Applies to: SB165 mixed-wheel (29" front, 27.5" rear) frames, model years 2023 to 2025. The SB165 is a previous model and is no longer in the current Yeti lineup. For the earlier 27.5" SB165, see SB165 27.5 specs and FAQ.
The SB165 is a mixed-wheel bike with 165mm of rear travel and Switch Infinity suspension. This article covers SB165 frame specs, part compatibility, suspension setup, and warranty.
SB165 frame specs
- Rear travel: 165mm
- Wheel size: 29" front, 27.5" rear (a 29" rear wheel does not fit)
- Frame sizes: SM, MD, LG, XL
- Recommended fork travel: 170mm (up to 190mm; max axle-to-crown 607mm; dual crown forks OK)
- Rear shock size: 230 x 65mm (coil stock; air shocks also fit)
- Shock hardware: front M8 x 36mm; rear Yeti shock eyelet spacer
- Bottom bracket: threaded BSA 73mm
- Rear hub spacing: 148 x 12mm Boost
- Rear thru axle: 172mm long, M12 x 1.0 thread pitch
- Derailleur hanger: SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH)
- Chainline: 55mm Boost
- Chainring size: 28T to 34T round, or 30T to 32T oval
- Chain guide mount: ISCG '05
- Headset: integrated 41mm/52mm tapered, with a 51mm top cap
- Seat post diameter: 31.6mm
- Seat collar: 36.4mm
- Rear brake mount: post mount, 180mm (no adaptor needed for a 180mm rotor)
- Rear rotor size: 180mm minimum, 203mm maximum
- Maximum tire width: 2.6"
SB165 frame and part compatibility
What size seat post and seat collar does the SB165 use?
The SB165 uses a 31.6mm seat post and a 36.4mm seat collar.
Can I run an internally routed (stealth) dropper post on the SB165?
Yes. The SB165 has routing for stealth (internally routed) dropper posts only.
What is the longest travel dropper post I can run on the SB165?
The longest SB165 dropper post depends mostly on your inseam. You can run any travel as long as the post is above its minimum insertion mark, your tire does not rub your saddle, and the dropper does not bottom out in the frame. Your local Yeti dealer can help you choose. Yeti runs a 150mm drop on SM frames, 175mm on MD frames, and 200mm on LG and XL frames.
What travel fork is the SB165 designed to use?
The SB165 is designed for a 170mm travel fork. Yeti tests its frames to 20mm over the spec fork, so you can run up to a 190mm fork. The maximum axle-to-crown measurement is 607mm.
- A longer fork slackens the head tube and seat tube angles and raises the bottom bracket.
- A shorter fork steepens the head tube and seat tube angles and lowers the bottom bracket.
Can I put a dual crown fork on my SB165?
Yes. The SB165 is cleared for a dual crown fork with a maximum axle-to-crown of 607mm. Measurements vary between manufacturers, so check your fork's axle-to-crown before riding. If it is over 607mm, move the crowns on the stanchions or reduce travel to stay within the limit.
What headset and top cap does the SB165 use?
The SB165 uses an integrated 41mm/52mm tapered headset with the bearings inside the head tube. It uses a 51mm top cap instead of the standard diameter, because the SB165 is tested to Yeti's downhill test standards, which require a thicker head tube wall.
Can I use an angleset on the SB165?
No. The SB165 has an integrated headset with the headset cups molded into the frame. Some aftermarket anglesets fit this headset style, but the SB165 frame was not tested with them and they should not be used. Installing an angleset voids the Yeti warranty, and the customer assumes all liability.
Can I run a 29" rear wheel on the SB165?
No. The SB165 was not designed for a 29" rear wheel.
What rear wheel axle fits on my SB165?
The SB165 works only with SRAM's Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) axle at 12 x 148mm spacing. The axle is 172mm long with a 12 x 1.0 thread pitch. This axle only fits frames designed for the Universal Derailleur Hanger.
What cranks and bottom bracket can I use on the SB165?
