A new Jeffsy with 27.5-inch wheels, really? The news came as something of a surprise. After all, the trail bike introduced last year was deliberately converted to 29-inch wheels by YT after extensive testing. BIKE asked YT where the change of heart came from and shows the differences between the Jeffsy 29 and 27.
Size doesn`t matter
It's definitely more than just the wheel size that distinguishes the Jeffsy 29 from the new Jeffsy 27. Only the chainstays have remained the same on both models. All other frame parts, the suspension travel and the geometry are different. For each wheel size, YT has six different models between 2099 euros and 4499 euros in its programme. Four carbon and two aluminium models. While the 29er offers up to 140 millimetres of suspension on the front and rear wheels, the Jeffsy 27 adds another ten millimetres. The top model, the Jeffsy CF Pro Race, even has 160 mm suspension, positioning it in the enduro segment. Nevertheless, the latest YT bike is said to weigh just 12.4 kilos.
Who is which Jeffsy for?
As far as the area of use is concerned, both Jeffsys have a large overlap in the all-mountain range. Slightly less travel and better rollover behaviour on the 29er and more travel but smaller wheels on the 27.5er. Equipped in this way, both Jeffsy models are ready for most MTB feats. The different wheel sizes are therefore primarily intended to cater for different rider preferences. Only the 27 Race model with 160 millimetres is positioned a little more downhill. A test in BIKE 5/17 will show how many reserves the lightweight top model really has - on newsstands from 4 April.
The differences in geometry at a glance (size L)
Interview with Markus Flossmann, Managing Director of YT
"Some riders are not convinced by 29ers."
BIKE: Last year you launched the Jeffsy 29 and claimed that 29-inch is the ideal wheel size for trail riding. How does the new Jeffsy 27 fit in with this statement?
Markus Flossmann: Ultimately, demand is the deciding factor. There were many customers who specifically asked for 27.5 inches in this suspension travel range. Especially in other markets, such as Asia, 29-inch doesn't play a role. Some people are simply not convinced by 29ers. However, we have received a lot of feedback from Jeffsy 29er customers who were completely surprised at how agile a good 29er can be ridden.
Which customer will be happy with what?
We leave it up to the customer to decide what to do with the bike. The 29er offers more safety for riders with less skills. Thanks to the low shear point below the wheel axles, you are very secure on the bike. With the 27.5, on the other hand, you notice the longer suspension travel, especially when jumping or landing.
Does the top model of the Jeffsy 27 with 160 millimetres not poach too much from your Enduro Capra?
Yes, we are well aware of that. When developing the Jeffsy 27, we worked closely with our enduro racer Bryan Regnier. For some races, it doesn't necessarily have to be the Capra if a bike around 800 grams lighter like the Jeffsy 27 offers advantages. This makes the bike suitable for racing but still more tour-orientated than the Capra. With the Capra, anyone who wants to have fun in the bike park on a regular basis will be happy.
Why doesn't the new Jeffsy 27 have a mega-playful geometry with maximally short chainstays?
We experimented with different lengths and realised that the chainstays could also be too short. A balanced riding experience, even when jumping, was particularly important to us. We no longer see the trend towards super-short chainstays.
Why isn't the Jeffsy also available in 27.5-Plus?
Our own experience with the wide tyres clearly speaks against this. The ride simply feels too spongy and undefined. That's why we deliberately decided against a Plus version.
