YT Decoy X Core 1: Buying tip for the Avinox Enduro

Trick question: Can you ever have too many downhill-oriented mountain bikes in your range? At gravity-focused online retailer YT, at any rate, the answer is a resounding ‘No!’ The manufacturer ran into financial difficulties last year. However, YT boss Markus Flossmann bought back the shares and thereby restructured YT.

The new Decoy X with an Avinox motor is officially the first new model to be launched since the relaunch, further expanding YT’s Gravity range. In the e-MTB sector alone, alongside the Decoy SN – which is due to be phased out shortly – there is also The classic Decoy with a Bosch motor and a generous 180 millimetres of suspension travel. Now the Decoy X has joined the line-up, which is also at home in the world of enduro and bike parks. So there’s plenty of choice – not to mention the motorless gravity bikes from Forchheim.

Plenty to choose from: Which decoy for whom?

Whether it’s the Decoy, Decoy SN or Decoy X with Avinox: the decision should be a fairly easy one. The lightweight Decoy SN It impresses with its excellent riding characteristics and an extremely attractive retail price. However, following Fazua’s insolvency, the question of future support remains.

The Decoy with Bosch motor, on the other hand, is a carbon enduro bike with plenty of suspension travel and a clear focus on challenging terrain. The Decoy X, with its affordable aluminium frame and 170/160 millimetres of suspension travel – like our test bike – is, by contrast, aimed at a much broader market and, thanks to its straightforward aluminium chassis, is also quite affordable. So there are good reasons to choose this bike that go far beyond the obvious Avinox feature in the bottom bracket.

M2S: A top-of-the-range motor, but no fast charger

But speaking of Avinox: I really must say a few words about the engine. YT consistently fits the following in the Decoy X, namely the top-of-the-range M2S engine (reviewed here) With up to 1,300 watts and a peak torque of 150 Newton-metres – even on the most affordable model, the Core 1, priced at 4,499 euros. Plenty of power, excellent modulation and precise control are therefore guaranteed. The power for the drive comes from the standard 800 watt-hour battery, which YT, however, has permanently fitted inside the down tube. The touchscreen and the app are familiar and tried-and-tested. However, you’ll need to factor in the cost of the 12-amp fast charger separately if required (€229). It’s only included as standard on the very expensive top-of-the-range model (Launch Edition) or occasionally as a promotion included. This is by no means unusual. Almost all manufacturers sell their bikes ex-works with only the 4-amp Avinox charger.

Great value for money on an enduro bike

For this test, we took a look at the most affordable version of the Decoy X: the Core 1. Even in its basic version, it performs surprisingly well thanks to its fully adjustable Marzocchi suspension. What’s more, for €4,500, YT includes the powerful Avinox motor complete with an 800 Wh battery, as well as the DPC-100 display with full connectivity and optional GPS tracking as an anti-theft measure. The battery is permanently fitted into the aluminium chassis. However, given the robust components and this entry-level price, it isn’t possible to produce a true lightweight: at just under 25 kilos, it’s rather on the heavy side compared to other Avinox models.

Costs have also been cut with the use of basic DB8 brakes fitted with thin Centreline discs from SRAM, as well as the S100 Egale groupset, which lacks a genuine direct-mount rear derailleur. Even so, thanks to its half-mount attachment, which is supported on both sides, even this most affordable drivetrain variant is said to offer greater stability than traditional rear derailleurs, which rely solely on a ‘simple’ derailleur hanger.

Geometry and suspension

The Decoy X’s geometry and suspension are typical of YT: as usual, the shock is positioned centrally in the frame, but now leaves enough space for a full-size water bottle (750 ml in size L). The reach is moderate, and thanks to the super-low bottom bracket and high front end, you sit comfortably integrated into the bike. Short chainstays are designed to ensure agile handling. On climbs, the steep seat angle and the slightly longer stem help to apply sufficient pressure to the front wheel.

On the trail: A calm mind

That said, you hardly need to make any effort at all to pull off a power wheelie. After all, the M2S motor delivers endless power. Because the suspension effectively counteracts this and barely sags even on steep climbs, the Decoy X remains easy to control uphill. The responsive rear end and the high-grip downhill tyres provide plenty of grip even on tricky terrain. The YT’s particular strength lies in its versatility: the riding position is pleasantly balanced and comfortable even on longer transfer stages and moderate rides. At the same time, the bike also performs impressively on technical climbs. This is quite remarkable given the deliberately short rear triangle.

Hardly any weaknesses on the downhill sections

First, the bad news: no, even with its moderate geometry and relatively short rear end, the Decoy X is not exactly a playmate. This is mainly down to its high kerb weight, its exceptionally robust tyres and its generous suspension travel. On tame trails, the YT therefore demands a bit more effort. However, the more gravity takes over, the more the Decoy X really comes into its own.

From the very first metre, you feel perfectly integrated with the bike. The low bottom bracket, the high front end and the front tyre with its superb grip provide an immense sense of security. A short seat tube and the long dropper post further reinforce this impression. Even when cornering or doing a wheelie, the YT performs really well for a heavy e-MTB.

The Marzocchi suspension performs well and is easy to adjust. If you wish, you can even adjust the rebound damping at the rear – a real highlight in this price range. Even with the compression set to ‘open’, the suspension remains within the defined range, though it offers a pronounced ‘pop’ on jumps. On descents, you can leave the brakes off for a long time. It’s only on fast, rough terrain, at high speeds, that the bike’s limits become apparent. To reach those limits, though, you really have to push the YT hard. It’s also worth noting that if you’re expecting even more reserves on the descents, you’ll have to dig considerably deeper into your pockets. The only real criticism, therefore, is the somewhat weak Sram DB8 brakes – though these are typical for this price range.

The Decoy X Core 1 at a glance

Strengths:

• effortless handling
• a strong sense of security
• Value for money
• Avinox Power

Weaknesses:

• Brakes not very effective
• Battery permanently fitted ...
• ... yet by no means a lightweight