2022 Emtb Shootout - YT Decoy MX Core 3 Review

[@armourbl]

Glad I found this video on the YT. Was in my list. Helped answer that I'd for sure need an XL, but the comments on the lower bottom bracket means I need to look at other options.

[@krismiller4955]

I ride a Core 4 MX and this bike rips. I appreciate the intended application comment. It should be followed by the intended application would be for rippers. Top times in my local area are on YT bikes. Could be a coincidence but maybe not. Looking forward to the final review. Love all your content and appreciate all the time and effort you put into the channel.

[@richardseller3733]

Simply convert it like we have to do watching all the European reviews

[@renzlawmtb8305]

Worth noting that sizing up will also give you a longer seat tube which will limit how low can you drop your saddle

[@bryceh7469]

Another great video! Thanks guys! I'd love to see another video on the decoy (not decoy SN).

[@andresamson8859]

good to mention that YT makes XXL, so people should definitly look at reach number when buying it.

[@dirtydeadbeat]

Love the channel, but a couple of the bikes reviewed weren’t sized properly for you guys, as a group… I realize there are supply issues but sizing affects literally everything- If you can’t ride the proper size, it probably shouldn’t be “reviewed”. Just my .02 That said, interested to know what you think of the full 29” version of the newer decoy (w/ ep8) if any of you have had time on one that wasn’t a size smedium.

[@TheLoamWolf]

It is tough when bikes that aren't sized properly arrive, but we'd like to think we've ridden enough bikes to know that we can at least focus on suspension performance, frame stiffness, integration, value and overall impressions/ride quality to make a pretty good assessment of the bikes even in the wrong size. That being said, we'd love to have gotten a Large in the Scott and would have opted for XL in the Decoy and likely the Cube as well.

[@joeernst266]

Great review, super insightful. How do you think the Decoy Core 4 (top spec) compares to a mid-range SC Bullit XT Coil or Air? There's about a $1,500 price difference. Also quick note on the low BB you mentioned. I believe there's a flip chip to raise it and also thought about just changing the spring of the fork to a 180mm, which should increase BB height a bit, too.

[@chadwetzel4878]

Great video! I bought my marin alpine e2 last year because of your review and was thinking about getting a decoy as a second bike e bike. After your review I think I'm going to hold off on this bike! Thanks!

[@michalmalanowicz7595]

One request please!!! Could you share your weight and height details also in metric format (kg and cm)? Not everyone is from US :), but I'm sure most of us just loves your videos.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks Michal, we will try and start doing that more.

[@RumpStumper]

@@TheLoamWolf big Fan from Germany, would Love that to 💪

[@charlessauve4291]

hey guys... what s best between yt core 3 or canyon torque on .... ? im looking to buy thx

[@leroywilliams7210]

Reach is spot on in my opinion. New bikes are getting too damn long. I got a L and many other brands I downsize to M these days at 6’ 🤙🏼

[@rickbault1221]

I look forward to these reviews each day.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Glad you like them!

[@SDmountainbiker]

Another spot on review and concurr YT designed this for a certain range of intended uses. Have a 2nd gen Decoy Elite that I shredded out with a Push 11-6 coil shock and love the way this bike rips. Wanted an emtb that was more agile and nimble vs. a dh sled. Agree reach is on the short side and it definitely doesn't climb as good as my Yeti-160E but makes up for it on the table tops and techy dh trails. Handles the knar pretty well and as you so eloquently stated, not for those backcountry rides that involves lots of climbing and long miles. Currently run Michelin E-Wild's 2.6 f/r and have the Big Betty/Magic Mary combo ready next time I switch tires. To me, stock brakes were terrible and upgraded to a Shigura brake set-up (Shimano Saint levers and Magura MT7 calipers) with 220mm rotors f/r and organic pads in front and semi-metalic in the rear. IMHO it's a solid bike that serves certain purposes. Really enjoy taking this bad boy to the bike parks. Will be interesting to see how YT evolves the frame geo, battery size and specs on the higher end models. This bike probably won't score the highest in individual categories but blend in all the ride characteristics and performance indicators and think it will make a lot of riders happy. Loam Wolf Pack has really stepped it up your game on the shootouts!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you and appreciate your detailed input as well!

