This bike is part of our big group test: The Best E-Mountainbike of 2025 – Featuring the 30 Most Exciting E-MTBs of the Year. Click here for the full intro, key takeaways, and all the bikes we tested.
21.2 kg in size L | € 5,799 | Manufacturer’s website
YT has a reputation for creating capable, fun bikes, and with the DECOY SN MX, the German manufacturer is now stepping into the light eMTB segment. The YT DECOY SN MXalready impressed our test team in our light eMTB group test in Paganella, and now has to prove itself once again in our big 2025 eMTB comparison test. With 170/160 mm of travel, a mixed-wheel setup with a smaller 27.5” rear wheel, and a FAZUA Ride 60 motor, it has all the makings of a potent light eMTB. However, at 21.2 kg in size L, it’s already nudging the average weight of the full-power segment in this test. True to its roots, YT stay aggressive on pricing, with the DECOY SN MX CORE 3 retailing at just €5,799 – which makes it one of the most affordable eMTBs in this test. But how does it stack up against the competition?
What Sets the YT DECOY SN MX Apart From the Competition?
Fast, aggressive, and striking – the YT DECOY SN MX CORE 3 immediately catches the eye with its unique design. The clean, rectangular frame silhouette looks sleek and fast even when stationary. Despite accommodating several cables, the cockpit is tidy, with all cables routed neatly through cable ports on the frame, which are securely clamped to ensure a quiet ride on the trail.
Discreetly integrated into the bottom bracket area, the FAZUA Ride 60 motor delivers 60 Nm of torque and up to 450 watts peak power in Boost mode. The three support modes– Breeze, River, and Rocket – each provide a maximum of 350 watts. While earlier E-MTBs with FAZUA motors struggled with technical issues, a visit to FAZUA’s production facility showed us just how far things have come: the latest batch of FAZUA Ride 60 units runs significantly more reliably – early teething problems are a thing of the past. The motor draws its power from a permanently integrated 430 Wh battery, which is neatly housed in the slim downtube. The charging port above the motor is easily accessible and protected by a cover that keeps out dirt and moisture. With a charging speed of 2.2 Wh/min, the DECOY sits at the lower end of the test field, requiring 248 minutes to charge from 0 to 100%. The motor system is controlled via the Ring Remote on the handlebars, which is connected to the motor with a cable and falls short in terms of ergonomics and haptic feedback compared to the competition. The FAZUA LED Hub display, integrated into the top tube, provides a quick overview of the current support level and shows the battery charge status via five LEDs in 20% increments. However, the build quality also comes across as rather cheap. A practical touch: hidden beneath the display is a USB-C charging port, which allows you to charge an external device like a smartphone on the go. Through the FAZUA app, you can fine-tune the support levels and log your rides, which can then be uploaded to third-party apps such as Strava or Komoot. The frame features bottle cage bosses and a tool mount on the top tube, allowing you to secure your trail essential directly to the frame. The generously sized chainstay protector extends partially onto the seatstay, preventing paint chips and chain slap. A robust downtube protector shields the frame against stray rocks and impacts. Additionally, a flip chip on the shock mount allows you to steepen the head and seat tube angles slightly for a more aggressive geometry.
A true highlight of our test bike is the RockShox Ultimate suspension, which not only delivers top-tier performance but also integrates seamlessly into the bike’s overall design. This consists of a RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork in striking Electric Red, and a matching RockShox Vivid Ultimate shock. The fork features the new Charger 3.1 damper, which offers countless adjustment options, and delivers a tremendous performance on the trail. The YT Postman V2 dropper post provides a generous 200 mm of travel, enduring maximum freedom of movement on descents. On our YT DECOY SN MX Core 3spec variant, shifting is taken care of by an electronic SRAM S-1000 Eagle Transmission drivetrain, SRAM’s entry-level offering in the Eagle Transmission lineup. Despite being the cheapest variant, it delivers crisp, precise shifting and relies on a direct-mount rear-derailleur. TRP DH-R EVO brakes with a massive 220 mm rotor up front and 200 mm disc at the rear ensure powerful and consistent deceleration. The YT DECOY SN MX rolls on a mixed wheel setup, combining a durable Crankbrothers Synthesis E-Bike Alloy Custom wheelset and Continental Kryptotal tires in enduro casing – with the grippy Super Soft compound at the front and the slightly harder and more durable Soft compound at the rear.
