Everybody's darling: YT Capra 29 Core 2 on test
Apart from the somewhat cheap Sram NX drivetrain and the small Float X shock from Fox, the YT is in a good position, even if it struggles in comparison to the Cube and Radon. At 16.8 kilos ready to ride, the Capra weighs quite a lot, even though YT only specifies Maxxis Exo tyres with a low puncture resistance. Compared to its predecessor, the frame alone has gained a good 300 grams. Naturally, the new aluminium version of the "mountain goat" has also been given a geometry update. The steering angle has been slackened by almost 1.5 degrees and the wheelbase has increased by 15 millimetres. Only the seat angle has been flattened by half a degree, contrary to all trends. The reach and stack have also increased slightly. As a result, the Capra is a tick smoother, but is still far from being an uncompromising racer.
The Enduro manages without extremes and can be manoeuvred intuitively over the trails. The suspension of the Capra is very direct and provides feedback to the rider. The measurements in the lab confirmed a short suspension travel of just 154 millimetres in the slack geometry setting. This means that the bike has lost around 16 millimetres of travel compared to its plush predecessor, but pulls out of corners with more momentum and plenty of pop over jumps. Thanks to the relaxed riding position and the high weight, the uphill ride is comfortable. On the other hand, the rear end remains quite stable even without a platform.
PLUS: Easy handling, reactive rear
MINUSHigh total weight, tyres prone to defects
Conclusion on the YT Capra 29 Core 2:
Dimitri Lehner, Editor-in-Chief FREERIDEYou can't go wrong with the new aluminium Capra either. Nine out of ten riders were impressed by the uncomplicated handling and the central riding position. The shorter suspension travel has made the enduro bike a little more direct and lively, even if the high weight is less impressive.
Technical data YT Capra 29 Core 2
General information
- Price: 3299 euros, available by mail order
- Info: www.yt-industries.com
- Suspension travel: 169 / 162 mm
- Frame material: aluminium
- Frame size: S / M / L / XL (tested in L, 44 cm)
Equipment
- Fork: Fox 38 Float Performance FitGrip
- Shock: Fox Float X Performance
- Crank: Truvativ Descendant
- Gear system: Sram NX Eagle 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 11-50 / 454 %
- Brake system / disc (front / rear): Sram Code R / 200 mm / 180 mm
- Telescopic post / stroke / Ø: YT Postman / 150 mm / 31.6 mm
- Wheels: Crankbrothers Syntesis E 29
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai / Minion DHR II Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.5 / 2.4
- Ease of maintenance: medium
The results of the YT Capra 29 Core 2 in the complete comparison test of the 6 enduro bikes in the Enduro Special from BIKE 6/2022 can be conveniently downloaded as a PDF below the article.
The test report costs 1.99 euros. Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in BIKE. We don't charge for them, but the opposite is the case: we do charge for them - tens of thousands of euros every year.
