Applies to: SB165 frames built for 27.5" wheels front and rear. This SB165 is a previous model and is no longer in the current Yeti lineup. For the later mixed-wheel SB165 (29" front, 27.5" rear), see SB165 specs and FAQ.
The SB165 27.5 is a 27.5" bike with 165mm of rear travel and Switch Infinity suspension. This article covers its frame specs, part compatibility, suspension setup, and warranty.
SB165 27.5 frame specs
- Rear travel: 165mm
- Wheel size: 27.5"
- Frame sizes: SM, MD, LG, XL
- Recommended fork travel: 180mm (up to 200mm; max axle-to-crown 599mm)
- Rear shock size: 230 x 65mm (Fox DHX2 coil stock; high-volume air shocks also fit)
- Coil spring: up to 6.20in (157.6mm) maximum total length
- Shock hardware: front M8 x 36mm; rear Yeti shock eyelet spacer
- Bottom bracket: PF92 press-fit (92mm)
- Rear hub spacing: 148 x 12mm Boost
- Rear thru axle: Yeti or Shimano 148 x 12mm E-Thru, 171mm long, M12 x 1.5 thread pitch
- Derailleur hanger: Yeti 12 x 148 hanger kit (not UDH)
- Drivetrain: 1x only
- Chainline: 52.5mm (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 27.5 frame and part compatibility
What size seat post and seat collar does the SB165 27.5 use?
The SB165 27.5 uses a 31.6mm seat post and a 36.4mm seat collar.
Can I run an internally routed (stealth) dropper post on the SB165 27.5?
Yes. The SB165 27.5 has routing for stealth (internally routed) dropper posts only.
What is the longest travel dropper post I can run on the SB165 27.5?
The longest SB165 27.5 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 125mm drop on SM frames, 150mm on MD frames, and 200mm on LG and XL frames.
What travel fork is the SB165 27.5 designed to use?
The SB165 27.5 is designed for a 180mm travel fork. Yeti tested the frame to 20mm over the spec fork, so you can run up to a 200mm fork. The maximum axle-to-crown measurement is 599mm.
- 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 convert the SB165 27.5 to a mullet (29" front wheel and fork)?
Yes, but a 29" front wheel and fork changes the SB165 27.5 geometry quite a bit. The head tube and seat tube angles get slacker and the bottom bracket gets higher. Some riders like these changes and some do not; it is your call.
What headset and top cap does the SB165 27.5 use?
The SB165 27.5 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 27.5?
No. The SB165 27.5 has an integrated headset with the headset cups molded into the frame. Some aftermarket anglesets fit this headset style, but the 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.
What rear wheel axle fits on my SB165 27.5?
The SB165 27.5 works only with a Yeti or Shimano 148 x 12mm E-Thru rear axle (171mm long, M12 x 1.5 thread pitch). The rear triangle was optimized for stiffness and weight with these specific axles. It uses a Yeti 12 x 148 hanger kit, not a SRAM UDH hanger.
What cranks and bottom bracket can I use on the SB165 27.5?
The SB165 27.5 uses a PF92 (92mm) press-fit bottom bracket and is compatible only with wide q-factor cranks. Shimano, SRAM, and RaceFace cranks fit; other brands need a fit check. The SB165 27.5 is a 1x-only frame.
What chainline and chainring size fit the SB165 27.5?
The SB165 27.5 was designed around a Boost chainline (52.5mm). With Shimano or SRAM Boost cranks, or RaceFace 52mm chainline cranks, it fits up to a 34T round or 32T oval chainring. The minimum is 28T round or 30T oval. Other chainlines may work but need a clearance check; keep at least 3.5mm between the chainring teeth and the chainstay.
Does the SB165 27.5 have ISCG mounts?
Yes. The SB165 27.5 has integrated ISCG '05 mounts. It 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 27.5?
The SB165 27.5 runs a 180mm rear rotor without a brake adaptor. With a brake adaptor, it fits up to a 203mm rear rotor.
How big a tire can I fit on the SB165 27.5?
The SB165 27.5 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 27.5 front triangle?
Yes. The SB165 27.5 fits a standard water bottle inside the front triangle with a piggyback shock. A side-entry cage gives the easiest access.
What is the difference between the TURQ and Carbon series SB165 27.5?
TURQ series frames use Yeti's highest-grade carbon fiber for the best balance of stiffness, durability, and compliance. Carbon series 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 27.5 frame weighs about 195g more.
SB165 27.5 suspension setup
What shock does the SB165 27.5 use?
The SB165 27.5 uses a 230 x 65mm coil-sprung shock, a custom-tuned Fox DHX2.
Can I put an air shock on the SB165 27.5?
Yes. The SB165 27.5 works with both air and coil shocks. Its suspension is more progressive than other Yeti models, so it works best with a coil shock or a high-volume air shock.
What length spring fits on the SB165 27.5?
The SB165 27.5 fits any coil spring up to a maximum total length of 6.20in (157.6mm). Choose the spring rate based on your riding weight and style.
What spring rate and sag should I run on the SB165 27.5?
Choose the spring rate that gets you as close to 30% sag as possible. The spring supplied with the frame suits most riders for that frame size; other rates are available from your local bike shop or Fox distributor. The Yeti shock setup calculator helps you pick a spring rate.
What shock hardware does the SB165 27.5 use?
The SB165 27.5 uses M8 x 36mm hardware on the reservoir side and a custom Yeti reducer on the shaft side. If you swap shocks, you can buy the Yeti shock eyelet spacer on yeticycles.com.
How often should I service the SB165 27.5 Switch Infinity link?
Grease the 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 27.5 parts, upgrades, and warranty
Can I upgrade the components on my SB165 27.5?
Yes. Many aftermarket parts fit, and parts from major brands like Fox, Shimano, and SRAM are largely standardized. Have a professional mechanic confirm each part matches the frame's standards and mounts securely without interference or play.
Can I replace or modify Yeti frame parts on my SB165 27.5?
Use only genuine Yeti replacement frame parts, from your local Yeti dealer or the Yeti webstore. Yeti cannot verify that aftermarket frame parts are safe on its frames. If any 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 27.5?
The SB165 27.5 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.