YT unveil the updated DECOY MX Core and 29 Core with Shimano EP8 motor

YT introduce the updated version of the DECOY, which comes equipped with a Shimano EP8 motor and 540 Wh battery. The latest iteration of YT’s popular eMTB will be available in two versions, the DECOY MX Core and DECOY 29 Core. Read our news to find out more.

Just one week after launching the brand-new Capra MK3, the German direct sales brand presents the updated version of the DECOY, which comes equipped with a Shimano EP8 motor. Just like the latest-generation Capra, the overhauled DECOY will be available in two versions in the 2022 season: the DECOY MX and DECOY 29.

The YT DECOY MX and DECOY 29 in detail

The updated version of the YT DECOY comes in two different versions, the DECOY MX and DECOY 29. The MX model relies on mixed wheel sizes (29”/27.5”) and offers 170/165 mm travel at the front and rear respectively. Like the current version we reviewed in our group test and the YT DECOY Elite launched last summer, the latest iteration of the electric German duck is aimed at riders who want to get rowdy downhill. Of course, we don’t expect the YT DECOY MX to be a climbing master, because with a mixed wheel setup the climbs are just a means to an end.
The DECOY 29 has big 29″ wheels on both ends and combines 150 mm travel at the front with 145 mm at the rear – which is exactly 20 mm less than the MX model. Its predecessor, the YT DECOY Base 29, was already the more balanced E-MTB in our test, combining outstanding climbing qualities with a high level of comfort on long rides and still providing tons of fun downhill. Like its older brother, the updated YT DECOY 29 is aimed at those ebikers who are looking for the ideal compromise between uphill and downhill performance.

At the heart of both DECOY models lies a Shimano EP8 motor. Finally, YT followed many of their competitors, sending the STEPS E8000 motor of the previous DECOY models into a well-deserved retirement. However, the battery concept and capacity remain unchanged and YT still use the same own-brand 540 Wh battery of the current model. Once again, there’s no trace of the 700 Wh battery the Germans had announced (and never used) for the current DECOY version. Too bad, apart from the new Shimano EP8 motor, the innovations on the DECOY models are very limited.

The YT DECOY MX and DECOY 29 – specs and availability

Both the MX and 29 versions will be available in three different spec variants. The flagship Core 4 version features a full carbon frame with ultra-modulus fibres which, according to YT, allows them to provide highest performance at minimum weight. The flagship DECOY MX Core 4 Model comes equipped with the finest components, including a FOX-Factory suspension with FOX 38 fork and X2 shock. The YT DECOY 29 Core 4 also features a bling FOX Factory suspension but comes with a tamer 36 fork and DPS shock. For the wheels, YT rely on a Crankbrothers Synthesis Enduro alloy wheelset with Industry-Nine hubs. Both Core 4 models come with SRAM’s top-end CODE RSC stoppers with 200 mm rotors front and rear. Unfortunately, the tires don’t live up to the potential of the DECOY – or any eMTB in fact. The DECOY MX combines a Maxxis ASSEGAI at the front and MINION DHR II at the rear while the DECOY 29 rolls out of the factory on a MAXXIS MINION DHF/ DHRII combo. While the tire setup in itself is actually pretty good, the puncture-prone EXO casing at the front and the EXO + casing at the rear don’t do justice to the performance and area of application of the bike. Fast, aggressive riders who spend most of their time on rough trails should upgrade to tires with a more robust casing. The DECOY MX Core 4 retails at € 7,499 and weighs in at 21.7 kg in size S (manufacturer’s specifications). At € 6,999 and 21.8 kg (manufacturer’s specifications), the DECOY 29 Core 4 is € 500 cheaper and only marginally heavier than its MX counterpart.

