New YT DECOY SN 29 CORE 4 CF on test – Duck yeah!
Decoy? Not quite! The new YT DECOY SN 29 CORE 4 CF is out to prove that it’s a thoroughbred trail all-rounder, and does this with the help of a FAZUA Ride 60 motor. With its 29” wheels, 160/140 mm of travel, and a 480 Wh battery, YT built their € 8,999 eMTB with versatility in mind. The question is: is it all just for show – or has the German manufacturer truly nailed it?
19.2 kg in size S | € 8,999 | Manufacturer’s website
In hunting jargon, “Decoy” is a device to capture wild ducks or other species of waterfowl, so something that leads others astray. But at YT, the name stands for something else entirely. The DECOY series isn’t here to mislead, it’s designed to hit the mark, and aimed squarely at ambitious e-mountain bikers. Following the fun-loving MX model, which impressed in our latest light eMTB group test with its uncompromising focus on downhill performance, YT have now introduced a 29” sibling to join the line-up.
Alongside the new wheel format, the DECOY 29 gets a bigger battery too: 480 Wh instead of the previous 430 Wh to feed the FAZUA Ride 60 motor. The flip chip is still on board, the price remains deliberately attractive at € 8,999, and despite the larger battery, the 29er version actually weighs less than its MX counterpart according to YT – just 19.2 kg in size S. But is the new YT DECOY SN 29 CORE 4 CF just as much fun to ride? We put it to the test to find out.
What sets the YT DECOY SN 29 CORE 4 CF apart from the competition
At first glance, the new YT DECOY SN 29 CORE 4 CF is almost identical to its MX sibling – both share the same striking design language, and the rectangular frame silhouettes give off a sense of speed even when stationary. Despite the number of cables running through the cockpit, the cable routing is impressively tidy, with the cables disappearing into the frame through clamped ports just behind the headset – a small detail that will make every home mechanic happy. The generously sized chainstay protector extends over part of the seat stay, helping keep things quiet out on the trail.
Neatly integrated into the bottom bracket area, the FAZUA Ride 60 motor delivers 60 Nm of torque and 450 watts peak power. While earlier FAZUA drives struggled with teething issues, a visit to FAZUA’s production facilities confirmed that the latest batches are far more reliable. The motor offers support via the familiar Breeze, River and Rocket ride modes. For quick bursts of extra power, there’s also a Boost mode, which now has its own dedicated button on the updated FAZUA MODE Control. The new remote feels slightly better to the touch than its predecessor, but still lags behind competitors like Bosch, DJI and Shimano, both visually and in terms of build quality. An overview is provided by the FAZUA LED HUB display, which is integrated into the top tube and uses five colour-coded bars to show both the battery charge status and the current support mode. Just below it sits a handy USB-C port – perfect for charging your smartphone on the go. The permanently integrated battery now offers 480 Wh of capacity, an upgrade from the previous 430 Wh in the YT DECOY SN MX.
For the rest of the spec of the DECOY SN 29, YT rely on top-tier components of well-known brands, delivering what looks like a dream spec list, at least on paper. The suspension consists of a 160 mm FOX 36 Float Factory GRIP X2 fork and a matching FOX Float X Factory shock, which manages 140 mm of travel at the rear and delivers sensitive response and trail-tuned performance. Both suspension components shine with excellent adjustability and high-end trail capability.
Shifting is taken care of by an electronic SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission drivetrain, which relies on a direct-mount rear derailleur and delivers butter-smooth gear shifts, even under load. Braking duties are handled by Hayes Dominion A4 four-piston brakes, which are known for their consistent power delivery and precise modulation. Paired with 203 mm rotors front and rear, they deliver brutal stopping force, even on long descents and with an aggressive riding style. It’s no coincidence that our sister magazine ENDURO crowned them best MTB disc brake in their big comparison test.
The Decoy rolls on a 29” DT Swiss HXC 1501 carbon wheelset and MAXXIS tires, with a Minion DHF in the grippy MaxxGrip compound at the front, and a Minion DHR II in the tougher MaxxTerra compound at the rear, both in the EXO+ casing. If you spend most of your time riding in rough terrain, you might want to consider upgrading to a more robust tire in the tougher Doubledown casing. YT’s in-house Postman dropper post round off the spec, offering a massive 200 mm of travel for maximum freedom of movement on the descents.
