Ultimate Review Guide: Yeti SB5 (Built to Last!)

For 2017, the Yeti SB5 saw a quite the facelift. For 2018, Yeti has stuck with the same frame design while specking the SB5 with some of the best components out there. The 2018 Yeti SB5 features 5 inches of rear wheel travel and comes mounted with a 150mm travel fork regardless of the build kit. Here in this Ultimate Review Guide, we are laying out everything you need to know on the Yeti SB5. We have compiled plenty of credible reviews, technical information, and some of our custom builds to drool over.

2018 Yeti SB5 Turq Series Complete Bike with XX1 Eagle Build Kit

2018 Yeti SB5 Technical Information

The Yeti SB5 frame is offered in two different frame options, the Turq series and the Carbon series. The Turq series bikes are manufactured from the highest grade carbon fiber designed to balance stiffness, durability, and compliance. The end result gives the Turq series bikes a smooth and strong connection to the trail. The Carbon series bikes use a slightly different carbon fiber layup along with different materials to create a bike that is a little more cost friendly while still exceeding all of Yeti's strength and durability requirements. The Carbon series SB5 frame weighs approximately 350g more than the Turq Series SB5 frame. Offering multiple carbon frame options for the same model is not something new to the mountain bike industry. For example, Santa Cruz offers a similar program with their CC and C bikes. 

The heart of Yeti's suspension design seen on all of their bikes is the Switch Infinity system. Switch Infinity is made up of two Fox Kashima coated tubes that allow the main pivot point of the bike to move, allowing Yeti to control the wheel path of the rear wheel as it cycles through the suspension travel. This in affect allows Yeti to get exactly what they want out of the suspension design. At the beginning of the travel, the Switch Infinity system provides great anti-squat characteristics for more efficient pedaling. Deeper in the travel, the translating pivot point gives the bike a bottomless feel, and prevents the chain from negatively affecting suspension performance. Check out the video showing how the switch infinity moves throughout the travel at the bottom of the page. 

The SB5 uses a new metric shock standard, with a 210mm eye to eye length and a 50mm stroke. For more information on how to measure your rear shock, find our blog on the basics to upgrading your shock. For 2018, Yeti is specking the SB5 frame with Fox DPS rear shocks. 

• Wheel Size: 27.5"
• Travel: 5" (127mm)
• Frame Weight: 5.50 lbs (2.50 kg)
• Frame Size: XS, S, M, L, XL (See Size Chart Below)
• Rear Shock: Metric 7.875 x 2.0mm
• Bottom Bracket: PF92
• Rear Wheel: 148mm x 12mm Boost
• Seatpost: 30.9mm

Geometry 

*All measurements in millimeters with a 150mm fork

Size Chart

Worldwide Cyclery Review

What do we think? - "Improving on a favorite isn't always the easiest thing to do, but once again Yeti has come through with some killer updates. Some sleek internal cable routing, tweaked geometry, and metric shock tooling gives this bike some great new industry features. Some awesome first few rides confirmed that all these updates are going to be great, and it looks like the SB5 will continue to be a shop favorite. It certainly exceeded my predictions and put a huge grin on my face during every ride! I can't wait to get more rides on this bike, and could very easily add it to my personal arsenal of bikes. "

Read the full Worldwide Cyclery Review

Yeti Website

For even more technical information and breakdown of all the build kit options, visit yeticycles.com.

Yeti says, "The SB5 is perhaps our most versatile all-mountain bike. Born on the trail of Colorado, this bike represents everything a trail bike should be - lightweight, nimble on climbs and dominant on descents."

The Yeti SB5 LR (Lunch Ride) 

The Yeti SB5 LR is to the SB5 what the SB6 team replica is to the SB6. The only difference between the SB5 and the SB5 LR are the parts they are both built with. The SB5 Lunch Ride features a Fox 36 160mm fork and a Fox DPX2 rear shock compared to the Fox 34 150mm fork and Fox DPS shock other SB5 models are equipped with. You will also find more aggressive tires on the SB5 LR, Maxxis Minion DHF up front and Maxxis Aggressor in the rear. Other SB5 models come spec with lighter and faster rolling Maxxis Ardent tires. The last main difference between the two bikes is that the SB5 LR comes straight out of the box with 800mm width bars compared to 750mm on other models.  

Custom Build: Yeti SB5 Rolling on Industry Nine Enduro 305 Wheels

Pinkbike Review

Pinkbike's take - "The 2017 Yeti SB5 is an incredibly playful, lightweight bike that requires little energy to get it moving forward. In rougher terrain, the model tested was found to get a little overwhelmed, requiring extra input to keep it moving forward and tracking, but can still get it done if you're willing. Where it really excelled during testing was on lower grade terrain that featured less wheel eating roots and rocks, and when in such situations was a blast to ride."

Read the full Pinkbike Review

Vital MTB Review

Vital MTB's bottom line - "Is the new SB5 better than the old one? Undoubtedly. Updated geometry and more dialed details make this trail ripper an even better all-around trail bike. While bested by others in terms of terrain sensitivity, the SB5 provides riders with loads of manageable trail feedback and quick response that'll make you feel like you're flying. An active and aggressive rider will reap the greatest rewards from this bike, though at a deeper sag point it's a bit more comfortable for the casual rider. In the end we found the SB5 to show little compromise uphill or down. It's an excellent climber and proved to be very fun on smooth, flowy sections of trail thanks to its playful nature. Those looking for a capable and fun short-travel trail bike that can pedal many miles will be pleased with the SB5."

Read this awesome Vital MTB Review

Custom Build: Yeti SB5 with Plenty of Carbon Parts From Enve and Raceface

Enduro MTB Review

Enduro MTB's thoughts - "Fit for the inside of an art gallery, the Yeti SB5 TURQ comes with crowd-pleasing geometry, potent suspension, and an eye-catching aesthetic. However, its steep price tag sets a precedent that its spec, unfortunately, doesn’t fully satisfy."

Read the full Enduro MTB Review

Bike Radar Review

Bike Radar's thoughts on the 2016 SB5c - "Firm suspension for excellent climbing performance and geometry that lets the rider get rowdy on the way down make for a stellar trail bike."

"While expensive, this kit allowed us to focus solely on the ride of the SB5c, which was outstanding. The SB5c is one of the most well-rounded trail bikes we’ve thrown a leg over in a long time."

Read the full Bike Radar Review

Bike Mag SB5 Beti Review

Bike Mag says - "The previous SB5 Beti leaned more toward XC than trail, but this new design slackens the head angle to 66.5, shortens the chainstays a smidge, increases the handlebar width to 750 millimeters and bumps the front suspension to 150 millimeters with a Fox 34 Performance fork. These changes come together to create an awesomely playful bike that falls squarely in the trail category, even if it still climbs with the determination of an ornery goat."

Read the full Bike Mag Review

Yeti Cycles - Fringe of Whitefish

Switch Infinity