pedaling efficiency, and it performs well.  I had no complaints about pedal bob while climbing or sprinting on the SB160.  The bottom bracket is taller than that of my Specialized Stumpjumper Evo which I think makes techy climbs easier.  I was able to clean a techy section in Apex Park, CO, that I got hung up on with my Stumpjumper Evo.  The new X2 climb switch actually works!  A refreshing difference over the 2020 generation X2 which did nearly nothing.  I think the Float X still has the best climb switch in Fox's rear shock portfolio, but the X2 & Switch Infinity combo did very well.

In a quick parking lot sprint comparison I found the SB160 used a smidgen less travel (percentage) in the sprint than the Stumpjumper Evo which I really didn't expect given the travel and small bump sensitivity. Yeti might be onto something with the Switch Infinity design.  Likely why its still in use.  


Results of the unscientific parking lot pedal bob test.

Descending

No one buys an enduro for climbing prowess just like no one busy a muscle car for good gas mileage.  Even though the SB160 delivered on that front.  So now onto the good stuff.  Just like a muscle delivers tire melting torque the SB160 delivers top notch descending capabilities.  



The SB160/X2 feels more supple than my Stumpjumper Evo, even with a Cascade Link installed on the Stumpy, coupled with the Maxxis DHR out back traction was never an issue.  The Fox 38 and Assegai up front provide excellent squish and traction as expected.  This bike inspires confidence on the downhills, I felt comfortable going faster on the SB160 than my own Stumpy, which I've owned for 6 months.  I think this has to do with the long wheelbase, slack headtube angle, taller bottom bracket, and tough build kit.  Fyi, I rode my these two bikes back to back to get a fair comparison as I'm seriously considering buying an SB160.  

I'm not usually a Sram brake fan but the RSC's performed well for me!  Dialing the brake pad contact point on the lever eliminated on of my greatest grudges with the brake set, useless lever travel.  The massive 220mm rotor up front and 200mm rotor out back also provided great stopping forces and never showed signs of fading.  The difference between the Code RSC's and my Stumpy's Code RS (with 200mm rotors) is significant.  If I had RSC's on my bike from Specialized I probably wouldn't have replaced them.  

When it comes to the chassis feel, this bike is bread for racing and is stiff with a capital S.  Even at low  tire pressures (by my standards) and Fox Factory suspension I could feel every bump in the terrain.  I couldn't feel the frame or fork flex at all during my test ride.  I backed off the high speed compression dampening by a few clicks to ease the beatings on my wrist.  This bike is many things, flimsy is not one of them.

While the SB160 is heavy I had no issues popping it over roots, rocks, and gaps.  It rides lighter than the numbers suggest.  Its a fun bike to ride on top of being wickedly fast on par with the latest Specialized Enduro.  I would love to ride these two back to back.  


Drawbacks
The price.  Holy guacamole this bicycle is expensive.  Nearly $10,000 for a bicycle with the same aluminum wheels that can be had on bikes costing half as much.  Yes, the wheels are good enough for enduro juggernaut Richie Rude, but damn that's expensive.  The non-transmission equipped bikes come with GX chains all the way up to the T4 build (in excess of $10k), then you get an XX1 chain.  

The Sram Transmission.  I've never been sold on electronic shifting, not because of the price, because of the performance.  The previous generation Sram AXS shifting was kinda slow to change gears, from pressing the button to chain on next gear.  I would say noticeably slower than any mechanical mountain bike shifter I've ridden (roadie shifters are slow too).  The Sram Transmission is even slower to change gears (from button press) than AXS.  One needs to know the trail to plan their multiple downshifts.  More time on the system might alleviate this just like AXS, but its not for me.  My preference remains Shimano Multi-Release (2 upshifts or 4 downshifts)[#Shimano4Life].  

Sram XO Transmission, photo credit Sram.  

Where is the high-end mechanical drivetrain groupset?  The "T2" build kit, or Sram XO1 mechanical groupset doesn't exist, which I would buy if I didn't have the Stumpjumper Evo already.  I would love to see a Shimano XTR groupset just like the Yeti Factory pros ride (bc I love Shimano).  Speaking with the Yeti reps I learned this is unlikely.

Conclusion

The Yeti SB160 T3 Turq is the Ferrari of enduro mountain bikes.  Luxury and capability merged into one beautiful Cobalt bluish package.  The bike climbs well, pedals well, jumps nicely, and descends even better still.  When money is no objective this is the enduro bike to buy.  Its guaranteed to get you all the attention on the trails, just like badass Pontiac Firebird (attention will come from the dudes).  

Now, is this bike twice as good as good as a Specialized Stumpjumper Evo?  No, I don't think it is which is why I'm not trading in my whole Evo for a frame.  I was only 6 seconds faster on the SB160 than my Evo on the same segment, same day, after a Red Bull.  I would love to ride the SB160 back to back with the Specialized Enduro and see how that influences my opinion.  

If I were to buy a Yeti SB160, this is what I would choose,
  1. The lowly C1 build kit (non-Turq frame)[34.09lbs vs 33.89lbs as tested]{I can live with an extra 0.2lbs}
  2. Upgrade to Fox Factory Suspension with the X2 out back
  3. Upgrade to rear hub to the 54 Tooth rachet mechanism for quicker engagement
If money were no objective I would replicate Richie Rude's bike with XTR groupset, Saint calipers, Renthal cockpit, in Cobalt blueish.  Alas, I am not a millionaire.  

    The view from the top of Apex Park
      

    Sources

    1. https://yeticycles.com/bikes/sb160

    2. https://yeticycles.com/factory-demo

    3. https://www.sram.com/en/sram/mountain/series/x0-eagle-transmission

    Comments

    Post a Comment

    Popular posts from this blog

    SNACKS!

    Image
    Snacks! Hello readers!  In my longest post yet, I’m going to blog about my favorite snacks, drinks, and treats around mountain biking.  As athletes we have a dizzying amount of options to choose from for nutrition!  From sweet to savory to just plain weird, I’ll share my experiences to help you narrow down what might work best for you.  For the die-hard reader, there are a couple of special recipes at the bottom! Clif Bar Starting with food I’ll talk about the old faithful Clif Bar.   Clif Bars are pocket sized oat-based bars and have been the go-to for outdoor adventurers.   The average Clif Bar is 68 grams and approximately 260 calories, give or take depending on which flavor you choose.   The Clif Bar brand offers 11 different flavors from basic Chocolate Chip to mild Oatmeal Raison to decadent White Chocolate Macadamia Nut (my all-time favorite).   They used to offer caffeinated bars as well, but I didn’t see them liste...
    Read more

    2023 Magura MT7 Brakes review - REVISED and Downgraded

    Image
    Today I'll be reviewing the third set of brakes I've put on my beloved Stumpy, the Magura MT7 Pro brake set!  I got these at a celebration of life event motivated by my discontent with the original Sram Code RS brakes that came with my Specialized Stumpjumper Evo.   Magura brakes are common amongst the pros so I figured if they are good enough for the likes of Loic Bruni and Brett Tippie, they should be more than enough for me.   Magura's MT7 Pro brake with Storm HC rotor About Magura Brakes Magura is a German company with their origins in motorcycle components.  In the mountain biking world they offer brakes, suspension, and dropper posts.  Their brakes are highly regarded as some of the best in the industry providing incredible braking force, high quality parts, lightweight, and full customization of the brake kits.  Customization meaning you can change the color of clamps, piston rings, lever blades, and rotors!  One can really build the d...
    Read more