Thanks dude, I appreciate that!!! I was a little bummed I didn't have my good microphone here for this video, but thought I'd experiment with using a non-endemic sponsor to make this video happen. Thanks for watching!!!
Been on my sb130lr for 2 years. Nobl wheelset, m7 brakes, oneup cockpit with x2 on the rear. The little bike that can do it all up here on the North Shore.
I was fortunate to get a SB130 TLR with full XT build back in June. This bike is phenomenal and I look forward to every chance I get to ride it. It’s definitely a bike that Gets better the harder you push it and rewards an active rider.
Love the video Jeff! If I’m being honest I’m not even sure why I watch review videos though, as I’m still completely stoked with my two bike Knolly quiver. I very much enjoy watching your riding, and learning from it. I visualize you when I’m really trying to dig in to my cornering, lol! I think it helps, and some days I really feel like I’m shredding ☺️.
Demo’d an SB130 a couple of years ago. GX, Fox 36 factory, XT brakes, DT Swiss 1700 wheels. Loved it! Curious to see what the next iteration of this bike will look like.
This is the update, I believe. If you have the funds go out and get one! It’s a fantastic bike of you like to go fast with skill instead of having a plusher suspension do all the work for you.
I’d love to see you do a similar review of the pivot switchblade. Seems like a bike that fits nicely in that same sort of category. Thanks for the content Jeff, you shred and it’s fun to watch. Makes me wanna plan a riding trip up to WA!
Thanks for the long-term review. I’ve ridden a Yeti SB-130TLR for the last couple of years and wasn’t able to try out many many other trail bikes before getting it, so your review makes me realize I lucked out and got the right bike for me with the Yeti.
I agree love my '22 sb130 clr. I have rented the ibis ripmo v2 and the Evil following on trail rides. Settled on the yeti. It looks better then them all. But everyone jumps on the ripmo band wagon, see all the time.
Based on your previous reviews and comparisons of the Occam, I picked one up in early 2021 from my local shop. I really appreciated your review and how you said that the Occam is more comfortable at 'slower' speeds. As much as I like to think I'm EWS fast, my Strava says otherwise. After testing multiple bikes and hearing your explanation, it made my decision a lot easier. I couldn't be happier with the Occam and have fun on it every time I ride it. Keep up the good work!
I just got a 130lr and wanted some ride thoughts. Definitely spot on about how the yeti wants to be ridden. Never have I thought about what a bike wants till now! Lol Hi from Albuquerque!
I do like the way you test. The only way to get a real feel for how a frame really works is to rule out any other variables that can change the way things feel!
JKW, love that intro. Hey, you know as well as the rest of us....When you gotta go, you gotta go. Seize the op when you can. Thanks for the long term review, was curious how you fared after a year. Back to the video now.
The SB130LR is impressive at 10/10ths - you can certainly appreciate it's race heritage. Below that pace, it can feel a bit harsh and unforgiving - you need to ride it surprisingly aggressively or it will punish small mistakes, which can make it a touch unnerving. In isolation, it's an incredibly well designed and built bike (it also has internal guides for cables - fantastic). I come from a background riding street/jump bikes, and it genuinely felt like the bike was able to shrink around me - the geometry numbers are nearly perfect. I personally found running closer to 25% sag actually made for a faster bike that I felt more comfortable on (I was also running maximum volume spacers in the DPX2). We have a lot of very slow, technical, rocky terrain where I ride and the 130 felt a bit under-biked for me, so I eventually moved on to a Pivot Firebird, which I prefer for my riding style and it suits my local trails better. After swapping, I found the Firebird very impressive: it ticked the same playful, supportive boxes of the 130 but provided much more 'meat' for the really nasty stuff - and with that came a good deal more confidence. It also doesn't require minor servicing every six weeks, which is what I had to do to keep the Switch Infinity in good order on the 130, where our trails are quite often boggy and sandy after rain. Without regular attention, it would wear the bushings and develop play. 100% agree on the flex argument - people make far too much fuss about it without understanding it provides grip in the right areas.
@@JeffKendallWeed Ohh, yes please Jeff, cannot wait for your review on the Pivot Firebird, especially considering how well you ride and handle these bikes in all sorts of terrain - please keep us posted - the reviews on this thing are insane!
True that on the "over biked". As bad as I wanted the Rocky Altitude, it was indeed too much bike for my local trails and skill level. I appreciate your sincerity in your reviews!
Your initial impressions video (along with a demo from my LBS) definitely impacted my decision to get the 130LR. I sized up with my yeti for additional downhill stability and this bike is quick. Every time I get out for a ride it puts a big smile on my face. It really does climb like a goat and descends like an equally fast down hill goat! Availability also impacted my purchase decision, but I have absolutely no regrets and am keen for next season.
Glad to hear you like it! We bought one as well, so clearly I'm a fan of this bike. If all I rode was way gnar stuff, I'd want to go bigger, but for an all-around bike in most places in the world, the SB130 is a great option!
@@fcbotieno It could be that I'm just in between sizes. I test rode a size L and it wasn't the best set up for me. The shop didn't have the greatest contact points on it (narrow-ish bars and well used diety composite pedals which were NOT confidence inspiring), but I felt a bit cramped on the bike. I could definitely play around on the trail, but when I rode more difficult or steep features the bike felt squirrely, that's why I sized up. Sizing up definitely worked in my favour for the style of riding I prefer! I can still jib around and move the bike how I want to, but with added stability at speeds. I do need to up the volume spacers in the rear, but I'm heavier than most riders
@@fcbotieno I'm also 186cm, and am 95kg. I guess my arms are a bit longer, I found the reach on the L a bit short for my preferences. The jump between my previous bike and 130LR was 3cm greater reach and about 4cm greater wheel base. I don't find the bike too long at all and probably should have been riding an XL frame all along. I prefer riding black and double black technical trails. I haven't gotten to ride any jump trails on the bike yet, but the drops/jumps I have ridden have felt great (likely due to the increased dimensions compared to my other bike)
That's looks so awesome! SB130 is great! I have SB150 but I had a ride with the SB130 so I know a bit how it feels :) Have fun in 2022 mate!!! Happy new year ! 🎉🎈🎆
YO! this is all I wanted a TRUE and honest review. Just say how you really feel and think about the bike. Don't do it for the sponsors do it for the viewers. All those bikes you mentioned have been on my mind. Every angle was covered in this review. You've earned every right to ask us to support you!
Thanks Vincent! I'm pretty happy with this video, as the stuff I reported is all very real. I do really like this bike- to the point that we actually bought one. I
I was nervous to watch this as i recently brought a LR130, and I dont normaly read or watch reviews after i buy a bike. But due to being a fan of your videos, i thought I'd risk it. Happy with your views, and loved the previous video of you taking the motorbike and mtb to the mountains. Ripping up berms is fun, but so is getting out away from civilisation and just enjoying nature
Jeff, that was such a thorough and honest and unafraid to be subjective to your prefs and riding style review. Thanks for the great ibis, occam, evil comparisons - that really brings it home for me in context. Here in the bay area Santa Cruz bikes are so dominant, everywhere really I suppose along with Specialized, but I found that Ibis just works for me and I almost ritually stick to Ibis. I had been dying to try a 130LR in my size, buddy has a large, but not so easy to find a demo. I tried an SB 150 in Moab and it was a stiff monster truck, truly amazing but not the way I tend to ride, not even there. Moved to a Ripmo in Moab (3rd time trying one) and was again just so happy. Funny enough I have always been a medium on Ibis and most bikes but the Ripmo is so much better for me in a small. Reading through the geo it makes sense and the geo of the 130 is not that far off. So it was recently time to replace my XO carbon wheel Mojo 3 and I wanted to go up to 29 and supply chain willing found a Ripley AF. For the Bay Area a ripmo despite being my favorite bike right now is way overbiked. Ripley is the perfect bike for around here and the extra bit of slack in the AF is sweet. Contrary to all my biases the Alu frame and Deore build is insanely capable for 3K and with all the savings got a gucci set of onyx carbon wheels and money left over for a hard tail. At some point will get a used Ripmo AF for Tahoe, Downieville, Oregon. Annnnd of course now watched this and MUST TRY THE LR! So it goes. But I also don't have your super aggressive riding style so I am guessing the ripmo is more me. Don't stop making these. I'm ready to order some LMNT just to support you.
