YT Industries Decoy SN 29 on test: The perfect trail bike from a mail-order company?
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 10.04.2025
The Decoy SN was launched in its original form back in 2024 - as a light enduro bike. And this YT Decoy SN really convinced us in the test. In a nutshell: Super safe, super fun, super intuitive to ride. But: With its fluffy chassis, generous suspension travel and slightly higher weight, it is a real enduro bike. In other words: strong when it comes to rough terrain - but almost a bit too much of a good thing on tamer terrain and flatter routes. And that's exactly where the new YT Decoy SN 29 comes into play. Lighter, livelier, more direct.
In the video: BIKE checks out the YT Industries Decoy SN 29
The name says it all: instead of mullet wheels like on the Enduro, the bike uses 29-inch wheels front and rear. YT has also reduced the suspension travel slightly. 160/140 mm instead of 170/160 mm, and more attention has been paid to the weight of the equipment. Our test bike in size XL weighs 19.5 kilos. The Enduro version weighs around 21 kilos. Even if neither figure is a weight record, there is definitely a noticeable difference.
Fazua Ride 60 with important updates
On the motor side, the Decoy SN 29 also comes with the Fazua Ride 60. The compact drive from Ottobrunn near Munich is powerful by light standards. Especially when it comes to torque, it really packs a punch. This means that on technical climbs, it still helps really well over steps, even when the cadence drops. In these situations, the Ride 60 is also significantly more powerful than the powerful Bosch Performance SX.
A known weakness of the Ride 60 was the Ring Control operating unit on the handlebars. The undefined feedback and wobbly operation were repeatedly criticised. The Decoy SN 29 now features the new Mode Control, specially developed for mountain bikes. It is even more compact, looks much more solid and of higher quality, and can also be operated in a more defined and reliable way.
The separate button for activating the boost function makes handling the new Mode Control particularly easy. A quick press is all it takes to activate the 100 watts of extra power - 450 instead of the normal 350 watts. With the old Ring Control from Fazua, this was not as convenient, as you had to hold the rotary switch down for longer, which did not always work reliably in tricky passages. Overall, the new Mode Control is a good step forward.
Another Fazua update, which is already to be found in the new YT Decoy SN 29, is the new battery. It is the same size as its predecessor, but is said to have 480 watt hours instead of 430. And with only a minimal additional weight of less than 200 grams. At least that's what Fazua promises. Unfortunately, the new battery is not yet available. Our test bike was still delivered with the old battery and Fazua was not yet able to provide us with a new battery for testing.
The long-announced and repeatedly postponed range extender from Fazua is due to be delivered to dealers from September 2025.
Even with the Energy 430, the Fazua drive had an above-average range compared to other ranges. In addition to the larger battery, the good efficiency of the Ride 60 also seems to play a part in this, as our extensive range test shows. The findings on the range of various light motors can be found here in the link. We will provide a test with the new 480 battery as soon as we have the opportunity.
The facts about the YT Decoy SN 29
- Motor: Fazua Ride 60
- Battery: 480 Wh, permanently installed
- New Fazua Mode Control
- Suspension travel: 160/140 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Weight: 19.5 kg (top model in size XL, BIKE measurement with 430 Wh)
- Three models between 6499 and 8999 euros
- Five sizes S to XXL
The geometry of the YT Decoy SN
With five sizes and reach values from 437 to 517 millimetres, the YT Decoy SN offers an above-average choice, so that almost every rider should find a suitable frame size. Only very small riders might find the length of the S-bike a little too generous. The chainstays are not ultimately short. And the seat angle is slacker than the 78.5 degrees stated on paper, at least on longer outings. We found the riding position to be balanced rather than emphatically progressive.
How to ride the YT Decoy SN 29
We have already been able to test the new YT Decoy SN on a variety of trails in the low mountain range. From flowing to challenging on various trail spots. On flat trails, the Decoy SN 29 is really lively. Accelerating out of corners, pushing over waves, carrying momentum - it all works really well and the riding fun is full on even on moderate trails. One key to this is the really light carbon wheels on the top model. But the suspension also contributes a lot to the active character.
The rear suspension strikes an extremely good compromise between sensitive absorption capacity and sporty support. You never have the feeling of sinking into the travel. You are always aware of what is happening underneath you, allowing you to make the most of the terrain and steer the bike actively and directly. Spontaneously changing lines, pulling the bike off for a jump and actively generating momentum - that's what the bike can do. This means that the bike remains a really fun machine even on moderate trails. The Decoy SN 29 can fully utilise the advantages of a light eMTB, even if it doesn't reach a record weight in this category.
Popp or sensitivity? The chassis of the Decoy SN
Despite the defined chassis, the ride never feels harsh or uncomfortable and the traction is really good. This bike is a precise piece of sports equipment that offers plenty of reserves even on rough terrain. Even rough enduro tracks are possible in full throttle mode. The long reach gives you plenty of room to move over the bike. And thanks to the really low bottom bracket, you are perfectly integrated behind the cockpit. This gives the Decoy a real sense of security.
