Yeti SB130 TURQ Series Frame [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for.

If you haven't noticed, we're massive fans of Yeti Cycles here at Worldwide Cyclery. It's hard to beat the ride quality, performance, and look of a Yeti bike whether it's an Arc hardtail, long-legged SB165, or any of their other bikes. Our friend Larry Leicht scooped up an SB130 TURQ series frame and shares his review. Check it out!

Introduction

Recently it was “New bike time” from my amigos at Worldwide and after looking at some options I decided to go with the Yeti SB130. Previously I was on a Knolly Fugitive and really enjoyed the bike, however with the punchy, pedal-heavy, techy terrain in Texas I wanted to try something with a bit more pedal efficiency. Also, I’ve always had a wandering eye for Yeti and decided it was time to give it a go and see if the function matched the form.

Performance

So far, the short of it is this bike performs. The Switch Infinity voodoo is worth experiencing. My previous bike was loads of fun and a solid performer, I just find the Yeti to be more suited to my needs in every way. The longer front center took a couple of turns to understand what the bike needed but after pushing through a few corners, it felt natural. The Knolly liked to be steered from the back, where the Yeti likes a more centered rider especially on the flat corners of my local trails. Once I stayed centered, leaned the bike, and drove the handlebars more into the turn, I found an unbelievable amount of traction. The bike just cuts a smooth arc and I found myself exploring different lines coming out of turns because of the traction and momentum I was able to carry through. In my experience, high traction typically means active and less efficient.

Yeti seems to have found a sweet spot where the bike rides high, offers tons of traction on square edge, awkward climbs, but feels free and active on the downs. The bike just doesn’t get hung up on the flow sucking terrain and seemingly springs forward when you put the power down. This left me feeling fresher longer and helped me to find flow where typically it has long expired.

Of course, the frame is beautiful, it’s a Yeti. The fit and finish lack nothing and the only gripe I can find is I wish it had a threaded BB. I did add a .4mm volume spacer to the shock and may try the .6mm. Without the spacer, I was able to find the end of the shock stroke a few times when set at the correct sag. Installing the spacer maintained all of the beginning stroke goodness, but meant I only found the end of travel on one or two big hits a ride.

Take a look at the complete Yeti lineup for 2021 for all of the latest and greatest details. 

Final Thought

Although I am still 100% in the honeymoon phase on it, I have a fairly solid baseline having worked as a mechanic for a shop for a few years. I had the privilege of riding and owning some beautiful bikes. This thing rips through and through and I can’t wait to throw a leg over again and get on the trail.