Out of curiousty:
The SB100 would be most similar to TB, 429, 4.5, and Ripley. What did you like about the SB100 more than the others.
The SB130 would be compared to the Ripmo and 5.5. What didn't you like (or would like improved) that would make you choose a SB130?
I liked the SB100 for two main reasons above the other similar bikes:
1. It is a rocket ship up and, surprisingly, down hill as well. It rides way larger than a 100mm travel bike should. It is hands down the best pedaling bike I have ridden.
2. The handling was razor sharp. It seems to be such a good balance of slow speed technical riding and high speed stability.
The Ripmo and 5.5 are great bikes as well but felt a little to much like a monster truck....both in handling and pedalling efficiency. I personally liked the 5.5 better( I think it just fit me better and maybe climbed more efficient but that could have just been the day I was having as well) but they were both very good bikes. Don't get me wrong I love B-lining through rock gardens but don't want a sluggish bike at slow speed and climbing.
As weird as it may sound my 2nd favorite bike is probably a tie between the Ripley and 5.5, which I think says a lot about how efficient Yeti's are in general.
To me that is what makes the SB130 so appealing for areas of the country just like yours where you want an ultra efficient pedaling bike with a manageable weight but you don’t need 150mm or more of rear travel nor will the 100-120mm bike be quite flexible enough for some of the techy and rocky terrain you still find abundant so you can have that added comfort.
Plus the bike is a great 1 bike solution if you do 3-6 trips away from your area each year where a bigger bike might be more appropriate for those locations the SB130 is pretty dialed to do everything really well.
I’ve ridden a lot of those bikes you’ve listed and if I could have anyone of them given to me as a gift I’d pick the SB130
You nailed it! I am 41 and don't huck 6' drops but I do like to rip (strava nerd) and with the amount of rocks around here and the alternate jump lines (2'-4' to flat) I just worry about hitting the limits of the 100. That and I am only 3 hours from Bentonville AR which has some pretty gnarly terrain/parks.
I will always have my hardtail but really only want one full squish bike...so like a lot of people I am looking for that "quiver killer" bike.
I will say that I have had more fun this summer demoing new bikes than I thought I would. Every bike has it's own personality and how it interacts with the rider is so very different. I have learned a lot about what I like and what I don't want to sacrifice.
