Yeti SB130 C1 Review
- Price: $6,200
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 29 inches
- Gear: 1×12
What we like about it: The core of the SB130 suspension design is the patented Switch Infinity, which features a translating pivot that changes direction as the bike moves, providing excellent anti-squat characteristics.
What we don’t like about it: It doesn’t come with a chain guide and needs to be purchased and installed by the rider.
Rating: (4.9/5)
The Yeti SB130 C1 features a lightweight carbon fiber frame and carefully selected components, delivering a top-notch riding experience. Additionally, the bike frame is highly durable and can showcase its full potential through future upgrades.
We will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Yeti SB130 C1. In the latter part of this article, we will also compare it to several other top bicycle models. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Yeti SB130 C1 is highly acclaimed as a full-suspension trail bike. Its exceptional geometry and the core technology of Switch Infinity make this bike full of possibilities. I can’t wait to experience it firsthand.
To do so, I took my Yeti SB130 C1 to the Deer Valley Resort mountain bike park. I had previously booked a hotel nearby through IHG. The park offers various trails with different difficulty levels, and the one I chose consists of winding descending paths, long stretches of rocky downhill sections, and some drop-offs with varying heights.
Climbing
The Yeti SB130 C1 offers an efficient pedaling experience during climbs. The bike’s lightweight, combined with its excellent suspension design, provides great power feedback with each pedal stroke.
On steeper sections of the climb, the Yeti SB130 C1’s SHIMANO SLX 30T 170MM crankset, coupled with the SHIMANO SLX 10-51 freewheel, featuring a 1×12 drivetrain, allows me to conquer one slope after another with a wide range of gear combinations.
The excellent geometry of the Yeti SB130 C1 frame, with its steep seat tube angle, ensures a stable center of gravity throughout the climb. Weight distribution across the bike ensures smooth power transfer with every pedal stroke.
Overall, the Yeti SB130 C1 is a full-suspension trail bike that excels in climbing performance, enabling me to conquer uphill sections with less effort.
Descending
I believe the Yeti SB130 C1 performs more like an endurance race bike during descents. It’s incredibly stable, stimulating my senses and making me want to descend faster.
The combination of the FOX PERFORMANCE 36 front fork and FOX PERFORMANCE 36 rear shock provides 150mm and 130mm of suspension travel, respectively. They absorb the majority of vibrations when landing from significant drops, ensuring a stable landing and prioritizing safety.
During high-speed descents over long stretches of rocky terrain, the 29″ wheels and MAXXIS 2.5″ EXO front and rear tires offer excellent traction and passability. They provide strong stability during my fast descents.
When maneuvering through winding trails that require braking, the reliable braking performance of the SHIMANO DEORE 4 PISTON brakes, paired with the SHIMANO 203/SHIMANO 180 brake discs, is noticeable. The lightweight and responsive operation of the Shimano brakes are aspects I particularly appreciate.
In summary, the Yeti SB130 C1 is an outstanding full-suspension trail bike with excellent overall performance, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time riding it.
Specification
The Yeti SB130 C1 is available in four sizes (S-XL) with internal cable routing on a carbon fiber frame. The internal routing design provides a clean and tidy appearance while making everyday cleaning more convenient. The addition of a quiet line guide reduces noise during intense downhill rides, maintaining a quiet experience.
The frame is constructed with the highest quality carbon fiber, achieving a perfect balance between stiffness and flexibility. It is a bike that feels stable, robust, and aggressive. Each bike undergoes testing by the world’s best racers.
The Yeti SB130 C1 features protective tape on the chainstay and downtube to minimize damage from flying rocks and reduce chain slap noise during rides.
With its long and slack geometry combined with 29-inch wheels, the Yeti SB130 C1 offers improved rideability and stability. The steep seat tube angle positions the rider in the middle of the bike, providing a better power transfer during climbs.
Video
Other Versions
While the Yeti SB130 C1 features a top-quality carbon fiber frame and carefully crafted geometry, its components are primarily aimed at a broader range of potential buyers, making it difficult to unleash its full potential.
To address this, we offer a full-suspension trail bike with the same frame under the same brand. However, it comes equipped with top-tier components, maximizing the potential of the frame and providing an enhanced riding experience. This version is better suited for experienced riders with a higher budget.
