The Forchheim-based MTB gravity specialists from YT Industries (Young Talent) present their first gravel bike. Even though the handlebars are curved downwards in typical gravel fashion, the YT engineers want to have injected a dose of downhill philosophy into the sceptre. A slack head angle, suspension fork and a Vario seatpost should create the necessary conditions. Small features such as the built-in mini mudguards are intended to make the Szepter suitable for everyday use.
Gravel bike for more than gravel tracks
YT Industries sceptre with a dose of downhill DNA
Gravel bikes are in vogue. Optimised for off-road use, racing bikes with racing handlebars are ideal as commuters. This is because they are more comfortable than a road bike, yet still capable of off-road riding and usually faster than a cross-country bike on easy terrain. They therefore bridge the gap between MTB hardtails and road bikes. Already In 2010, YT Industries had launched a carbon hardtail but the YT Fast Forward quickly disappeared again.
YT Industries is launching a new attempt away from (e-)mountain bikes with ample suspension travel. YT wants to inject its new gravel bike Szepter with a dose of downhill DNA. The dropbar bike should also feel at home on easy trails in the forest. To be able to take the YT Szepter on bikepacking tours, it has numerous mounting options for bags, mudguards and mounts on the top tube, down tube, fork and rear triangle. To increase comfort and off-road capability, the Szepter rolls on WTB Resolute tyres with a width of 42 millimetres, which come very close to cross-country tyres with their lugs.
Two YT Szepter gravel bike models, both with suspension fork
YT Industries offers two models of the Scepter in its online shop. The affordable Core 3 version is available for 3299 euros and comes with a Rockshox Rudy XPLR gravel bike fork with 40 millimetres of travel, Sram Rival XPLR AXS wireless drivetrain and, according to the manufacturer, weighs 9.8 kilograms. Its big brother, the YT Szepter Core 4, features the Ultimate version of the Rudy XPLR suspension fork as well as the Reverb AXS wireless seatpost from Rockshox. The Core 4 also features the high-end Sram Force etap AXS drivetrain. The top version is said to weigh 9.9 kilograms, whereby the additional weight of 100 grams is probably due to the Vario seatpost. The price for the Core 4 is 4499 euros.
Just like a mountain bike: long and flat.
Compared to other classic gravel bikes, the geometry of the YT Szepter is very slack. The 69.4 degree head angle is intended to provide more control on descents. The 74.4 degree steep seat angle should help on climbs.
The facts about the YT Szepter gravel bike:
- Carbon frame
- 40 millimetre suspension fork: Rockshox Rudy XPLR (Ultimate)
- Sram Rival XPLR eTap AXS / Force eTap AXS wireless drivetrain
- Rockshox Reverb AXS wireless dropper post (Core 4)
- Weight: 9.8 kilograms (Core 3) / 9.9 kilograms (Core 4)
- Price: 3299 Euro (Core 3 ) / 4499 Euro (Core 4)
