Overview
The Yeti SB165 is Yeti’s most aggressive trail/enduro bike, featuring 165mm of rear travel paired with a 170mm fork. Unlike the 29er SB160, the SB165 runs a mixed wheel setup — 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear — combining the rollover advantage of a big wheel up front with the agility and acceleration of a smaller rear wheel. The SB165 uses a coil shock paired with Yeti’s Switch Infinity suspension, and is available in four sizes (SM–XL) with Turq and Carbon Series frame options.
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 SB165 runs a 63.5° head angle with a 76.8–76.9° effective seat angle. Reach ranges from 429mm (SM) to 505mm (XL), with size-specific chainstay lengths from 432mm to 439mm. The 345mm BB height is slightly lower than the SB160 (353mm), which is notable given the similar fork travel — the 27.5-inch rear wheel accounts for the lower BB position. The coil shock delivers a uniquely supple, bottomless feel that excels on rough, high-speed terrain and gravity-focused riding.
Geometry Diagram
Geometry Table
| Measurement | SM | MD | LG | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Tube Angle | 63.5° | 63.5° | 63.5° | 63.5° |
| Seat Tube Angle (eff.) | 76.8° | 76.9° | 76.9° | 76.9° |
| Seat Tube Length | 366mm | 399mm | 439mm | 470mm |
| Reach | 429mm | 460mm | 480mm | 505mm |
| Stack | 620mm | 625mm | 630mm | 640mm |
| Wheelbase | 1207mm | 1242mm | 1265mm | 1298mm |
| Chainstay Length | 432mm | 434mm | 437mm | 439mm |
| BB Height | 345mm | 345mm | 345mm | 345mm |
| Head Tube Length | 94mm | 102mm | 107mm | 117mm |
| Standover | 729mm | 739mm | 744mm | 749mm |
| Fork Offset | 43mm | 43mm | 43mm | 43mm |
Geometry Analysis
The SB165’s 63.5° head angle is half a degree slacker than the SB160, reflecting its more gravity-oriented character. The mixed wheel setup creates a unique geometry profile — the 27.5-inch rear wheel allows for shorter chainstays (432–439mm vs 437–445mm on the SB160) while the 29-inch front maintains stability and rollover. The 345mm BB height is notably low for a 170mm-fork bike, which provides exceptional cornering confidence but means the bike sits lower in its travel. The 76.8–76.9° effective seat angle is slightly slacker than the SB160 (77.5°), as the coil shock and gravity-oriented design prioritize descending over climbing efficiency.
Ride Characteristics
The SB165 is the most gravity-oriented bike in Yeti’s analog lineup. The coil shock provides a level of plushness and consistency that air shocks can’t match — the suspension feels bottomless on successive hits and maintains traction on loose, rough terrain. The mixed wheel setup gives the SB165 a unique handling character: stable and confidence-inspiring on the front end (thanks to the 29er fork) but agile and playful at the rear (thanks to the 27.5″ wheel). This combination excels on steep, technical terrain where you need to maneuver through tight lines while maintaining high-speed stability. The SB165 climbs adequately for a gravity bike, but it’s not as efficient as the SB160 — this is a bike designed primarily for going downhill fast.
Key Specs
Frame: Carbon (Turq and C Series). Wheel Size: MX (29″ front / 27.5″ rear). Travel: 170mm fork / 165mm rear. Suspension: Switch Infinity with coil shock. Drivetrain: SRAM/Shimano (build dependent). Fork: FOX 38. Shock: FOX DHX2 coil. Sizes: SM, MD, LG, XL.
What’s New vs Previous Generation
The SB165 was introduced as a new model in Yeti’s lineup, specifically designed around the mixed wheel (mullet) concept and coil shock. Unlike other Yeti models that can run air or coil, the SB165’s Switch Infinity kinematics are specifically optimized for a coil spring, delivering a uniquely supple ride quality. The frame architecture accounts for the different wheel sizes with specific pivot placement and linkage ratios tuned for the mullet configuration.
Who Should Consider This Bike
The SB165 is for riders who prioritize descending performance above all else but still want a bike that can pedal to the top. If you ride steep, technical terrain, enjoy bike parks, or want the ultimate rough-terrain capability with the playfulness of a rear 27.5″ wheel, the SB165 delivers. Riders who value climbing efficiency equally with descending should choose the SB160 instead. The SB165 is also an excellent choice for riders who prefer the feel of coil suspension over air.
Comparable Models
The SB165 competes with the Santa Cruz Nomad (170/170mm, MX), Specialized Enduro (170/160mm), Norco Range (170/170mm), and Canyon Torque (175/170mm). The SB165 stands out for its dedicated coil shock optimization with Switch Infinity, its committed mullet wheel configuration, and its unique ride quality. The Nomad offers VPP suspension and a slightly different mullet implementation, while the Specialized Enduro uses air suspension with adjustable geometry.
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
What wheel size does the Yeti SB165 use?
The SB165 uses a mixed wheel (mullet) setup: 29-inch front wheel and 27.5-inch rear wheel. This combination provides the rollover and stability of a 29er up front with the agility and playfulness of a 27.5″ wheel in the rear.
Why does the SB165 use a coil shock?
The SB165’s Switch Infinity suspension is specifically optimized for a coil shock, which provides more consistent damping performance across the travel range compared to an air shock. Coil shocks deliver a more supple, linear feel that excels on rough, high-speed terrain where traction and consistency are paramount.
How does the SB165 compare to the SB160?
The SB160 (160mm, 29″) is a more versatile enduro racer that climbs better and uses air suspension. The SB165 (165mm, mullet, coil) is more gravity-focused with better rough-terrain performance but less climbing efficiency. Choose the SB160 for enduro racing and all-around performance; choose the SB165 for maximum descending capability and rough terrain.
How many sizes does the SB165 come in?
The SB165 comes in four sizes: SM, MD, LG, and XL. This is fewer than some Yeti models (which offer XS or XXL), reflecting the bike’s more specialized, gravity-oriented purpose.
Can you run 29-inch wheels on both ends of the SB165?
The SB165 is specifically designed for the mullet (MX) wheel configuration and is not intended to run dual 29″ wheels. The frame geometry, suspension kinematics, and clearances are all optimized for the 29″/27.5″ combination.