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YT Decoy SN Core 3 testMost wanted Playmobil - drastically reduced!

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 27.12.2024

With its slim silhouette and bright paintwork, the YT Decoy SN Core 3 is an absolute eye-catcher. But can the Fazua bike also impress off-road?
Photo: Max Fuchs
With the Decoy SN, YT Industries is launching a light offensive. But instead of record weight, the bike should score points in tough enduro use with swallowing capacity and riding fun. Can a light eMTB with almost 21 kilos convince? We put the YT Decoy SN Core 3 through its paces.
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SN stands for Supernatural. What does YT mean by this? The light enduro bike is supposed to give you supernatural powers uphill and guarantee full riding fun downhill. The Forchheim-based company, known for its bold marketing slogans, goes even further: The Decoy SN is the best enduro bike that YT has ever built - with or without a motor. To achieve this, the engineers have implemented the Fazua motor with a permanently installed 430 battery in their successful Capra model. We tested the YT Decoy SN Core 3 for € 7499. You get a lot of bike for your money here. And the mail order company currently has the bike significantly reduced on its homepage!

With its slim silhouette and bright paintwork, the YT Decoy SN Core 3 is an absolute eye-catcher. But can the Fazua bike also impress off-road?Photo: Max FuchsWith its slim silhouette and bright paintwork, the YT Decoy SN Core 3 is an absolute eye-catcher. But can the Fazua bike also impress off-road?We tested the Decoy SN in various bike parks and on a wide range of enduro trails. Thanks to the Fazua boost, even the climbs are really fun.Photo: Max FuchsWe tested the Decoy SN in various bike parks and on a wide range of enduro trails. Thanks to the Fazua boost, even the climbs are really fun.

The facts about the YT Decoy SN Core 3

  • Motor: Fazua Ride 60, 60 Nm max. torque
  • Battery: 430 Wh (permanently installed)
  • Frame material: Carbon
  • Suspension travel: 170/160 mm
  • Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch
  • Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
  • Price: 7499 euros (reduced to 6399 in December 2024, current prices on the YT homepage!)
  • Weight: 20.9 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
  • Permissible total weight: 140 kg (manufacturer's specification)
  • Warranty: 5 years
The cables and lines run into the frame in the classic way. Wrenchers will appreciate the fact that there is no cable routing through the headset.Photo: Max FuchsThe cables and lines run into the frame in the classic way. Wrenchers will appreciate the fact that there is no cable routing through the headset.

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The weight of the Decoy SN doesn't inspire much enthusiasm at first. Our test bike in size L weighs 20.9 kilos. Is that supposed to be "light"? A thick Vivid shock, thick ZEB fork and a very downhill-orientated spec all add to the weight. The enduro bike from Forchheim can't compete with light bikes in the trail category when it comes to lightweight construction. But the bike's qualities should lie elsewhere anyway. Does the concept work?

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Tyre levers and a tubeless repair kit are factory-fitted in the tube holder under the top tube.Photo: Max FuchsTyre levers and a tubeless repair kit are factory-fitted in the tube holder under the top tube.

The e-bike drive

Fazua was the motor of choice for the Forchheim-based mail order company. The compact Ride 60 is one of the more powerful light drives and impresses with a healthy mix of low weight, decent power, good efficiency and pleasant background noise. In our detailed test here in the link you'll find all details about the Fazua Ride 60.

The special design of the Fazua Ride 60 enables a really slim bottom bracket area. The motor itself is barely recognisable as such.Photo: Max FuchsThe special design of the Fazua Ride 60 enables a really slim bottom bracket area. The motor itself is barely recognisable as such.

Important to know: YT has permanently installed the 430 watt-hour battery in the down tube of the Decoy SN. The battery cannot simply be removed for charging or changing on tour. If you attach great importance to a replaceable battery, you'll be left out in the cold. In our range tests, however, the Ride 60 performs above average. This means you can complete trail laps on a single battery charge. The long overdue range extender for the Fazua drive is due to arrive in 2025, but so far this is just a promise.

How far can light drives go? HERE is a range comparison with Fazua, TQ and co.