I've always lusted after an Ibis despite the fact that the last bike I bought was a Trek Y-11 in the 90s (still have it). I'll likely never buy another bike b/c I'm turning 50, have two daughters in private school, about to start college, etc. demands on my resources, but you really made me want a yeti lunch ride - it sounds like a "sweet spot" of a bike to this novice
Thanks for the note Joel! What's wrong with turning 50? You're only 14 years older than me, go get yourself a decent bike and shred! Brian Lopes is like 56 or something, and he rips! Don't be afraid to check out the used market, but I'd probably go Ibis if I were getting a used bike. Yeti's Switch Infiniti system has been fine for me, but it does seem a little complex to own without a warranty. The Ripley AF is a great all-arounder, and it's like half the price of the SB130. Ripley is ~$3300 brand new, so ~$2000 used.
@@JeffKendallWeed ya, not the physicality of 50, the priorities, especially financial, of 50. maybe someday I'll splurge on the bike, but while it's high on the dream list, it's very low on the goals/values/vision board list
Get a Ripmo AF, it's probably one of the best bang for buck bikes on the market, the extra weight is no biggie for average joes like us, and it basically needs nothing out of the box save for maybe a brake upgrade if you plan to ride park.
@@JeffKendallWeed @mrvwbug44 k... since the oldest daughter got a full ride to college, the finances are breathing a sigh of relief and I'm taking the idea of a bike seriously. one of our local shops has some rentals including Ibis Ripmo AF, Yeti SB130 & SB 115, & some Pivits. I picked up the Ripmo AF this afternoon (just in time for a rain storm, and the World Games have some of the local trails closed). I'm going to give it a go for 2 or so days, then they recommended I try a Pivot for comparison & then the Yeti (this geometry is weird - my 1996 brain of 26" wheels, 3x drive train, long stem, extremely narrow bars, & pogo stick suspension doesn't compute with 29" wheels, 1x drive train, short stem, extremely wide bars, plush suspension, & dropper post...). thanks for the encouragement. I'll let you know how it goes
Thanks for turning me on to WTB tires and the PNW dropper. Great for PNW trail conditions! Also, I've been on Shimano for over 35 years with no problems. There's reliability for you.
Thank you Jason! I like the WTB 2.6 tires, but have been enjoying the Maxxis back in the PNW. Maxxis MaxGrip rubber feels awesome in the wet and slimy. That said, I'm in Sedona at the moment, and kind of prefer the WTB 2.6 over the Maxxis 2.5 WT for the dry rocks here. And the 2.6 WTB has helped the Offering out a bunch. PNW stuff is solid, I really like those guys and the stuff they make!
Maaannnn..... I just bought a Ripley a month ago and I was looking hardcore at the SB130 LR. I really wanted something that climbs well for the trails here in Phoenix, but I almost pulled the trigger on the 130 and now you're making me second guess the decision! Need to find one to try out..
Oh shoot sorry about that! Hahaha well no bike is forever. Ripley is a great bike, and for Hawes and McDowell it'll be a great set up. For South Mountain, a Ripmo is hard to beat. I'd love to try an SB150 down there too!
Jeff, thanks for the comparison, and Happy New Year! I recently purchased an Orbea Occam LT based on your review and love the trail geo and plush suspension. Love your videos and riding style.
Right on Tyler! I'd say extend the fork travel first, that's pretty affordable and pretty easy to do. Rear shock will help some, but won't be as noticeable as the fork.
Thank you Joel! I am very disappointed in some of the mainstream media that consistently breaks federal trade commissions guidelines by not disclosing when a reviewed brand is also a paying advertiser.
Great review Jeff, I had watched a lot of reviews including yours and hours of research on a number of bikes before I purchased a new SB 130 LR Turq in September in Australia. It ticked a lot of boxes for me and yes you have to ride it aggressively to get the most out of it, but that's what makes it so much fun to ride. My Meta Am hasn't really had a look in since the Yeti arrived, because it does everything so well. I'm taking it to Tasmania in a few weeks to race the Trans Tas enduro and can't wait to hit Maydena bike park and Derby's EWS trails on it. Keep up the good work Jeff and damn I wish I could manual like you do🤘🤘
I had to choose between the SB130 and V2 Ripmo this past summer and went with the Ripmo. I absolutely love riding the SB130 though... fast, efficient, well rounded --all true. If I could afford a second bike it would be the SB130.
Fingers crossed Jenson can lend you a Santa Cruz Bronson to demo & review. Would love to hear your take on it and see if your opinion on mullets changes from your HD5 experiment (I did the same experiment and agree the bike is a bit too slack/unbalanced). I just built up the Bronson and it is SO much fun. Anyways, keep up the great content! Your channel & riding style is the reason I got into MTB & went out and bought the Ibis HD4 & HD5. Still working on the manual everywhere part.....
Thanks man! Probably not going to do any SCB soon since Jenson can only sell them in the shop, but with how hard it is to get even a review bike, I might be able to make that happen! As for mullets, the Chromag has totally grown on me. The bigger tires and CushCore helped immensely, though it still sucks now on jumps. But on most trails I ride, there aren't many BMX jumps, so it's not that big of a deal. The HD5 might feel better with more miles on it as a mullet, but I still prefer matching 29!
Great review Jeff! I love how you ride and "review" some of my favorite bikes. I've owned the 130 LR and currently own a V2 Ripmo (with a Forbidden Druid in between) I'm a shade under 5'10" and typically ride size L bikes. All and all I loved the 130 but I think I would have preferred it in a M. With its need for speed and longer reach, it became a bit more of a handful unless ridden hard. I found that for me the Ripmo is just a bit of a better all rounder for my riding style. I've been on an Offering a few times but found the HA a bit on the steep side for my liking and didnt want to deal with a creaky angle set. Got the We Are One Arrival coming for next season, very excited. Had a few rides on one already and its really impressive. FYI, I've has Rocky's Pivot's and Yeti's all with PF bb's and never had an issue.
@@MrShortman4334 I really liked the Druid, its a great all rounder. It feels deeper, more plush and has better small bump sensitivity. I found it easier to corner with and ultimately a bit easier to ride over all. The 130 just wants to rip all the time and is definitely a faster bike while still being super fun to ride. It has a sportier feel and climbs a little bit quicker to.
Thanks Trailpops! I agree 100% on the Evil head angle, it's way too steep. I have had a great experience with the 1° Works Components angleset that Evil sells, not even the slightest loosening or noise. It's FAR better than the old Cane Creek Anglesets. I also use a 160 fork on there. Enjoy the Arrival, I'd love to get on one, but haven;t figured out how to make that happen yet!
@@JeffKendallWeed I should have my Arrival sometime around March, you're welcome to it anytime. I'm in the BC Interior so not too terribly far from you. Or I was actually thinking about a spring trip to Bellingham.
Personally I agree: find it a but unhelpful when reviews focus on the drivetrains or trot out the same cliches about Sram v Shimano brakes, so it's useful to have the spec element taken out of the equation and to focus on the fundamentals of the bike. (There is a difference perhaps in what is required when reviewing the higher-level bikes aimed at more experienced riders, who are likely to swap out spec components, to what is required when looking at those bikes aimed at more entry-level riders, where some more basic information about the spec will be useful).
Great review on an excellent bike. So many awesome bikes to chose from these days, too bad they all cost more than my dirt bike, and, hardly any of them are available these days! Oh well, maybe someday!