[@TheAngryHusky]

I’m still on my 2019 Decoy. It’s been a solid bike overall. That said I did have bearings fail in the motor. Thankfully YT sent me a new motor under warranty. It did have a lot of hard riding on it but I think Ebike motor repairs or refurbs are a needed segment of this industry.

[@jt8251]

Would have appreciated a little more commentary on the electric motor and battery life... it is an ebike afterall.

[@jeffp5418]

YT just dropped the price on this to $4,874. They have an XL in stock....... worth it?

[@Brian-wu3mo]

I came here for the same reason. Did you buy?

[@jeffp5418]

@@Brian-wu3mo new EP801 motor coming out, it has some major changes even though others have been down playing it. I saw a first ride video which says no rattle, more power settings etc. I'm going to wait. I really wanted the Marin Alpine Trail E2 and its on sale. I contacted Marin and they said big changes coming....

[@rockylocey4984]

im 6 feet and i feel like the large fits me perfect. im glad i didnt go with an XL it must be a horse. To each their own i guess..

[@pickup000]

5.10 on a xl too👍 good review🙌

[@joshbenson8039]

I love my YT… yet they need to offer 150 and 175mm dropper post option on their size large bikes

[@regularMattMatt]

I just wished the battery is a bit bigger.

[@TheLoamWolf]

That would be nice!

[@alvarofaura7389]

720w battery is now available

[@keehotee1357]

I'm 5'7" and my size L fits well with the dropper post all the way in. RockShox suspension on the Core 2 MX is impressive. Still haven't used 4 battery bars in a month and 300+ miles.

[@kermitthefrog3685]

I think it's going to be the Scott or Cube for me.... and I am in the Market for a new bike! Definitely want Bosh / Alu frame and preferably 750 battery. I mostly go on very long trail rides.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Scott my frog! Do it fast.

[@kermitthefrog3685]

@@TheLoamWolf I'm in Germany and there's none of either available yet. I am watching though.

[@Na2gumiBlogspot]

@@kermitthefrog3685 I have a 2022 Cube 140 Race and a 2020 YT Decoy Shred. The YT destroys the Cube in every descent but man that Bosch pulls uphill. Between the 2, depending on the riding style of course I think the YT offers a way better downhill package whereas the Cube makes for a better climbing bike. So, if you are up to just going up and focusing on the downhill defo YT, if you are looking for a good value trail bike, the Cube does it (get the TM version with the 750 battery and the 36 Fox Float)

[@kermitthefrog3685]

@@Na2gumiBlogspot I live in a very hilly area. I'm more interesting in being able to climb without further knee injuries. Thanks for the info. The 750 TM is what I'm eyeing.

[@Na2gumiBlogspot]

@@kermitthefrog3685 it's a good choice. There are way better bikes out there (Trek, Specialized, Orbea) but cost more than the Cube

[@abelramos8983]

Loam wolf crew, would be nice to add on your write reviews a balance bar scale with flow berm trails on one end and chunky rocky trails on the other. No more bars needed. Thanks

[@TheLoamWolf]

We thought about it, but then started making it complicated and scrapped the idea. But we do agree, next time.

[@abelramos8983]

@@TheLoamWolf nah its complicated when you add tons of bars and all that. Just put one (i said that but just the one most important for yourselves)

[@johnvanmtb8775]

Maybe list your heights , so we can use it as a relation to the size bike your testing , Thanks for your test

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks we've listed it in most others i guess we got lazy on the last one. We're all 5'11-6'2.

[@johnvanmtb8775]

@@TheLoamWolf Thanks 👍

[@DiscoDancerNo1]

You guys didn’t give this a 1-10 rating number.

[@thim8009]

I'm 6'2" and got an xxl. Fits me perfect. I'm about to pick up my levo alloy comp in s5 and that has a longer reach than the yt xxl.

[@alejandroruelas7816]

Which one, yt , levó. ?

[@thim8009]

@@alejandroruelas7816 I have both

[@Ant02496-]

Which one u like more

[@jeffgood1580]

How do you like the sizes these days? I just bought a XXL decoy today and already have an S5 stumpy Evo. I love that one. Pumped for the decoy

[@danielray1558]

The yt size guide puts the large for riders 5’7” to 5’11” so at 6’1” you were riding the wrong size

[@mikesavicky503]

Great insight. I have a 2022 Decoy core 3 and agree it’s a little small in the reach and doesn’t do the best on technical climbs. It’s a lot of fun on the downhill and super playful. I swapped the rear shock for a Push elevensix and I think it made a world of difference. 🤙

[@TheLoamWolf]

Nice! Yeah we're sure that shock is probably a big improvement.

[@timc7312]

Get the correct size bike instead of complaining about the size

[@TheLoamWolf]

😂 OK buddy. Guessing you've been isolated from the inventory shortages the rest of the world has been experiencing. Must be nice.

[@Nihlink]

I mean he’s got a point

[@bradridesbikes2]

I KOM hunt all day long on my core 4 29er. Some Nasty trails too

[@paul_hd1875]

Has it occurred to you guys... you could all pass for triplets LOL

[@humzilla707]

Surprised you didn't mention the terrible core 3 hub engagement.

[@RRRobin31]

Can you please elaborate what you mean with that? Interested to understand.

[@humzilla707]

@@RRRobin31 it has crank brothers hub with 3 pawl 21 tooth drive ring with 17° engagement. Its probably strong and reliable but that 17° is a bummer for me, I definitely notice it on mine.

[@keehotee1357]

@@humzilla707 It is noticeable having come from an instant engagement hub, but those wheels are bomb proof.

[@JoeS97756]

@@humzilla707 hmm I thought they had the i9 101 hub which is like 100 points of engagement? Edit: Core 4 has this hub, perhaps the Core 3 has a cheaper hub?

[@surfeymcsurfer]

Demoed several. I have the Core 4 MX in que and should be ready in a week. Pedal strikes, yup. set the switch to high is what everyone is saying. Fun? They set the suspension on my demo ride, really dialed it in. Best ride in years, so utterly surprised at just how fun this bike is. 2x a week rides in OC, Aliso, CPP, SC, Luge, 5Oaks, occasional Summit type of riding Bottom line is the YT San Clemente Mill (the shop name is the Mill) will give you a FREE 2 hour demo, as often as you like, private fun trails accessed right from the shop. Keg in the relaxing lobby with FREE beer on tap to relax and relive the great ride. They are some of the nicest no pressure people you will meet. Not convinced? 5 of us thought what the hell, free demo, what do we have to lose. All 5 have bought the bike and it has completely changed the fun factor. Now we session fun or tough sections, no longer hesitate the bitchy uphill's, always say yes to an invite to ride. Best combo of great parts and great price for what you get.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Heck yes that is awesome! And exactly why we just can't understand why people still hate them! Unless they hate fun and riding bikes more.

[@blazelong3803]

Are you still happy with the Core 4 MX? Thinking about grabbing a Core 3 just wanting a fun and poppy bike.

[@jamesw1791]

The window is way too small for its uses.

[@legyvanmaster]

who cares about thebikes that are never avaliable 3 years in a row

[@elvingtonred]

THE WORST BIKE COMPANY EVER! I bought a Decoy in 2020, terrible service 5 weeks for a 'Stock' bike. One ride and rear hub made a loud noise. Turned out it didn't have any grease in! Had to borrow a wheel! The charger they sent Was a continental version! After 3 years the battery won't charge as 2 bolts mysteriously disappear. £500 for a new battery! I had Orange bikes for 15 years, brilliant service! So are Hope. I WILL NEVER DEAL WITH THEM AGAIN!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Sorry to hear that but we appreciate you sharing your story.

[@GF-cb8rr]

Never had a problem with YT or service from their San Clemente California facility.