What's new?
How can you make an enduro bike with downhill genes even more downhill-orientated and potent? That's right: you rework the frame from the ground up and add a little more travel. As the icing on the cake, YT has also given the new Capra fleet two wheel sizes without losing sight of the weight. The top model with 27.5 inches and 180 millimetres of travel should weigh just 13.2 kilos. With a 2400 gram light full carbon frame, which is even approved for double bridge forks, carbon rims and in Fox Factory trim, the whole thing costs 5199 euros.
Five models each in 27.5 and 29 inches
But even four model variants further down (2499 euros), the scales with the aluminium frame, which also weighs just 3000 grams, are said to stand at 14.1 kilos. Not bad for such a calibre. In both wheel variants, only the respective top model CF Pro Race will be equipped with 180 (27.5 inch) or 170 millimetres (29 inch) of suspension travel. All models below this have ten millimetres less travel due to shorter forks and shocks with reduced travel.
Which wheel size is for whom?
Who is happier with which wheel size is primarily defined by the intended use and, of course, your own preferences. YT specifies the 29er models as around 300 grams heavier across the board. As the frames are completely different, the wheels cannot be combined. In terms of geometry, YT doesn't experiment and even allows the chainstay length to grow with the two largest frames. A 65 mm steering angle combined with short 427 millimetre chainstays ensure that the 27.5 is sufficiently smooth yet still playful.
Modern geometry with flipchip on the 29er
Only the 29er uses a flip-chip, which gives you the choice of a 65.5 or 66 degree steering angle. Here too, the chainstays are quite short at 435 millimetres. The reach of the 29er Capras is ten millimetres longer across all sizes, making them a little more race-oriented (reach in size L: 465 mm). With five frame sizes from size S upwards, the 27.5er has the widest range. The 29er Capra is available in four sizes from M to XXL.
Revised kinematics
Compared to its predecessor, the kinematics have also been revised. The new YT Capra has a higher gear ratio in the initial and mid-range, making the rear suspension even more sensitive and plush. The end progression has been reduced by seven per cent, but this still provides sufficient reserves against bottoming out.
The first ride impressions of the 27.5 and 29er can be found in BIKE 4/2018, on newsstands from 6 March.
