Decoy 2024

The YT Decoy 2024 is the German direct-sale brand's carbon enduro eMTB, running 170 mm of fork travel and 165 mm rear on a Horst Link rear end. The MX Core 3 base trim ships with Shimano EP801 power and YT's signature aggressive geometry, in mullet wheel setup (29 front, 27.5 rear). Headline numbers: 85 Nm of torque from the EP801, a claimed 22.9 kg system weight, a 64.5 degree head angle, a long 455 mm chainstay and reach growing from 435 to 510 mm across four sizes. £5,099 for the MX Core 3 base trim. Production status: discontinued. Community verdict: a respected, aggressive, well-priced direct-sale carbon enduro that YT has now retired in favour of newer Avinox-powered platforms.

Drive system and range. The Decoy 2024 ships with Shimano's EP801 drive on the standard MX Core trim line, delivering 85 Nm of torque and 600 W of peak power. Higher-trim Decoy variants ran the EP801 with Shimano Di2 12-speed integration on the MX Core 5 (SC-EM800 computer, SW-M8150-R shifter, RD-M8150-12 derailleur, XT M8100 10-51T cassette). The Decoy SN variant used Fazua Ride 60 in a lightweight configuration, and the later Decoy X used DJI Avinox M1 (1000 W continuous, 105 Nm continuous, 120 Nm peak). YT historically shipped the Decoy with 540 Wh batteries, with a 720 Wh upgrade pack arriving later as a compatible drop-in for most existing frames except size S. Real-world EP801 range on 540 Wh on mixed terrain typically reaches 40 to 60 km, with the 720 Wh pack extending that to 50 to 80 km.

Geometry and handling. A 64.5 degree head angle is bang on the modern enduro norm. The Decoy retained the same geometry from original release through its production run, which is a strength: owners trust the geometry. Reach grows from 435 mm in S to 510 mm in XL. The 455 mm chainstay is identical across all sizes, on the longer side of modern enduro frames. Wheelbases run 1255 to 1330 mm. Mullet wheel setup keeps the bike playful for an enduro chassis. Owners running the Wolf Tooth Premium ZS headset (ZS44U-5MM-BLK upper and ZS56L-40-BLK-P10 lower with 10 mm extender) report it replaces the Acros Blocklock and eliminates fork-to-downtube contact at 90 degrees, slackening the head angle by less than 0.5 degree.

Build and value. One MX Core 3 base trim at £5,099 in our gold record. Higher trims (MX Core 5 and above) historically added Shimano XT/XTR drivetrain, FOX Factory or RockShox Ultimate suspension and SRAM Maven brakes. The Decoy X with DJI Avinox M1 sat at the top of the line at €8,499 for the full-power enduro configuration. The standout strength is the chassis at 22.9 kg in carbon at £5,099 base trim: properly competitive for a 170/165 mm enduro frame. The questionable note is the discontinued production status and YT's pivot to Avinox-powered platforms for the next generation.

Community-verified strengths. Owners consistently praise the Decoy chassis as a well-balanced enduro tool with confidence-inspiring geometry. The Decoy retained the same geometry from launch through to discontinuation, which means a Decoy from any year rides the same as the most recent generation. The 720 Wh battery upgrade compatibility (retrofitted into earlier frames as a YT factory replacement) extended ownership value. Direct-sale pricing through YT undercuts equivalent dealer-brand carbon enduros consistently.

Caveats and known gripes. The Decoy SN variant's Fazua Ride 60 motor has been called as 'nowhere near the DJI Avinox in performance' by independent reviewers, so anyone considering a Decoy SN should factor in motor reliability and power output. Some owners moved away from the Decoy specifically because they preferred Bosch Gen 4 and 5 motors over the Shimano EP8 on the MX Core variant. YT's direct-sale model means warranty support is courier-based with no local dealer fallback. The Decoy 2024 has now been replaced by YT's Avinox M1-powered Decoy X, so new-bike buyers may want to wait for the M2 or M2S generation Decoy successor.

Verdict. The Decoy 2024 suits the value-led enduro rider who wants YT's well-balanced carbon chassis at direct-sale prices, particularly if a 540 Wh or upgrade 720 Wh battery is acceptable and Shimano EP801 reliability matches their preference. Riders chasing newer DJI Avinox motors, removable batteries or dealer-supported brands should look at the YT Decoy X, the Whyte Karve EVO or the Marin Alpine Trail E. Production status: discontinued.