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In addition to the brand cult, it is above all the unusual detailed solutions that make a Yeti so special. All Yeti fullys in the latest line-up (SB120, SB140, SB160) rely on a rear triangle with Switch Infinity kinematics. At first glance, the rear triangle appears to be an ordinary self-tracking link, were it not for the two pistons that allow the main pivot point to move up and down by just a few millimetres. This means that the pistons work like a short lever, so to speak, and provide a virtual pivot point. Interesting: During the compression process, the main pivot point initially moves upwards, but later moves downwards. This generates a very high anti-squat value in the SAG range, making the Yeti bike a first-class sprinter. As it progresses, the anti-squat drops sharply, allowing the suspension to work actively and openly.
Key data and measured values for the SB 140:
- Suspension travel: 150/140 millimetres
- Wheel size 29 inch
- Total weight: 14.4 kg with GX equipment (weighed, without pedals)
- Steering angle: 65.2 degrees
- Seat angle: 77 degrees
- Reach: 479 millimetres in size L
- Chainstay length: 441 millimetres
- Available from the end of January in two equipment variants and four colours
- Prices: 8190/9790 Euro >> available here
The new SB 140 Yeti has opted for an adapted, modern geometry. The seat angle has been steepened and moves the rider further forwards as the frame size increases. The Yeti engineers have also increased the reach slightly for better weight distribution. Our test bike in size L had a reach of 479 millimetres. In order to give every rider the same riding experience, the chainstays also grow with the frame size. A lot of work has also gone into the details. For example, the Switch Infinity routing is slightly more compact, which eliminates the sagging belly of the frame. This allows more space for a water bottle.
Tyre clearance, a weak point on the previous models, has also been increased. For improved ease of maintenance, the new SB 140 comes with a BSA bottom bracket, Sram UDH derailleur hanger and standard-sized bearings. Yeti has retained the cable guides laminated into the inside of the frame for easy installation. However, as in the past too much play in the guides sometimes caused rattling noises when riding, the cables are now additionally clamped at the frame exit on the new generation.
Yeti SB140: initially only two bodies for the German market
As the name suggests, the SB 140 should have 140 millimetres of travel at the rear. A 150 mm fork is also used on the normal models. Those who like it more downhill should opt for the Lunchride models with a 160 mm fork. On the German market, however, the SB 140 will initially, from the end of January 2023, only be available in the standard version with a 150 mm fork and in two different builds. You will also have to wait a little longer for a frame kit for customised builds. The C2 model with a Sram GX drivetrain will be available for 8190 euros and the T1 version with a Sram GX/X01 mix for 9790 euros. The C and T designations at Yeti indicate the different frame qualities. The expensive Turq version (T) uses higher quality carbon fibres than the slightly cheaper C-Series. This is noticeable in the frame weight of around 150 grams. There are four frame colour options: Raw Carbon, Turquoise, Sage and Sangria.
You can find the first ride report of the Yeti SB140 from BIKE 1/2023 right here:
Thanks to the steep 77-degree seat tube angle, you sit quite compactly and upright with a lot of pressure on the front wheel despite the 479 mm reach. With the shock open, the rear end is not the smoothest and pumps a little when pedalling. On the other hand, the rear responds extremely sensitively, generates first-class traction and literally sucks itself into the ground. The unusual Switch Infinity rear triangle is also convincing at all times on the trail and feels like more than 140 millimetres. Even in rough sections, the SB140 proves to have absolute gripping qualities and craves speed.
Yeti relies on proven data for the steering angle (65.2 degrees), in line with the all-mountain category. Only the chainstays are relatively long at 441 millimetres. As a result, the bike is somewhat reluctant to get onto the rear wheel. On our test bike with Sram GX equipment and DT Swiss XM 1700 wheels, the scales stopped at 14.4 kilos without pedals.
