One bike for everything. Many bikers dream of it. For YT fans, however, the dream seems to be within reach since this year. The Forchheim-based mail-order company has not only completely revised its all-mountain Jeffsy for 2024, but is also offering the supposed all-purpose weapon at extremely attractive prices. At its premiere, the entry-level Jeffsy Core 1 model was priced at an affordable € 2499. However, the bike is currently available online for as little as 2199 euros - a real statement in the affordable fullys segment. Will YT be able to live up to its reputation as a price-performance champion at this price?
The facts about the YT Jeffsy Core 1
- Price: 2499 Euro
- Range of use: All Mountain / Trail
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Suspension travel: 150 mm front / 145 mm rear
- Wheel size 29-inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: 16.3 kg in size L
- Weight of wheels: 6127 g
- Warranty: 5 years
- Special features: Thru-axle tool in the rear wheel, flip chip for geometry fine-tuning on the shock mount, high-quality tyres (a rarity at this price point)
In any case, the basic requirements are in place. With the exception of the missing storage compartment in the down tube, the aluminium chassis of our test bike has the same features as the carbon versions: an additional mounting point under the top tube, a flip chip for geometry adjustment and the size-specific chainstays. The entry-level Jeffsy also adopts the 145 millimetres of rear suspension travel and the kinematics from the high-end models. That sounds promising.
The features of the YT Jeffsy Core 1
- Fork: Rockshox Lyrik Base
- Shock: Rockshox Deluxe Select+
- Gear system: Sram NX Eagle 1x12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 11-50/454 %
- Brakes: Sram DB8 200/200 mm
- dropper post/stroke: YT Postman V2 / 170 mm
- Wheels: Sunringle SR 329 Trail
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR; 3C Maxxterra Exo+ Protection TR 29 x 2.50/2.40
The practical test
We were already impressed by the riding position of the new Jeffsy when we tested the two top models. Accordingly, the Core-1 also won the hearts of our testers with the very first turn of the pedals. The bike is perfectly balanced and comfortable to sit on. The successful geometry turns the Jeffsy into a feel-good oasis. Long days in the saddle? No problem. The pleasantly steep seat angle also distributes enough weight over the front wheel so that you can climb even steep passages in a relaxed manner.
When it comes to efficiency, on the other hand, the YT must be at least the Merida One Forty 400 can be pulled. The Maxxis enduro tyres roll too slowly and the rear suspension bobs too much in open mode. Despite the lively rear end, the YT rear suspension also lacks traction and is reluctant to filter out fine bumps. The NX drivetrain from Sram was also criticised. It runs the slowest and changes gears less precisely than the competition.
But if you want to impress in the all-mountain category, you can't win with uphill skills alone. The combination of the slackest steering angle in comparison and short reach impresses with its smooth ride without sacrificing too much playfulness - just as we know it from the high-end Jeffsys. You stand comfortably low behind the cockpit, which gives you a high degree of confidence even on steep descents. Bravo!
Unfortunately, the suspension can't fully utilise the potential of the geometry. The sensitivity of the rear suspension falls short of our expectations. We also missed support in the mid-travel range. Despite the smooth geometry, the Jeffsy quickly becomes nervous on rough terrain and sinks a little undefined in its travel on big bumps. The Lyrik fork in the most favourable base version responds well, but parries hard hits just as timidly as the rear triangle.
Finally, there is praise for the choice of tyres. The Maxxis combination with high-quality triple compound and plenty of puncture protection (EXO+) is unrivalled in this price class.
YT Jeffsy Core 1: BIKE grade & review
Strengths
- Comfortable feel-good geometry
- good climber
- confident descender
- Good mix of smooth running and agility
- top tyres
Weaknesses
- Suspension not very efficient uphill
- Chassis quality downhill
- imprecise gearstick
Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
With its balanced and harmonious handling characteristics, the Jeffsy Core 1 has the tools to be the perfect all-mountain bike. Unfortunately, the suspension tarnishes the otherwise successful overall picture.
Max Fuchs
Editor
