SB165 T2 X0/90 TRANSMISSION

The SB165 line splits into C-series and Turq (T-series) carbon frames, with four complete builds: C2 90 Transmission, C3 GX AXS Transmission, T2 X0/90 Transmission, and T3 X0 AXS Transmission. The common thread is important: every complete bike is built around a Fox Factory DHX2 coil shock and a 170mm Fox 38, which keeps suspension character consistent regardless of price point.

Where the ladder separates is fork level, wheelset, cockpit material, and drivetrain tier. C-series bikes use a Performance-level Fox 38 and DT Swiss E1900 wheels with alloy bars and OneUp droppers, while T-series moves to a Fox Factory 38 with GRIP X2 damping and DT Swiss EX1700 wheels, plus Yeti’s carbon bar and a Fox Transfer post. Across builds, stems are generally 50mm and bars are 780mm wide as specced, with dropper travel scaling by size. Brakes are SRAM Maven Base across the listed completes here, with rotor spec differing by build (CenterLine on C2/C3, HS2 on T2/T3). Value-minded riders and reviewers tend to circle the C-series, especially if you’re happy to spend strategically on suspension or tire choices rather than paying only for the lightest carbon layup.

Across reviews, the SB165 comes through as a gravity bike that doesn’t demand constant aggression to make sense. Pinkbike called it “one of those bikes that doesn’t ask that much from its rider” (PinkBike), and NSMB echoed that it’s “happiest going fast,” but “also does well slowly kachunking around through jank” (NSMB). That easygoing streak shows up in how quickly testers settled in; Mountain Flyer says it “quickly became my proverbial security blanket” after some setup time (Mountainflyermagazine).

Suspension behavior is a recurring theme: Pinkbike described it as “predictably handling impacts of all sizes” with muted small chatter and ramp for bigger hits (PinkBike), while multiple outlets note supportive mid-stroke rather than a wallowy coil feel. That support also ties to climbing impressions; Mountain Bike Action found the rear end “quiet under power while in the saddle” (Mountain Bike Action).

The tradeoffs are consistent, too. Several testers criticize tire casing choices on early builds and swap immediately, with The Loam Wolf blunt that “an XO Plus tyre is [not] suitable for a coil sprung 165mm travel mullet enduro bike” (YouTube). Handling-wise, the shorter rear center and smaller rear wheel help it change direction and get airborne, but some reviewers note more attention needed on steep, technical climbs to keep the front end down, and others prefer longer-stay balance in this category (PinkBike).