Exclusive review: YT DECOY Base 29 – We have all the most important info about YT’s new 29er eMTB

YT Industries continue to go full throttle and give the downhill-oriented DECOY a little brother: the YT DECOY 29. We have all the most important info about the new models for you, as well as our first impression of the entry-level YT DECOY Base 29.

With the launch of the DECOY last year, YT presented their first eMTB. Even in our large comparison test, the DECOY has already successfully asserted itself against the competition with 160/165 mm of suspension travel and a mixed wheel concept. Based on this bike, YT have now developed a pure 29er with 150/145 mm travel. With a more conservative geometry for better climbing and touring characteristics, is the DECOY 29 still a bike for maximum downhill fun?

What are the differences to the previous YT DECOY?

All DECOY models use the same carbon mainframe, Shimano STEPS E8000 motor and a 540 Wh battery developed for YT, as well as four-piston brakes with 200 mm discs. As its name suggests, the DECOY 29 uses 29” wheels instead of the mixed 29/27.5” wheels found on the original DECOY. To make room for the larger rear wheel, the DECOY 29 has been given longer chainstays and a rear shock with less stroke. Together with a shorter travel fork (150 mm instead of 170 mm travel), the geometry of the DECOY 29 differs significantly from the original. For non-motorized bikes like JEFFSY and CAPRA, YT always offer all spec levels for both wheel sizes. The specs of the DECOY models, however, alternate between the 29er and mixed wheel bikes. The Base and Pro spec are only available for the DECOY 29, while the Comp spec and the top-of-the-range Pro Race build are reserved exclusively for the mixed wheel DECOY.

The spec of the YT DECOY 29

The new DECOY 29 will be available in two configurations. The biggest differences are between the variants of the rear triangle and the components like the suspension, brakes and wheels. The entry-level YT DECOY Base 29 comes in at € 4,399 and features an aluminium rear triangle, RockShox suspension and a very solid spec list (more on that in a moment). For € 5,599 there is the YT DECOY Pro 29, which gets treated to a carbon rear which saves a chunk of weight. When it comes to the spec, YT rely on FOX Performance Elite suspension and the high-quality Shimano XT drivetrain, which is in no way inferior to the top model XTR in terms of shifting performance. An high-end model with the Pro Race name and finest components will initially not be available as a 29er.

The YT DECOY Base 29 in detail

The new DECOY Base 29 is immediately recognizable as a YT. The low-slung frame with its slim silhouette and the striking V4L rear triangle has all the typical YT design features. Also typical of YT, the new bike impresses with well-thought-out details in addition to affordable prices. The speed sensor is well protected and integrated into the dropout, generous protection around the chain and seat stay reduces chain strikes and the hollows around the engine are filled with foam so that no dirt can accumulate there – great. Unfortunately, also typically YT, only the in-house THIRSTMASTER 2000 bottle fits into the limited space available in the front triangle. At 475 ml, its capacity is rather below average.

The geometry of the new YT DECOY 29

The YT DECOY 29 is available in five sizes. Characteristically YT, the seat tubes are very short. As a buyer, you always have a choice between at least two frame sizes meaning you can choose to size up for more stability at high speed, or if you prefer more playful handling, choose the smaller of the two sizes. Using a flip-chip, the geometry can also be adjusted by half a degree to suit personal preferences. Compared to the original DECOY with its mixed wheels and significantly more travel, the 458 mm chainstays found on the DECOY 29 are noticeably longer and its 77 ° seat angle is definitely steeper. This should make the DECOY 29 the better climber, at least on paper.

Size	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Seat tube	400 mm	420 mm	445 mm	470 mm	495 mm
Top tube	565 mm	587 mm	608 mm	631 mm	654 mm
Head tube	95 mm	100 mm	105 mm	115 mm	125 mm
Head angle (low/high)	65.5°/66°	65.5°/66°	65.5°/66°	65.5°/66°	65.5°/66°
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)	37/31 mm	37/31 mm	37/31 mm	37/31 mm	37/31 mm
Wheelbase	1190 mm	1213 mm	1235 mm	1259 mm	1283 mm
Reach	422 mm	442 mm	462 mm	482 mm	502 mm
Stack	615 mm	620 mm	624 mm	633 mm	642 mm

Our first impressions of the YT DECOY Base 29

We already had the opportunity to test the brand new YT DECOY Base 29 in advance on our currently muddy, yet still flowing home trails around Stuttgart. From the first pedal stroke we noticed that the seating position on the DECOY Base 29 is great. The relatively steep seat angle positions the rider centrally on the bike, even on steep climbs, without too much load on the hands during longer transfer sections. In combination with the long chainstays, the DECOY climbs all inclines easily and without a rising front wheel.

But let’s face it, every YT only really comes alive once you have lowered the in-house Postman seatpost and pointed the front wheel towards the fall line. Even on flatter sections, the DECOY 29 proves itself as an agile cornering machine. The low front and the long chainstays ensure a lot of traction on the front wheel and good-natured handling at any time and without requiring much physical effort.

Even in steep sections, the DECOY 29 provides sufficient confidence despite its low front. The rear shock and the Yari RC fork feel defined and pass on sufficient feedback from the trail to the rider.

Conclusion

With the DECOY 29, YT sensibly expand their range of e-mountain bikes. The DECOY Base 29 climbs confidently and makes a comfortable first impression even on longer routes. Point it downhill and you are treated to a fun ride that invites you to play around on the trail and in the air. We are excited to see how the new wagon-wheeled DECOY fares against the competition after extensive testing.

The new YT DECOY 29 models are now available on yt-industries.com.

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Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl