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eMTB review: YT Decoy SN

The e-enduro bike helps you up, and let’s you really rip back down

Photo by: Terry McKall

Electric mountain bikes are evolving. With the Decoy SN, YT does its part to find a new direction, a middle ground between full-power and lightweight bikes.

The Decoy SN blends the German brand’s Capra enduro bike with its Decoy full-power eMTB. With the SN, YT creates a bike that feels as close to the Capra as possible on descents while still being tough enough for everyday riding and, of course, with the benefit of a lightweight, mid-power Fazua Ride 60 motor with a 430-Wh battery.

It’s not the lightest eMTB available, but it is as light as you would really want a long-travel enduro bike to be. How the drive system’s extra weight is distributed makes a big difference in how an eMTB handles. The Decoy SN is quite balanced, both in geometry and in weight distribution, making it easy to get comfortable on and to start really pushing the bike. The rig does an excellent job of handling a wide range of riding conditions. It’s comfortable in the air, it carves turns like an eMTB should, but doesn’t feel stuck to the ground. It’s ultimately just a really fun bike to ride, whether you’re pushing its limits or spending more time cruising for kicks.

A mixed-wheel setup works with the lighter weight to keep the Decoy SN’s handling quicker and lighter than many of its eMTB competitors. A Fox Factory DHX2 coil shock serves up 160 mm of gravity-focused suspension out back, while a 170-mm Fox fork up front reinforces the SN’s descending capabilities. YT uses its high-end carbon-fibre formula throughout the frame, creating a platform that is solid enough for the type of aggressive riding YT envisions for its e-enduro rig. Alloy wheels, throughout the Decoy SN line up to the Core 4 model, help balance the frame’s stiffness. The one letdown came from SRAM’s new uber-powerful Maven brakes. There appear to be some consistency issues with the Maven’s bite point, though that can usually be sorted out with some at-home maintenance. Once fixed, the powerful stoppers suit the Decoy SN’s purpose quite nicely, making control easy on even the steepest trails.

I sit right between sizes on the Decoy SN and, throughout the course of testing, tried both the XL and XXL. I found the extra length of the XXL more comfortable for higher-speed, bike park riding. The smaller frame was a bit more nimble on more natural trails, singletrack and easier trails, where I could take advantage of the SN’s comparatively light weight to have fun with the trail like I would on any non-electric bike.

This new mid-weight space in eMTB requires a new balance between power, weight and battery capacity. The Decoy SN is a potent mix of power and pure fun. YT’s decision to opt for a bit more oomph from the Fazua Ride 60 (60 Nm) and a bit less battery juice pays off. There’s enough power that you can really feel the assist when you need it. Fazua’s clever 12-second “boost” mode allows you to access extra support quickly for steep punches or for short climbs mid-descent. At the same time, the 430-Wh battery is enough to get through a proper ride without being distracted by range anxiety.

With an e-enduro bike, it’s essential that it descends well. Otherwise, what’s the point of getting help up to the top of a trail if it’s not as much fun as it could be to ride back down? The SN delivers big on the descents, where it’s most at home.

“It’s ultimately just a really fun bike to ride, whether you’re pushing its limits or spending more time cruising for kicks.”

YT Decoy SN Core 4 (as tested)

Components SRAM GX T-Type 12-speed wireless drivetrain with 10–52 tooth cassette and e-thirteen Helix Race e-spec cranks with SRAM XX T-Type chainring, Four-piston SRAM Maven Silver brakes, YT Postman V2 post (150-mm S, 170-mm M, 200-mm M-XL, 230-mm XXL), 800-mm Renthal Fatbar 35 handlebar and 50-mm Renthal Apex stem
Drive System Fazua Ride 60 with 60 Nm of torque and 430-Wh Fazua Ride 60 battery
Suspension Fox DHX2 Factory coil shock with 160 mm travel, Fox 38 Float Factory fork with 170 mm travel
Wheels Crankbrothers Synthesis Enduro Alloy wheels with Industry Nine 1/1 hubs, 29 x 2.4 Continental Kryptotal Fr front and 27.5 x 2.4 Continental Kryptotal Re rear tires
Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL
Price $11,899
Website yt-industries.com