Decoy is the name of the first e-mountainbike from the Forchheim-based supplier YT Industriesin German: bait. The bike is supposed to disguise itself as a non-motorised bike - visually, but also in terms of riding characteristics - but YT only wants to attract its own fan base to the e-bike. And as we all know, the focus is on trail and downhill fun.
"The e-mountainbike fits perfectly with our brand DNA," says company boss Markus Flossmann. Because: "With all our bikes, the focus is on riding fun. And with the E-MTB, even riding uphill is fun. What's more, I can surf more trails in the same amount of time". YT comes from the gravity sport and offers dirt bikes, downhillers, enduro bikes and racy trail bikes. It goes without saying that downhill skills were also at the top of the specifications for the Decoy.
The facts about the YT Decoy
- Carbon frame
- 160 mm suspension travel
- MX wheel mix: 29 inch front, 27.5+ rear
- Motor: Shimano Steps E8000
- Battery: 540 Wh, integrated in the down tube
- Weight: 22.4 kg (top model, size M)
- Approval up to 150 kg system weight
The geometry
A downhill-focused geometry, a powerful chassis and a low centre of gravity are intended to give the YT Decoy and reserves for demanding trails at the same time. The head angle is a slack 65 degrees and the reach in size L is 455 millimetres. This is modern, but not as extreme as we know it from the non-motorised YT bikes Jeffsy and Capra.
The Decoy is therefore a little tamer. A good decision, as we found out on our test rides, because the high weight of the e-bike means that it runs more smoothly anyway. The YT e-bike is available in five sizes from S to XXL. The seat tube is short (445 mm in size L), so everyone can choose the size according to the desired length without being limited by a seat tube that is too long.
The seat angle is 76 degrees, which ensures a central riding position and sufficient pressure on the front wheel on steep ramps. There is a flip chip on the shock mount that can be used to adjust the geometry. In the steep setting, the seat and steering angle increase by 0.5 degrees, which has a positive effect on climbs. The bottom bracket height also increases. The chainstays are comparatively short at 442 millimetres.
The battery
When it came to choosing the energy storage system, YT opted for the elaborate route and designed its own model in collaboration with battery giant Simplo. The battery delivers 540 watt hours, which is integrated into the down tube without rattling and can be removed from below. To do this, you have to open two screws with a 5 mm Allen key.
This means that no additional key is required to remove and replace the battery for charging. In our opinion, this makes perfect sense for sporty mountain bike use. You usually have the Allen tool with you anyway, so forgetting a spanner is a thing of the past. At 3.6 kilos, the battery is around one kilo heavier than the classic, external Shimano model - but with almost 40 watt hours more capacity.
The reasons for the proprietary battery: According to YT chief developer Stefan Willared, this is the only way to achieve the very low centre of gravity. In addition, the YT battery contains cells with the latest technology. The Forchheim-based company did not want to miss out on this advantage. And: For visual reasons, an external battery was simply out of the question for YT. According to Willared, this did not fit in with the concept of the stylish YT fleet. At the presentation of the bike, YT already hinted that battery variants with more capacity will also be available in the future.
Prices and equipment
The Decoy will be available in three versions between 4599 and 6599 euros. They all have a few details in common: YT has opted for the slim display and the equally discreet shifters from the Shimano E7000 series. These leave space at the left end of the handlebars for the thumb lever of the dropper post. All bikes are equipped with 11-speed gears from Shimano.
From the middle price level upwards, an E-specific ethirteen cassette is used, which has 11 to 46 teeth and therefore a higher range. The e-spec version relies exclusively on steel sprockets. This increases the durability of the motor-damaged e-drive.
The range starts with the YT Decoy CF Base, which is already equipped with a carbon main frame and Shimano E8000 motor for € 4599.
The Decoy Pro with full carbon frame, Fox suspension and shock with reservoir is available for 5599 euros.
The top-of-the-range Decoy CF Pro Race model costs €6599 and offers premium Factory suspension elements with Kashima coating from Fox, carbon wheels and an electronic Shimano XT Di2 drivetrain.
All models will be available in the direct seller's online shop from May 2019.
On the trail: how the YT Decoy rides
We have already been able to ride YT's debut in the E-sector for two extensive days on varied trails in the hinterland of Nice. First things first: if you want to tackle challenging descents on an e-MTB, master rough terrain at high speed or perform daring stunts, then YT is the right company for you. The Bolide delivers massive safety, the overall concept is well thought out and offers many harmonious detailed solutions. Read our detailed ride report on the YT Decoy in EMTB 2/2019, on newsstands from 14 May.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