Unlike the flagship Core 4 model, the mid-range Core 3 and entry-level Core 2 variants combine a carbon frame with an alloy swing arm. If you’re not too fussed about the bling Kashima coating of the FOX Factory series but still want top suspension performance, you should take a closer look at the Core 3 spec variant. For this version, YT rely on FOX Performance Elite suspension, which doesn’t have the golden Kashima coating but shares the same internals as the Factory model. The MX Core 3 model comes with a burly FOX 38 Performance Elite fork while the DECOY 29 Core 3 features a Fox 36 Performance Elite model, which are both matched with a Performance Elite shock. On the mid-range Core 3 model, the Germans swapped the top-end SRAM CODE RSC brakes with the more basic R version, which still delivers good braking performance in all situations. Price conscious ebikers will get two well specced eMTBs at an attractive price.

Given the supply chain bottlenecks caused by the ongoing COVID pandemic (read more about this in our article), YT have launched a pre-order system for customers who are interested in securing their bike in advance. All eMTBs bikes can now be pre-ordered. By paying a 10% deposit, you can reserve any bike with an estimated delivery time of over 8 weeks. The remaining amount is due four weeks before delivery, cancellation is possible at any time.

The geometry of the YT DECOY MX and DECOY 29 in detail

In principle, nothing has changed in the geometry compared to the predecessor. Both versions of the new YT DECOY will be available in five sizes, S to XXL. A flip chip in the shock mount allows you to choose between a high and slack setting and adjust the seat and head angle as well as the bottom bracket height.

GEO YT DECOY MX Core

Size	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Top tube	569 mm	591 mm	612 mm	635 mm	658 mm
Seat tube	400 mm	420 mm	445 mm	470 mm	495 mm
Head tube	95 mm	100 mm	105 mm	115 mm	125 mm
Head angle low/high	64.5°/65°	64.5°/65°	64.5°/65°	64.5°/65°	64.5°/65°
Seat angle low/high	75.5°/76°	75.5°/76°	75.5°/76°	75.5°/76°	75.5°/76°
Chainstay	442 mm	442 mm	442 mm	442 mm	442 mm
BB Height low/high	344 mm/ 352 mm	344 mm/ 352 mm	344 mm/ 352 mm	344 mm/ 352 mm	344 mm/ 352 mm
Wheelbase	1,191 mm	1,213 mm	1,235 mm	1,259 mm	1,284 mm
Reach	409 mm	429 mm	449 mm	469 mm	489 mm
Stack	624 mm	629 mm	633 mm	643 mm	652 mm

GEO YT DECOY 29 Core

Size	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Top tube	565 mm	587 mm	608 mm	631 mm	654 mm
Seat tube	400 mm	420 mm	445 mm	470 mm	495 mm
Head tube	95 mm	100 mm	105 mm	115 mm	125 mm
Head angle low/high	65.8°/66.3°	65.8°/66.3°	65.8°/66.3°	65.8°/66.3°	65.8°/66.3°
Seat angle low/high	77°/77.5°	77°/77.5°	77°/77.5°	77°/77.5°	77°/77.5°
Chainstay	458 mm	458 mm	458 mm	458 mm	458 mm
BB Drop low/high	38 mm/ 32 mm	38 mm/ 32 mm	38 mm/ 32 mm	38 mm/ 32 mm	38 mm/ 32 mm
Wheelbase	1,197 mm	1,219 mm	1,241 mm	1,265 mm	1,289 mm
Reach	423 mm	443 mm	463 mm	483 mm	503 mm
Stack	614 mm	619 mm	623 mm	632 mm	641 mm

Our conclusions about the YT DECOY MX and DECOY 29

The updated version of the DECOY is out of the bag and we can’t wait to test one for you. Finally, YT replaced the old Shimano drive with the latest EP8 motor – an update that was long overdue. Apart from the new motor and a few updates to the spec, the DECOY hasn’t changed much. Unfortunately, the lack of a 700 Wh battery they promised two years ago, casts a dark cloud over the overall impression of the revised YT DECOY MX and DECOY 29. As soon as we get a chance to take the duck on the trails, we’ll let you know how it performs.

For more informatione, visit yt-industries.com

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Words: Rudolf Fischer Photos: YT Industries