The availability is a funny thing- they come and go in waves! This summer the SB130s were pretty good on availability, now they all gone. I wish they cost the same as a dirt bike- any decent trail bike from KTM/Husky is $11k, and dealers try to tack on another $1500 in BS fees BEFORE taxes, so the motos are a lot more $$$. Heck, a YZ250X is $9k where I live. Even the stripped down MX 2 strokes are $9k+. A comparably specced MTB would be around $6k.
Oh wow, yeah I ride a ktm250sx two stroke that I can get here in the Midwest for around 8 grand with no extra fees, but I've certainly heard of other places tacking on all kind of fees. The sb130lr is definitely on my short list after seeing what you and nate hills can do on it.
I demo'd the SB130 and was impressed! There is a section on the local trails I ride that is a series of three hills with a little tech. I could never clear it on the OG Ripley I had and my Ripmo ( this was probably a "me" problem..LOL.) after riding this section over 100 times according to my Strava. On a good day, I would do 2/3 of it! When I rode this same section on the SB130, I cleared it the first time! I was in shock!...LOL. Perhaps the reason could be the Switch Infinity, tire or suspension setup? Who knows?? I'm a fan of Yeti bikes. I think they're great, but don't understand why consumers have to pay a 20-30% premium above Ibis bikes for example? Even a base build is almost as much as a higher end Ibis build. Furthermore, I heard that their support has issues such as they're stingy with warranty claims.
@@mnmarcus4070 I had an awesome experience with Yeti warranty. Sent couple of pics and they sent a new frame without any fuss. Just wanted to mention this so others would see a different perspective.
Thanks George! I haven't been planning on more Intense stuff, it's just sadly not as relevant as it once was. The Tazer I rode in 2020 was great, that was a really fun bike. I bet the Primer would ride well, but if I'm going to allocate a lot of resources to making a legit review, I gotta do my best to either keep in the mainstream, or about something that's just so weird that it'll get some interest!
Nice review. What are your thoughts on the Commencal Meta TR Race to the SB130 LR? I know the biggest thing is alloy and carbon. I kind of wanted to see from a performance standpoint since the Commencal has high end components.
I may switch to shimano cranks from my sram cranks just because of the bb. I have gone through 2 of them in 6months both of them getting rust in the bearings. I live in England so 70% of my riding is in the wet (specially in winter) and can’t be asked to swap these bbs every 3 months…
The SB130 feels harder to ride than some other bikes I’ve tried and took a lot more effort for some reason. I jumped on a ripmo and it just felt comfortable straight away and an easier ride. Can’t explain why though 🤷♂️
Totally fair! The Ripmo is bigger, slacker, and has more travel. And the travel is less progressive, so it's easier to use more of it. I like them both, but they are quite different.
Is it possible the SB130LR needs to be ridden hard like its big brother and the Specialized Endro? The Enduro especially will punish you for NOT riding aggressively. Another thing in the Ripmo's corner is that DW link pedals extremely well, even the AF which is 36lbs in a size large hides its weight well except on long grindy climbs.
@@JeffKendallWeed .....Great review, as always! So down to earth and not focused on minor details, that are far more related to spec sheets. It's kind of finny, because at the 2019 Outerbike, I picked the Ripmo over the SB130, just because I felt immediately at home on that bike. I think I recall you saying that you were going to be trying the cascade link on your V2. I'm VERY interested in that if you have a chance to do it. I've grown more and more disappointed with the lack of progression with my V1, and I've actually shied away from some features that I know are going to result in harsh bottom-outs. By comparison, my 2016 155mm Patrol, soaks up landings like being on a cloud, comparatively. In fairness, it's not nearly as lively or poppy feeling as the V1, and it doesn't pedal as well. But...I'm to a point that I'll give up some pedal efficiency that makes the V1 Ripmo so nice to ride, for some additional progressivity. I'm also interested in trying the 2021 Float X and Float X2, with the promise of more progression, versus the DPX2 that I run on mine.
@@pjsanab .....What year is your X2? The reason I ask, is because I've ridden my bike with the 2019 and 2020 X2, and it made it substantially WORSE with bottom outs, because of how linear that shock is, coupled with the regressive curve. Yes, it was more plush off the top and less harsh in the rocks, but then it wasn' t quite as efficient pedaling, or as playful, so because it bottomed out WORSE...I just gave up on it. I have heard the 2021 and 2022 X2's are more progressive, so I've considered that option. Sadly...the Cascade links is not available for the V1, although some people have modified the V2 version to work. That's just a LOT of money to get a new X2, AND a Cascade link, for an experiment.
I'd be curious to have you ride a Evil Following V3 or Revel Ranger. It's shorter travel than most of your bikes, but I think it might be an interesting.
Thanks for the videos, you. really provide one of the more enjoyable and informative mtb videos out there. I’ve had Ripmo v2 and Jekyll, but I love my SB130, it just handles so much more than you’d think it can. For the majority of what i ride in San Diego it’s perfect, but I also take it to mammoth, and for that reason I’ve thought about converting to an LR. Would value your feedback / opinion on the difference between the two versions to help me decide if I should.
I got lucky and got a GT Force expert before prices jumped. It would be interesting to see how it compares to the Ripmo AF when running a 160/150 setup. I’m currently running it with a 170mm front fork and it cooks but doesn’t feel like a total boat despite the travel and the weight. The only things I can compare it to are a 2020 Trek Slash that I rented at Snowshoe WV and a 2021 Pivot Switchblade that I rented in Asheville NC. It absolutely is better than the Slash both pedaling and on any trails while the Switchblade climbs a bit better but isn’t as stable on the way back down.
Thanks for the feedback Anthony! I've got a Switchblade lined up for a few days in January, looking forward to that. I might get a GT in for testing in Q1 or Q2, we'll see what I can afford!
@@JeffKendallWeed I would highly recommend any of the alloy force models. I’ve been putting the expert model as much abuse as I can on my local trails and I can tell I’m not even scratching the surface of what it can do. Plus it is about a third of the cost of the highest end switchblade which meant I could actually afford it without selling a kidney.
Any experience between the Hightower and SB130? Thank you for the video. I'm looking at an all mountain 29er and this has been a good comparison and review.
Originally i had the SB130LR then i switched to the SB150 and it made me think i was a really good rider straight lining through the chunky stuff. Now ive had to switch back to the lunch ride because i broke my sb150 frame. Its been a refreshing change but also an eye opener experience on how carelessly I’ve been riding the SB150. Trying to ride the same lines as the SB150 i feel like I’m a pretty below average rider but its been fun learning to find the smoother lines. Originally i was using a 50mm stem with a 20mm rise bar and it felt hard jumping on the 130 but now with a 32mm stem and a 35mm rise bar its soo much easier to jump. That just my 2cents worth
Sorry to hear about the busted 150, Sony! Swapping between different genres of bikes is one of the best ways to improve as a rider. Try a DH bike to really understand the ultimate of "plow", then ride an XC bike and feel true light weight. Then get an SB130/150 and you can borrow techniques from both of those!
Great video Jeff! You have certainly piqued my interest for the SB130LR. I have a Hightower V2 and I'm finding that i much prefer mid-stroke support and predictability at high speeds over a plush plow feeling bike. This bike and WR1 Arrival for ultimate dream bike. I think everyone would love for you to get your hands on one of those! Im definitely interested in hearing more about those 24h carbon enduro wheels that you mentioned YET NEVER showcased riding them! Curious about the overall feeling they offer.. Looks like they would breaK too easily for enduro purposes. Also, I feel like you may mean the bike has a more “linear” leverage ratio which is why you had such good mid stroke support right? Appreciate all the effort you put into these freakkn amazin review videos. I just love watching you push high end bikes to their limit Peace out happy New Year!
Hey Jonathan, the vast majority of the riding shots in this video were with the 24 spoke wheels installed. I did a full video about these wheels back in the summer: ruclips.net/video/RhQRDisJgqY/видео.html
I asked them for one the day they came out, and sure enough, they are only going to be able to get a carbon version my way- first world problems lol! It reminds me of Ripley V4 vs Ripley AF. The v4 is "fancier", but the AF is actually the bike I prefer! Wondering if the Rise Hydro will be like that...
