YT has updated the more burly e-enduro Decoy MX mullet version of their popular eMTB with the new generation of more powerful & smarter Shimano motors, a bigger battery, and then the possibility to get FreeShift with a Shimano XT Di2 12-speed drivetrain. There’s nothing revolutionary here. But YT has just made their enduro ebike better all around with greater range. And surprisingly enough it seems, more value with updated component specs.
And for the time being, mega 25% off savings across the board!
So what’s new?
It essentially just comes down to a more thought-out spec tying together several different recent updates. YT gave the Decoy Core updated EP8 motors two seasons ago. Now, they get the latest more powerful 80Nm/600W peak power update from the Shimano EP801 motor. Then, they get the boosted range 720Wh battery that was previously only an upgrade option.
(Or in the case of the entry-level, the latest EP6 motor. And the lighter, but shorter range original 540Wh battery. More options, and lower pricing.)
And then, the top-spec bike gets a 12-speed Shimano XT Di2 electronic-shift rear derailleur that brings with it new automate shifting potential. That means FreeShift (but not AutoShift). It’s a pretty great feature that means as you coast down into a turn, the smart little Shimano robots will automatically shift your ebike into the ideal gear to exit a turn or obstacle – all while you are freewheeling. While some may not want the full AutoShift feature that you can only get with an 11-speed LinkGlide cassette, FreeShift is something you’ll wish was on every bike.
All three Core bikes also get updated to YT’s latest Postman V2 dropper posts with size-specific travel from 125mm to a whopping 230mm on the XXL. Plus, all Core models get proper Maxxis Double Down casing tubeless tires – 2.5″ Assegai up front & 2.4″ Minion DHR II out back – for reliable grip & control at all price levels.
The updated YT Decoy MX Core eMTB itself
The mullet 27.5/29″ wheeled Decoy MX is the same slack enduro eMTB that combines 170mm of wagon wheel travel up front and 165mm of smaller rear wheel travel for a playful ride. Since 2019, they called it “downhill with a built-in shuttle“. Core just means a regular model line-up trying to cover a wide range of budgets and performance need. And now, there are 3 new Core builds. The two lower-spec feature the hybrid frame with its hi-mod carbon front triangle and alloy rear end. And the top Core 5 goes all-in with a full ultra-hi-mod carbon frameset.
YT Decoy MX Core – Pricing & options
The Decoy MX Core 1 sells for $5000 / 5000€ $3750 / 4000€ in grey at a claimed 24.7kg, with its smaller 540Wh battery, an EP6 motor, RockShox Domain R/DLX Coil Select suspension & a Deore groupset.
Step up to the $6500 / 6000€ $4900 / 4800€ white Decoy MX Core 3 at 25.2kg to get the stronger EP801 motor & bigger 720Wh battery. Plus, Fox 38/DHX Performance suspension and an XT/SLX drivetrain.
Then go to the top with the FreeShifting YT Decoy MX Core 5 at $8500 / 8000€ $6400 / 6400€. It comes in shiny blue with its full carbon frame at 23.7kg. You get Shimano EP801, the big 720Wh battery, an XT Di2 12-speed groupset, plus Fox 38 & Float X2 Factory suspension.
There’s also a 4th Decoy MX by way of the limited run Uncaged 10 that offers a relatively solid value. It gets the same EP801 & 720Wh updates in the hybrid frame with Fox 38/DHX Performance suspension, an XT/SLX drivetrain, and discounted price now of $6000 / 6000€ $4800 / 5400€. Pretty much the same as Core 3, but with a special paint job, while they last.
