Over the last ten years, YT has developed from a small manufacturer for committed mountain bikers to one of the big players on the global market. The bikes from Upper Franconia have always been a hot tip, especially when it comes to price-performance. Why? This is demonstrated by bikes like the Decoy Core 2 presented here, which offers an almost unrivaled overall package at a price of just over 5.000 euros. With its Mullet wheels, full 170 mm of travel and progressive carbon frame, the Decoy Core 2 clearly fits into the category of e-enduros. Shimano EP8 and a 540 Wh battery provide the necessary support until you start the trail. The small battery also contributes to the comparatively low weight of just over 24 kg. YT also offers an energy storage unit with 720 Wh as an option.
Fair compromises on the components
| frame | YT Decoy |
| suspension fork | Fox 38 Float Rhtythm E-Optimized |
| Drive | Shimano EP8 |
| Rechargeable battery | 530 Wh |
| Suspension shocks | Fox Float |
| Wheels | Crankbrothers Synthesis Alloy E-MTB |
| Tire VR | Maxxis Assegai MaxxTerra Exo |
| Tire HR | Maxxis Minion DHRII MaxxTerra Exo+ |
| derailleur | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Gear levers | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Crank | Shimano EM600 |
| Front derailleur | Without |
| Brake | Ram DB8 |
| Brake discs | Sram Centerline 200/200mm |
| Seat post | YT Postman 170mm (L) |
| Saddle | SDG Bel Air V3 Max |
| Stem | e*13 Base 35 |
| Links | e*13 Base 35 |
A modern e-MTB for just over 5.000 euros is a rare phenomenon - especially with a carbon main frame. Accordingly, you shouldn't expect premium features from the YT Decoy Core 2, but the red pencil has been used carefully and savings have been made where compromises are bearable. For example, there is “only” a Shimano Deore gear system or the affordable Sram DB8 brakes. However, both are hardly inferior to their more expensive counterparts in terms of performance. There is already a chassis from Fox for this, although it is in the affordable Rhythm version at the front, but its response is still top notch. No savings were made on wheels from Crankbrothers and matching Maxxis tires or the in-house vario support with a lot of travel.
The YT Decoy Core 2 MX on the trail
| S | M | L | XL | XXL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| seat tube (in mm) | 400 | 420 | 445 | 470 | 495 |
| Reach (mm) | 409 | 429 | 449 | 469 | 489 |
| Stacks (in mm) | 624 | 629 | 633 | 643 | 652 |
| Steering angle (in °) | 64,5 / 65 | 64,5 / 65 | 64,5 / 65 | 64,5 / 65 | 64,5 / 65 |
| Real seat angle (in °) | 75.5 / 76 | 75.5 / 76 | 75.5 / 76 | 75.5 / 76 | 75.5 / 76 |
| Bottom bracket drop (in mm) | 32 / 24 | 32 / 24 | 32 / 24 | 32 / 24 | 32 / 24 |
| chainstays (in mm) | 442 | 442 | 442 | 442 | 442 |
| Wheelbase (in mm) | 1191 | 1213 | 1235 | 1259 | 1284 |
First of all, the Decoy Core 2 surprises in practice with a surprisingly lively character, which was not to be expected given the large spring travel reserves. The lively rear end is fun even on flat trails and offers a lot of pep. Of course, the bike is particularly at home when it really crashes. Here it scores with good-natured handling and very successful geometry. While the rear handles very well in enduro use, the fork has to give up a bit here. It lacks counter pressure, especially when hitting fast shots. For the Decoy, the uphill is more of a means to an end to quickly get to the trailhead. The fact that it can't quite keep up with the best bikes in this class is also due to the Shimano EP8, which is noticeably weaker than, for example, its successor EP801 or a Bosch CX.