The ring control for engine control is located inconspicuously on the left handle. Unfortunately, the operation is poorly defined and somewhat unreliable.Photo: Max FuchsThe ring control for engine control is located inconspicuously on the left handle. Unfortunately, the operation is poorly defined and somewhat unreliable.The LED display on the top tube provides rudimentary information on the battery status and support level.Photo: Max FuchsThe LED display on the top tube provides rudimentary information on the battery status and support level.The Fazua charging port is a success and closes automatically thanks to the magnetic function. The charging plug is also magnetically attracted and therefore engages intuitively.Photo: Max FuchsThe Fazua charging port is a success and closes automatically thanks to the magnetic function. The charging plug is also magnetically attracted and therefore engages intuitively.

The geometry

YT offers a total of five frame sizes of the Decoy SN. In addition to the tested bike in L, there are also XL and XXL. Enough room for taller riders. Thanks to the short seat tube, you can also choose the larger size for a smoother ride. The geometry can be minimally flattened using a flip chip. The steering and seat angle are 0.3 degrees slacker, the bottom bracket drops by four millimetres. However, we found the "Regular" setting to be pretty good for all-round use.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

  • Seat tube length: 415 mm
  • Wheelbase: 1265 mm
  • Reach: 470 mm
  • Stack: 652 mm
  • Steering angle: 64 degrees
  • Seat angle: 77.5 degrees
  • Chainstay length: 441 mm
A flip chip can be used to flatten the geometry by 0.3 degrees. However, we found the "Regular" setting to be pretty good for all-round use.Photo: Max FuchsA flip chip can be used to flatten the geometry by 0.3 degrees. However, we found the "Regular" setting to be pretty good for all-round use.The front is additionally raised by the handlebars with a lot of rise. Even without spacers, the steering centre sits high.Photo: Max FuchsThe front is additionally raised by the handlebars with a lot of rise. Even without spacers, the steering centre sits high.

The equipment of the YT Decoy SN Core 3

For an official € 7499 (the bike is currently drastically reduced!), YT offers high-end suspension consisting of Rockshox ZEB and Vivid Ultimate. The TRP brakes with large discs pack a punch and the Conti Kryptotal front and rear tyres also do a great job on the trail. On the front wheel, YT has combined the soft rubber with the lighter Enduro carcass - which is not (yet) available to buy. The Sram S1000 drivetrain, the cheapest product in Sram's Transmission series, has been spared. But even this wireless drivetrain works perfectly.

The Rockshox Vivid Ultimate works super sensitively and is easy to swallow. It also offers a sensible variety of adjustment options to fine-tune the rear to personal preferences.Photo: Max FuchsThe Rockshox Vivid Ultimate works super sensitively and is easy to swallow. It also offers a sensible variety of adjustment options to fine-tune the rear to personal preferences.
  • Fork / shock: Rockshox ZEB Ultimate / Vivid Ultimate
  • Gear system: Sram S1000 Eagle Transmission
  • Brakes: TRP DH-R Evo, 220/203 mm
  • Wheels: Crankbrothers Synthesis E
  • Tyres: Continental Kryptotal Fr En Supersoft 29 x 2.4" / Kryptotal Re En Soft 27.5 x 2.4"
  • Special features: Tool mount and hose holder ex works
Thanks to thick brake discs, 220 mm in diameter at the front, the TRP DH-R Evo are not only powerful but also really stable. Plus top modulation!Photo: Max FuchsThanks to thick brake discs, 220 mm in diameter at the front, the TRP DH-R Evo are not only powerful but also really stable. Plus top modulation!The YT Dropper offers a standard 200 mm travel for frame size L. And therefore good freedom of movement.Photo: Max FuchsThe YT Dropper offers a standard 200 mm travel for frame size L. And therefore good freedom of movement.

Practical test: How the YT Decoy SN Core 3

You sit on the Decoy SN in an astonishingly stretched position. In practice, the seat angle feels slacker than it appears on paper. This is despite the fact that the reach in size L is not excessively long. The wheelbase is also not too generous for an E-Enduro. Presumably also because there is still plenty of room for improvement with the XL and XXL sizes. But off-road. Uphill, the rear triangle impresses with massive traction, so you can actively tackle technical passages and steps and the power reliably reaches the ground.

