YT Decoy CORE 3 29 Review

As a component giant, Shimano is mostly known for its dominant position in bicycle gears. But with the EP8, the Japanese are clearly showing that they can look beyond their own plate too. The Shimano motor takes away the fear of even the steepest ramps. The combination of a natural riding feeling and a gentle power delivery characterises the Shimano EP8. Fans of XXL tours are greatly restricted by the Decoy CORE 3 29 , because of its low range.

In the about 6000€ price range, most manufacturers use aluminium as the frame material. With a carbon frame, YT turns the weight screw and sets itself apart from the competitors. A good chassis sits in rugged terrain and generates plenty of traction. That's exactly what the good Fox chassis in the Decoy CORE 3 29 hits. Especially for heavy riders, the YT brakes could be a problem. With four pistons they only decelerate averagely. Taking a holistic approach also includes looking at the gearing and components. The components are of good qualtiy and offer no reason for criticism here. The moderate head tube angle provides a good compromise between stability and agility when going downhill. The reach is also right there in the middle ground. The low bottom bracket height will likely be a sticking point for trail riders, as it negatively affects handling. For the good geometry, the developer team of YT definitely deserves props. Such a knack for detail in geometry is rarely seen.