Yeti Suspension Calculator

Optimize your ride quality. Calculate the precise shock pressure, sag depth, and damper settings for your Yeti Cycles SB series bike based on your unique rider profile.

Typical Sag Settings for Yeti SB Series (30% Target)

Model	Stroke Length	Target Sag (mm)	Leverage Ratio
SB120	47.5 mm	14.3 mm	2.53
SB140	55.0 mm	16.5 mm	2.55
SB160	60.0 mm	18.0 mm	2.67
SB165	65.0 mm	19.5 mm	2.54

What is the Yeti Suspension Calculator?

The yeti suspension calculator is a specialized tuning utility designed specifically for owners of Yeti Cycles mountain bikes. Unlike generic suspension calculators, this tool accounts for the unique leverage rates of the Switch Infinity suspension platform. Whether you are riding an SB130, SB140, or the new SB160, getting your air pressure and sag correct is the difference between a bike that feels harsh and one that feels like a “magic carpet.”

Who should use it? Any rider from a weekend warrior to a professional racer. A common misconception is that shock pressure should just equal your body weight. In reality, the yeti suspension calculator must factor in gear weight, frame kinematics, and riding style to provide a baseline that actually works on the trail.

Yeti Suspension Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation

The math behind the yeti suspension calculator involves translating rider mass into a force that counteracts the air spring while maintaining a specific percentage of the shock’s stroke. The core formula used for PSI calculation is:

PSI = (Total Weight × Leverage Ratio) × Riding Style Factor + Base Offset

Variables Explanation Table

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Total Weight	Rider + Helmet + Pack + Water	lbs	120 – 280
Leverage Ratio	Total Travel / Shock Stroke	Ratio	2.4 – 2.8
Sag Percentage	Amount of travel used at rest	%	25% – 32%
Rebound	Speed of shock extension	Clicks	4 – 12 (from closed)

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: The Aggressive Enduro Rider
A rider on a Yeti SB160 weighs 190 lbs and carries 10 lbs of gear. Using the yeti suspension calculator, the total weight of 200 lbs combined with the SB160’s 2.67 leverage ratio and an “Aggressive” factor (1.05) results in a recommended 225 PSI. This ensures the rider doesn’t bottom out on high-speed square-edge hits while maintaining the 18mm sag required for optimal Switch Infinity performance.

Example 2: The Lightweight Trail Rider
A rider on an SB120 weighs 130 lbs with minimal gear (5 lbs). The yeti suspension calculator factors in the lower leverage ratio and total mass of 135 lbs to suggest 145 PSI. This setup allows the lighter rider to actually use the full 120mm of travel, which would be impossible if they followed the “body weight = PSI” myth.

How to Use This Yeti Suspension Calculator

1. Select Your Model: Choose your specific Yeti SB model from the dropdown. Each model has a distinct stroke length and leverage curve.
2. Input Your Weight: Enter your weight without clothes, then add your gear weight (shoes, helmet, hydration) in the second box.
3. Select Riding Style: Choose “Plush” if you prefer comfort on small bumps, or “Firm” if you are hitting large jumps or racing.
4. Review Results: Note the PSI and Rebound clicks. Set your shock to the calculated PSI, then cycle the suspension 10 times to equalize the positive and negative air chambers.
5. Measure Sag: Slide the O-ring against the shock body, sit on the bike in your riding gear, and gently dismount. The distance the O-ring moved should match the “Target Sag” shown in the yeti suspension calculator.

Key Factors That Affect Yeti Suspension Calculator Results

• Switch Infinity Link: The unique translation of the main pivot means Yeti bikes have a specific “sweet spot” in the sag. Missing this by even 2mm can affect pedaling efficiency.
• Ambient Temperature: Air pressure changes with temperature. If you tune your bike in a 70°F garage but ride in 40°F weather, your PSI will drop.
• Altitude: Significant changes in elevation can affect the pressure differential inside your air spring.
• Shock Volume Spacers: Adding or removing tokens/spacers changes the ramp-up at the end of the stroke but does not change the initial sag calculated by the yeti suspension calculator.
• Bearing Friction: A dry or dirty Switch Infinity link or worn pivot bearings can create stiction, making the shock feel firmer than it is.
• Damping Oil Viscosity: Older oil becomes thinner or contaminated, which may require you to adjust the clicks recommended by the yeti suspension calculator to maintain control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does the Yeti suspension calculator recommend 30% sag for almost all models?

Yeti designs their Switch Infinity platform to provide peak anti-squat and pedaling performance right at the 30% mark of the shock stroke.

Should I calculate sag with my compression damping open or closed?

Always calculate and set sag with your compression levers in the “Open” position to ensure the shock moves freely.

What happens if I use a coil shock on my Yeti?

The yeti suspension calculator is primarily for air shocks. For coils, you would use the target sag to select the correct spring rate (lbs/in).

How often should I re-check my settings?

It is recommended to check your PSI before every ride, as air can leak slowly over time and temperature shifts significantly affect pressure.

Does the calculator work for the fork too?

This specific tool is optimized for the rear shock. Forks usually require 15-20% sag and depend more on front-rear weight distribution.

What if my O-ring shows I’m using too much travel?

If you are hitting the target sag but still bottoming out, consider adding a volume spacer rather than just increasing PSI.

Why do clicks of rebound matter?

Higher air pressures require more rebound damping (more clicks in/slower) to control the stronger “spring back” force of the compressed air.

Can I use this for older Yeti models like the SB5 or SB6?

While the principles are similar, this yeti suspension calculator is tuned for the current SB120-SB165 geometry and leverage curves.