Test YT Tues Core 2: Self-confidence out of the shipping box - at a low price?

Since its debut in 2010, the Tues ("Do it!") has become an evergreen in the downhill genre - from test wins in FREERIDE magazine to Rampage triumphs with Andreu Lacondeguy and World Cup victories under the wing of Aaron Gwin and Vali Höll. Last year, YT took it to the next level with the Mark 4: a new full carbon frame, a choice of 29er or mullet set-up and plenty of tuning potential for the geometry. For this comparison, the Gravity label from Forchheim is sending the Core 2 model into the race: 4299 euros expensive and on standardised wheels (29 inch). For 1000 euros less, the Tues Core 1 is also available as a freeride edition with an aluminium frame and Mullet tyres.

This test was created as part of a shootout of three affordable big bikes. The other articles in this series can be found directly here in the links:

>> YT, Propain and Canyon: Three mail-order bikes in a comparison test!

>> The Propain Spindrift 5 Park on test

>> Grip monster: Canyon Sender CFR Underdog on test

Facts YT Tues Core 2

• Self-test on the world's most difficult World Cup downhill run: Black Snake - the snake incantation
• Five Ten Impact Pro: The best flat pedal shoe I've ever had!
• Pirelli Scorpion Race DH T test: Hardcore tyres for enduro and downhill riding

Noble chassis, weak equipment

In terms of price, the YT Tues is in the midfield - and for once doesn't surprise as a price-performance miracle. YT is otherwise known for a lot of bike for the money. But here the elegant carbon frame eats up the budget. No wonder, as the YT pros in the Downhill World Cup rely on precisely this platform: flip chip for two wheel sizes, two-stage adjustable chainstays, adjustable steering angle.

In contrast, the simple aluminium frame of the Propain looks almost spartan, but leaves room in the wallet for high-end parts. Unfortunately, the Tues has to do without this luxury because of the carbon chassis. A pity, because RockShox suspension elements in the cheapest base version, weak Sram DB8 brakes and clunky wheels cost important equipment points.

Smooth running but weaknesses in the chassis

The Canyon feels right at home on rough high-speed trails, while the Propain loves to dance over stunts and lively downhill tracks. And the YT? It can do everything very well. The Tues rolls over root carpets, stone fields and braking bumps like a monster truck in after-work traffic: it flattens everything without complaining - the long geometry, the large rear wheel and the forgiving suspension make it possible. But: if you hit the flat after big jumps, the basic suspension elements have a negative effect. Due to the lack of damping control, the bike sits low in its travel and bottoms out earlier than the competition on hard landings.

With customisations for perfect handling

Initially, the handling made all the testers sweat - the front-heavy riding position demanded tight muscles at the control centre. So we pulled the fork legs out of the double bridge as far as possible to raise the front. The result: a central, upright and confident riding position that ensures intuitive, precise handling both at full throttle and in technical passages - exactly what you would expect from a downhiller with racing DNA. The YT also handles jumps, manuals and tricks on the side of the trail well, although not quite as easily as the poppy Propain. Our tip: If you want to boost the YT's playfulness, go for a more progressive air shock and a smaller 27-inch rear wheel.

Rating Bulls Wild Edge Team - Category: Marathon

Conclusion Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor

A versatile carbon frame, balanced riding characteristics and intuitive handling make the Tues fit for any terrain - high-speed or technical, it doesn't matter. This secures it the points victory in the practical evaluation. Unfortunately, the favourable equipment cannot fully exploit the potential of the platform. A simpler aluminium frame with better components would have been the better choice in this price range.