The YT Capra 29 Core 1 is not new, but is already in its third model year. Nevertheless, we couldn't resist smuggling the entry-level version of the Capra into the test field for € 2699. We wanted to torpedo the luxury class with the bargain enduro and find out how the price breaker with its favourable equipment would fare against the - . Can it keep up, or will the Goat experience a fiasco?
The Capra has an aluminium frame with affordable Rockshox suspension and entry-level Sram DB8 brakes. The geometry of the Capra roughly matches the average values of the test field, delivering a good mix of composure and manoeuvrability. There are no extremes on the spec sheet, only the reach value (458 mm) is quite short for an L-frame. On the trail, we felt right at home on the Capra. Going downhill, the heavy weight (17.3 kg!) is hardly noticeable.
YT Capra Core 1: Speed goes - favourable fun on descents
There was disillusionment in the rubble. The Capra didn't like the mix of gradients, high speeds and boulders; it bucked. And we wanted to say: "That was obvious!" But: "Wait a minute!" - Here, too, we let the air out and tuned the suspension softer than recommended - and there was more comfort. However, we still felt a clear difference to the more expensive downhill specialists in the 2023 high-end enduro test, such as the Bold Unplugged Ultimate - for which you can buy four Capra Core 1s for € 10,999.
Nevertheless, the favourable Capra on our downhill test trail, was able to keep up and wasn't left behind. On uphill and flat trail sections, the excess weight is a hindrance - that was to be expected. The almost bob-free kinematics can do little to change this; the shock does not have a platform function.
Conclusion on the YT Capra 29 Core 1 test
The YT Capra Core 1, which costs just € 2699, caused an aha effect in our test. Although the suspension isn't as refined as the more expensive competition, it allows for a lot of speed. The handling is up to date, although the geometry is a little dusty. In short, the Capra is money well spent. - Peter Nilges, Test Manager BIKE Magazine
A detailed test can be found in FREERIDE 2/2023 (on newsstands from 17 May)
Technical data and notes YT Capra 29 Core 1
Manufacturer information
- Price: 2699 Euro*
- Available by mail order
- Frame material: aluminium
- Frame size: S, M,L, XL, XXL(tested in L, 45 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 16.92 kg
- Frame weight without shock: 3911 g
- Weight of wheels: 6011 g
- Handlebar width: 800 mm
Equipment
- Fork: Rockshox ZEB Debon Air
- Shock: Rockshox Super Deluxe Select
- Front/rear suspension travel: 170/154 mm
- Crank: Sram Descendant
- Gear system: Sram NX Eagle 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth:: 32; 11-50 / 454 %
- Brake system / Disc (front / rear): Sram DB8 / 200 mm / 200 mm
- Telescopic post / stroke / Ø: YT Postman / 170 mm / 31.6 mm
- Wheels: Sunringlé Düroc SD37
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai; Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.50; Maxxis Minion DHR II; Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.40
Ease of maintenance: medium
PLUS: Price-performance; Geometry; Chassis; Flipchip
MINUS: Total weight; brakes; few suspension adjustments; heavy wheels; low range of use
FREERIDE test judgement: 8 out of 10 points
*Price plus costs for packaging, despatch and coordination if applicable
¹BIKE measured values
²with pedals (350 g)
³without shock absorber, possibly with rear thru axle
⁴with tyres, cassette and brake discs.
The measurements were taken on a test stand at the Zedler-Institut.
Laurin Lehner
Editor
