Important note:
The entire Velomotion team is happy to be able to work on a topic that we are passionate about every day: bicycles, bikes, no matter the tire size, with or without a knobby tread, with or without a motor.
So we're not just part of the industry, we're also consumers. We feel a sense of obligation to our industry partners, without whom we couldn't do our job, but equally to our readers, without whom we wouldn't exist.
Therefore, fairness and transparency require that we draw attention to the fact that YT Industries is currently in a difficult situation. The company has been in self-administration restructuring proceedings since mid-June after filing for insolvency.
We don't want to discourage a purchase, but we explicitly point out potential risks. We strongly recommend paying through a secure payment provider that offers appropriate buyer protection. We also want to point out that a successful brand recovery naturally also requires sales to loyal customers.
We sincerely hope that YT Industries will soon find calmer waters again. We would miss the brand, the people, the team, and, of course, the products very much.
Here is the statement on the current situation from YT Industries founder Markus Flossmann:
Regardless of what's next for YT, we don't want to withhold their latest bike from you; it deserves a showcase. Our tester Christoph had the chance to ride it extensively in Poland a few weeks ago.
Test: With the new Decoy, Forchheim-based direct-to-consumer YT Industries presents a completely redesigned e-MTB platform that's clearly aimed at downhill-oriented riders. A whopping 180 mm of travel at the front and 170 mm at the rear, combined with a powerful Bosch Performance Line CX drive and a large 800 Wh battery, should leave no doubt as to its intended use. We were able to conduct an initial test of the top-of-the-line YT Decoy CORE 4 model and determine whether the bike delivers on the promise of its impressive specs.
The key specifications of the new YT Decoy underscore its claim as a potent downhill machine. While the rear suspension offers a generous 170 mm of travel , the front boasts a substantial 180 mm . YT equips the bike with a mullet setup as standard, featuring a large 29-inch wheel up front and a more agile 27,5-inch wheel at the rear . The necessary power is provided by the Bosch Performance Line CX system , which delivers 85 Nm of torque as standard, but can be unlocked via an app to up to 100 Nm and 750 watts of peak power . Energy is supplied by an integrated Bosch PowerTube battery with a capacity of 800 Wh . Despite the powerful components, the top-of-the-line CORE 4 model in size L weighs in at just 23,2 kg.
YT Decoy: Frame and Details
At the heart of the new Decoy is a completely redesigned frame, which is made from YT's highest-quality Ultra Modulus carbon on all models. This applies not only to the main frame, but to all frame elements, including the rocker arm of the V4L kinematics. YT emphasizes that they deliberately decided against standard off-the-shelf solutions in order to optimize performance. For example, the DECOY features a specially developed charging port designed to offer better protection against the elements. Another well-thought-out detail are the custom-made battery mounts, which feature a special bushing system to effectively prevent rattling noises. A robust skid plate sits beneath the motor, which not only protects against impacts but also ensures excellent air circulation to prevent the motor from overheating in high outside temperatures.
Motor and battery: The Bosch power center
For the drivetrain, YT relies on the proven Performance Line CX system from Bosch. The motor delivers a torque of 85 Nm and a peak power of 600 watts ex works. However, using the Bosch Flow app, the power can be unlocked to an impressive 100 Nm and 750 watts peak power. The system is controlled via a wireless mini-remote on the handlebars and the Bosch Kiox 400C display. This not only provides all relevant riding data, but also connectivity for route planning via Komoot and an automatic upload to Strava. To do justice to the powerful motor and the intended area of use, YT installs an integrated Bosch Powertube battery with a capacity of 800 Wh in all DECOY models. This should enable extended tours with many meters of vertical descent without the rider having to constantly monitor the battery indicator.
Geometry and chassis
The geometry of the new Decoy is clearly geared towards downhill riding. A slack head angle of 63,5 degrees (in the low setting), combined with a long reach and a raised stack, is designed to give the rider a sense of security and integrate them deeply into the bike. The seat tube lengths are deliberately short to allow for plenty of freedom of movement and the use of long-travel dropper posts. For climbing performance, YT relies on a steep effective seat angle of 78 degrees and a chainstay length of 445 mm. This combination is designed to ensure a central seating position and sufficient rear wheel traction, even on the steepest climbs.
Geometry YT Decoy (Regular)
| S | M | L | XL | XXL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| seat tube (in mm) | 385 | 400 | 420 | 440 | 460 |
| Reach (mm) | 435 | 455 | 475 | 495 | 515 |
| Stacks (in mm) | 640 | 648 | 655 | 662 | 669 |
| Steering angle (in °) | 64 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 64 |
| seat angle eff. (in °) | 78.2 | 78.1 | 78.1 | 78 | 78 |
| Bottom bracket height (in mm) | 346 | 346 | 346 | 346 | 346 |
| chainstays (in mm) | 445 | 445 | 445 | 445 | 445 |
| Top tube horizontal (in mm) | 569 | 591 | 613 | 635 | 657 |
| head tube (in mm) | 100 | 108 | 116 | 124 | 132 |
Geometry YT Decoy (Low)
| S | M | L | XL | XXL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| seat tube (in mm) | 385 | 400 | 420 | 440 | 460 |
| Reach (mm) | 429 | 449 | 469 | 489 | 509 |
| Stacks (in mm) | 644 | 652 | 659 | 667 | 674 |
| Steering angle (in °) | 63.5 | 63.5 | 63.5 | 63.5 | 63.5 |
| seat angle eff. (in °) | 77.7 | 78.2 | 77.6 | 77.5 | 77.5 |
| Bottom bracket height (in mm) | 338 | 338 | 338 | 338 | 338 |
| chainstays (in mm) | 445 | 445 | 445 | 445 | 445 |
| Top tube horizontal (in mm) | 570 | 591 | 614 | 636 | 658 |
| head tube (in mm) | 100 | 108 | 116 | 124 | 132 |
The chassis is based on YT's proven V4L (Virtual Four Link) rear suspension system, which connects a 230 x 65 mm shock and generates 170 mm of travel. The kinematics have been redesigned to combine sensitive response with sufficient counterforce and a high degree of progression to prevent bottoming out. The anti-squat value is well below 100 percent across the entire travel, which is intended to improve traction under chain tension and minimize pedal kickback.