The incredible traction of the Decoy SN is impressive on difficult climbs. This light e-MTB can do an amazing amount on the climbs. Provided you have an active riding style.Photo: Max FuchsThe incredible traction of the Decoy SN is impressive on difficult climbs. This light e-MTB can do an amazing amount on the climbs. Provided you have an active riding style.

However, you still have to be active, otherwise the front wheel rises on steep sections. In our test bike, the Fazua Ride 60 remains even quieter than we are used to from the Bavarian unit. Unfortunately, however, an unpleasant squeaking noise occurred during the test when pedalling backwards or pushing the motor forward. Annoying! The solution to the mystery: it wasn't the motor, but a rubber lip between the motor and the crank that was causing the noise. WD40 quietened things down again and we were back on the trail again, pleasantly quiet and relaxed.

Jump on, heat up and feel good. It doesn't take long to familiarise yourself with the Decoy SN's successful handling.Photo: Max FuchsJump on, heat up and feel good. It doesn't take long to familiarise yourself with the Decoy SN's successful handling.

The first thing you notice on the trail is the integrated riding position. Even without spacers, the front is very high because the handlebars have plenty of rise. This allows you to venture into difficult descents with a high sense of security. And that's where the Decoy SN won't let you down! The suspension has plenty of traction and is plush enough to smooth out even the roughest of bumps. At the same time, the suspension retains defined support. This allows the rider to be active and control the bike precisely.

Flying low through the rumble: the feeling of safety on board the Decoy SN is enormous. Also thanks to the forgiving chassis.Photo: Max FuchsFlying low through the rumble: the feeling of safety on board the Decoy SN is enormous. Also thanks to the forgiving chassis.

The equipment is just right. In addition to the Ultimate suspension, the powerful and durable TRP brakes and the Conti tyres fitted as standard also shine. Super: Despite the take-off qualities, the YT does not become a cumbersome bulldozer. On the contrary. It rides noticeably more light-footed than high-end enduro bikes in the power class such as the Pivot Shuttle LT or Orbea Wild. On the trail, we would have estimated the weight of the Decoy SN to be significantly lower than the scales in the BIKE lab attest. And the background noise on the descent is also impressive, as there was no unpleasant rattling during the test. All in all, there's nothing to complain about in terms of trail characteristics - more E-Enduro riding fun is hardly possible. Hats off, YT Industries!

YT had the Kryptotal Fr front tyre with a slightly lighter enduro casing but super-soft rubber specially baked by Continental. This super grippy tyre is not available commercially in this form.Photo: Max FuchsYT had the Kryptotal Fr front tyre with a slightly lighter enduro casing but super-soft rubber specially baked by Continental. This super grippy tyre is not available commercially in this form.

BIKE review of the YT Decoy SN Core 3

Strengths

  • Feel-good handling
  • Ideal balance of smooth running and agility
  • Powerful, practical equipment

Weaknesses

  • Permanently installed battery
  • No lightweight
  • Undefined remote lever
Strong in all respects: The YT Decoy SN Core 3 The BIKE rating refers to the "Light Enduro" category.Photo: BIKE MagazinStrong in all respects: The YT Decoy SN Core 3 The BIKE rating refers to the "Light Enduro" category.With a score of 1.9, the YT Decoy SN Core 3 performs excellently. The BIKE grade refers to the "Light Enduro" category.Photo: BIKE MagazinWith a score of 1.9, the YT Decoy SN Core 3 performs excellently. The BIKE grade refers to the "Light Enduro" category.

The BIKE conclusion

If you want to let it go downhill and are looking for a bike for almost all trail conditions, you definitely can't go wrong with the Decoy SN. Balanced, fun and powerful - that's enduro! The Core 3 model benefits from its strong equipment, for which you usually have to dig much deeper into your pockets with the competition. - Jan Timmermann, Test Editor BIKE Magazine
The Decoy SN put a grin on every tester's face. BIKE editor Jan Timmermann after an action-packed test day in the Geisskopf bike park.Photo: Max FuchsThe Decoy SN put a grin on every tester's face. BIKE editor Jan Timmermann after an action-packed test day in the Geisskopf bike park.
Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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