Yeti SB100 C GX in review
Yeti’s have always been expensive. With looks to die for, the TURQ urq models command a premium that puts them firmly into the ‘super bike’ category. However, the C model brings the distinctive turquoise silhouette to an affordable price point, but is the SB100 still a dream bike?
For an overview about the test field click her: The Best Short-Travel Trail Bike – 6 Mountain Bikes in Test
When it comes to a price comparison, it’s rare to find a Yeti in any position other than the most expensive. In contrast the C-series carbon Yeti SB100 looks almost affordable. Anyone looking for a dream build will be disappointed. While the SRAM Guide R brakes, basic DT Swiss M1900 wheelset and SRAM GX drivetrain are all perfectly adequate for trail riding, they are not the level you would expect for a bike that costs over € 5,490. The Fox 34 Step-Cast 120 mm fork, DPS shock and Fox Transfer Dropper post are all Performance units, without the shiny Kashima coating and improved FIT4 dampers that mark out the more exclusive Factory models. Can the elegant lines of the drop-dead-gorgeous SB100 C frame with its clever Switch Infinity translating main pivot be enough to command such a premium? On paper, the Yeti makes for an underwhelming proposition. Looks can be deceiving though – just wait until you ride it!
The Yeti SB100 C balances performance, comfort and confidence beautifully. It was always the first bike to be taken from the lineup.
The Yeti SB100 C GX in detail
Fork Fox Float Performance 34 Step-Cast 120 mm
Shock Fox Performance DPS 100 mm
Brakes SRAM Guide R 180/160 mm
Drivetrain SRAM GX Eagle
Seatpost Fox Transfer Performance 175 mm
Stem Raceface Ride 35 50 mm
Handlebar Raceface Aeffect 35 760 mm
Wheels Dt Swiss M1900
Tires Maxxis Minion DHF EXO / Maxxis Aggressor EXO 2.3″
The long rebound barrel adjuster on the slimmed down Step-Cast fork is attached to a thin bar. Ours snapped off with minimal force.
The Yeti SB100 frame features tidy cable ports and well designed routing, resulting in a ride that is silent without cables rattling
Not only is the Yeti SB100 frame drop-dead gorgeous, it also provides an easy going ride that is fast and fun everywhere
While the Yeti SB100 may lack Kashima bling, the no-nonsense build kit works well and is functional and reliable
The Switch Infinity does add more complexity to the bike, but is easy to service with a dedicated grease port to allow for easy lubrication of the stanchions
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 393 mm | 419 mm | 457 mm | 495 mm |
| Top tube | 576.7 mm | 605.2 mm | 630.3 mm | 657.2 mm |
| Head tube | 96.2 mm | 107.0 mm | 123.2 mm | 144.7 mm |
| Head angle | 67.8° | 67.8° | 67.8° | 67.8° |
| Seat angle | 74.3° | 74.3° | 74.1° | 74.0° |
| Chainstays | 437 mm | 437 mm | 437mm | 437 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,112.3 mm | 1,151.4 mm | 1,177.4 mm | 1,205.5 mm |
| Reach | 407.1 mm | 432.1 mm | 452.1 mm | 472.1 mm |
| Stack | 602.0 mm | 612.1 mm | 627.1 mm | 647.2 mm |
The Yeti SB100 C GX on the trail
The Yeti SB100 C is a superb bike, simultaneously effortlessly comfortable, incredibly fast and easy to ride. The Switch Infinity suspension is amazingly active, magic carpeting over roots and rocks like a bike with far more travel. It happily floats through travel with support in the midstroke that is less hard-edged than the Trek or Merida. Instead, the bike feels more easy-going and confident, easily keeping contact with the ground and maintaining traction on tough downhills. Uphills are a breeze, somehow defying the bike’s 13.1 kg weight. You will need to add a little compression damping on long climbs to restrict the active travel and while the bike climbs smoothly, the seat tube angle is a lot slacker than its SB130 and SB150 siblings. That meant we felt a lot more efficient pushing the saddle right to the front of the rails.
We ran the seat far forward on the rails to steepen up the effective seat tube angle for increased efficiency uphill
Acceleration is not quite as brisk out of the corners as some bikes in our test due to the heavier tires, but for that you’ll get more traction and versatility. The steering is sublimely light and responsive and the central riding position allows you to easily distribute your weight between the wheels. The ride is totally silent, with a well-damped frame working in harmony with the suspension. The Fox SC forks do get a little overwhelmed in hard terrain, flexing a little and lacking accuracy though the GRIP damper works really well in this shorter travel incarnation. Those concerned with maintenance will like that the Switch Infinity unit has a cover to protect against spray and mud and has a dedicated grease gun port for easy servicing. Overall, the Yeti was always the first bike to be chosen from the test rack and the hardest to claw back from the testers.
Conclusion
The Yeti SB100 C is a great bike for those looking to have maximum fun on both the ups and the downs. For fast post-work laps on rugged trails one day and smashing out a 100 km loop the next, the Yeti SB100 C is amazingly versatile. Mixing a perfect blend of comfort and performance with a beautiful frame that deserves upgrades through its lifetime, the Yeti takes our Best Value award.
Tops
- all-round trail rocket that climbs like a goat, but has a hard-charging side
- the frame design and construction is beautiful
Flops
- 160 mm rear rotor too small
- pedal bob on climbs
The test field
For an overview about the test field click her: The Best Short-Travel Trail Bike – 6 Mountain Bikes in Test
All bikes in test: Canyon Neuron CF 8.0 | Merida ONE TWENTY 8000 | Specialized Epic Expert Evo | Trek Top Fuel 9.9 | Whyte S-120C RS
