Yoooooooo, y'all!
I don't have any way around here to really demo/test ride bikes. Only shop that'll allow it is a Specialized dealer and only allows demos of Specialized bikes...and only in the parking lot. So I kind of have to take a leap of faith with any bike I buy.
I have an opportunity to buy an SB120 in great condition from a friend. All the reviews out on the internet of this bike are that it's terrible and it's the best thing they've ever ridden. It's fucking awful and no one should buy this perfect bike. Dentists love it because they're stupid and willing to spend whatever it takes but will eventually find this SB120 is the greatest short travel trail bike ever made. Hyperbole aside, reviewers can't seem to figure out how they feel about it.
Are there any real humans who have ridden this bike and can give an honest review (aside from the Vital review in November of 2022)?
I'm looking for a short travel trail bike. It's kind of coming down to either this SB120 or a SC Tallboy (though I'd really prefer to be on an aluminum bike but there are other factors in these choices, too). The trails near me are all mostly flat-ish, tight, narrow singletrack trails beat up by weather/equestrians/livestock with some jibs, a few jumps, and about 1200ft of climbing per hour if I decide to do that much (though I could also go for a cruisy couple of singletrack hours with 400ft of climbing - this state is pretty flat).
Any help/insight you all can lend is appreciated!
So--I demoed to 120 this summer and really enjoyed the ride. Yetis tend to have great small-bump performance--it felt pretty great on fairly smooth trails. It was quiet and felt "taut" to me. I did feel that the technical climbing was just ok--I lost traction at times due to the stiff sag point. (But I'm used to a DW link) The 120 "felt" fast and carried the line well in curves. Downside--it's pretty heavy for a 120mm bike. But so is the Tallboy. I also rode the 140, and that is a pretty good ride that doesn't feel too big... which leaves me conflicted.
Buy the cool one!
Maybe try the other brand#specific forum.
So I run the SB115 here as our shorter travel tester. Once I set it up- I love it. Corners with confidence and climbs very well. I am in my 50's and was never an awesome jump guy- always made my time on the ground LOL. I did extend the fork by 10mm with no issues. I have taken this bike to our lift assist trails (Sunrise Ski Park), and any fast stuff I was able to hit without being scared. Like I said not a jumper, and if I really pushed my limits I could get hurt there- but I have to work Monday so being put into check is probably a great thing. I used to race XC and endurance racing- this would be the best 12 hour bike, especially if there is some chunk on the course. It is rare that I am looking for a burlier bike, but when I do, I weigh what my insurance deductible is at the ER, and I feel like I am fine lol.
The rear shock in our terrain here, I felt I needed more support on the initial 1/3 of stroke from stock. The 120 is supposed to fix that.
I know you won't get the cool points for it, but the new giant trance is really good. I've raced a 52 and 1/2 mi Epic and a local Enduro on some more flowy type downhills and was plenty happy in both situations.
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