@@JeffKendallWeed it's a bit heavier, as it's 21 kg I think with proper tyres, but it has 540 battery, which on paper gives amazing range for mega adventure spins. My only concerm is that 21 kg weight tho, as it's not a super light ebike anymore
I ride a Revel Rascal and have farted around on a Yeti 130. The Yeti felt firmer and bit more capable. But, I could ride either bikes. You really cannot lose on these new bikes. Sorry but I would not spend 9k on a bike. I have GX on one bike and XT 12 on the other. Both are great but I like XT a bit more.
Really enjoy watching your videos. Have a off topic question. I just bought a new trust message fork. Got it really cheap. I will be putting it on a 2019 stump jumper short travel alloy 27.5. 130 mm travel front and back. What do you think, will it be ok. Also since the fork can also handle a 29 wheel I might try a mullet. Happy New Year.
Hey Jeff, do you ever get a chance to ride Specialized bikes? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the new Stumpjumper (non evo, flex-stay version) vs the sb130..
Manny, I haven't been chasing the Specialized rabbit, but I'm not opposed to it. It's a lot more beneficial for me to deep dive into bikes that Jenson sells, but they do sell Specialized at their various brick and mortar locations- just not online. Only Specialized is able to sell Specialized bikes online.
@@JeffKendallWeed Thanks, yea I understand they can't sell them online at Jenson and such. I was just thinking it'd be cool to get your opinion, but I keep forgetting about your sponsors and how that makes more sense for you. Your skills manage to make every bike look awesome..Great riding as always 👌
Hi Jeff, I live in Phx and wonder which of your bikes you prefer to ride at places like Somo, Sedona, Hawes? I have a Med Offering and a large Ripmo. The Offering has quicker handling and likes to jump which makes it a lot funner. The Rip peddles and bombs downhill a little better. Interested in the SB130, so just curious what you like for chunky Az?
Please don't lie to me, is the Press fit really ok? I still have nightmares with my Spez Camber's press fit, I can still hear the clicking and creaking to this day. ( I sold the bike 3 years ago )
Roby, I didn't have any issues with the PF92 on either the SB130 or the Rocky Mtn Altitude last year. When I was working at Ibis, we were one of the first brands to use that type of BB (Shimano type). When it's done right, it works well. But if the bores in the frame are too big, there can be issues. Luckily it seems both Rocky and Yeti have been boring the BB to the correct diameter- and straight. It's not that different than making a head tube, but it sounds like Specialized had a problem. Are you sure the Specialized wasn't that terrible Press Fit 30 standard? That format was garbage from what I've heard. The PF92 is a lot better. And the small 24mm Shimano spindle allows for proper sized bearings to be used.
Pressfit has a bad rap but it's really based on manufacturers tolerances. Brands like Pivot have very high frame tolerances so their frames do not have bb issues.
@@JeffKendallWeed Thank you for your response. Truth is I cannot tell you the size of it. I was new to Mountain Biking then ( coming from motorbikes ) and was frustrated with that sound. Take it to the shop, they fixed it, rode a few times and it will reappear, my riding buddies just said never buy press fit ( they have been riding much longer than I have and took that advise to heart ) , so when ever I hear press fit I take the bike off the list as a potential candidate for a future buy. But your explanation above has made me look at it again. Thanks for the great video, your riding style is incredible. All the best with the channel.
@@xandercl1819 Press fit is the defacto standard in industry for fitting bearings. Even the bearings in a threaded BB are press fitted into the plastic shell.
Grat video as alway🔥🤙🏼 was considering to get the sb130 but eventually took the sb150 which i absolutely love! Would be nice if you could try that one too. Would love to hear what you think about it✌🏼
Ya know Mario, I have not heard of any updates to the Sb130, and I'm kind of struggling to think about what on the bike actually needs updated... It's all very current despite being a couple years old now. Kind of like the Ripmo.
Would a bike like this make an "intermediate" such as I look and feel better than I really am or will it match my skill and style? know what I mean jelly bean?
Cool review but hard to relate to the points made and understand how this bike might work for an average rider that is looking for an upgrade and one that doesn't spend 50% of his time riding time on his back wheel. All these reviews show awesome video of sliding rear wheels, jumps over gaps and trees, sliding down 60 deg rock walls, dropping off 5 foot ledges and the ubiquitous rear wheel only riding! So pretty! How about a review for the rest of us that simply go out and ride at an average Joes' speed and ability....
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Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video. To get your sample pack, go to DrinkLMNT.com/Jeff
Thanks dude, I appreciate that!!! I was a little bummed I didn't have my good microphone here for this video, but thought I'd experiment with using a non-endemic sponsor to make this video happen. Thanks for watching!!!
LMNT is great stuff- one of the best hydration tools around
Love Jeff’s videos. Always comes across as genuine and a nice guy. Highly entertaining. Thanks
This guy have permanent helmet hair. Respect ✊
Run what ya brung!
@@JeffKendallWeed 👍👍Happy New Year! Thanks for all the stoke and awesome videos!
Been on my sb130lr for 2 years. Nobl wheelset, m7 brakes, oneup cockpit with x2 on the rear. The little bike that can do it all up here on the North Shore.
I was fortunate to get a SB130 TLR with full XT build back in June. This bike is phenomenal and I look forward to every chance I get to ride it. It’s definitely a bike that Gets better the harder you push it and rewards an active rider.
I totally agree I got my SB130 TLR XT build in September and love how the harder I push it the more rewarding the ride is.
Right on Boone! I agree that the harder you push the SB130, the better it performs. I really like that.
Love the video Jeff! If I’m being honest I’m not even sure why I watch review videos though, as I’m still completely stoked with my two bike Knolly quiver. I very much enjoy watching your riding, and learning from it. I visualize you when I’m really trying to dig in to my cornering, lol! I think it helps, and some days I really feel like I’m shredding ☺️.
Demo’d an SB130 a couple of years ago. GX, Fox 36 factory, XT brakes, DT Swiss 1700 wheels. Loved it! Curious to see what the next iteration of this bike will look like.
This is the update, I believe. If you have the funds go out and get one! It’s a fantastic bike of you like to go fast with skill instead of having a plusher suspension do all the work for you.
I have not heard of any updates, but I am also not "on the inside" when it comes to Yeti.
I’d love to see you do a similar review of the pivot switchblade. Seems like a bike that fits nicely in that same sort of category. Thanks for the content Jeff, you shred and it’s fun to watch. Makes me wanna plan a riding trip up to WA!
I appreciate the transparency! Great review
I love your sponsor declaration...on to the review :) respect
Thanks for the long-term review. I’ve ridden a Yeti SB-130TLR for the last couple of years and wasn’t able to try out many many other trail bikes before getting it, so your review makes me realize I lucked out and got the right bike for me with the Yeti.
Right on Dave! Yea, we've really enjoyed both SB130s- the one that Yeti loaned me, and the one we subsequently bought.
I agree love my '22 sb130 clr.
I have rented the ibis ripmo v2 and the Evil following on trail rides. Settled on the yeti. It looks better then them all. But everyone jumps on the ripmo band wagon, see all the time.
Based on your previous reviews and comparisons of the Occam, I picked one up in early 2021 from my local shop. I really appreciated your review and how you said that the Occam is more comfortable at 'slower' speeds. As much as I like to think I'm EWS fast, my Strava says otherwise. After testing multiple bikes and hearing your explanation, it made my decision a lot easier. I couldn't be happier with the Occam and have fun on it every time I ride it. Keep up the good work!
Occam is a such a great bike. I can admit it :)
I just got a 130lr and wanted some ride thoughts. Definitely spot on about how the yeti wants to be ridden. Never have I thought about what a bike wants till now! Lol
Hi from Albuquerque!
I do like the way you test. The only way to get a real feel for how a frame really works is to rule out any other variables that can change the way things feel!
JKW, love that intro. Hey, you know as well as the rest of us....When you gotta go, you gotta go. Seize the op when you can. Thanks for the long term review, was curious how you fared after a year. Back to the video now.
