Under power: YT builds an e-mountain bike | Ride MTB

Under power: YT builds an e-mountain bike

After Canyon, YT is another major German mail-order company to launch an e-mountainbike. The Decoy is electrified, the design language remains familiar and a Shimano motor is on board. The wheel size shows the courage to embrace the concept of the future: 29er at the front, 27.5 Plus at the rear. YT team rider Adolf Silva lets the bike fly.

"An E-MTB from YT? Really now? That doesn't go together at all. Think again!" These are the crisp words with which the shipper's press release begins. The answer - which also seems a bit like a justification - to the "really now" question is: "Like downhill with a built-in lift!" CEO Markus Flossmann immediately provides the slightly longer version of why YT is building an e-mountainbike: "Riding the Decoy is like riding downhill with a built-in lift. The significant difference: Riding uphill is worlds more fun than sitting in a lift. And every flat single trail mutates into a downhill!"

The new e-mountain bike uses YT's proven and award-winning V4L (Virtual 4 Link) rear triangle. This leaves the bike literally glued to the ground, but has enough pop to pull off every root and enjoy airtime. The 165 millimeters of rear travel in combination with YT's geometry should result in a trail weapon with extra power that has never been seen before. YT have also minimized pedal kickback to reduce negative influences on the drivetrain. A steep seat angle and long chainstays should ensure convincing climbing characteristics, while the slack head angle calms the bike down and gives a feeling of control when things get faster and steeper. The sporty reach creates the perfect balance and does not make the bike too long overall. As a result, the center of gravity is pleasantly low and you sit centrally on the bike. In addition, the bottom bracket height as well as the steering and seat angle can be changed via the flip chip, allowing the geometry to be adapted to your own needs and the route profile.

Wheel size mix: 29" at the front, 27.5 Plus at the rear

YT has developed the 540Wh battery itself (the standard Shimano battery offers 504Wh) and uses the latest cell type, the same technology that Tesla uses in its cars. The power generator is integrated into the down tube and securely bolted in place with two bolts. This not only increases the rigidity of the frame, but also protects the battery and reduces noise. For the motor, YT relies on the 250 watt Shimano Steps E8000 motor, which provides a natural riding experience and works quietly. At 2.8 kg, it is one of the lightest motors on the market and its slim design allows it to be fully integrated into the frame. Three support modes are available via the lightweight and compact Shimano Steps E7000 display, with a range of around 100 kilometers in Eco mode.

What has proven itself in the motocross sector is also implemented by YT on the Decoy: a wheel combination in two different sizes. The 27.5" rear wheel with 2.8 tires can be ridden with slightly less air pressure and therefore builds up enormous grip by increasing the contact area - without rolling away. According to YT, the 29er front wheel with 2.4 tires is direct enough to shoot through the next corner with unprecedented steering precision.

The Decoy is available in three equipment variants and five frame sizes from S to XXL. All models are equipped with the 540 Wh battery developed by YT itself, the Shimano STEPS E8000 motor and the Shimano Steps E7000 display.

yt-industries.com


Note: This content has been automatically translated from German. Please report any incorrect translations.