Yeti SB160 Review: Worth the Upgrade?
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- Опубликовано: 14 окт 2024
- We had to sneak away from our winter wonderland to get some quality time on the SB160 for a proper review. We headed to St. George, UT and while it’s still cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey, we have some dirt and a whole lot of rocks down here for some proper test riding. The Updated SB160 is big, burly, and fast. But, the big question for the day is, “should I upgrade from my old SB150?” Stick around to find out.
Head to the written article on our website for more details - bebikes.com/th...
Mad skills on some of this drops. Much respect. Heading for St George tonight…I won’t be hitting it that hard! (Or even close!)😂
Good riding Conor!
Hey thanks for the kind words. I just close my eyes and hold on for dear life.
@@bikersedgewhen in doubt, throttle out.
I was looking forward to your take on this one and it didn't disappoint. The new intro/first look at the bike was also a fun touch.
Hey thanks! Trying to break out of the box a little. Was certainly fun to make.
New Englander here - despite it being such a large bike I actually feel I have better control given the geo and weight distribution so I find I'm more confident on this bike than other similar bikes that would typically be considered more "nimble" on a tight switchback.
This was a great review thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! Really enjoyed watching your ride footage
@@mayapaya314 thanks for the kind words!
In Colorado you really have to earn those descents. Yeti nailed it for the terrain we have out here. Definitely on my short list of bikes for the upcoming season.
Same!
Another awesome review. I walk away wanting every bike you review. Nice job. Well explained and great riding. You have balls. You are absolutely flying. Very scenic spots.
How do you think I feel having to give them back?
and Bikers Edge happens to sell them all!
@@pikaartdog fair point. However, it turns out everything he’s saying is true because the bikes I have tested have matched his description, very accurately. He eloquently highlights the benefits of each bike and slips in the negatives in a very polished way. Very palatable, and very enjoyable to watch. He also has a great personality. Of course I get your point that he’s trying to sell bikes however, I feel that he is very honest nonetheless.
@@bikersedge I’m sure
Yes. We do sell all of these bikes. We never hide that fact. What we are trying to do is sell the right bike to the right customer. It does us no good to hype up every bike and tell everyone it’s the perfect bike for them and end up getting people on the wrong bike. That wouldn’t be a very good long term strategy for us. Folks would never come back.
Love the report card! In the future, you may want to consider leaving a few seconds of the report card on screen before the suggested videos and subscribe button come up, because I wasn't able to see the whole thing. That being said, great review! This is one of my favorite frames currently.
Sweet. Thanks for the feedback!
Such a sick bike, might be the best looking yeti in my opinion, keep up the good videos :)
The green is nice. Big fan. Although the purple 140 is insane.
@@bikersedge fair, I totally forgot about that purple.
Great work on the editing.
Little details like the snow shovel, nice
Hey thanks. Glad you liked it!
Sounds like a stumpy evo with a cascade link and 170 fork.
The exact setup im doing on m’y stumpy evo!!
@@rodrigopages1054 yeah seems it would be good peddling bike and good for Gnar with the 170 fork. And you can tweak the geo to make it more gnarly or more pedal.
@@ssjj9584 indeed
Plus about 3k
@@taylorklein2378 yeah! I’m sure the rear suspension design is good but 3k better? Doubt it.
It was a nice surprise to see the Rallon's cameo. I'm getting one. The Rallon is a very capable bike, even though it can get pricey, but it's nowhere as expensive as the 160. I can't imagine for an extra 4-5k that there is a positive difference between the two.
The DeVinci Sparton is even cheaper than the Rallon and it's an awesome bike as well.
I was surprised that the 160 reminded me of the Rallon too. That was pretty unexpected.
Great review!
Amazing looking bike, just too bad you called out New England and our tight trails as it’s weakness 😢😂
These review videos are really a cut above pretty much everything else out there; fantastic work guys!!!
Just size down and it’s great for New England trails.
Hey thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it.
I’d think the 140 would be so good for those trails. Little steeper HTA and a little shorter wheelbase. Still plenty capable for some rough riding too.
@@billycarroll4230this. Richie Rude and Ryan Gilchrist both ride and race the Medium SB160 and they’re 180cm tall. I’m same height and ride a Medium SB150. I tried the Large and it was a struggle to get it to handle all the tight trails here in Squamish and Whistler.