The SB130LR is impressive at 10/10ths - you can certainly appreciate it's race heritage. Below that pace, it can feel a bit harsh and unforgiving - you need to ride it surprisingly aggressively or it will punish small mistakes, which can make it a touch unnerving. In isolation, it's an incredibly well designed and built bike (it also has internal guides for cables - fantastic). I come from a background riding street/jump bikes, and it genuinely felt like the bike was able to shrink around me - the geometry numbers are nearly perfect.
I personally found running closer to 25% sag actually made for a faster bike that I felt more comfortable on (I was also running maximum volume spacers in the DPX2).
We have a lot of very slow, technical, rocky terrain where I ride and the 130 felt a bit under-biked for me, so I eventually moved on to a Pivot Firebird, which I prefer for my riding style and it suits my local trails better.
After swapping, I found the Firebird very impressive: it ticked the same playful, supportive boxes of the 130 but provided much more 'meat' for the really nasty stuff - and with that came a good deal more confidence. It also doesn't require minor servicing every six weeks, which is what I had to do to keep the Switch Infinity in good order on the 130, where our trails are quite often boggy and sandy after rain. Without regular attention, it would wear the bushings and develop play.
100% agree on the flex argument - people make far too much fuss about it without understanding it provides grip in the right areas.
Thanks for the feedback Oliver! I've still never ridden a Pivot, but have one lined up for a few days in January.
@@JeffKendallWeed Ohh, yes please Jeff, cannot wait for your review on the Pivot Firebird, especially considering how well you ride and handle these bikes in all sorts of terrain - please keep us posted - the reviews on this thing are insane!
Hey Jeff, any updates on nabbing a Pivot Firebird?
Interesting man! From which country you from? We have also alot of slower parts and sometimes my yeti doesnt feel perfekt for that
True that on the "over biked". As bad as I wanted the Rocky Altitude, it was indeed too much bike for my local trails and skill level. I appreciate your sincerity in your reviews!
Thanks Alejandro!
Really good review. Your reviews are better than you give yourself credit!
Your initial impressions video (along with a demo from my LBS) definitely impacted my decision to get the 130LR. I sized up with my yeti for additional downhill stability and this bike is quick. Every time I get out for a ride it puts a big smile on my face. It really does climb like a goat and descends like an equally fast down hill goat! Availability also impacted my purchase decision, but I have absolutely no regrets and am keen for next season.
Ironic, as sb130/150 is usually a downsize bike, regardless of downhill stability.
Glad to hear you like it! We bought one as well, so clearly I'm a fan of this bike. If all I rode was way gnar stuff, I'd want to go bigger, but for an all-around bike in most places in the world, the SB130 is a great option!
@@fcbotieno It could be that I'm just in between sizes. I test rode a size L and it wasn't the best set up for me. The shop didn't have the greatest contact points on it (narrow-ish bars and well used diety composite pedals which were NOT confidence inspiring), but I felt a bit cramped on the bike. I could definitely play around on the trail, but when I rode more difficult or steep features the bike felt squirrely, that's why I sized up. Sizing up definitely worked in my favour for the style of riding I prefer! I can still jib around and move the bike how I want to, but with added stability at speeds. I do need to up the volume spacers in the rear, but I'm heavier than most riders
Thanks. I'm 186cm my style I'd go for a L. What are your dimensions and how do you like it?
@@fcbotieno I'm also 186cm, and am 95kg. I guess my arms are a bit longer, I found the reach on the L a bit short for my preferences. The jump between my previous bike and 130LR was 3cm greater reach and about 4cm greater wheel base. I don't find the bike too long at all and probably should have been riding an XL frame all along. I prefer riding black and double black technical trails. I haven't gotten to ride any jump trails on the bike yet, but the drops/jumps I have ridden have felt great (likely due to the increased dimensions compared to my other bike)
Jeff, great review and informative of the SB 130 LR. Perhaps a Yeti SB 150 could be next?
Thanks Joel! And ya, I was originally requesting the SB150 but Yeti didn't have a demo available at the time.
+1 for a review of the SB150 and comparison to the 130LR
2:04 - 2:14 was so sick I can't even finish the video I'm just looping these 10 seconds!
That's looks so awesome! SB130 is great!
I have SB150 but I had a ride with the SB130 so I know a bit how it feels :)
Have fun in 2022 mate!!! Happy new year ! 🎉🎈🎆
Thanks Pozitivi, happy new years!
@@JeffKendallWeed 🏁🎊✅🔟/🔟
I demo'd an sb130 and rode it on ranger creek at hwy410 by rainier. It's an excellent Backcountry bike.
YO! this is all I wanted a TRUE and honest review. Just say how you really feel and think about the bike. Don't do it for the sponsors do it for the viewers. All those bikes you mentioned have been on my mind. Every angle was covered in this review. You've earned every right to ask us to support you!
Thanks Vincent! I'm pretty happy with this video, as the stuff I reported is all very real. I do really like this bike- to the point that we actually bought one. I
Ooh I recognize some of those Anacortes trails! Some fun pedally ones over there.
I was nervous to watch this as i recently brought a LR130, and I dont normaly read or watch reviews after i buy a bike. But due to being a fan of your videos, i thought I'd risk it. Happy with your views, and loved the previous video of you taking the motorbike and mtb to the mountains. Ripping up berms is fun, but so is getting out away from civilisation and just enjoying nature
Thanks Lewis, I appreciate that!
Jeff, that was such a thorough and honest and unafraid to be subjective to your prefs and riding style review. Thanks for the great ibis, occam, evil comparisons - that really brings it home for me in context. Here in the bay area Santa Cruz bikes are so dominant, everywhere really I suppose along with Specialized, but I found that Ibis just works for me and I almost ritually stick to Ibis. I had been dying to try a 130LR in my size, buddy has a large, but not so easy to find a demo. I tried an SB 150 in Moab and it was a stiff monster truck, truly amazing but not the way I tend to ride, not even there. Moved to a Ripmo in Moab (3rd time trying one) and was again just so happy. Funny enough I have always been a medium on Ibis and most bikes but the Ripmo is so much better for me in a small. Reading through the geo it makes sense and the geo of the 130 is not that far off.
So it was recently time to replace my XO carbon wheel Mojo 3 and I wanted to go up to 29 and supply chain willing found a Ripley AF. For the Bay Area a ripmo despite being my favorite bike right now is way overbiked. Ripley is the perfect bike for around here and the extra bit of slack in the AF is sweet. Contrary to all my biases the Alu frame and Deore build is insanely capable for 3K and with all the savings got a gucci set of onyx carbon wheels and money left over for a hard tail. At some point will get a used Ripmo AF for Tahoe, Downieville, Oregon.
Annnnd of course now watched this and MUST TRY THE LR! So it goes. But I also don't have your super aggressive riding style so I am guessing the ripmo is more me. Don't stop making these. I'm ready to order some LMNT just to support you.
wow i just realized this is a mtb review i thought it was a mountain bike video your a amazing rider!
It’s a great bike! Very good and comprehensive review!
Such a great review. Such an awesome rider. Such a good guy. Keep them coming.
I've always lusted after an Ibis despite the fact that the last bike I bought was a Trek Y-11 in the 90s (still have it). I'll likely never buy another bike b/c I'm turning 50, have two daughters in private school, about to start college, etc. demands on my resources, but you really made me want a yeti lunch ride - it sounds like a "sweet spot" of a bike to this novice
Thanks for the note Joel! What's wrong with turning 50? You're only 14 years older than me, go get yourself a decent bike and shred! Brian Lopes is like 56 or something, and he rips! Don't be afraid to check out the used market, but I'd probably go Ibis if I were getting a used bike. Yeti's Switch Infiniti system has been fine for me, but it does seem a little complex to own without a warranty. The Ripley AF is a great all-arounder, and it's like half the price of the SB130. Ripley is ~$3300 brand new, so ~$2000 used.
