YT Capra Core 5: The new top enduro bike from YT - as "fast as Schmidt's cat"

Last summer, the YT Capra 29 Core 2 already convinced us in our test of enduro bikes under 4000 euros. BIKE tester Laurin Lehner said:

In terms of handling, the YT Capra is a real bank and can be ridden intuitively and reliably. Thanks to the mix of good downhill and uphill characteristics, it has a wide range of uses.

We also recently characterised the Capra Core 4 as "big, smooth, comfortable, confident in all positions and super fast". Now, with the Core 5, YT is going one better in terms of first-class components and probably also weight - but then inevitably also in terms of price. A little spoiler for later.

YT Capra Core 5: Frame and equipment

For now, the YT Capra Core 5 is still available in its MX/29" frame configuration and in 5 sizes. Underneath the classic paint finishes - Liquid Metal, i.e. matt silver, and Black Magic, which means matt black - is YT's highest quality ultra-modulus carbon fibre, which is lighter than the standard high-modulus layup with the same strength. Of course, a water bottle and the Crankbrothers SOS Tube Stash tube holder are also already on board.

Nothing has changed in terms of the kinematics, so the Capra Core 5 delivers 165 millimetres of travel at the rear on the 29" model and 170 millimetres on the MX model - the suspension fork absorbs the bumps of the front wheel with 170 millimetres of travel. The size-dependent, progressive chainstays ensure balance.

Getting down to business: Technical data of the YT high-end enduro bike Capra Core 5

Ok, here it comes: the suspension is not just any suspension, but YT has probably gone on a gold rush with the Capra Core 5. At the front, the enduro bike features a fully adjustable Öhlins RXF38 M.2 suspension fork with a three-chamber air spring for precise adjustment and stroke control. Damping in the fork is provided by a TTX18 cartridge with high/low-speed compression and rebound adjustment. At the rear, there is an Öhlins TTX22 M.2 steel spring damper with bottom-out bumper and enlarged high-speed compression range. We have already had this in an endurance test and were still enthusiastic after 1500 km.

If the wheels fall apart on an enduro bike, it's nothing. That's why YT relies on robust Crankbrothers Synthesis Enduro 3 aluminium wheels. And of course, grip is a must: the combination of Maxxis Assegai and Minion DHR II with double-down carcass should do the trick. The Odi Elite Motion grips provide grip for the hands.

However, the electronic Sram X0 gearbox - the American brand's top gear for the gravity sector - and the Sram Code RSC brakes, which are specced with the thick HS2 rotors, are the final royal touches. The sedan chair under the bum is lowered by the second generation YT Postman dropper with a lower stack height and adjustable drop height.

Ready to race and weighing in at 15.6 (MX model) or 15.7 kilos (29er version), the YT Capra Core 5 is available for € 5999 to anyone who is willing to pay that.

>> YT Capra Core 4: How the 6000-euro enduro bike with Fox Factory suspension performs in the test

>> Enduros up to 4000 euros: The YT Capra 29 Core 2 in the 2023 test

>> YT Capra 29 Core 1: The bargain enduro bike for 2600 euros tested against the 2023 high-end enduro bikes

Geometry of the YT Capra Core 5 2024

When it comes to the geo of the YT high-end enduro bike, the tables are divided into the 29er version and the MX setup with 29-inch front and 27.5-inch tyres at the rear (Mullet). At YT, the smaller tyres have an impact on various aspects of the frame, such as the reach, head angle and standover height.

Details YT Capra Core 5

• Frame: Ultra Modulus Carbon Frame V4L // 170 or 165 mm (29'' version) // 148 x 12 mm // DT Swiss thru axle // UDH
• Fork: Öhlins RXF38 M. 2 29" with 170 mm travel
• Shock: Öhlins TTX22 M. 2 with ÖHLINS steel spring:343 lbs (S) // 365 (M) // 388 (L) // 411 (XL) // 434 (XXL)
• Cassette: Sram XO Eagle Transmission 12-speed, 10-52 teeth
• Rear derailleur: Sram XO Eagle Transmission
• Brake: Sram Code RSC // HS2 200 mm
• Crankset: Sram XO Eagle Transmission 170 mm, 32 teeth
• Wheels: Crankbrothers Synthesis Enduro 3 Alloy
  Front: 29'', 31.5 mm rim width // 110 x 15 mm
  Rear: 29'' or 27,5'', 29.5 mm jaw width // 148 x 12 mm // XD
• Front tyre: MAXXIS Assegai 29'' x 2.5 WT // 3C MaxxGrip // Double Down
• Rear tyres: MAXXIS Minion DHR II 29'' or 27,5'' x 2.4 WT // 3C MaxxTerra // Double Down
• Seatpost: YT Postman V2 // 31.6 mm // MMX-Remote // adjustable drop (20 / 10 / 5 mm) // length 125 mm (S) // 150 mm (M) // 170 mm (L-XL) // 200 mm (XXL)
• Sizes: S, M , L , XL , XXL
• Weight: YT Capra Core 5 MX 15.6 kg (size S) // Core 5 29 15.7 kg (size S)
• Price: 5999 Euro