The SB165 uses a BSA 73mm threaded bottom bracket and is compatible only with wide q-factor cranks. Shimano, SRAM, and RaceFace cranks fit; other brands need a fit check.
What chainline was the SB165 designed around?
The SB165 was designed around a 55mm Boost chainline. Other chainlines may work depending on the crank and chainring, but check clearance first. The minimum clearance from the chainring teeth to the chainstay is 3.5mm.
What is the largest chainring that fits on the SB165?
With Shimano or SRAM 55mm chainline Boost cranks, the SB165 fits up to a 34T round or 32T oval chainring. The minimum is 28T round or 30T oval. Not sure? Ask your local Yeti dealer or contact Yeti Cycles support.
Does the SB165 have ISCG mounts?
Yes. The SB165 has integrated ISCG '05 mounts. The SB165 works best with low-profile modern chain guides; some older guides with larger upper guides may not fit. Always fit-check a specific chain guide before riding.
How big a rear rotor fits on the SB165?
The SB165 runs a 180mm rear rotor without a brake adaptor. With a brake adaptor, the SB165 fits up to a 203mm rear rotor.
How big a tire can I fit on the SB165?
The SB165 fits tires up to 2.6" wide. Actual tire sizes vary by manufacturer, so clearance can differ between brands.
Can I fit a water bottle inside the SB165 front triangle?
Yes. Every SB165 size fits a standard 21oz bottle inside the front triangle. A side-entry cage gives the easiest access.
What is the difference between the TURQ and Carbon series SB165?
TURQ series SB165 frames use Yeti's highest-grade carbon fiber for the best balance of stiffness, durability, and compliance. Carbon series SB165 frames use a modified layup with different materials to lower the price while keeping the strength and stiffness of the TURQ frame. A Carbon series SB165 frame weighs about 225g more.
SB165 suspension setup
What shock does the SB165 use?
The SB165 uses a 230 x 65mm coil-sprung rear shock. Some shocks can be locked out, but Yeti recommends running the SB165 shock fully open for the best compliance and traction.
Can I put an air shock on the SB165?
Yes. The SB165 works with both air and coil shocks.
What shock hardware does the SB165 use?
The SB165 uses M8 x 36mm hardware on the front mount and a custom Yeti reducer on the rear mount. If you swap shocks, you can buy the Yeti shock eyelet spacer on yeticycles.com.
What sag should I run on the SB165?
Start the SB165 at 30% sag, which is 19.5mm of shock stroke, for the best pedaling efficiency and terrain compliance. Set sag at your normal riding weight with your gear on. You can go slightly above or below 30% to suit your preference. The Yeti shock setup calculator gives starting settings for your shock.
How often should I service the SB165 Switch Infinity link?
Grease the SB165 Switch Infinity link every 40 hours of riding through its external grease ports. Do not over-grease it, and wipe off dust and dirt regularly. Grease and service parts are available from the Yeti webstore or your local Yeti dealer.
SB165 parts, upgrades, and warranty
Can I upgrade the components on my SB165?
Yes. Many aftermarket parts fit the SB165, and parts from major brands like Fox, Shimano, and SRAM are largely standardized. Have a professional mechanic confirm each part matches the SB165's standards and mounts securely without interference or play. Check the fit before riding.
Can I replace or modify Yeti frame parts on my SB165?
Use only genuine Yeti replacement frame parts on the SB165. You can get them from your local Yeti dealer or the Yeti webstore. Yeti cannot verify that aftermarket frame parts are safe on its frames. If any SB165 frame part is modified or replaced with a non-Yeti part, all warranties are void and the customer assumes all liability.
What is the warranty on the SB165?
The SB165 frame and Switch Infinity link have a lifetime manufacturer's warranty against defects for the original purchaser from an authorized Yeti Cycles dealer. Paint and finish are covered for 1 year. Yeti will repair or replace, at its discretion, any frame it finds defective. To use the warranty, register your bike online at yeticycles.com and take it to an authorized Yeti Cycles dealer for processing. The warranty does not cover ordinary wear and tear, neglect, or intentional damage. See the Yeti Cycles Warranty for full terms.