YT Industries Decoy 29 Core 4 on test: Successful tourer now with a large battery

The Decoy from mail-order company YT is an old acquaintance in our tests. The original Decoy was launched back in 2019, but has already won various tests since then. That's why we wanted to include the e-MTB from Forchheim in our test in its fourth year as a reference. For the first time, the Decoy will also come with a larger 720 watt-hour battery for 2023.

This means that the Decoy has overcome one of the main criticisms of our last tests. At least if you are prepared to buy the new battery as an optional accessory. In favour of the range and for better comparison with the other models in the test, all data and weights refer to the Decoy with the larger battery in the down tube, with which we also tested the bike.

Who will build the best E-MTB in 2023? We have tested it. Including eleven of the best E-MTBs on the market from Specialized to Cube and Santa Cruz to Rotwild. The whole comparison test High End E-MTBs: Now in EMTB 4/2023!

>>Here are all eleven high-end all-mountain bikes in the big comparison test<<

The facts about the YT Decoy 29 Core 4 with 720 Wh battery

• Motor: Shimano EP8, 85 Nm max. torque
• Battery: 720 Wh (removable)
• Frame material: Carbon
• Suspension travel: 150 / 145 millimetres
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Frame sizes: S to XXL
• Price: 6499 + 899 Euro
• Weight: 23.43 kg (test bike in size XL with 720 battery, EMTB measurement)

Frame, construction and special features

The Decoy from mail-order company YT has now been around for four years and is available in a correspondingly large number of different versions. As a 29er All Mountain or as an Enduro with 170/165 millimetres and a mullet wheel mix. With a full carbon frame or a more affordable aluminium rear triangle. Our test bike, the Decoy Core 4, is the top model of the all-mountain version and, as befits its status in the high-end comparison test, it starts with a full carbon frame.

The e-bike drive

Shimano's EP8 has been powering the Decoy since a model update in 2021. The Japanese drive was state-of-the-art at the time, especially with its weight of just 2.6 kilograms. To this day, it is still a benchmark among power drives. Modulation and response behaviour are still top notch. The EP8 was one of the first drives to offer the option of fine-tuning the support levels via an app. A practical feature that allows the drive to be fine-tuned for range or performance.

However, in terms of performance, the Shimano is now lagging somewhat behind and cannot keep up with the powerful units from Bosch, Brose, Panasonic and certainly not with the Dyname 4.0 in Rocky Mountain. Although the EP8 delivers a decent amount of torque, it lacks dynamism. As the drive delivers its full power even at low rider input, there's no extra power when you want to pick up the pace on steep ramps or difficult key sections. The EP8 is also noticeably loud on the YT. This was also the case with our last YT test bikes.

720 watt hours only optional: testing the new battery for the YT Decoy

New for this year: a more modern battery with 720 watt hours. Although this can only be ordered as an expensive accessory for € 899, YT's top model Core 4 still easily fits within our price limit of € 8000. In favour of the range and for a better comparison with the other models in the test, we also tested the bike with this battery.

The range test shows that with the new battery, the YT Decoy can at least get a little closer to the competition. However, with 1698 metres of altitude at full throttle, the reach is still not outstanding. The Santa Cruz Heckler achieves almost the same value with the 72o Darfon battery, but with an average speed of 14.1 km/h it's almost 1 km/h faster than the YT. Specialized or Rotwild go even further with a comparable battery size and are also faster. Nevertheless, the larger battery provides a clear advantage over the 540 battery of the previous Decoys, making the bike competitive in terms of reach.

A special feature of the YT: The large battery can only be ordered as an accessory in addition to the bike with a small battery. Unfortunately, at 7398 euros, this means that the YT is no longer the cheapest bike in a comparison of eleven high-end all-mountain bikes, but it also offers two batteries. For short laps, you can therefore also put the 540 battery in the bike, which only weighs 22.57 kilograms. In the bike park or on extra-long tours, you can also combine both batteries for maximum trail fun.

The geometry of the YT Decoy Core 4

As good as the YT Decoy is in some other respects: The geometry shows the age of the e-bike from Forchheim. The reach is short, the seat tube long, the head angle rather steep and the seat angle somewhat slacker than we are used to these days. As the bike is very small, we have tested frame size XL here, in contrast to our other tests. This means that the reach fits a little better into the test field of the other candidates with an L frame.

