Yeti SB140 Review – A Hard-Charging Trail Slayer with a Playful Edge

If you’re on the hunt for a mid-travel trail bike that blends big-hit capability with playful agility, the Yeti SB140 is a serious contender. With modern geometry, Switch Infinity suspension, and dialed kinematics, this bike is built to rip technical descents while remaining poppy and responsive on flow trails. But is it the ultimate trail weapon, or are there compromises?

As an avid rider and fellow trail head, I put the SB140 through its paces on steep descents, rough rock gardens, tight switchbacks, and high-speed jump lines. Here’s my take after extensive testing. And as always, don’t forget to wear appropriate safety gear: helmets, gloves and any guards as you see fit.

Pros & Cons of the Yeti SB140

SB140: Key Specs & Build Options

Frame: TURQ Series carbon (high-end) or standard carbon
Suspension: 140mm rear (Switch Infinity) / 150mm front (Fox 36 or RockShox Lyrik)
Wheel Size: 29″ (2023+ model) or 27.5″ (previous models)
Head Angle: 65° (Low), 65.4° (High)
Seat Tube Angle: 77°
Reach: 475mm (Large)
Chainstay Length: 437mm (consistent across sizes)
Bottom Bracket Drop: 35mm
Weight: ~30 lbs (varies by build)
Drivetrain: SRAM GX/X01/XX1 or Shimano SLX/XT/XTR
Brakes: SRAM Code RSC / Shimano XT (depending on spec)
Dropper Post: 150mm – 200mm (size-dependent)
Price: $6,600 – $10,700 (varies by build)

Frame & Geometry Breakdown

Yeti absolutely nails progressive trail geometry with the SB140. The 65° head tube angle offers confidence at speed, while the 77° seat tube angle ensures efficient climbing posture. With a 475mm reach on a Large, it has plenty of room to move around, but isn’t so stretched that it loses agility.

Compared to its predecessor, this version ditches 27.5″ wheels in favor of a 29″ platform, making it faster, more composed, and better suited for aggressive riding. The chainstay length remains short at 437mm, keeping things nimble.

Switch Infinity Suspension: The Secret Sauce

The SB140’s 140mm of rear travel is powered by Yeti’s signature Switch Infinity system, which changes its pivot point dynamically. What does this mean on the trail?

✔ Plush Small Bump Sensitivity – The system starts in an active, rearward axle path that absorbs chatter effortlessly.
✔ Mid-Stroke Support & Anti-Squat – As you pedal, it stiffens up and reduces pedal bob, making it extremely efficient on climbs.
✔ Bottom-Out Control – Near full compression, it stabilizes for predictable handling on big hits and landings.

How does this compare to competitors?
Unlike Horst-link or VPP suspensions, the Switch Infinity platform stays lively without wallowing, making it one of the best all-rounders for both descending and pedaling efficiency.

How the SB140 Rides: Trail Performance Breakdown

Climbing Performance

✅ Great pedaling efficiency due to anti-squat kinematics
✅ Steep seat angle (77°) positions the rider over the pedals
✅ Lightweight frame helps on long grinds
❌ Slack front end can wander on very steep climbs

Despite being a mid-travel bike, the SB140 climbs like a goat. The Switch Infinity system provides grip without excessive bob, meaning you can grind technical uphills efficiently. However, steeper climbs require some weight shifting due to the slack head angle.

Descending: Controlled Chaos

✅ Stable at high speeds – planted through rough sections
✅ Confident geometry – excels on technical terrain
✅ Poppy and playful – easy to flick around
❌ Not as plush as a full enduro bike (e.g., SB160)

This bike truly comes alive when pointed downhill. The low BB and slack front end inspire confidence, while the short chainstays keep it playful. The Fox 36 (or RockShox Lyrik) up front soaks up big hits, and the 140mm rear travel feels bottomless thanks to the progressive linkage.

Jumping & Playfulness

✅ Balanced mid-air feel – predictable on takeoffs & landings
✅ Short rear end = easy to manual and flick around
✅ Boosts off lips without much effort
❌ Bigger travel bikes (e.g., SB160) feel plusher on harsh landings

For riders who love pumping through rollers, whipping berms, and hitting side hits, the SB140 is one of the most playful 140mm bikes out there. It carries speed well and is easy to throw around, making it a great option for bike park laps and jump lines.

Build Options & Component Choices

Yeti offers various SB140 builds, but all share high-end carbon frames and premium suspension.

Best Value Build?

🔹 C2 GX Build ($6,600) – Full GX Eagle drivetrain, Fox Performance Elite suspension, solid brakes, and great wheels for a reasonable price.

Top-Tier Build?

🔹 T4 XX1 AXS ($10,700) – Wireless drivetrain, carbon wheels, and top-spec Fox Factory suspension for those who want zero compromises.

PROS:

✔ Balanced geometry – Stable at speed but still nimble
✔ Efficient climbing performance for a mid-travel bike
✔ Exceptional rear suspension – Switch Infinity is next-level
✔ Lightweight frame (~30 lbs, depending on build)
✔ High-end build quality and premium finish

CONS:

❌ Expensive compared to competitors (e.g., Ibis Ripmo, Santa Cruz Hightower)
❌ Not as plush as a full enduro bike on big hits
❌ Slack front end requires a slight learning curve on steep climbs
❌ Switch Infinity system needs occasional maintenance (greasing the rails)

The SB140 is perfect for riders who:
✔ Want a do-it-all trail bike with aggressive geometry
✔ Prefer a poppy, playful ride over a super-plush one
✔ Climb technical trails but prioritize descending performance
✔ Don’t mind paying premium prices for top-tier build quality

If you want more travel for serious enduro racing, check out the SB160.
If you’re after a more budget-friendly alternative, consider the Ibis Ripmo or Santa Cruz Hightower.
If you prioritize XC-style efficiency, the SB120 is a better fit.

Final Verdict: A Near-Perfect Mid-Travel Machine

The Yeti SB140 is one of the most well-rounded and playful trail bikes available today. It blends stability and control with nimbleness and pop, making it an ideal choice for aggressive trail riders. While it’s not cheap, the build quality and performance justify the price tag.

Expert Rating: 9/10 – A near-perfect mid-travel trail bike

Would I ride this as my daily driver? Absolutely. It’s a quiver-killer that rips everything from techy climbs to jump lines.

What do you think? Would you take the SB140 over the competition? Let’s talk MTB in the comments!