The equipment variants at a glance
The Decoy is offered in four equipment variants, all based on the same carbon frame.
YT DECOY CORE 4
As a top model, the CORE 4 is available for 8.999 € leaves nothing to be desired. It features a FOX Factory suspension system, consisting of a 38mm fork with GRIP X2 damping and the completely redesigned FLOAT X2 shock. Shifting is handled by the SRAM XO Eagle transmission, powered directly by the main battery. Braking is provided by the new SRAM MAVEN Silver brakes with large 220/200 mm rotors. A DT Swiss HXC 1500 carbon wheelset and a Renthal carbon cockpit round out the high-end spec.
YT DECOY CORE 3
That for 7.999 The CORE 3, available for €38, features a Swedish Öhlins chassis. The RXF3 m.22 fork is at the front, while a TTX2 m.1000 coil shock is at the rear. A SRAM SXNUMX transmission, a Crankbrothers Synthesis aluminum wheelset with a lifetime warranty, and powerful TRP DH-R Evo brakes complete the package.
YT DECOY CORE 2
For 6.999 For €2, the CORE 3 gets you a RockShox suspension package, consisting of the ZEB Select+ fork and the VIVID Select+ shock. The new, wired SRAM GX Eagle transmission handles gear changes. The same TRP DH-R Evo brakes as on the CORE 1900 and a solid DT Swiss HXNUMX wheelset are also on board.
DECOY CORE 1
The CORE 1 for 5 marks the entry into the DECOY series.999 €. Here, YT installs a straightforward and reliable Marzocchi chassis with the Super Z fork and Bomber Air shock. A Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain, SRAM DB8 brakes, and WTB wheels make the bike trail-ready.
All models are available in five sizes from S to XXL and roll on Continental Kryptotal tires in the Super-Soft Enduro compound at the front for maximum grip.
The YT Decoy in practical testing
YT invited us to Bielsko-Biala, Poland, for a first test ride, now known as a Downhill World Cup venue. In addition to the official bike park, the region offers a seemingly endless network of natural trails – ideal conditions for putting the DECOY through its paces. We had the top-of-the-line CORE 4 model at our disposal for testing.
Equipment of the test bike
| Frame | Ultra Modulus Carbon |
| Fork | Fox 38 Factory GripX2 |
| Drive | Bosch CX Gen5 |
| Battery | 800 Wh |
| Suspension shocks | Fox X2 Factory |
| Wheels | DT Swiss HXC 1500 |
| Tire VR | Continental Kryptotal Super Soft Enduro |
| Tire HR | Continental Kryptotal Soft Enduro |
| Derailleur | Sram X0 Eagle transmission |
| Shifter | Sram Pod Ultimate |
| Crank | Sram X0 Eagle |
| Front derailleur | Without |
| Brake | Sram Maven Silver |
| Brake discs | Sram HS2 220/200mm |
| Seatpost | YT Postman V2 |
| Saddle | SDG Bel Air 3.0 |
| Stem | Renthal Apex 35 |
| Handlebar | Renthal Fatbar 35 |
First impressions in the bike park: A mini downhiller?
We completed our first descents on a jump section in the upper part of the bike park. The character of the new Decoy was already evident here: The bike sits incredibly firmly and stable on the trail. Given the 29-inch wheels and massive suspension travel, this is no surprise, but the confidence the bike exudes is still impressive. Even on rough or short jumps, the suspension gave the impression of having virtually endless reserves, similar to a pure downhill bike. The Fox suspension was a bit too progressive in its basic setup, but that's a matter of taste. After removing some volume spacers from the fork, the performance was perfectly balanced for our liking. However, this exceptionally smooth ride also has a downside: The DECOY requires considerable physical effort to pull onto the rear wheel. It is clearly designed for maximum directional stability at high speeds and less for playful manual maneuvers.
Uphill performance and trail behavior
After the lift rides in the bike park, we headed out onto the surrounding natural trails under our own steam. These were significantly more technical and less jumpy. This demonstrated how much confidence the bike provides the rider. Even in sections where you'd expect a tricky situation, the Decoy handles it unfazed, always giving you the feeling of being in control.
The Bosch drive unit showed its full potential on climbs. We were riding the factory version with 85 Nm of torque and never felt like it lacked torque. Even for riders who aren't the strongest on steep, technical climbs, the drive unit, combined with the sophisticated geometry, offers excellent climbing support, making many tricky sections manageable. The 800 Wh battery proved to be absolutely sufficient for an extended day trip, as long as you don't constantly use turbo mode. The other high-end components on the CORE 4 worked unobtrusively and flawlessly throughout the entire test, as you would expect in this price range.
