YT Decoy finally updated with Shimano EP8 motors

YT is finally offering an updated version of the popular YT Decoy eMTB with the latest generation Shimano EP8 drive unit.

Believe it or not but it was over 2 years ago when YT unveiled the YT Decoy eMTB, and since its official release the carbon ebike hasn’t really seen many changes. At the time of its launch, the Decoy was one of the stealthiest eMTB’s on the planet thanks to the integrated custom battery, hidden power button and even going so far to spec a smaller display to hide what it really was. The original Decoy was one of the first eBikes to go on sale with a hidden battery (at the time Shimano didn’t offer an integrated battery), and the Decoy was one of the earliest eMTB to come with mullet wheels as standard. 

Since its original launch the standard Deocy has been joined by a 29er version of the bike that uses a different rear end and comes with slightly less rear wheel travel, but other than a few build options and different paint the Decoy hasn’t changed much.

For 2022, the YT Decoy recipe stays almost identical with the only new ingredient being the more modern Shimano EP8 motor system. Compared to the E8000 motor, the EP8 is lighter, comes with 15nm more torque and benefits from new software and a new app that lets riders fine-tune power, and acceleration. Because the Decoy is designed around YT’s own custom battery, the 2022 Decoy doesn’t see a jump to 625Wh but sticks with the original 540Wh system.

As previously seen, the 2022 Decoy will be offered in either mullet, now called MX or 29er builds. The MX bikes still get a little more bounce, 170mm front, 165mm rear, whereas 29er models run 150mm front and 145mm rear, and still use the same carbon front triangle as the original bike. In terms of sizing options, there’s a Decoy to fit almost anyone with sizes running from Small to XXL.

No matter which wheel size you choose, riders can pick from the Core 4, Core 3 or Core 2 packages. Core 4 bikes run carbon front and rear ends while Core 3 and Core 2 get carbon front and alloy rear triangles.

DECOY MX / 29 Core 4 – light frame guaranteeing maximum performance 

The DECOY Core 4 is built around an Ultra Modulus Carbon Frame, meaning both front and rear triangles enable maximum performance thanks to state-of-the-art materials and optimized carbon fiber technology while keeping weight at an absolute minimum. To make sure the suspension also performs at the highest level, the DECOY MX Core 4 relies on the FOX 38 Float Factory E-Bike+ fork and FOX Float X2 Factory rear suspension that will smooth out the biggest impacts. The DECOY 29 Core 4 delivers great all-mountain suspension performance thanks to the combination of FOX 36 Float Factory E-Bike+ fork and FOX Float DPS Factory rear shock. This flagship model delivers highly reliable gear shifting with the Shimano XT M8100 drivetrain technology and SRAM Code RSC brakes with Centerline rotors (200mm/200mm). Keeping the rubber side down has never felt so good with the Crankbrothers Synthesis Alloy E-MTB I9 1/1 wheels that have a front and rear-specific tune – stiffer in the rear, more compliant at the front. This model is a high-end E-MTB that will leave no questions unanswered. 

DECOY MX / 29 Core 3 – perfect blend of performance and durability 

Thanks to an HX frame, both the DECOY Core 3 variations are built around the perfect fusion between a High Modulus Carbon Fiber front triangle and an extremely durable aluminium rear-end. The perfect blend of increased control due to the carbon upfront and the added compliance in the rear results in a fantastic riding experience all day long. The DECOY MX Core 3 features the FOX 38 Performance Elite E-Bike+ fork paired with the FOX Float X Performance Elite rear shock, which will iron out the trail and let you concentrate on the line you want to choose and the jumps you want to hit without second-guessing. The all-mountain orientated DECOY 29 Core 3 sports a FOX 36 Performance Elite E-Bike+ fork and FOX Float DPS Performance Elite rear shock. Both builds feature Shimano SLX M7100 drivetrain, SRAM Code R and Crankbrothers Synthesis Alloy E-MTB wheelsets as the essential supporting cast for the perfect ride. 

DECOY MX / 29 Core 2 – discover the world of E-MTB 

For riders focused on all the necessary ingredients, the DECOY Core 2 provides the perfect combination of well-performing and reliable components and a high-end frame. Also sporting the HX frame, a hybrid of a High Modulus Carbon Fiber front triangle and an extremely durable aluminium rear-end, this E- MTB guarantees Good Times. The MX version lets the RockShox ZEB R fork and the RockShox Super Deluxe Select rear shock do the heaving lifting, while the DECOY 29 relies on a RockShox Yari RC and RockShox Deluxe Select. Thanks to the Shimano Deore M6100 groupset there is no doubt riders will effortlessly find the right gear while SRAM Code R brakes deliver great braking power in every situation. Both the DECOY MX Core 2 and 29 Core 2 boast Crankbrothers Synthesis Alloy E-MTB wheels. 

For more details head over to the YT website.

2022 YT Decoy MX Core Geometry

2022 YT Decoy 29 Core Geometry