After a turbulent year marked by a US withdrawal and insolvency, YT are back – and they’re expanding their DECOY line-up with a new e-mountain bike powered by the Avinox system. But does the bike live up to the promise?
With up to 150 Nm of torque and a peak output of 1,300 W, there’s certainly no shortage of power on tap. Yet it’s not just the motor where YT are breaking new ground. Unlike the other DECOY models, this one deliberately opts for an aluminium frame, built to maximise durability and handle hard riding. That’s a move that’s likely to catch the eye of plenty of potential buyers.
Within the range, the new DECOY X slots neatly between the lightweight DECOY SN with its FAZUA light-assist motor and the more descent-focused DECOY MX, now newly labelled “MX” to set it apart, featuring the Bosch Performance Line CX Gen5 motor.
At launch, the DECOY X will be available exclusively as a Launch Edition priced at € 8,499, rolling on a mixed-wheel MX setup. One thing to note: while pre-orders are already open, there’s no confirmed delivery date just yet. Additional DECOY X Core models are expected to follow later this summer.
Spec of the new YT DECOY X Launch Edition
One bike, one spec, one colour – the DECOY X Launch Edition doesn’t leave much room for customisation. That said, YT certainly haven’t held back on components: with a FOX Podium Factory upside-down fork and a FLOAT X2 Factory shock, the bike is equipped with a no-compromise, high-end suspension setup offering maximum adjustability.
Power comes from the new Avinox M2S motor, paired with a large, permanently integrated 800 Wh battery housed in the down tube. The package also includes Avinox’s 12 A fast charger, which takes the 800 Wh battery from 0 to 100% in just two hours and 20 minutes.
YT remain consistent with the rest of the spec, equipping the DECOY X for the toughest riding. SRAM MAVEN Silver brakes with the new B1 Swing Link and 220/200 mm rotors deliver serious stopping power, while the new DT Swiss HX 1500 wheelset features DF technology to reduce pedal kickback. Continental Kryptotal tyres round things off, with an Enduro casing up front and a more robust Downhill casing at the rear.
Shifting is handled by a SRAM X0 Transmission derailleur, paired with a GX cassette. The FOX Transfer Factory dropper offers between 150 and 240 mm of travel, depending on frame size.
All in all, it adds up to a thoroughly robust, descent-focused spec – with one clear trade-off: at 25.4 kg in size S, the new YT DECOY X is anything but lightweight.
Frame details of the new YT DECOY X
YT have also prioritised durability over weight when it comes to the frame. The hydroformed aluminium construction is clearly designed for hard riding and long-term reliability. As you’d expect from YT, it features a four-bar linkage rear end, with the “Virtual 4 Link” system working alongside the hydroformed tubes to deliver the brand’s signature angular frame design.
When it comes to the details, the DECOY X takes a pragmatic yet well-thought-out approach. The cables are routed internally through guided channels in the frame, keeping things tidy and rattle-free. The main triangle also offers enough space for standard-sized water bottles. A particularly neat feature is hidden in the rear axle: the integrated lever can be removed and doubles as a 6 mm Allen key. That means you can take both wheels out on the trail without needing extra tools – simple, but genuinely clever.
The YT DECOY X is available in five frame sizes, covering rider heights from 1.54 m to 2.00 m, according to the manufacturer.
A flip chip at the rear shock mount lets you switch the geometry between “Regular” and “Low”. This adjustment alters both the bottom bracket height and the head angle, depending on whether you want more ground clearance or a lower centre of gravity for maximum descending performance. In the Low setting, the head angle slackens to a descent-focused 63.9°.
Overall, the geometry stays within familiar YT territory. Reach and wheelbase are very close to the DECOY SN, but the DECOY X pairs a slightly taller stack with a slacker head angle and shorter chainstays. The result is a bike that, despite having the same amount of travel, is likely to feel even more descent-focused than the SN in its MX configuration.
The new YT DECOY X, powered by the Avinox M2S motor system, promises to be a tough aluminium bruiser with power in abundance. This latest addition to the DECOY family isn’t about lightweight design or holding back – it’s built for maximum performance and durability in demanding terrain. Pricing is competitive, too. We’re looking forward to getting it out on the trail and will, of course, share our full test impressions with you soon.
For more information, visit YT.
Words: Lars Engmann Photos: YT
About the Author
Lars Engmann
Lars Engmann is an editor at 41 Publishing. His work is strongly influenced by his background as an engineer and technical writer, with his experience of driving resistance determination giving him sharp analytical skills. He is responsible for operative individual and comparison tests for E-MOUNTAINBIKE and ENDURO, with a focus on range analysis and efficiency measurements. As a specialist in optimisation and system weight, he brings his passion for precision to product evaluation. He combines technical documentation with applied performance analysis in the E-Performance segment.
