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Fox 38 and coil shockYT Decoy on steroids

Adrian Kaether

 · 25.06.2020

Fox 38 and coil shock: YT Decoy on steroidsPhoto: Georg Grieshaber
Fox 38 and coil shock: YT Decoy on steroids
With the new Fox 38 and a coil shock, the YT Decoy is set to become even more potent as a shred model. We have already taken a closer look at the bike for our next E-Enduro test.

"Good things take time", as the saying goes. This usually also applies to e-MTBs. The YT Decoy is the exception to the rule. Because the first e-MTB from the Forchheim-based mail order company was a huge success! In the EMTB Enduro test (EMTB 04/19), the bike also shone in its debut as a potent, balanced and fun all-rounder and outperformed the competition in terms of price-performance. Test victory!

With a steel shock, Fox 38 and the massive down tube, the bike looks burly and ready for big park missions.Photo: Georg Grieshaber With a steel shock, Fox 38 and the massive down tube, the bike looks burly and ready for big park missions.

YT Decoy "Shred": fat suspension


Now YT is adding a pimped-up version of the already potent Decoy with the meaningful title "Shred" and updated equipment. Instead of the Fox 36, the new 38 is now at work in the front, and instead of 160 millimetres there is now 170 millimetres of travel, which fits better with the powerful 165-millimetre rear triangle anyway. The rear end has also been upgraded with the DHX2 steel spring damper and should therefore feel even firmer on the trail, even on long and hard descents.

Components like the massive Fox 38 make sense, especially on E-MTBs where not every gram counts. Unlike the shock (Performance Elite), the fork unfortunately "only" comes in the Performance version, without adjustable high-speed compression damping.Photo: Georg Grieshaber Components like the massive Fox 38 make sense, especially on E-MTBs where not every gram counts. Unlike the shock (Performance Elite), the fork unfortunately "only" comes in the Performance version, without adjustable high-speed compression damping. The steel spring damper is a new addition to the YT E-MTBs and is designed to breathe even more performance into the rear triangle. The flip chip is located in the shock mount as usual, the switch-on button is well protected under the top tube.Photo: Georg Grieshaber The steel spring damper is a new addition to the YT E-MTBs and is designed to breathe even more performance into the rear triangle. The flip chip is located in the shock mount as usual, the switch-on button is well protected under the top tube.
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Wheel mix, Shimano motor, XT drivetrain


The rest of the bike's equipment is also impressive. The Shimano XT drivetrain and Sram's Code R are tried-and-tested components, while YT relies on eThirteen components for the still unevenly sized wheels and cockpit. The seatpost is made in-house and offers 125 millimetres of travel for frame sizes S and M, which increases to 150 millimetres for L and 170 millimetres for XL and XXL. The geometry remains almost the same, only the head and seat angles are slackened by around half a degree due to the longer fork - which is more of an advantage for the downhill-orientated design of the bike. The geometry can still be adjusted by half a degree using a flip chip.


The motor also remains the same, a Shimano E8000, in this case connected to a monochrome E7000 display and the usual YT 540 watt-hour battery. Together with the carbon main frame, this keeps the weight low and the handling lively, but of course only offers a manageable reach - one of the main criticisms of the Decoy.

The wide 800-millimetre cockpit from eThirteen does justice to the bike's intended use. The brakes are fitted with solid Code R anchors and the E7000 display provides the most important information without any frills.Photo: Georg Grieshaber The wide 800-millimetre cockpit from eThirteen does justice to the bike's intended use. The brakes are fitted with solid Code R anchors and the E7000 display provides the most important information without any frills. With the Flipchip, the customer has the choice. 64.5 or 65 degree steering angle, 75.5 or 76 degree seat angle.Photo: Georg Grieshaber With the Flipchip, the customer has the choice. 64.5 or 65 degree steering angle, 75.5 or 76 degree seat angle.
The Maxxis Assegai is a favourite of the editors and provides ground contact on the Decoy Shred at the front and rear. At the rear, the slightly reinforced EXO+ casing provides a little more puncture protection.Photo: Georg Grieshaber The Maxxis Assegai is a favourite of the editors and provides ground contact on the Decoy Shred at the front and rear. At the rear, the slightly reinforced EXO+ casing provides a little more puncture protection. The Shimano XT drivetrain propels the bike forwards and ensures reliable gear changes even under high loads.Photo: Georg Grieshaber The Shimano XT drivetrain propels the bike forwards and ensures reliable gear changes even under high loads.

The YT Decoy "Shred" tested in EMTB 04/2020


Touring riders will probably have to wait even longer for a Decoy version with more reach, but the Decoy Shred is clearly not made for them either. The bike cries out for park or downhill orgies, but should also cut a fine figure on technical uphill terrain.


Can the Decoy Shred keep its promises? How does the new bike fare in a direct comparison with the competition? You can find out in the enduro test of the upcoming issue, EMTB 04/2020, which will be available in magazine shops and online as a digital edition from 14 August.


The YT Decoy "Shred" is available in sizes S to XXL and only in the configuration shown above for 5999 euros. You can find more information on the Website of the manufacturer.

The charging socket is hidden under a cover beneath the down tube. However, the 540 watt-hour battery can also be removed.Photo: Georg Grieshaber The charging socket is hidden under a cover beneath the down tube. However, the 540 watt-hour battery can also be removed.
The YT Postman dropper post offers 125, 150 or 170 millimetres of travel, depending on the frame size.Photo: Georg Grieshaber The YT Postman dropper post offers 125, 150 or 170 millimetres of travel, depending on the frame size.
Adrian Kaether

Adrian Kaether's favourite thing to do is ride mountain bikes on bumpy enduro trails. The tech expert and bike tester knows all about Newton metres and watt hours, high and low-speed damping. As test manager at MYBIKE, Adrian also likes to think outside the box and tests cargo bikes and step-through bikes as well as the latest (e-)MTBs.

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