Test / E-MTB: With the YT Decoy 29 Core 4, we are looking at an exciting E-MTB that offers a very good overall package consisting of a high-quality carbon frame, great components and balanced handling at a price of almost 7.000 euros. However, there is a small catch.
In March 2019, YT presented the Decoy, the first e-MTB in its portfolio, and with its sporty focus, attractive price and fresh look, it struck a chord with many bikers who were previously skeptical about electric bikes. A little over three years later, a lot has happened, E-MTBs are much more accepted and popular as sports equipment - and of course the technology has also evolved. However, the basic features of the YT Decoy have remained largely unchanged. Does the concept still work today?
The biggest changes compared to the original Decoy can be found in the drive system - here the original Shimano E8000 was modernized to the new EP8 - and in the wheel size. Initially, the Decoy was a mullet bike with a mix of wheel sizes, but the bike is now also available as a pure 29″ version. This then comes with 145 mm or 150 mm spring travel instead of the 170 mm on the "normal" Decoy.
YT Decoy 29: Carbon frame with versatile geometry
The main frame of the Decoy 29 is made of carbon in all equipment variants - depending on the model variant, the direct seller also uses carbon fiber for the rear triangle or aluminum for the slightly cheaper models. The lines and optics are YT-typically modern and quite striking - the Decoy stands out pleasantly from the crowd and, despite its voluminous tubes, does not appear too bulky. The generously applied frame protectors at all relevant positions, from the down tube to the chainstay to the inside of the seatstay, are commendable. This not only protects the frame from scratches or worse damage, but also reduces background noise, especially in the area of the rear triangle.
In terms of geometry, the Decoy 29 is much more moderate than the Decoy, which is much more trimmed towards downhill. Don't get me wrong: The Decoy 29 is a really modern and sporty E-MTB for lots of fun and action on the trail. But: It finds a very good balance so that the driver is not "forced" into an overly active driving position and even relaxed tours are possible without any problems. The uphill qualities also benefit from this. In numbers, this means that we don't have a head angle that is too slack and the chainstays are a bit longer. The main frame is nice and long so that you can easily shift your body weight. The angle and bottom bracket height can be slightly adjusted via a flip chip on the damper mount.
frame size | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top tube length (in mm) | 569 | 591 | 608 | 635 | 658 |
Head tube length (in mm) | 95 | 100 | 105 | 115 | 125 |
Chain stay length (in mm) | 458 | 458 | 458 | 458 | 458 |
Steering angle (in °) | 65,8 / 66,3 | 65,8 / 66,3 | 65,8 / 66,3 | 65,8 / 66,3 | 65,8 / 66,3 |
Seat tube angle (in °) | 77 / 77,5 | 77 / 77,5 | 77 / 77,5 | 77 / 77,5 | 77 / 77,5 |
BB drop (mm) | 38 / 32 | 38 / 32 | 38 / 32 | 38 / 32 | 38 / 32 |
Wheelbase (in mm) | 1197 | 1219 | 1241 | 1265 | 1289 |
Reach (mm) | 423 | 443 | 463 | 483 | 503 |
Stacks (in mm) | 614 | 619 | 623 | 632 | 641 |
Shimano EP8 with 540 Wh battery
YT decided on Japanese power for the drive: The Shimano EP8 is an extremely light (2,6 kg), powerful (85 Nm) and dynamic motor, which has enjoyed great popularity since its introduction in 2020, especially with rather sporty E-MTBs. In our detailed drive comparison test, it was able to demonstrate its qualities and, above all, it knew how to impress when it came to efficiency. In terms of maximum support power, it is not quite on the level of Bosch or Brose, but it is by no means a weak drive. In order to get the most support out of the compact unit, it is advisable to pedal a slightly higher cadence (>80).
The motor is powered by a 540 Wh battery in the down tube. By today's standards, the Decoy 29 comes with a rather small battery with little capacity. That was the case when it was launched, even if the gap to other bikes in this class wasn't as big as it is today. But it shows that YT deliberately opted for a rather small battery, mainly for two reasons: On the one hand, more capacity always means more cells, which not only increases the dimensions, but above all the weight.
For a detailed test of the Shimano EP8
E-MTB motors and drives 2022 on test: Shimano EP8
Product news / E-MTB: As part of our major motor check for the 2022 season, we're taking a look at the Shimano EP8 today. In addition to the technical data, we also have laboratory values from the test bench for the performance and range of the E-MTB drive. E-MTB motors and drives 2022 checked For the start of the 2022 season, we take a detailed look […]
The battery of the YT, including its cover, weighs almost 3,6 kg and is therefore almost a kilogram lighter than, for example, a Bosch Powertube 750. The dimensions are also nice and compact, which not only makes it easier to remove, which is released via two bolts but also makes it much easier to carry a second battery, for example. Nevertheless, the battery is probably the best indicator of the Decoy platform's "age" - we therefore expect the successor to have either more capacity or an even lighter concept. But the 540 Wh battery should also have a sufficient range for most drivers in practice - based on our fuel consumption values of the EP8 determined on the test bench, you can expect a range of approx. 110 km on the flat and approx. 1.500 hm on the mountain, each at the highest support level.
