All-mountain e-bike test 2022: YT Industries Decoy 29 Core 2 in the EMTB reader test
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 06.09.2022
With 150/145 millimetres less travel, it also has a large 29er rear wheel and significantly longer chainstays. This should give the bike more all-round character. In fact, the 29er Decoy rides completely differently to its MX brother. On the climbs, the bike is unruffled. The front wheel keeps contact with the ground even on extreme ramps and the Decoy remains easy to control. The rear suspension is stable in its stroke and generates a lot of traction, which keeps the rider in an active riding position. This makes the YT one of the strongest climbers in the test field.
On the trail, the bike is very balanced, direct and lively. However, the Decoy 29 has not inherited the special playfulness of its MX brother. The suspension is firmer and the rear suspension is very defined. Good for lively trail rides, bad for overly bumpy descents. Here, the bike requires a strong hand to utilise the smooth geometry. In our range test, the Decoy with its small 540 Wh battery has to take a back seat, which costs points. However, a larger battery is rumoured to be on the way. At less than 24 kilos, the weight of the bike remains within limits, but considering the small battery, it is not impressive. At 5299 euros, it is the cheapest bike in the comparison. Our test bike came in size XL, which YT recommends for riders between 181 and 191 cm. In the test comparison, this puts it at the larger end of the spectrum, with a sporty riding position.
Conclusion by Florentin Vesenbeckh, deputy editor-in-chief of EMTB:
Powerful E-All-Mountain with top handling and lively character. More sporty and firm than comfortable and solid. Small battery, but not really lighter than the competition.
All the winning bikes from our readers' survey can be found here: >> 8 all-mountain e-bikes in the big EMTB reader test 2022 <<
Technical data YT Industries Decoy 29 Core 2
General information
- Price: 5299 Euro
- Further information can be found at YT Industries
- Sizes / frame material: S / M / L / Tested size XL / XXL / carbon, aluminium
Drive
- Motor: Shimano EP8
- Max. Torque³: 85 Nm
- Battery³ / weight²/ price replacement battery: YT, 540 Wh / 3635 g / 699 Euro
- Gear system: Shimano Deore (12-speed)
- Translation (v. / h.): 36; 10-51
- Display / size: Shimano SC-E7000 / 13 x 37 mm Display / size: Shimano SC-E7000 / 13 x 37 mm
Measured values
- Weight²: 23.9 kg
- Suspension travel f. / h.: 150 / 145 mm
Equipment
- Permissible total weight³: 140 kg
- Fork / Shock: Rockshox Yari RC / Deluxe Select
- Telescopic post: YT Postman, 170 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Sram Code R / 200 mm / 200 mm
- Wheels: Crankbrothers Synthesis Alloy E-MTB
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF EXO / DHR II EXO+, 29 x 2.5 / 2.4"
¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight incl. equipment 90 kg. The altitude metres in brackets are in significantly reduced emergency mode.
² Determined on the test stands in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
³ Manufacturer information
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
