SB135

The Yeti SB135 is a dedicated 27.5-inch trail bike built around 135mm of rear suspension. Introduced for the 2023 model year, it stands as a deliberate alternative to the prevailing wave of mid-travel 29ers. Yeti positions the SB135 for riders who prioritize agility, cornering precision, and mid-air maneuverability over outright rolling speed and plow-through stability.

The platform relies on Yeti’s Switch Infinity translating-pivot suspension to balance pedaling efficiency with deep-stroke composure. While the standard models pair the 135mm rear end with a 150mm fork for responsive trail riding, the aggressive Lunch Ride variants bump front travel to 160mm. Across the board, the SB135 caters to creative line choices and active riding styles, offering a distinct, highly tactile experience for those who prefer to direct their bike down the trail rather than simply hold on.

Build

Size

Stack	607.1mm
Reach	480.1mm
Top tube	619.8mm
Headtube length	116.8mm
Standover height	716.3mm
Seat tube length	439.4mm

Fit and geometry

Yeti invested heavily in size-specific engineering for the SB135, ensuring consistent handling across the size run. Chainstay lengths and seat tube angles adjust per size, keeping the rider centered over the bottom bracket. The geometry itself is modern but moderate, featuring a 65.4-degree head tube angle on standard builds that slackens slightly to 65 degrees on the over-forked Lunch Ride models.

A defining aspect of the SB135 is its approach to smaller riders. The extra-small and small frames are entirely distinct designs, not just shrunken triangles. Yeti moved the forward shock mount to the downtube and redesigned the linkage and swingarm to drastically reduce standover height. This layout maximizes dropper post insertion and still accommodates a water bottle inside the front triangle.

For taller riders, the bike’s notably low stack height is a frequent talking point. The low front end aids cornering weight distribution but can lead to a strained posture on steep descents or long climbs. Consequently, riders on large and extra-large frames often swap to higher-rise handlebars to achieve a more comfortable, upright cockpit.

Builds

The SB135 lineup splits into two distinct carbon frame tiers: the standard C-Series and the lighter, premium Turq-Series. The build ladder is further divided by intent, offering standard trail configurations alongside aggressive Lunch Ride (LR) variants.

Standard builds feature a 150mm fork, an inline rear shock, and lighter-duty tires, making them well-suited for rolling terrain and maximizing the frame's pedaling efficiency. The Lunch Ride models step up to a 160mm fork, a piggyback shock, larger 200mm brake rotors, and robust Maxxis EXO+ tires. These LR builds cater to riders pushing the bike into steeper, rougher descents, though the piggyback shock limits LR availability to medium through extra-large frames.

From a hardware perspective, the SB135 utilizes a threaded bottom bracket, a SRAM UDH-compatible rear end, and fully enclosed internal cable routing. Yeti also moved the suspension bearings into the aluminum linkage rather than the carbon frame, simplifying maintenance. Positioned firmly at the premium end of the market, the SB135 carries a high entry price. Riders seeking a balance of performance and cost often point to the mid-tier Turq builds, which offer high-end suspension and significant weight savings.

C2 90 TRANSMISSION

$4,200

T2 X0/90 TRANSMISSION

$5,550

T3 X0 AXS TRANSMISSION

$6,300

Reviews

Testers consistently characterize the SB135 as an exceptionally agile trail bike that thrives on rider input. The smaller 27.5-inch wheels dictate the experience, delivering a "pumptrack feeling" (PinkBike) that encourages popping off roots and generating speed through trail undulations. Reviewers praised the bike's cornering manners, noting how easily it drops into a lean and snaps out of tight turns. The Switch Infinity suspension also earned high marks for its composure through rough sections, with one tester describing the rear end "lifting up like a hovercraft inflating its skirt" (BikeRadar) over repeated rocky hits.

However, the platform's dedication to smaller wheels introduces inherent tradeoffs in technical terrain. Multiple reviewers observed that the rear wheel has a tendency to "hang up" (Singletracks) in deep holes and square-edged roots where a 29er would maintain momentum. Maintaining speed through steep, chunky rock gardens requires more precision and active body English.

Climbing efficiency is a consistent high point, with the suspension providing a firm pedaling platform that resists wallowing. Yet, some testers found the Lunch Ride builds slightly sluggish on long ascents due to their heavier tire casings. Ultimately, the consensus points to a highly capable, specialized machine for riders who value tactile feedback over raw rollover speed.