Yeti SB130 T3
Both the Yeti SB130 T3 and Yeti SB130 C1 utilize the same excellent carbon fiber frame. However, the former incorporates top-tier components to deliver the bike’s highest performance.
The Yeti SB130 T3 features FOX FACTORY 36 FIT 4 front fork and FOX FACTORY FLOAT X rear shock. These suspension components come with Kashima coating, offering better lubrication and increased support.
The SRAM XX1 EAGLE drivetrain provides crisp and precise shifting. As SRAM’s top-tier drivetrain, it also offers lightweight performance.
Finally, the SRAM G2 ULTIMATE brakes deliver top-level braking power and responsive braking performance. They are reliable and powerful brakes.
Below, we will provide detailed specifications for the Yeti SB130 C1, as well as some other endurance race full-suspension bikes from other brands with similar prices for your reference.
What do we like about it?
- Frame sizes (S-XL) cater to riders ranging from 5’2″ to 6’7″, offering more options for a diverse range of riders.
- The bike features internal cable routing throughout, resulting in a clean and sleek appearance, as well as easier cleaning.
- The dropper post design maintains rider stability during both ascents and descents.
- The bike’s exceptional geometry places the rider in a balanced position centered around the bike.
- At the core of the SB130’s suspension design is the Switch Infinity system, which incorporates a patented translating pivot. This allows for direction switching during bike travel, providing excellent anti-squat characteristics.
- The design includes a silent chainstay and chainstay protection, reducing noise generation during aggressive riding.
What don’t we like about it?
- It doesn’t come with a chain guide, and riders need to purchase and install one themselves.
FAQ
- What wheelset does this bike use?
It utilizes the DT SWISS M1900 30MM *Orders may ship with DT SWISS E532 30MM wheelset.
- What is the maximum tire width supported by this bike?
The bike has ample tire clearance and can accommodate tires up to 2.5 inches wide.
- How to choose the right size?
We have provided a sizing chart for your reference. However, it’s not necessary to strictly adhere to this standard. The best way to find the perfect fit is to try it out for yourself.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’2″ – 5’8″ | S |
| 5’6″ – 5’11” | M |
| 5’10” – 6’3″ | L |
| 6’1″ – 6’7″ | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | C/Series carbon fiber frame, Switch Infinity suspension technology, press-fit BB92, internally tunneled cable routing, 148mm x 12mm BOOST dropouts. sealed enduro max pivot bearings, integrated derailleur hanger, and axle. BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Colors: Turquoise; Raw Carbon; Rhino; Watermelon |
| Fork | FOX PERFORMANCE 36/150MM Upgradable |
| Rear Shock | FOX PERFORMANCE FLOAT X Upgradable |
| Bottom Bracket | SHIMANO XT BB92 |
| Headset | CANE CREEK 40 INTEGRATED |
| Stem | RACE FACE RIDE 35X50MM |
| Handlebar | RACE FACE AEFFECT R 35X780MM |
| Saddle | SILVERADO CUSTOM |
| Seatpost | FOX TRANSFER 31.6MM / SM: 125MM, MD: 150MM, LG/XL: 175MM |
| Grips | ODI ELITE PRO |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SHIMANO SLX |
| Crank | SHIMANO SLX 30T 170MM |
| Shifters | SHIMANO SLX |
| Cassette | SHIMANO SLX 10-51 |
| Chain | SHIMANO SLX |
| Brakes | SHIMANO DEORE 4 PISTON |
Wheels
| Rims | DT SWISS M1900 30MM *Orders may ship with DT SWISS E532 30MM |
| Tires | MAXXIS MINION DHF 2.5 EXO |
| Disk Rotors | shimano 203/shimano 180 |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Travel | Frame material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Orbea OIZ M20 | Click View | 120mm rear, 120mm front | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
| Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS | Click View | 120mm rear, 130mm front | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| YT Industries Izzo UNCAGED 7 29 | Click View | 120mm rear, 120mm front | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Ibis Ripmo V2S GX | Click View | 147mm rear, 160mm front | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc | 1 × 12 |
Yeti SB130 C1 vs Orbea OIZ M20
Yeti SB130 C1 and Orbea OIZ M20 both feature top-tier carbon fiber frames and meticulously selected components, making them exceptional full-suspension trail bikes.
