Yeti SB120
Could the Yeti SB120 be the perfect Jack of all Trades? It’s a possibility that’s too tempting to dismiss.
Economist Thomas Sowell said that there are no absolute solutions, only trade-offs. The key is to find which trade-offs you are willing to make in order to get what you want most.
I currently own a SB130 which I’ve modified with a Rock Shox Deluxe Ultimate with a MegNeg can, and my previous two bikes were an S-Works Epic and the Orbea OIZ; both of which are climbing machines with downhill capabilities (when built out in their 120 travel versions). The SB130 doesn’t climb as well but when the descent begins, the SB130 unleashes it’s party vibe!
Recently, I took a trip to St. George and rode the Barrel Roll trail. The uphill climb isn’t overly technical, but it is consistent and a perfect platform to spotlight lightweight goats like the S-Works Epic or OIZ. As my good friend and I ascended up the Barrel Roll climb, his S-Works Epic did exactly what it was designed to do and he kept a solid 20+ yard gap on me. However, when the trail pointed down, I remembered why I purchased the SB130. It gobbled up the choppy and rock-laden terrain. I was having so much fun I couldn’t stop laughing!
As much as I enjoy the feeling of being the first to the top, it doesn’t compare to the thrill of descending technical terrain on an athletic bike that was built with a downhill design. Clearly, I prioritize downhill performance, but I am willing to sacrifice just a little bit of the 130’s descending ability if I could gain a disproportional amount of uphill capability.
It seems as though Yeti was reading my mind when they came out with the design of the SB120.
According to Yeti, the SB120’s nimble reach darts through singletrack. It’s steep seat tube angle makes light work of climbs. It’s head angle and balanced vertical suspension travel prioritize downhill fun, all of which combine to out-perform the stated travel “numbers”, making it an incredibly capable bike on both the way up and down.
In addition to the geometry updates there were several other updates to the Yeti that make it easier to service and perhaps a bit more durable. I haven’t experienced any issues with durability on my SB130, so I can’t say those are big selling features for me. However, if the SB120 performs like it’s claimed to, then I will gladly accept the other updates.
As soon as the snow melts here in Utah, I will be taking the SB120 out for a demo ride to see if it actually delivers on the hype.
Stay tuned…