YT DECOY SN MX CORE 3
€ 5,799
Specifications
Motor FAZUA Ride 60 60 Nm
Battery FAZUA Energy 430 Wh
Display FAZUA LED Hub
Fork RockShox ZEB Ultimate Charger 3.1 170 mm
Rear Shock RockShox Vivid Ultimate 160 mm
Seatpost YT Postman V2 200 mm
Brakes TRP DH-R EVO 220/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM S-1000 Eagle Transmission 1x12
Stem Title ST1 35 40 mm
Handlebar Title AH1 35 800 mm
Wheelset Crankbrothers Synthesis E-Bike Alloy Custom 29"/27.5"
Tires Continental Kryptotal FR, Super Soft, Enduro / Continental Kryptotal Re, Enduro, Soft 2.4"
Technical Data
Size S M L XL XXL
Weight 21.2 kg
Perm. total weight 130 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 108,76 kg
Trailer approval no
Kickstand mount no
Specific Features
tool mount
USB-C charging port
flip-chip
Tuning Tip: Change to more compliant aluminum handlebars to reduce arm pump on rough trails.
| Size | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube | 390 mm | 400 mm | 420 mm | 440 mm | 460 mm |
| Top Tube | 565 mm | 587 mm | 609 mm | 631 mm | 652 mm |
| Head Tube | 100 mm | 108 mm | 116 mm | 124 mm | 132 mm |
| Head Angle | 64.1° | 64.1° | 64.1° | 64.1° | 64.4° |
| Seat Angle | 78.4° | 78.3° | 78.3° | 78.2° | 78.5° |
| Chainstay | 448 mm | 448 mm | 448 mm | 448 mm | 447 mm |
| BB Drop | 36 mm | 36 mm | 43 mm | 39 mm | – |
| Wheelbase | 1218 mm | 1242 mm | 1265 mm | 1289 mm | 1311 mm |
| Reach | 434 mm | 454 mm | 474 mm | 494 mm | 517 mm |
| Stack | 633 mm | 640 mm | 648 mm | 655 mm | 660 mm |
How Did the YT DECOY SN MX Fare Against the Competition?
Riding uphill, the YT DECOY SN MX puts you in a comfortable, upright pedalling position that only puts minimal pressure on your hands – something that makes it particularly suitable for long rides. The FAZUA Ride 60 motor provides smooth, supportive assistance and noticeably more power than the Specialized 1.2 SL and the TQ HPR 50. On long, moderate gravel climbs, the DECOY keeps up effortlessly with bikes like the Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL and the Propain Sresh CF, though the Merida eONE-SIXTY SL manages to pull ahead slightly despite having less torque. However, when the climb gets steeper and more technical, the DECOY SN MX struggles within its category. Without the Boost function – which provides an additional 100 watts for up to 12 seconds – it barely makes progress on steep uphills. Even with the extra power engaged, riders still have to put in significant effort. If you frequently tackle technical uphill trails, you might find yourself wishing for stronger support. The YT DECOY SN MX will get you to the trailhead, but the climb feels more like a chore than a fun part of the ride.
The stiff cockpit transmits a lot of feedback on rough trails, leading to arm pump on longer descents.
