Brand new: YT DECOY Elite 2020 – Maximum fun downhill

YT DECOY Elite 2020 – following on from the release of the Shred edition, YT have announced yet another capable version of their eMTB platform, purpose-built for riding hard. If you really want to let it fly downhill, then you should take a closer look at the DECOY Elite. You can find out more about what it’s all about here.

During our big group test of 25 of the best eMTBs 2020, the YT DECOY made a convincing impression with its fun handling on the descents. Then, not so long ago, the German direct to consumer brand stepped it up a notch with the YT DECOY Shred edition, fitted with capable suspension including a coil shock and a build dedicated to those looking for maximum downhill fun. Like the DECOY Shred, the new Elite isn’t a limited edition model and now forms a fixed part of the DECOY lineup. The main differences between the DECOY Shred and DECOY Elite are the suspension and brakes. While the Shred Edition relies on a coil shock, the Elite version suits all descent-oriented eMTBers who prefer to ride with an air shock. In addition, the SRAM CODE R brakes have been upgraded to the better Code RSC model.

There’s is a difference in price between the Elite and Shred models of €1,000. The Elite model costs € 6,999, putting it just above the CF Pro Race. The Elite is fitted with a FOX X2 FACTORY shock and FOX 38 FACTORY fork. It uses the same mixed wheel size concept with a 29″ hoop up front and 27.5″ at the rear, generates 170/165 mm travel and is powered by a Shimano STEPS E8000 motor. This is fed by a 540 Wh battery in the downtube that can be removed from its base.

YT DECOY Elite components

The big feature of the DECOY Elite is the new FOX 38 fork, which we’ve already tested, along with the X2 shock. The massive fork is perfectly suited to the high loads of an eMTB, capable of delivering maximum traction. A Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain takes care of the shifting while short 165 mm cranks are fitted to improve ground clearance. Braking duties are taken care of by a set of SRAM CODE RSC brakes with 200 mm rotors. YT’s own Postman dropper post allows for freedom of movement, with 125 mm travel in sizes S and M, 150 mm in size L and 175 mm in size XL and XXL. The E13 cockpit looks good, consisting of a 50 mm stem and 800 mm wide bars. The claimed weight in size S is 22.9 kg. The only point of criticism is the tires. For a bike that is so focussed on descending, the MAXXIS ASSEGAI/Minion DHR tire combo with EXO/EXO+ casing will quickly suffer. DoubleDown casings would no doubt make a lot of sense instead. Crankbrothers SYNTHESIS E11 wheels round out the package.

YT DECOY Elite geometry

The DECOY Elite is available in sizes S–XXL, with geometry that is the same as the existing DECOY Pro Race. At 450 mm for a size L, the reach is on the compact side. The chainstays are moderately long at 442 mm and the 64.5° head angle fits the overall package well. On paper, the 76° seat angle is neither steep nor slack but as you extend the saddle, the effective seat tube angle slackens. Thanks to the short seat tube length, there shouldn’t be any problems sizing up. If L is on the small side, you’ll likely fit an XL frame too.

Size	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Seattube	400 mm	420 mm	445 mm	470 mm	495 mm
Toptube	569 mm	591 mm	612 mm	635 mm	658 mm
Headtube	95 mm	100 mm	105 mm	115 mm	125 mm
Headtube angle	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°	64.5°
seattube angle	76°	76°	76°	76°	76°
Chainstay	442 mm	442 mm	442 mm	442 mm	442 mm
BB hight	340 mm	340 mm	340 mm	340 mm	340 mm
Wheelbase	1182 mm	1204 mm	1226 mm	1251 mm	1275 mm
Reach	410 mm	430 mm	450 mm	470 mm	495 mm
Stack	623 mm	628 mm	633 mm	642 mm	651 mm

Our first impression of the new YT DECOY Elite

Coil or air shock? Now you have the choice. The new YT DECOY Elite, similar to the YT DECOY Shred, is dedicated to riders looking for maximum descending fun. The main differences to the DECOY Shred lie in the FOX X2 shock, the wheelset, the better SRAM CODE RSC brakes and the price. The DECOY CF Pro Race was never a rocket on the way uphill but we’ll have to see how the DECOY Elite and Shred compare in more thorough testing. We’re even more interested to see which bike pulls ahead on the downhills.

For more info check out yt-industries.com

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Words: Photos: YT