The drive is operated via the minimalist Shimano remote on the handlebars, which is intuitive to use and fits very well with a modern E-MTB. YT has carefully cut corners on the display and installed the somewhat simpler, monochrome version. Not a big flaw, but still a pity, since the readability while driving is a bit better with the color display.
Great features with no real weaknesses
Apart from the small saving measure just mentioned for the display, there really isn't anything to complain about on our test bike in terms of equipment. The YT Decoy 29 Core 4 comes with high-quality components across the board that are appropriate for the price of almost 7.000 euros. In conjunction with the light base, these also contribute to the very good total weight of 22,4 kg in size XL without pedals and tubeless.
The Fox chassis has the crème de la crème of Fox 36 Grip2 at the front and the DPS damper at the rear. The latter may seem a bit flimsy without the reservoir, but it harmonises very well with the progressive rear end and never sweated noticeably during our test, even on longer descents.
The 12-speed circuit from Shimano's XT series has now established itself and lives up to its impeccable reputation; wide range, great performance and successful ergonomics. The Sram Code RSC brakes with 200 mm Centerline discs then also have the appropriate reserves for the descent and did their job very reliably. The Crankbrothers Synthesis aluminum wheels are definitely an equipment highlight. Even if other manufacturers in this price range sometimes rely on carbon rims, we think YT's decision was spot on: The aluminum rims are extremely robust, wide and, thanks to the special lacing, also very comfortable. The hubs from US manufacturer Industry 9 are also great - light, durable and with a distinctive freewheel. Maxxis tires sit on the rims, namely the popular combination of DHRII and DHF. YT saves a little weight on the carcass, mounts the Exo tire at the front and the slightly more puncture-proof Exo+ at the rear.
There are also no significant deductions in the “B grade” in the spec: the YT Postman post has enough travel in our size with 170 mm, the lever is successful. I like the Renthal cockpit and there are high-quality contact points on the saddle and grips from SDG.
frame | YT Decoy 29 full carbon |
suspension fork | Fox 36 Factory Grip2 |
Power Type | Shimano EP8 |
Battery | 540 Wh |
Suspension shocks | Fox Float DPS Factory |
Wheels | Crankbrothers Synthesis Alloy E-MTB i9 |
Tire VR | Maxxis Minion DHF Exo 3C MaxxTerra |
Tire HR | Maxxis Minion DHRII Exo+ 3C MaxxTerra |
derailleur | Shimano XT M8100 |
Gear levers | Shimano XT M8100 |
Crank | Shimano XT |
Front derailleur | ohne |
Brake | Ram Code RSC |
Brake discs | Sram centerline 200mm |
Seat post | YT Postman 170mm (XL) |
Saddle | SDG Bel Air 3.0 |
Stem | Renthal Apex 35 |
Links | Renthal Fatbar 35 |
Sporty but balanced: The YT Decoy 29 on the trail
Our expectations of the YT Decoy 29 were shaped in advance by our experience with YT bikes and the reputation of the brand. Potent, sporty and above all designed for trail fun - that's what we expected from the Decoy 29. While we weren't wrong, the versatility of the Decoy 29 surprised us. Because its very well-balanced geometry ensures a comfortable seating position and the well-balanced riding characteristics suit active trail enthusiasts as well as less experienced mountain bikers. When it comes to the rear end, however, the YT genes clearly come through off-road: Quite progressively, it offers significantly larger reserves than we would have expected from the “only” 145 mm. Even with jumps or drops we had no problems with bottoming out - great! On the other hand, this also means that anyone looking for a comfortable sofa rear structure will be disappointed with the Decoy 29.
The built-in components did their job absolutely reliably and did not give any cause for criticism in our test. Despite the somewhat flimsy carcass of the Maxxis tires, we had no problems with them, the performance of the Fox suspension was excellent as usual, as was the presentation of the gears.
YT deserves special praise in terms of volume – at least for the most part. Trains, lines, cables and chain are routed in such a way, and the frame is so well padded and protected in the appropriate places, that the Decoy 29 could be one of the quietest e-MTBs on the market. If it weren't for the Shimano EP8: The now notorious engine rattle is also present here, although it was much less pronounced on our test bike than on most other EP8 E-MTBs that we've tested over the years.
Leave a Comment