Point its nose downhill, and the YT DECOY SN comes alive. The weight is evenly distributed between the front and rear, which, together with the deeply integrated riding position, inspires confidence from the get go. The relatively low front end ensures plenty of pressure on the front wheel, ensuring precise steering and direct response to rider input. Thanks to the incredibly intuitive handling, the DECOY carves through berms with ease and effortlessly cruises through corners – turning flow trails into a high-speed adrenaline rush! In terms of agility, it comes very close to matching the nimble Canyon Spectral:ON CF LTD but ultimately trades a touch of flickability for unmatched composure. Alongside our test winner, it’s the most composed competitor in the entire test field. As a result, it makes it easy to hold your line through nasty rock gardens, and absorbs big hits with confidence and remains predictable at all times. With every jump, every compression, and every high-speed, the grin on your face just gets bigger – because the DECOY SN MX blends agility and composure at a level that makes it the most fun bike in the entire test. Yeah! 🤘The RockShox Ultimate suspension leans toward the firmer side, and plays a key role in the bike’s outstanding downhill performance. With an active riding style, you can effortlessly pump for speed on the trails. At the same time, it strikes with excellent small-bump sensitivity and provides plenty of reserves for botched landings. Another standout trait? The YT DECOY SN is incredibly forgiving of riding mistakes, inspiring huge amounts of confidence regardless of whether you’re a newbie or an experienced rider. Riding downhill, the YT DECOY is in a league of its own– matched only by the Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo.
The YT DECOY SN MX charges through rock gardens with confidence, delivering a high level of security and control.
The only downside? The stiff Title Carbon handlebars, combined with the already rigid chassis of the ZEB Ultimate fork, transmits vibrations directly to the rider on rough trails. This can lead to arm pump on long, demanding descents. A more compliant aluminum handlebar could help improve comfort and reduce fatigue.
Who Should Take a Closer Look at The YT DECOY SN MX?
The YT DECOY SN MX is a good match for riders of all skill levels who prioritize downhill performance and pure riding fun. Whether you’re pushing the limits through every corner or effortlessly flowing through berms, this bike delivers – and all of this at an unbeatable price of €5,799. However, if you’re a climbing enthusiast looking for maximum motor support, there are better options in this test. While the DECOY SN MX will get you to the trailhead reliably, its real strengths shine on the way down.
Riding Characteristics
DESIGN
- unbalanced
- coherent
USER FRIENDLINESS
- cumbersome
- clever
VALUE FOR MONEY
- flop
- top
TREKKING & COMMUTING SUITABILITY
- low
- high
HANDLING
- demanding
- intuitive
FUN FACTOR
- boring
- lively
Intended Use
Gravel roads
Technical climbs
Flowtrail descents
Technical descents
Conclusions about the YT DECOY SN MX
More speed for your money? You won’t find a better deal! The YT DECOY SN MX is the perfect bike for riders who refuse to compromise on downhill performance. With its razor-sharp handling, stoic composure, and playful character, it pumps, slashes, and charges through any terrain with maximum fun. Climbing is more of a means to an end, and requires solid effort on technical ascents. But if you’re only thinking about the descent while pedaling up, this bike delivers top-tier performance at a bargain price. More fun for less money? Hardly possible!
Tops
- Highest fun factor in the entire test field
- Strikes an excellent balance between agility and composure
- Extremely intuitive handling
- Sleek design
Flops
- Stiff cockpit causes arm pump
- Requires significant effort on technical climbs
More info at yt-industries.com
The test field
For an overview of the test field head to our “Best E-Mountainbike of 2025” comparison test – 30 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2025 group test
All bikes in test: AMFLOW PL Carbon Pro, Canyon Spectral:ONfly CF LTD, FOCUS JAM² 6.0, GHOST E-RIOT LTD, Haibike HYBE CF 11, MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 10K, Orbea WILD M-LTD, Orbea Rise LT M-Team, R RAYMON Tarok Ultra, Rocky Mountain Instinct Powerplay SL, Santa Cruz Vala X0 AXS RSV, SCOTT Patron ST 900 Tuned, Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo 4, Transition Regulator CX XT, UNNO Mith Pro, YT DECOY SN MX CORE 3.
Words: Benedikt Schmidt Photos: Peter Walker
