Overview
The Yeti SB160 is Yeti’s dedicated enduro race bike, offering 160mm of rear travel paired with a 170mm fork. Built around 29-inch wheels and the Switch Infinity suspension platform, the SB160 is designed to be the fastest bike from stage start to stage finish — fast enough on the climbs to save energy and confident enough on the descents to push the limits. It’s available in five sizes (SM–XXL) with Turq and Carbon Series frame options, and has earned Best in Test recognition from Enduro Magazine.
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 SB160 runs a 64° head angle with a 77.5° effective seat angle — one of the steepest effective seat angles in the enduro category, reflecting Yeti’s commitment to climbing performance even in a long-travel race bike. Reach ranges from 434mm (SM) to 526mm (XXL), with size-specific chainstay lengths from 437mm to 445mm. The 353mm BB height is appropriately high for the bike’s longer fork and increased travel, maintaining sufficient ground clearance for rocky enduro terrain.
Geometry Diagram
Geometry Table
| Measurement | SM | MD | LG | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Tube Angle | 64.0° | 64.0° | 64.0° | 64.0° | 64.0° |
| Seat Tube Angle (eff.) | 77.5° | 77.5° | 77.5° | 77.5° | 77.5° |
| Seat Tube Length | 366mm | 399mm | 439mm | 470mm | 485mm |
| Reach | 434mm | 465mm | 485mm | 511mm | 526mm |
| Stack | 615mm | 620mm | 625mm | 635mm | 655mm |
| Wheelbase | 1212mm | 1245mm | 1270mm | 1303mm | 1328mm |
| Chainstay Length | 437mm | 439mm | 442mm | 442mm | 445mm |
| BB Height | 353mm | 353mm | 353mm | 353mm | 353mm |
| Head Tube Length | 97mm | 102mm | 107mm | 117mm | 140mm |
| Standover | 734mm | 744mm | 749mm | 754mm | 757mm |
| Fork Offset | 43mm | 43mm | 43mm | 43mm | 43mm |
Geometry Analysis
The SB160’s 64° head angle is firmly in enduro race territory and a full degree slacker than the SB140 (65°). The 77.5° effective seat angle is remarkably steep for an enduro bike — most competitors sit around 76–77° — which gives the SB160 a climbing advantage in race situations. The size-specific chainstays (437–445mm) maintain consistent handling across the size range, and the 353mm BB height provides adequate clearance for rocky terrain while keeping the center of gravity as low as possible. The chainstay lengths are identical to the SB140 in most sizes, meaning the SB160’s additional stability comes primarily from the slacker head angle and longer fork rather than stretched rear center.
Ride Characteristics
The SB160 is a race bike, and it rides like one. On timed descents, the 170mm fork and 160mm of Switch Infinity rear travel devour rough terrain with composure. The suspension is progressive and supportive, resisting harsh bottom-outs on big hits while remaining sensitive to small bumps. The 64° head angle provides unwavering stability at speed, and the chassis stiffness inspires full confidence in hard corners. Where the SB160 surprises is on the climbs — the steep seat angle and efficient Switch Infinity platform make it one of the fastest-climbing enduro bikes available. This climbing efficiency translates directly to race results, where saving energy on transfers and liaison stages means faster legs for timed descents.
Key Specs
Frame: Carbon (Turq and C Series). Wheel Size: 29″. Travel: 170mm fork / 160mm rear. Suspension: Switch Infinity. Drivetrain: SRAM/Shimano (build dependent). Fork: FOX 38. Shock: FOX Float X. Sizes: SM, MD, LG, XL, XXL.
What’s New vs Previous Generation
The current SB160 features updated Switch Infinity kinematics with optimized progression for enduro-level impacts. The frame leverages lessons learned from Yeti’s Enduro World Series racing program, with reinforced areas at high-stress junctions and weight savings elsewhere. The geometry has been fine-tuned based on racer feedback, with the steep 77.5° seat angle reflecting the importance of climbing performance in modern enduro racing formats.
Who Should Consider This Bike
The SB160 is built for enduro racers and aggressive trail riders who need maximum descending capability without sacrificing climbing efficiency. If you race enduro or ride the kind of terrain that punishes lesser bikes — steep, rough, fast, technical — the SB160 is purpose-built for you. For general trail riding where you don’t need 170mm of fork travel, the SB140 is lighter and more versatile. For even more aggressive terrain or bike park use, the SB165 offers additional travel.
Comparable Models
The SB160 competes with the Santa Cruz Megatower (160/170mm), Specialized Enduro (170/160mm), Trek Slash (160/170mm), Norco Range (170/170mm), and Pivot Firebird (165/162mm). All are long-travel 29er enduro bikes. The SB160 differentiates itself with Switch Infinity suspension and arguably the best climbing efficiency in the category, thanks to its steep seat angle. The Specialized Enduro offers adjustable geometry via its flip chip, while the Megatower uses VPP suspension with a slightly different feel.
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 enduro bikes: 2023 Giant Reign Geometry, 2023 Giant Reign SX Geometry, 2023 Norco Range Geometry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Yeti SB160 good for enduro racing?
The SB160 is specifically designed for enduro racing and has earned recognition as one of the best enduro bikes available, including Best in Test from Enduro Magazine. Its combination of descending capability and climbing efficiency makes it particularly competitive in race formats that include long transfers between timed stages.
How does Switch Infinity work on the SB160?
Switch Infinity uses a translating pivot on precision-machined rails rather than a traditional rotating pivot. On the SB160, this design provides a progressive leverage curve that resists bottom-out on big impacts while maintaining small-bump sensitivity. The translating motion eliminates the pedal feedback and braking interference found in some other suspension designs.
What fork does the Yeti SB160 use?
The SB160 is designed around a 170mm travel fork with 588mm axle-to-crown length and 44mm offset. Most builds use the FOX 38, though some higher-end builds may spec a RockShox ZEB. Both are 170mm single-crown enduro forks.
How much does the Yeti SB160 weigh?
The Yeti SB160 Turq frame with shock weighs approximately 5.5 lbs. Complete builds typically range from 29–32 lbs depending on the component specification, which is competitive for a long-travel 29er enduro bike.
Does the SB160 have adjustable geometry?
No, the SB160 does not feature a flip chip or geometry adjustment. Yeti designs the Switch Infinity suspension to perform optimally in a single geometry setting rather than compromising performance across multiple positions. Riders wanting slight geometry changes can use headset cups or different fork travel.