Hi there just wondering how tall you are... Am trying to figure out the right size for my husband. Thanks and great video :)
I’m 6’2”
Great reviews! Which climbs better, Revel Rail 29 or Yeti SB160? I have a Rail 29 frame on order. Being in the midwest, I'm pretty sure I will like the shorter wheelbase of the Rail.
Rail 29 climbs better. They’re not even playing the same game on the DH though.
@@bikersedge Nice! Thanks!
Geo wise this is somewhat similar to my GT Force 29 from 2021. 442mm chainstays, 77° sta, 64.6° HTA. I’m on a medium with a 445/450mm reach. Granted it sucks on climbs, despite endless traction it’s heavy and sluggish. However on the way down it’s stable, fast, and gets more agile the faster I go. It’s damn near telepathic in the corners and eats up tech, even with less travel out back than the new crop of enduro bikes. I’d love to see my model year of Force tested against some current bikes seeing as it got dogged on by Beta MTB and Pinkbike complained about the spec’d brakes on the pro model for a decent part of the review.
When will you post your more in depth comparison between the Megatower and SB160?
We’re still in the middle of one of the snowiest winters we’ve ever had. Haven’t been able to ride a bike for quite a while. If you could make it stop snowing I could make that video.
Great video as usual. Would love to see your thoughts on the 160 compared to the 140LR. I feel the 140LR is closer to the Sb150 now with its tweaks. "Daily" driver usually describes the Sb130LR or Sb140LR, so how do you feel about that comparison?
Check the previous comments. Just made that comparison.
Correct me if I am wrong, but the old one has a terrible creaky fit bottom bracket and the new one has the infinitely better threaded bb. That alone is reason to sell the old one to some mug who doesn't know any better and get the new one to enjoy a quiet ride. I am a potential Santa Cruz Cc, S Works etc customer and I totally wrote Yeti off because of the press-sh1t bbs.
Correct. The new one has a threaded BB.
Hey Conor! Would you pick the SB160 or previous gen Rocky Altitude? Can't make up my mind and would love to hear your thoughts!
Out of those two I’d go SB160. SB160 vs new altitude might be a different story though.
Great review, as always. How is it with jumps? I’m curious how poppy it is. I don’t feel like the 130LR is very poppy.
I’ve never ridden a Yeti I’d describe as overly poppy. This is no exception. It jumps just fine especially if there’s a lip to do the work for you but it’s not a super jibby bike.
So is it worth the upgrade over the 150? I dunno that you answered that initial question that you posed in the beginning of the video? Maybe I missed your conclusion? Inquiring sb150 owners want to know. 😊 PS thanks for another high quality video.
I tried to leave it up to interpretation. I don’t see the 160 as a massive upgrade over the 150. That said I do this the suspension platform feels better. At the end of the day they’re pretty similar.
Nice review? Always look forward to your reviews! I'm not good enough a rider to likely notice the extra 10mm in back, half degree slacker/steeper. Curious if you feel it's really different from the SB150?
I think the biggest difference comes in the suspension feel. That said it’s not a huge departure from the 150.
@@bikersedge Thanks, meant to say Nice Review! (without the question mark). Always appreciate the work you put into these. I overforked my Ripmo to 170 and really can't tell the difference. Don't even notice the half degree slacker.
I would bet if you did some back to back laps you could feel the difference. I’m no bike whisperer and it becomes more apparent when you do back to back laps.
I’ve had bad luck with the SI unit, it seems like they wear out quick. Same with bearings. Any similar experiences with your yetis? I ride in NorCal wet often and maybe I just wasn’t as diligent as I should have been.
Staying on top of the grease service goes a long way in helping them last longer. Unfortunately it’s a bit of a west item though and the wetter/muckier your climate the more often you’ll have to replace it.
Great review - so helpful
Glad you liked it!
Great review and video quality, thanks! Would you consider the 160 to be poppy and playful at "regular trails"? I am leaning towards the sb160 for the travel, but I do climb a lot to get my decents. Would I sacrifice a lot of playfullness with the 160 over the 140? does it noticeable feels heavier than the 140?