@@JeffKendallWeed ya, not the physicality of 50, the priorities, especially financial, of 50. maybe someday I'll splurge on the bike, but while it's high on the dream list, it's very low on the goals/values/vision board list
Get a Ripmo AF, it's probably one of the best bang for buck bikes on the market, the extra weight is no biggie for average joes like us, and it basically needs nothing out of the box save for maybe a brake upgrade if you plan to ride park.
@@JeffKendallWeed @mrvwbug44 k... since the oldest daughter got a full ride to college, the finances are breathing a sigh of relief and I'm taking the idea of a bike seriously. one of our local shops has some rentals including Ibis Ripmo AF, Yeti SB130 & SB 115, & some Pivits. I picked up the Ripmo AF this afternoon (just in time for a rain storm, and the World Games have some of the local trails closed). I'm going to give it a go for 2 or so days, then they recommended I try a Pivot for comparison & then the Yeti (this geometry is weird - my 1996 brain of 26" wheels, 3x drive train, long stem, extremely narrow bars, & pogo stick suspension doesn't compute with 29" wheels, 1x drive train, short stem, extremely wide bars, plush suspension, & dropper post...). thanks for the encouragement. I'll let you know how it goes
Thanks for turning me on to WTB tires and the PNW dropper. Great for PNW trail conditions! Also, I've been on Shimano for over 35 years with no problems. There's reliability for you.
Thank you Jason! I like the WTB 2.6 tires, but have been enjoying the Maxxis back in the PNW. Maxxis MaxGrip rubber feels awesome in the wet and slimy. That said, I'm in Sedona at the moment, and kind of prefer the WTB 2.6 over the Maxxis 2.5 WT for the dry rocks here. And the 2.6 WTB has helped the Offering out a bunch. PNW stuff is solid, I really like those guys and the stuff they make!
Maaannnn..... I just bought a Ripley a month ago and I was looking hardcore at the SB130 LR. I really wanted something that climbs well for the trails here in Phoenix, but I almost pulled the trigger on the 130 and now you're making me second guess the decision! Need to find one to try out..
Oh shoot sorry about that! Hahaha well no bike is forever. Ripley is a great bike, and for Hawes and McDowell it'll be a great set up. For South Mountain, a Ripmo is hard to beat. I'd love to try an SB150 down there too!
Jeff, thanks for the comparison, and Happy New Year! I recently purchased an Orbea Occam LT based on your review and love the trail geo and plush suspension. Love your videos and riding style.
Right on mang, the occam is cool! It's indeed a very different bike than the Yeti, too!!!
Bananas how hard they nailed this 4 years ago. Hardly needs an update.
Agreed, it's a solid set up.
I have an sb130 and I love it! Maybe I’ll lunch ride it out eventually!
Right on Tyler! I'd say extend the fork travel first, that's pretty affordable and pretty easy to do. Rear shock will help some, but won't be as noticeable as the fork.
Awesome video, thankyou. And thankyou for putting your cards upfront re. Sponsors. Helps a lot 👍
Thank you Joel! I am very disappointed in some of the mainstream media that consistently breaks federal trade commissions guidelines by not disclosing when a reviewed brand is also a paying advertiser.
Awesome review Jeff!! You rode a lot of great bikes in 2021. Thanks for sharing your feedback. Happy New Year to you and your family. Cheers !!
Great review Jeff, I had watched a lot of reviews including yours and hours of research on a number of bikes before I purchased a new SB 130 LR Turq in September in Australia. It ticked a lot of boxes for me and yes you have to ride it aggressively to get the most out of it, but that's what makes it so much fun to ride. My Meta Am hasn't really had a look in since the Yeti arrived, because it does everything so well. I'm taking it to Tasmania in a few weeks to race the Trans Tas enduro and can't wait to hit Maydena bike park and Derby's EWS trails on it. Keep up the good work Jeff and damn I wish I could manual like you do🤘🤘
Thanks Brendan! Glad you're enjoying the SB130, enjoy that trip to Taz! Derby sure looks fun, and good luck in the race!!!
@@JeffKendallWeed Thanks Jeff, I rode Derby a couple of years ago and it was awesome I'm hangin to hit those rocky trails again.
I had to choose between the SB130 and V2 Ripmo this past summer and went with the Ripmo. I absolutely love riding the SB130 though... fast, efficient, well rounded --all true. If I could afford a second bike it would be the SB130.
Right on Manjushri! A Ripmo/Sb130 stable is a good one, though the bikes aren't really that far apart. I'd love a Ripmo/hardtail stable TBH!
Fingers crossed Jenson can lend you a Santa Cruz Bronson to demo & review. Would love to hear your take on it and see if your opinion on mullets changes from your HD5 experiment (I did the same experiment and agree the bike is a bit too slack/unbalanced). I just built up the Bronson and it is SO much fun.
Anyways, keep up the great content! Your channel & riding style is the reason I got into MTB & went out and bought the Ibis HD4 & HD5. Still working on the manual everywhere part.....
Thanks man! Probably not going to do any SCB soon since Jenson can only sell them in the shop, but with how hard it is to get even a review bike, I might be able to make that happen! As for mullets, the Chromag has totally grown on me. The bigger tires and CushCore helped immensely, though it still sucks now on jumps. But on most trails I ride, there aren't many BMX jumps, so it's not that big of a deal. The HD5 might feel better with more miles on it as a mullet, but I still prefer matching 29!
Great Stuff Jeff 😉 happy new year over the Pond buddy have a good 2022 🚴🏿♂️😉👌🏴🏴👌
Happy new year! Thanks man!
Jeff: "I'm a horrible bike reviewer!"
All of us: You are literally the best bike reviewer.
This dude LOVES LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome video man
Great review Jeff! I love how you ride and "review" some of my favorite bikes. I've owned the 130 LR and currently own a V2 Ripmo (with a Forbidden Druid in between) I'm a shade under 5'10" and typically ride size L bikes. All and all I loved the 130 but I think I would have preferred it in a M. With its need for speed and longer reach, it became a bit more of a handful unless ridden hard. I found that for me the Ripmo is just a bit of a better all rounder for my riding style. I've been on an Offering a few times but found the HA a bit on the steep side for my liking and didnt want to deal with a creaky angle set. Got the We Are One Arrival coming for next season, very excited. Had a few rides on one already and its really impressive. FYI, I've has Rocky's Pivot's and Yeti's all with PF bb's and never had an issue.
What a list of bikes! Man, I would love to take Arrival out for a burn. What a beautiful design.
How would you compare the 130 to the Druid? Thinking about selling my 130 to pick up a Druid because I love the high pivot suspension design
@@MrShortman4334 I really liked the Druid, its a great all rounder. It feels deeper, more plush and has better small bump sensitivity. I found it easier to corner with and ultimately a bit easier to ride over all. The 130 just wants to rip all the time and is definitely a faster bike while still being super fun to ride. It has a sportier feel and climbs a little bit quicker to.
Thanks Trailpops! I agree 100% on the Evil head angle, it's way too steep. I have had a great experience with the 1° Works Components angleset that Evil sells, not even the slightest loosening or noise. It's FAR better than the old Cane Creek Anglesets. I also use a 160 fork on there. Enjoy the Arrival, I'd love to get on one, but haven;t figured out how to make that happen yet!
@@JeffKendallWeed I should have my Arrival sometime around March, you're welcome to it anytime. I'm in the BC Interior so not too terribly far from you. Or I was actually thinking about a spring trip to Bellingham.
The 27.5” version of this bike, the SB140, is a great bike as well.
Right on James!
Personally I agree: find it a but unhelpful when reviews focus on the drivetrains or trot out the same cliches about Sram v Shimano brakes, so it's useful to have the spec element taken out of the equation and to focus on the fundamentals of the bike. (There is a difference perhaps in what is required when reviewing the higher-level bikes aimed at more experienced riders, who are likely to swap out spec components, to what is required when looking at those bikes aimed at more entry-level riders, where some more basic information about the spec will be useful).