Unfortunately, the seat tube is correspondingly long at 466 millimetres. Before buying, you should check whether the larger frame really suits you. A flip-chip gives the YT a few points, so the geometry can at least be customised to the area of use. We clearly favoured the slacker flip-chip setting on tough downhill trails. Even then, the head angle is still rather steep at 65.5 degrees, and the lower bottom bracket provides better stability on the bike. Only those who climb particularly steep climbs should opt for the steeper setting. The advantage of the bike's moderate geometry is that the YT rides quite neutrally, but more on that below in the riding impressions.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size XL)

• Seat tube length: 466 mm
• Wheelbase: 1262 mm
• Reach: 474 - 479 mm
• Stack: 637 mm
• Steering angle: 65.5 - 66.5 degrees
• Seat angle: 76 - 76.5 degrees
• Chainstay length: 459 mm

The equipment of the YT Decoy 29 Core 4

As is typical for mail-order bikes, YT goes all out with the equipment. Although the Decoy Core 4 is by far the cheapest bike in the comparison of eleven high-end all-mountain bikes with a base price of € 6499, it leaves hardly anything to be desired. With Fox's 36 Factory Grip2 and Float DPS Factory shock, YT relies on the best suspension technology in the trail class, while the Code RSC brakes and Shimano XT drivetrain are functionally beyond reproach. This also applies to the in-house seatpost with 170 millimetres of travel. The only tuning potential here is the mid-range aluminium wheels from Crankbrothers; a shock with a reservoir would also fit in the XL frame.

Practical test: How the YT Decoy 29 Core 4 rides

On tour

Thanks to the larger battery, the YT is now also equipped for long tours. But what about the touring qualities of the e-MTB from Forchheim? Basically good, as several tests in the past have already shown. The balanced riding position is immediately pleasing and makes pedalling on the YT pleasant even on flat terrain. The moderate seat angle and long chainstays ensure neutral and stable handling, which should also appeal to beginners and less experienced e-mountain bikers.

Uphill

On the trail, the YT also shines with proven qualities. Climbing is uncomplicated, the front end climbs rather late thanks to the long chainstays. The steep flip-chip setting can help a little here, but a more front-wheel orientated riding position with a steeper seat angle would provide even more control and even better grades on the climbs. On the other hand, the suspension has good travel and still reacts sensitively to bumps. The fairly steep steering angle makes the handling predictable, and the steering is hardly noticeable on the climbs.

Downhill

Downhill, the YT is balanced and purposeful, and the defined suspension is still a real pleasure. With 145 millimetres of travel at the rear, the YT is not the most comfortable bike in the test, but it still allows you to keep up a brisk pace even on rough terrain. Very nice: the battery on the YT is securely fixed, making the bike one of the quietest E-MTBs downhill despite the typical Shimano motor clatter. However, this is where the somewhat older geometry becomes apparent. Long chainstays and a moderate head angle make the handling very neutral, but the YT is neither a really smooth-running mini-enduro nor a handy trail bike. However, anyone looking for this compromise will appreciate the bike.

The EMTB conclusion

As a well-balanced tourer with great suspension and trail ambitions, the YT continues to inspire. The price-performance ratio is still good despite the expensive accessory battery. The geometry is a little grey in some details, but the neutral handling still has its fans.

Pro

• Quietly downhill
• Neutral handling
• Defined chassis
• Good price-performance ratio

Contra

• loud uphill
• somewhat outdated geometry
• 720 battery only as an accessory

Technical data and notes YT Industries Decoy 29 Core 4

Manufacturer information

• Price: 6499 + 899 Euro
• Sizes (seat tube) / frame material: S, M, L, XL (tested size 46.5 cm), XXL / Carbon

Measured values²

• Weight²: 23.43 kg
• Reach altitude¹: 1695 (+0)hm
• Average speed: 13.3 km/h
• Front/rear suspension travel: 150/145 mm
• Centre of gravity height: 530 mm
• Handlebar width: 780 mm
• Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 176 mm
• Ground clearance⁴: 506 mm

Equipment

• Motor: Shimano Steps EP8
• Max. Torque³: 80 Nm
• Battery³ / weight²/ price replacement battery: SMP YT Custom 540 / 720 Wh / 4490 / 3630 g / 899/499 Euro
• Gear system: Shimano XT
• Translation (v. / h.): 36; 10-51
• Display: Shimano SC-E7000
• Permissible total weight³: 140 kg
• Fork / Shock: Fox 36 Float Factory Grip2 E / Fox Float DPS Factory
• Telescopic post: YT Postman, 170 mm
• Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Sram Code RSC / 200 mm / 200 mm
• Wheels: Crank Brothers Synthesis Alloy E-MTB
• Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF Exo MaxTerra 29 x 2.5; DHR II Exo+ MaxxTerra 29 x 2.4

EMTB test rating⁵: 8.5 points - very good

¹The 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 including equipment 89 kg. The altitude metres in clearly reduced emergency mode are shown in brackets. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.

²Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.

Manufacturer information

⁴Stage test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel

⁵The EMTB judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.