YT DECOY SN 29 CORE 4 CF
€ 8,999
Specifications
Motor Fazua Ride 60 60 Nm
Battery Fazua Energy 480 Wh
Display FAZUA LED HUB
Fork FOX 36 Float Factory 160 mm
Rear Shock FOX Float X Factory 140 mm
Seatpost YT Postman V2 200 mm
Brakes Hayes Dominion A4 203/203 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission 1×12
Stem RACE FACE Turbine R 35 50 mm
Handlebar RACE FACE Era Carbon 800 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss HXC 1501 29″
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF, MaxxGrip, EXO+/ Minion DHR II, MaxxTerra, EXO+ 2.5″/2.4″
Technical Data
Size S M L XL XXL
Weight 19,2 kg in size S
Specific Features
flip chip
toolmount
Tuning tip: None.
Other spec options of the YT DECOY SN 29
Alongside the CORE 4 model we tested, YT offer the DECOY SN 29 in two more affordable variants: the CORE 3 and CORE 2. Both feature the same MAXXIS tire combo with a Minion DHF up front and Minion DHR II at the rear – with the grippy MaxxGrip compound at the front and the more durable MaxxTerra at the rear, both in EXO+ casing. YT spec their in-house POSTMAN dropper post across the entire range. Each build comes in its own distinct colourway, alongside the timelessly understated Black Magic Bolt paint finish.
19.9 kg in size S (manufacturer’s specification) | Teal Blue | € 7,499
The CORE 3 version steps things up with higher-end suspension from RockShox: both the Lyrik Ultimate fork with the new Charger 3.1 damper and the Super Deluxe Ultimate shock deliver impressive trail performance and offer plenty of tuning options. Shifting is taken care of by a wireless SRAMS1000 Eagle Transmission drivetrain, which is paired with a cassette from the GX range. Powerful Hayes Dominion A4 brakes with 203 mm rotors do stopping duties. For the wheels, YT went for a tough Crankbrothers Synthesis alloy wheelset. All in all, the CORE 3 offers a well-rounded package – and at €7,499, it’s competitively priced too.
20.1 kg in size S (manufacturer’s specification) | Reflex Red | € 6,499
The CORE 2 model comes equipped with a FOX 36 Float Performance fork and a Float X Performance shock. The drivetrain is built around Shimano’s reliable mechanical SLX groupset. Just like the CORE 3 and CORE 4 models, braking is handled by the powerful Hayes Dominion A4 brakes with 203 mm rotors. YT spec the CORE 2 with robust DT Swiss H1900 alloy wheels. Priced at €6,999, the CORE 2 offers an attractive entry point into YT’s eMTB line-up.
The geometry of the YT DECOY SN 29 CORE 4 CF
The YT DECOY SN 29 CORE 4 CF is available in five sizes, S to XXL and, compared to the MX version, features a more touring-friendly geometry. The longer chainstays (447/448 mm), which are the same across all sizes, play a key role. A flip chip in the shock mount allows you to switch between a “Regular” and “Low” setting. In the latter, the bottom bracket drops by 4 mm, the head angle slackens (64.4° to 64.1°), and the chainstays grow slightly. The seat tube angle remains steep at 78.5°, placing you in a central and efficient pedalling position. Reach values grow in 20 mm increments from 437 mm (S) to 517 mm (XXL), with our test bike in size L rocking a fairly average 474 mm reach.
| Size | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 390 mm | 400 mm | 420 mm | 440 mm | 460 mm |
| Top tube | 564 mm | 586 mm | 608 mm | 630 mm | 652 mm |
| Head tube | 95 mm | 100 mm | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm |
| Head angle | 64.5° | 64.5° | 64.5° | 64.5° | 64.5° |
| Seat angle | 78.6° | 78.5° | 78.4° | 78.3° | 78.2° |
| Chainstay | 447 mm | 447 mm | 447 mm | 448 mm | 448 mm |
| BB drop | 35 mm | 35 mm | 35 mm | 35 mm | 35 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1217 mm | 1241 mm | 1264 mm | 1288 mm | 1311 mm |
| Reach | 437 mm | 457 mm | 477 mm | 497 mm | 517 mm |
| Stack | 631 mm | 638 mm | 646 mm | 653 mm | 660 mm |
What is the YT Decoy SN 29 Core 4 CF capable of?