Dude, I've love to see you do a review of the 2021 Devinci Troy. I know Jenson carries them ;-)
Bravo Jeff!!
Great review Jeff.
Thanks Be!
Great review. Great rider. Nice bike 💪
Thanks Alfredo!
Great review on an excellent bike. So many awesome bikes to chose from these days, too bad they all cost more than my dirt bike, and, hardly any of them are available these days! Oh well, maybe someday!
The availability is a funny thing- they come and go in waves! This summer the SB130s were pretty good on availability, now they all gone. I wish they cost the same as a dirt bike- any decent trail bike from KTM/Husky is $11k, and dealers try to tack on another $1500 in BS fees BEFORE taxes, so the motos are a lot more $$$. Heck, a YZ250X is $9k where I live. Even the stripped down MX 2 strokes are $9k+. A comparably specced MTB would be around $6k.
Oh wow, yeah I ride a ktm250sx two stroke that I can get here in the Midwest for around 8 grand with no extra fees, but I've certainly heard of other places tacking on all kind of fees.
The sb130lr is definitely on my short list after seeing what you and nate hills can do on it.
I demo'd the SB130 and was impressed!
There is a section on the local trails I ride that is a series of three hills with a little tech. I could never clear it on the OG Ripley I had and my Ripmo ( this was probably a "me" problem..LOL.) after riding this section over 100 times according to my Strava. On a good day, I would do 2/3 of it!
When I rode this same section on the SB130, I cleared it the first time! I was in shock!...LOL. Perhaps the reason could be the Switch Infinity, tire or suspension setup? Who knows??
I'm a fan of Yeti bikes. I think they're great, but don't understand why consumers have to pay a 20-30% premium above Ibis bikes for example? Even a base build is almost as much as a higher end Ibis build. Furthermore, I heard that their support has issues such as they're stingy with warranty claims.
Warranty from yeti is pita... I wouldn't buy another one.
@@mnmarcus4070 I had an awesome experience with Yeti warranty. Sent couple of pics and they sent a new frame without any fuss. Just wanted to mention this so others would see a different perspective.
Watched this video and just realized the Ibis during the sponsor part of it...lol. Great vid though.
Leverage ratio from sag is 2.5-2.3 so I'm not sure why you are saying it is so progressive. The Intense Primer goes from 3 to 2.25.
Hi Jeff,
Great ride vids.
Are you able to review the Intense Primer comparing the SB130LR?
Thanks George! I haven't been planning on more Intense stuff, it's just sadly not as relevant as it once was. The Tazer I rode in 2020 was great, that was a really fun bike. I bet the Primer would ride well, but if I'm going to allocate a lot of resources to making a legit review, I gotta do my best to either keep in the mainstream, or about something that's just so weird that it'll get some interest!
Would love to see a review of this bike with a rear coil shock!
Nice review.
What are your thoughts on the Commencal Meta TR Race to the SB130 LR?
I know the biggest thing is alloy and carbon. I kind of wanted to see from a performance standpoint since the Commencal has high end components.
Still undecided between sb 115 or sb 130, i usually ride on flat texas trails, and 2 or 3 trips to Arkansa and Sedona a year
I may switch to shimano cranks from my sram cranks just because of the bb. I have gone through 2 of them in 6months both of them getting rust in the bearings. I live in England so 70% of my riding is in the wet (specially in winter) and can’t be asked to swap these bbs every 3 months…
Please get your hands on a SB150….. I really want to hear your thoughts and watch you rip on it in its element.
I love my yeti sb130 personally
The SB130 feels harder to ride than some other bikes I’ve tried and took a lot more effort for some reason. I jumped on a ripmo and it just felt comfortable straight away and an easier ride. Can’t explain why though 🤷♂️
Totally fair! The Ripmo is bigger, slacker, and has more travel. And the travel is less progressive, so it's easier to use more of it. I like them both, but they are quite different.
Is it possible the SB130LR needs to be ridden hard like its big brother and the Specialized Endro? The Enduro especially will punish you for NOT riding aggressively. Another thing in the Ripmo's corner is that DW link pedals extremely well, even the AF which is 36lbs in a size large hides its weight well except on long grindy climbs.
@@JeffKendallWeed .....Great review, as always! So down to earth and not focused on minor details, that are far more related to spec sheets. It's kind of finny, because at the 2019 Outerbike, I picked the Ripmo over the SB130, just because I felt immediately at home on that bike. I think I recall you saying that you were going to be trying the cascade link on your V2.
I'm VERY interested in that if you have a chance to do it. I've grown more and more disappointed with the lack of progression with my V1, and I've actually shied away from some features that I know are going to result in harsh bottom-outs. By comparison, my 2016 155mm Patrol, soaks up landings like being on a cloud, comparatively. In fairness, it's not nearly as lively or poppy feeling as the V1, and it doesn't pedal as well. But...I'm to a point that I'll give up some pedal efficiency that makes the V1 Ripmo so nice to ride, for some additional progressivity. I'm also interested in trying the 2021 Float X and Float X2, with the promise of more progression, versus the DPX2 that I run on mine.
@@willbros1499 dude the DPX2 limits the Ripmo V1 significantly. I bought an X2 and it feels plusher and handles bigger hits better.
@@pjsanab .....What year is your X2? The reason I ask, is because I've ridden my bike with the 2019 and 2020 X2, and it made it substantially WORSE with bottom outs, because of how linear that shock is, coupled with the regressive curve. Yes, it was more plush off the top and less harsh in the rocks, but then it wasn' t quite as efficient pedaling, or as playful, so because it bottomed out WORSE...I just gave up on it. I have heard the 2021 and 2022 X2's are more progressive, so I've considered that option. Sadly...the Cascade links is not available for the V1, although some people have modified the V2 version to work. That's just a LOT of money to get a new X2, AND a Cascade link, for an experiment.
I'd be curious to have you ride a Evil Following V3 or Revel Ranger. It's shorter travel than most of your bikes, but I think it might be an interesting.
Thanks Pavel! I’m working on getting a Revel in soon!
Thanks for the videos, you. really provide one of the more enjoyable and informative mtb videos out there. I’ve had Ripmo v2 and Jekyll, but I love my SB130, it just handles so much more than you’d think it can. For the majority of what i ride in San Diego it’s perfect, but I also take it to mammoth, and for that reason I’ve thought about converting to an LR. Would value your feedback / opinion on the difference between the two versions to help me decide if I should.
Would love to hear your thoughts on the transition spur
I got lucky and got a GT Force expert before prices jumped. It would be interesting to see how it compares to the Ripmo AF when running a 160/150 setup. I’m currently running it with a 170mm front fork and it cooks but doesn’t feel like a total boat despite the travel and the weight. The only things I can compare it to are a 2020 Trek Slash that I rented at Snowshoe WV and a 2021 Pivot Switchblade that I rented in Asheville NC. It absolutely is better than the Slash both pedaling and on any trails while the Switchblade climbs a bit better but isn’t as stable on the way back down.
Thanks for the feedback Anthony! I've got a Switchblade lined up for a few days in January, looking forward to that. I might get a GT in for testing in Q1 or Q2, we'll see what I can afford!
@@JeffKendallWeed I would highly recommend any of the alloy force models. I’ve been putting the expert model as much abuse as I can on my local trails and I can tell I’m not even scratching the surface of what it can do. Plus it is about a third of the cost of the highest end switchblade which meant I could actually afford it without selling a kidney.
@@JeffKendallWeed my 2021 switchblade is my favorite bike I’ve ridden/owned. The only bike I truly regret selling :(
2022 Yeti SB130 vs 2025 Ibis Ripley?
Any experience between the Hightower and SB130?
Thank you for the video. I'm looking at an all mountain 29er and this has been a good comparison and review.
