Overview
The Yeti SB135 is Yeti’s dedicated 27.5-inch trail bike, offering 135mm of rear travel paired with a 150mm fork. In a market dominated by 29ers and mixed-wheel setups, the SB135 makes a deliberate case for the smaller wheel size — emphasizing playfulness, agility, and the ability to pop off features that larger-wheeled bikes roll over. The SB135 uses Switch Infinity suspension and is available in Turq and Carbon Series frames across five sizes (XS–XL).
New to bike geometry? Our complete guide to mountain bike geometry explains every measurement and what it means for your riding. You can also learn how to read a geometry chart to compare this bike against other models.
The SB135 runs a 65.4–65.5° head angle with a 77° effective seat angle. Reach ranges from 399mm (XS) to 505mm (XL), with size-specific chainstay lengths from 429mm to 437mm. The 338mm BB height is consistent across all sizes. Like other Yeti models, the SB135 is also available in a Lunch Ride configuration with a 160mm fork for riders who want extra downhill capability. The 37mm fork offset is notably narrower than the 43–44mm used on Yeti’s 29er models, which is appropriate for the quicker steering response of 27.5-inch wheels.
Geometry Diagram
Geometry Table
| Measurement | XS | SM | MD | LG | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Tube Angle | 65.5° | 65.4° | 65.4° | 65.4° | 65.4° |
| Seat Tube Angle (eff.) | 77.0° | 77.0° | 77.0° | 77.0° | 76.9° |
| Seat Tube Length | 345mm | 366mm | 399mm | 439mm | 470mm |
| Reach | 399mm | 429mm | 460mm | 480mm | 505mm |
| Stack | 584mm | 592mm | 597mm | 607mm | 617mm |
| Wheelbase | 1140mm | 1163mm | 1199mm | 1224mm | 1257mm |
| Chainstay Length | 429mm | 432mm | 432mm | 434mm | 437mm |
| BB Height | 338mm | 338mm | 338mm | 338mm | 338mm |
| Head Tube Length | 91mm | 102mm | 107mm | 117mm | 130mm |
| Standover | 676mm | 678mm | 714mm | 716mm | 721mm |
| Fork Offset | 37mm | 37mm | 37mm | 37mm | 37mm |
Geometry Analysis
The SB135 runs a half-degree slacker head angle than the SB120 (65.4° vs 66.2°) despite having slightly more travel, which helps compensate for the smaller wheel’s reduced rollover capability. The 77° effective seat angle is steep and efficient for climbing. The short chainstay lengths (429–437mm) are a key part of the SB135’s character — they’re notably shorter than the 29er SB140 (437–445mm), which contributes to the bike’s snappy, playful handling. The 37mm fork offset is narrower than the 43mm used on Yeti’s 29ers, increasing trail for more stable steering feel — necessary because 27.5-inch wheels generate less gyroscopic stability than 29ers.
Ride Characteristics
The SB135 is the fun bike in Yeti’s lineup. The 27.5-inch wheels accelerate faster, change direction more easily, and allow the bike to be thrown around on the trail in ways that a 29er simply can’t match. The 135mm of Switch Infinity travel is plush and supportive, handling drops and rough terrain with confidence. On climbs, the steep seat angle and efficient suspension platform keep the SB135 competitive with 29er trail bikes, though the smaller wheels do roll slightly less efficiently over obstacles. Where the SB135 truly shines is on playful, feature-rich trails where manual skill and bike handling matter more than brute rollover speed.
Key Specs
Frame: Carbon (Turq and C Series). Wheel Size: 27.5″. Travel: 150mm fork / 135mm rear (LR: 160mm fork). Suspension: Switch Infinity. Drivetrain: SRAM/Shimano (build dependent). Fork: FOX 36. Shock: FOX Float. Sizes: XS, SM, MD, LG, XL.
What’s New vs Previous Generation
The SB135 received updated Switch Infinity kinematics for improved small-bump sensitivity and better support through the mid-stroke. The frame construction has been refined for improved stiffness-to-weight ratio. The Lunch Ride option with a 160mm fork gives riders who want to push the SB135 harder on descents an easy upgrade path. In a market trending heavily toward 29ers, Yeti continues to champion the 27.5-inch wheel with this dedicated platform rather than simply downsizing a 29er frame.
Who Should Consider This Bike
The SB135 is for riders who value playfulness and agility over pure rollover speed. If you prefer pumping through features, popping off lips, and whipping through berms over smashing through rock gardens at speed, the 27.5-inch SB135 will reward your riding style. It’s also an excellent choice for shorter riders (under 5’6″) who may find 29-inch wheels overwhelming. Riders who prioritize stability at speed and maximum rollover should look at the SB140 (29″) instead.
Comparable Models
The SB135 competes with the Santa Cruz 5010 (140/130mm, 27.5″), Specialized Stumpjumper (27.5″ option if available), Ibis Ripmo AF (27.5″), and Pivot Switchblade (27.5″). In a market where many brands have dropped dedicated 27.5″ trail bikes, the SB135 stands out as one of the most committed options. The 5010 uses VPP suspension and offers slightly more travel, while the SB135’s Switch Infinity provides arguably better pedaling efficiency.
Related Geometry
More Yeti geometry: 2023 Trek Remedy Geometry, 2023 Yeti SB120 Geometry, 2023 Yeti SB135 Geometry, 2023 Yeti SB140 Geometry, 2023 Yeti SB160 Geometry.
Compare trail bikes: 2023 Giant Stance Geometry, 2023 Giant Trance Geometry, 2023 Norco Fluid FS Geometry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Yeti make a 27.5-inch trail bike?
Yeti believes 27.5-inch wheels offer a distinctly different riding experience — more playful, more agile, and better suited to riders who value bike handling and technical skill over pure rollover speed. The SB135 is specifically designed around the 27.5″ wheel rather than being a downsized 29er, with geometry and suspension tuned for the smaller wheel’s characteristics.
What is the SB135 Lunch Ride?
The SB135 Lunch Ride (LR) uses the same 135mm rear-travel frame but pairs it with a longer 160mm fork instead of the standard 150mm. This slackens the geometry slightly and increases front-end travel for more aggressive descending, making it a mini-enduro option for riders who favor gravity over climbing.
How does the SB135 compare to the SB140?
The SB135 (27.5″) and SB140 (29″) have similar travel numbers but very different characters. The SB135 is more playful and agile, better for technical terrain where bike handling matters. The SB140 is more stable and faster-rolling, better for high-speed terrain and rough descents. The choice comes down to riding style and terrain preference.
How much does the Yeti SB135 weigh?
The Yeti SB135 Turq frame with shock weighs approximately 5.0 lbs. Complete builds typically range from 27–30 lbs depending on the component specification and build level.
Does the SB135 have size-specific chainstays?
Yes, the SB135 features Yeti’s size-specific chainstay lengths, ranging from 429mm on the XS to 437mm on the XL. This ensures consistent handling characteristics and weight distribution across the full size range.