For really tough missions, however, you need to be able to handle the bike's sporty feedback. The YT Decoy SN 29 is definitely not a plush and comfortable flubber enduro bike that sucks up all obstacles. Its bigger enduro brother, the Decoy SN with MX wheels and more suspension travel, is even more forgiving and good-natured on rough trails, but it is also heavier and somewhat slower.
What about the background noise? Basically, the bike is really quiet downhill. However, we occasionally heard a slight rattling of the cables in the frame during the test. A pity and somewhat unnecessary, we say. As a rule, this can be solved quite easily with a set of foam sleeves around the cables. And then the Decoy SN has what it takes to be an absolutely quiet e-bike - which is still rather rare for e-MTBs.
How the YT Decoy SN 29 climbs
On the climbs, the Decoy SN 29 transfers the power of the Fazua Ride 60 pretty well to the ground. On more difficult climbs, it performs really well for a light bike. You hardly have to struggle with a rising front wheel if you're reasonably active on the bike. And the traction on the rear wheel is really strong.
The riding position on the bike is very balanced. You don't sit quite as front-wheel orientated and compact as on emphatically modern enduro bikes. And the moderate front height also gives the position a slightly sporty feel. This suits the character of the bike and also makes the Decoy fit for long, fast rides.
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths
- Intuitive handling
- Strong chassis
- Wide range of applications
- High driving pleasure
Weaknesses
- no record weight
- Light train rattling
- Permanently installed battery
The BIKE conclusion
Are you looking for a light bike for different trails that is fun and safe to ride at the same time? And on top of that, delivers a lot of power and range for a light bike? Then you should put the new YT Decoy SN 29 on your list! Because the new light bike from YT achieves an amazing balancing act of lively handling, riding fun and take-off qualities. The suspension works excellently and on top of that, the new Fazua components are already on board! Meaning: even more range and better handling. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief BIKE Magazine
YT Decoy SN 29: Models and prices
The price/performance ratio is usually right at direct mail order company YT Industries. This is definitely the case with the three models of the Decoy SN 29. However, you won't find a really affordable entry-level model. It starts at 6499 euros. The other models cost 7499 and 8999 euros.
YT Decoy SN 29 Core 2 - 6499 Euro
The entry-level model of the Decoy SN 29 is not yet in the lowest price category. However, it already has the full carbon frame of the top model. The Fox suspension comes from the more affordable Performance line, but is already really good in terms of functionality.
- Motor: Fazua Ride 60
- Battery: Fazua Energy 480, permanently installed
- Fork: Fox 36 Performance
- Shock: Fox Float X Performance
- Gear system: Shimano SLX/XT
- Brakes: Hayes Dominion A4, 203/203 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss H1900
- Tyres: Maxxis DHF EXO+ Maxxgrip, 29 x 2.5'' / Minion DHR II EXO+ Maxxterra, 29 x 2.4''
- Weight: 20.1 kilos (manufacturer's specification, size S)
YT Decoy SN 29 Core 3 - 7499 Euro
The Core 3 is the only model with Rockshox suspension in the line-up. A Lyrik Ultimate is available for 7499 euros and the Superdeluxe shock also comes from the Ultimate range. The drivetrain also comes from the Sram universe. However, the S1000 Transmission is the most affordable electronic wireless drivetrain. The brakes are Hayes Dominion A4.
- Motor: Fazua Ride 60
- Battery: Fazua Energy 480, permanently installed
- Fork: Rockshox Lyrik Ultimate
- Shock: Rockshox Superdeluxe Ultimate
- Gear system: Sram S1000 Eagle Transmission
- Brakes: Hayes Dominion A4, 203/203 mm
- Wheels: Crankbrothers Synthesis
- Tyres: Maxxis DHF EXO+ Maxxgrip, 29 x 2.5'' / Minion DHR II EXO+ Maxxterra, 29 x 2.4''
- Weight: 19.9 kilos (manufacturer's specification, size S)
YT Decoy SN 29 Core 4 - 8999 Euro
The top-of-the-range Core 4 model, which we also tested, comes fully equipped, with YT Industries having explicitly tightened the weight screw once again. In particular, the super-light DT wheels with carbon rims have a noticeable effect on acceleration and liveliness on the trail. The suspension comes from Fox's highest quality Factory range. Shifting is wireless with the Sram X0 Eagle Transmission and the brakes are from Hayes. There are also carbon cranks and carbon handlebars from Raceface. All that's missing for the absolute high-end package is an electronic seatpost and electronic suspension.
- Motor: Fazua Ride 60
- Battery: Fazua Energy 480, permanently installed
- Fork: Fox 36 Factory Grip X2
- Shock: Fox Float X Factory
- Gear system: Sram X0 Eagle Transmission
- Brakes: Hayes Dominion A4, 203/203 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss HXC 1501 LS Carbon
- Tyres: Maxxis DHF EXO+ Maxxgrip, 29 x 2.5'' / Minion DHR II EXO+ Maxxterra, 29 x 2.4''
- Weight: 19.2 kilos (manufacturer's specification, size S)
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