Hey, thanks! I don't think any of Yeti's bikes are all that poppy. I don't think they tune their suspension to be poppy. They are more about support and speed. Yes, the 160 feels noticeably heavier than the 140. That said it's easily one of the better climbing enduro bikes.
@@bikersedge Thanks man. I had the luck to try em both on same tracks. In my humble opinion, they both climb really well, best on the lighter 140 just a tiny bit, doesnt make a difference if you don´t chrono your climbs. Going down, you gain a lot with the sb160. Ready for all, planted, composed, and playfull when you want. So, you gain a lot with sb160 and sacrifice a tiny bit compared to the 140, for the trails I have around and my preference. Cheers!
That is a very interesting point.. Sounds like the type of bike most suitable for my terrain and style of riding, which I appreciate climbing but love the downhills. That being said, what are the other bikes that feel like this steed but at a cheaper price point?
I haven’t ridden another enduro bike that feels quite like this one in terms of uphill/downhill balance. The Rallon is cheaper and similar. Most of the AM bikes from our showdown are cheaper and have a good balance between uphill and downhill but they won’t have the capability of the 160.
So your impression is the Megatower ist more plush/sensitive than the SB160? I appreciate your takes on suspension feel, keep that up!
Yes. I think it feels like it rides deeper too.
Wholeheartedly agree. I'm coming from a V2 Megatower and have plenty of seat time on newer Yeti's. The Megatower, not matter volume reduction, always felt like it wanted to stay deep into its travel. For me, the Megatower feels "lazy" compared to the SB150/SB130... have not ridden the SB160 but I can imagine how it rides.@@bikersedge
Trails look sick!
I’m a Pennsylvania rider
That shit looks fun 🔥
St. George is a good time!
Love the report card. 😀
Hey thanks. I think I need to make some of the text bigger. I’ll get it dialed though.
Will you be doing a review on the Santa Cruz Nomad V6 and compare it to the megatower v2?
I would love to if I could get my hands an a Nomad. I have a feeling they’re pretty similar though.
@@bikersedge tap into you mtb network. I’m sure you know someone with a nomad lol.
Love your reviews man.
great review. I need one
Thanks for watching!
Do you think the bike would be better with a 40 mm stem? Having a 50 mm stock on it seems weird
@@sk8ingrocks10 stem length is pretty personal based on fit and handling characteristics. I don’t feel like a 50 is out of place. It helps stabilize the steering but yeah it does get your weight more forward.
nice report card. This is great for comparing !
Hey thanks for the feedback!
Switch Infinity…friend or foe? It’s a head scratcher they still use it. Other enduro bikes are right there or better performance wise.
I think it offers some great pedaling characteristics and a good platform for pumping and generating speed. Not that you couldn’t accomplish that with other designs though. I think it’s just their thing and a way to get a floating pivot point without paying to license a design.
Have you ever had the chance to compare the original Fox Suspension vs. an Ohlins fork and shock?
I haven’t ever tried Ohlins.
Hi, just curious on the bike rack you are running on the truck. I also have an xl sb160 at it doesnt fit on my current rack
It's the Yakima Stage Two. Bomber rack.
Do you have to ride in an aggressive forward position like I used to on my SB 130 and SP 150? I loved a lot about those bikes but they were very unwieldy on lazy days when I didn’t wanna put in 100% and I would end up watching out the front end and crashing.
It’s still a big bike with a slack front end. Riding off the back of that type of bike (or any bike for that matter) is never the right way to go. That said I don’t feel like the 160 is at all unwieldy even on mellower terrain. It’s surprisingly manageable.
Nine review. How does the yeti compare to a Pivot Firebird?
We don’t carry pivot. Not too familiar.
Considering replacing my Hightower with the sb160. I’m riding a large HT with a 160 fork which on paper puts the reach about the same as a medium sb160. Would that feel small or should I stick with a large?
Giving size advice over the internet is a bit of a crapshoot. That said the 160 is designed to be bigger and longer on purpose. That’s partially what makes it more capable than the Hightower. Sizing down would negate that.
How did you decide on the size? I am also 6'2" and am right between a Large and XL per the size chart.
