​YT Szepter on sale: Carbon gravel bike with MTB DNA for 1,599 euros

YT Industries is renowned for its trail, enduro and downhill bikes. And the Forchheim-based online retailer has carried this DNA over to its Szepter gravel bike. Its progressive geometry and suspension fork are designed to ensure control off the beaten track. We’ve already highlighted the gravel bike’s MTB influences in the Presentation of the sceptre categorised. The current range makes the entry-level version particularly attractive – it is currently available in all sizes at a reduced price.

What does the YT Szepter Core 2 have to offer?

On the entry-level Core 2 model, YT combines the carbon frame with an SR Suntour GVX 32. 40 millimetres of travel are designed to absorb impacts on rough gravel and uneven trails. Shifting is mechanical via Shimano GRX: a 40-tooth chainring is paired with a 12-speed cassette ranging from 10 to 51 teeth. This wide gear range is ideal for steep climbs. It also features DT Swiss G1800 wheels and WTB Resolute tyres. YT quotes a weight of 10.9 kilograms for this model. So the Szepter is by no means a lightweight – that much is clear. YT’s priorities lie more with comfort and off-road capability.

A dropper seatpost is not included as standard on the Core 2: YT fits a rigid Easton EA50. However, the frame is designed to accommodate a dropper seatpost. As standard, this feature is only available on the top-of-the-range Core 4 model, which has also been significantly discounted on the YT website.

​The frame is rated ASTM 3, meaning the Szepter is designed for challenging off-road terrain and small jumps. This is in keeping with the bike’s spec and geometry.

A comparison of all three YT Scepter models

The 300-euro premium over the Core 3 mainly covers the RockShox suspension fork and an electronic Sram wireless gear system. These are additional costs that could well be worth it – unless you prefer the simplicity of a mechanical gear system. The Core 4 costs a further 700 euros more and includes, amongst other things, the dropper seatpost. So if you’re looking for this particular MTB feature as standard, you’ll only find it on the top-of-the-range model. On the other hand, if you’re happy with mechanical gear changes and a rigid seatpost, you can get the basic Szepter concept with the Core 2.

​Notes on the discount: For the Core 2, the discount compared with the previously stated price is around 36 per cent. For the Core 3 and Core 4, the discount works out at around 42 per cent in each case.

Who would benefit from this offer?

The YT Szepter Core 2 is the obvious choice for budget-conscious cyclists looking for a gravel bike for gravel, forest tracks and the occasional rougher section. A suspension fork and a wide gear range are more compelling arguments for this than keeping the weight as low as possible. For long, fast tarmac sections or gravel races where lightweight construction is a priority, a hardtail would be a more suitable choice. And in this category, other brands offer more dedicated speed machines.