Originally i had the SB130LR then i switched to the SB150 and it made me think i was a really good rider straight lining through the chunky stuff. Now ive had to switch back to the lunch ride because i broke my sb150 frame. Its been a refreshing change but also an eye opener experience on how carelessly I’ve been riding the SB150. Trying to ride the same lines as the SB150 i feel like I’m a pretty below average rider but its been fun learning to find the smoother lines. Originally i was using a 50mm stem with a 20mm rise bar and it felt hard jumping on the 130 but now with a 32mm stem and a 35mm rise bar its soo much easier to jump. That just my 2cents worth
Sorry to hear about the busted 150, Sony! Swapping between different genres of bikes is one of the best ways to improve as a rider. Try a DH bike to really understand the ultimate of "plow", then ride an XC bike and feel true light weight. Then get an SB130/150 and you can borrow techniques from both of those!
i am 5'9 do I get a medium I have long arms is that fine with yeti size. chart. Thank you
Soooo good. I'm curious what anyone would say to compare the SB130 LR and SB150? Thank you
Great video Jeff! You have certainly piqued my interest for the SB130LR. I have a Hightower V2 and I'm finding that i much prefer mid-stroke support and predictability at high speeds over a plush plow feeling bike. This bike and WR1 Arrival for ultimate dream bike. I think everyone would love for you to get your hands on one of those!
Im definitely interested in hearing more about those 24h carbon enduro wheels that you mentioned YET NEVER showcased riding them! Curious about the overall feeling they offer.. Looks like they would breaK too easily for enduro purposes.
Also, I feel like you may mean the bike has a more “linear” leverage ratio which is why you had such good mid stroke support right?
Appreciate all the effort you put into these freakkn amazin review videos. I just love watching you push high end bikes to their limit
Peace out happy New Year!
Hey Jonathan, the vast majority of the riding shots in this video were with the 24 spoke wheels installed. I did a full video about these wheels back in the summer: ruclips.net/video/RhQRDisJgqY/видео.html
will you be reviewing orbea rise hydro? very few proper reviews of that bike
I asked them for one the day they came out, and sure enough, they are only going to be able to get a carbon version my way- first world problems lol! It reminds me of Ripley V4 vs Ripley AF. The v4 is "fancier", but the AF is actually the bike I prefer! Wondering if the Rise Hydro will be like that...
@@JeffKendallWeed it's a bit heavier, as it's 21 kg I think with proper tyres, but it has 540 battery, which on paper gives amazing range for mega adventure spins. My only concerm is that 21 kg weight tho, as it's not a super light ebike anymore
I’d like to see you do a review ride session on the @pivotcycles Switchblade and Firebird
Thanks Bruce, I'm arranging for a Switchblade for a few days in January in Arizona!
@@JeffKendallWeed look forward to it
I ride a Revel Rascal and have farted around on a Yeti 130. The Yeti felt firmer and bit more capable. But, I could ride either bikes. You really cannot lose on these new bikes. Sorry but I would not spend 9k on a bike. I have GX on one bike and XT 12 on the other. Both are great but I like XT a bit more.
The 2022 SB130 comes with a Fox Float X. Do you think a Fox Float X2 would be nice on this bike?
Really enjoy watching your videos. Have a off topic question. I just bought a new trust message fork. Got it really cheap. I will be putting it on a 2019 stump jumper short travel alloy 27.5. 130 mm travel front and back. What do you think, will it be ok. Also since the fork can also handle a 29 wheel I might try a mullet. Happy New Year.
Such a sick review! How would you compare the SB130LR with the evil offering? Currently cross-shopping the two (or the evil wreckoning/insurgent mx)
Thanks for another honest review…………
Thanks Shayne!
Hey Jeff, do you ever get a chance to ride Specialized bikes? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the new Stumpjumper (non evo, flex-stay version) vs the sb130..
Manny, I haven't been chasing the Specialized rabbit, but I'm not opposed to it. It's a lot more beneficial for me to deep dive into bikes that Jenson sells, but they do sell Specialized at their various brick and mortar locations- just not online. Only Specialized is able to sell Specialized bikes online.
@@JeffKendallWeed Thanks, yea I understand they can't sell them online at Jenson and such. I was just thinking it'd be cool to get your opinion, but I keep forgetting about your sponsors and how that makes more sense for you. Your skills manage to make every bike look awesome..Great riding as always 👌
Hi Jeff,
I live in Phx and wonder which of your bikes you prefer to ride at places like Somo, Sedona, Hawes? I have a Med Offering and a large Ripmo. The Offering has quicker handling and likes to jump which makes it a lot funner. The Rip peddles and bombs downhill a little better. Interested in the SB130, so just curious what you like for chunky Az?
How much does this model weigh?
Whats your perferd stem length? I now you like 760 mm bars.
QQ: what trail are you riding at the end
Love my 140.
Right on!
hope you do SB140 review
Thanks Deets! But alas, that's not a 29er... If I have a choice, I generally prefer the modern 29ers.
@@JeffKendallWeed cool I still love 27.5
Any creacking from the press fit?
Please don't lie to me, is the Press fit really ok? I still have nightmares with my Spez Camber's press fit, I can still hear the clicking and creaking to this day. ( I sold the bike 3 years ago )
Roby, I didn't have any issues with the PF92 on either the SB130 or the Rocky Mtn Altitude last year. When I was working at Ibis, we were one of the first brands to use that type of BB (Shimano type). When it's done right, it works well. But if the bores in the frame are too big, there can be issues. Luckily it seems both Rocky and Yeti have been boring the BB to the correct diameter- and straight. It's not that different than making a head tube, but it sounds like Specialized had a problem. Are you sure the Specialized wasn't that terrible Press Fit 30 standard? That format was garbage from what I've heard. The PF92 is a lot better. And the small 24mm Shimano spindle allows for proper sized bearings to be used.
Pressfit has a bad rap but it's really based on manufacturers tolerances. Brands like Pivot have very high frame tolerances so their frames do not have bb issues.
@@JeffKendallWeed Thank you for your response. Truth is I cannot tell you the size of it. I was new to Mountain Biking then ( coming from motorbikes ) and was frustrated with that sound. Take it to the shop, they fixed it, rode a few times and it will reappear, my riding buddies just said never buy press fit ( they have been riding much longer than I have and took that advise to heart ) , so when ever I hear press fit I take the bike off the list as a potential candidate for a future buy. But your explanation above has made me look at it again. Thanks for the great video, your riding style is incredible. All the best with the channel.
@@xandercl1819 Press fit is the defacto standard in industry for fitting bearings. Even the bearings in a threaded BB are press fitted into the plastic shell.
I had many issues with my SB130, but the PF BB never gave me problems.
Hey mate whats the saddle on that bike?
Grat video as alway🔥🤙🏼 was considering to get the sb130 but eventually took the sb150 which i absolutely love! Would be nice if you could try that one too. Would love to hear what you think about it✌🏼
If I didn’t think a new one was like imminently in release I would have bought it vs the sentinel that I just got
Ya know Mario, I have not heard of any updates to the Sb130, and I'm kind of struggling to think about what on the bike actually needs updated... It's all very current despite being a couple years old now. Kind of like the Ripmo.
Lol it was closer to ten k after I had to have enve bars. I don’t even have kashima fork or dropper. Bought because of this video. Impulse buy ftw.
Would a bike like this make an "intermediate" such as I look and feel better than I really am or will it match my skill and style? know what I mean jelly bean?
Do you prefer the grip 2 or fit 4 on the 130?
“So I did what I do with all of my problems and ran away.” 🤣
nice vid thanks
How do you like it compared to the Norco optic?
Optic compares to the Ripley AF, where as the SB130 compares more to the Sight. I'd rather ride the longer travel bikes, TBH.
Cool review but hard to relate to the points made and understand how this bike might work for an average rider that is looking for an upgrade and one that doesn't spend 50% of his time riding time on his back wheel. All these reviews show awesome video of sliding rear wheels, jumps over gaps and trees, sliding down 60 deg rock walls, dropping off 5 foot ledges and the ubiquitous rear wheel only riding! So pretty! How about a review for the rest of us that simply go out and ride at an average Joes' speed and ability....