I generally ride XL. I feel that I benefit more from the stability of the bigger frame for my trails and riding style. We put out a video about that a while back. Go check that out.
@Bikers Edge im a bit between. Ride a large Evil Offering and an XL Ripley AF. Will probably come down to how the bike actually rides. Probably need to demo!
Were you out riding in Hurricane by St G.?
Yeah. I rode all over the St George area.
So.. is it worth to upgrade from a 150?? Did I miss the part of the video where you answer your question??
I tried to mostly leave that up to the viewer based on the ride review in the video. For me, I'll take the minor updates. Might not be worth it for everyone though - it's not a huge difference.
@@bikersedge got it. Thanks
You seem more lit while reviewing the Megatower
I’m old. I don’t know what that means.
How tall are you? I’m 6’2” and am hoping to down size to a Large for the first time in years
I’m 6’2” as well. I wouldn’t hate the wheelbase of a large but the front end is way too low for me - even with riser bars.
Beautiful Bike!
That green is so nice. The navy one looks great too.
5:30 certainly looks like you're flying!
I do my best and just hold on for dear life.
@@bikersedge Sounds like a plan!
approaching Pole Vikkela numbers....
Have you ride Pivot Firebird? Compare to it?
We don’t carry pivot at the shop. Not too familiar with their bikes.
Can you do a nukeproof giga review?
That’s not a brand we have access to at the shop. Won’t be able to do it unfortunately.
that bike super small as XL, not even close to 1400mm wheel base and just 510mm reach. My bike currently has 1440mm wheel base and 565mm reach and it feel little to small tho, but fits me.
How come 510 is super small? Pretty much all modern enduro bikes are 500-520mm, so I'd say it's in the middle. And that's having in mind now people are often riding bikes too big for them. In order to properly ride something huge like 565 you must be like 2.3 meters tall lol.
What bike are you riding with a 1440mm wheelbase? You sure it’s a bike and not a school bus?
@@bikersedge Nicolai GT1 XXXL 180/180mm travel. Normal Enduro bike.
“Normal enduro bike” is used pretty loosely in this case. Haha.
No Nomad or Patrol review?
We haven’t been able to get either of those in for a review yet. We should be able to get more videos done in the spring when the weather gets better too.
Is this better than the V2 Megatower as far as an enduro bike ?
Give it about 2 hours and you’ll have your answer. The Sb160 vs Megatower showdown is going live this morning.
As promised bebikes.com/the-hub/yeti-sb160-vs-santa-cruz-megatower/
Does the sb160 edge out the sb150 on the uphill climbs?
It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden a 150. I do think the 160 is an excellent climber. That said I remember the 150 being pretty good too.
@@bikersedge With that said I'll just stick with my sb150 👍
Is it worth upgrading from a SB150 to get one?
I don’t think it’s a huge upgrade over the 150. They’re fairly similar. The 160 does have what I think is an improved suspension platform and probably edges out the 150 by a little.
@@bikersedge Thanks for the useful comments... I upgraded my 2020 sb150 to the fox 38 last fall... Maybe I will wait another year or two before considering a new bike...
I don't believe that you were actually learning the measurements for the first time in the shots with the tape measure.
I’m really fast at measuring.
Better all rounder than the 140?
First impressions I’d say they both do all around duty really well. The 160 is going to be more for the decent hungry rider while the 140 is going to be more for the person who lives for big climbs and big descents.
@@bikersedge if you could only have one bike, which one would you pick for your all around affairs and your personal riding style? 160 or 140LR?
Comparable to the Sentinel?
To a degree yes. The 160 feels bigger not only in geo but suspension too.
I'm sure it's a great bike but for yeti prices there's a lot of good bikes in this category
You’re not wrong. It’s spendy for sure. I’ve not ridden an enduro bike with a similar ride quality or uphill/downhill balance though. For the right person it’s going to be worth the premium.
Do the process 134
We don’t carry Kona at the shop. Won’t be able to make it happen.
No way there are more stoners than a Willie Nelson concert? 🤔
I did the math. It checks out.
Don't let me hear you speaking poorly of Willie Nelson.
I would never
Cool... I will sell my car and make a down payment on one...
@@randalhampton2966 smart choice. Priorities.
I’m buying one this Friday
Enjoy!