The moment you swing your leg over the saddle, the Decoy SN 29 places you in a sporty yet surprisingly comfortable riding position. You’re nicely centred on the bike, and the efficient power transfer through the pedals plays perfectly to the strengths of the FAZUA Ride 60 system. The motor delivers less of a shuttle feeling and more of a gentle breeze of tailwind. Put in some solid effort yourself, and you’re rewarded with a pleasantly natural level of support.
YT have done a good job tuning the assistance levels. The Breeze mode, which feels more like placebo on many other bikes, is actually surprisingly useful here. On gentle gravel climbs, it’s often enough on its own – no need to immediately jump into the more powerful modes. But let’s be clear: even with decent rear-wheel traction and a brief hit of Boost, the Decoy SN 29 isn’t built to be a climbing machine. On technical, tricky uphills, it requires an active riding style, and a little bit of patience too. Pure uphill power just isn’t this bike’s strong suit. And still, thanks to its relatively low system weight, the Decoy SN 29 is easier to pedal without the motor than most of its direct competitors. Nice!
When the trail points downhill, you’re nicely integrated into the bike, with the weight evenly distributed between the front and rear. The high front end with plenty of handlebar rise provides a great sense of security, which is especially helpful for beginners. It doesn’t take long to get comfortable on the YT Decoy SN 29.
Despite boasting a slightly longer wheelbase than the MX model, it doesn’t feel sluggish – quite the opposite. Instead, the Decoy SN 29 surprises with a well-balanced mix of agility and composure, which makes it easy to actively push through tight corners. The Decoy responds precisely to steering input and always remains predictable, handling flow trails with great playfulness, while the transition between motor support and your own pedal power at the 25 km/h limit is barely noticeable. This encourages you to build up even more speed – and puts a big grin on your face. The YT also holds its speed well through open corners.
On rough terrain, the Decoy SN 29 plays to its strength with impressive composure. The 145 mm of rear travel feels like a lot more, with the suspension confidently soaking up hits while remaining sensitive and offering solid support when pumping through rollers and berms. Still, the Decoy SN 29 isn’t built for brutal, high-speed downhill runs in true MX style. Instead, it’s aimed at all-rounders looking for balance and versatility – and in that, it truly delivers.
Who should take a closer look at the YT Decoy SN 29 Core 4 CF?
The YT Decoy SN 29 is aimed at ambitious trail riders looking for a well-balanced and versatile eMTB to tackle different types of terrain. If you spend most of your time on flowing singletracks, you’ll benefit from the balanced geometry and sensitive suspension of YT’s 29” eMTB. However, if you’re after maximum playfulness, more reserves, and a bike that shines in the bike park and on seriously technical descents, the DECOY MX variant is the better choice. It offers even more potential for active shredding and aggressive lines.
Conclusions about the YT Decoy SN 29 Core 4 CF
The YT Decoy SN 29 Core 4 CF is a well-rounded and versatile trail all-rounder, combining stability and agility in a way that just works. It rides with control and precision, remaining predictable even in more demanding terrain – all without sacrificing any of the fun factor. If you’re planning epic, full-day rides, you should be aware of the relatively small battery and the physical effort required. But with a few little upgrades, like the improved remote and solid overall spec, YT show that the DEOCY didn’t need a revolution – just clever refinement. The result is a confident, well-thought-out package that still feels right, even after countless kilometres.
Tops
- Successful blend of composure and agility
- High-quality spec
- Playful handling with plenty of speed and fun
Flops
- Not a specialist for technical climbs
- Boost mode only offers short bursts of help on steep ramps
More info at yt-industries.com.
Words: Benedikt Schmidt Photos: Rupert Fowler