In terms of suspension systems, the former is equipped with a FOX PERFORMANCE 36 front fork and a FOX PERFORMANCE FLOAT X Upgradable rear shock. It has a larger diameter and longer travel than the Fox Performance Float 34 found on the latter. This provides better support and handling of drops and obstacles.
In terms of drivetrain components, the Orbea OIZ M20 is equipped with the SRAM GX Eagle, which offers crisper shifting compared to the Shimano SLX M7100 found on the Yeti. However, both bikes feature similar and reliable brake components.
Ultimately, when it comes to choosing between these two bikes, I would prefer the Yeti SB130 C1. It offers better performance on more challenging terrains.
Learn More: Is Orbea OIZ M-TEAM Splendid? – [Orbea OIZ M-TEAM Review]
Yeti SB130 C1 vs Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS
When comparing the Yeti SB130 C1 and the Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS, there are notable differences between them. The former is equipped with a Fox suspension system that has longer front and rear travel, making it better suited for more aggressive riding styles.
In terms of the drivetrain, the Trek features the SRAM GX AXS with a stronger rear derailleur tension, resulting in crisper and more precise shifting. Additionally, the electronic shifting system is easier to fine-tune. On the other hand, the Yeti is equipped with the Shimano SLX M7100 drivetrain, which offers smoother and more seamless gear changes.
Regarding the brakes, the Trek’s Shimano DEORE 4 PISTON provides a more concise and smooth braking feel, while the Yeti’s SRAM G2 RS brakes offer a more direct and forceful response.
Lastly, between these two bikes, the Trek Top Fuel 9.8 GX AXS excels more in climbing capabilities, while the Yeti SB130 C1 performs better in downhill riding.
Learn More: Is Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT Worth Buying ? [Trek Top Fuel 9.8 XT Review]
Yeti SB130 C1 vs YT Industries Izzo UNCAGED 7 29
When comparing the Yeti SB130 C1 and the YT Industries Izzo UNCAGED 7 29, both bikes feature excellent lightweight carbon fiber frames. Combined with their impressive geometry, they unleash powerful riding performance.
In terms of the suspension system, the SB130 C1 utilizes the FOX PERFORMANCE 36 fork, while the Izzo UNCAGED 7 29 is equipped with the ROCKSHOX SIDLuxe Ultimate fork. The former offers better support, while the latter is lighter in weight and provides quicker rebound response.
Regarding the drivetrain, the Izzo UNCAGED 7 29 utilizes the top-of-the-line SRAM XX1 EAGLE AXS, which delivers superior shifting performance and a lightweight design compared to the Shimano SLX M7100 found on the SB130 C1.
These two bikes cater to different riders’ budgets. The YT Industries Izzo UNCAGED 7 29 is suitable for riders with a more generous budget. If you have limited budget constraints, the Yeti SB130 C1 would be a better fit for you, with the potential for upgrades down the line.
Yeti SB130 C1 vs Ibis Ripmo V2S GX
When comparing the Yeti SB130 C1 and the Ibis Ripmo V2S GX, the latter features the Fox Factory Float 38 fork and the Fox Float Factory Series rear shock, with 160mm and 147mm of travel respectively, compared to the former’s 150mm and 130mm travel. This gives the Ripmo V2S GX better performance on challenging terrain.
In terms of the drivetrain, the Shimano components on the SB130 C1 provide a smooth feel, while the SRAM components on the Ripmo V2S GX offer a crisp and precise shifting experience.
As for the braking components, both bikes are equipped with similar brakes that offer reliable braking performance.
Overall, if you’re seeking intense downhill riding, the Ibis Ripmo V2S GX will meet your needs. If you prioritize balanced riding capabilities and a frame with greater potential, the Yeti SB130 C1 is more suitable.
Learn More: Is Ibis Ripmo GX Worth Buying? [Ibis Ripmo GX Review]
Summary
Above is my ride review of the Yeti SB130 C1. In our opinion, it’s a powerful and reasonably priced full-suspension trail bike. That’s why we gave it a rating of 4.9.
Of course, if you’re interested in other full-suspension trail bikes, we also review a wide range of bikes at various price points, which can be quite exciting. Feel free to check out our other reviews as well.
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