My First Time Riding an EMTB and Now I Can't Stop Thinking About It | YT Decoy

[@stevem3308]

Just brought home a 2022 YT Decoy 29 Core 4! Nick over at the YT Mill was great to work with and now taking the bike to my mechanic to build it up.

[@MILTONATOR]

That’s awesome Steve! Congrats man

[@CeVaEs64]

i know it changes from person to person but how many miles you get out of it?

[@stevem3308]

@@CeVaEs64 I do not go go by miles but by time and load. For example, I did a 9 mile climb with over 3000' of elevation gain in Trail Mode. It took the battery to the halfway point but i think it was likely closer to dropping another bar.

[@CeVaEs64]

@@stevem3308 I'm about to pull the trigger on this bike and that's the one thing holding me back, I usually ride trails nothing that crazy, if I could squeeze at least 20 miles out of it I will get it.

[@stevem3308]

@@CeVaEs64 Then buy it now as I get 20+ miles of regular tails on just over 1 bar used regularly.

[@richardbq]

Bro! Its a game changer, I would still nevr get rid of my Meta but having my decoy on days that I don’t feel 100% or just recovering is just insane! 🤙🏼

[@MILTONATOR]

Game changer for sure. Don’t wanna get rid of my meta but Looks like I’m going to have to. Temporarily 🤞😄

[@trailpimp6369]

Dude I am in SO Cal right now and demoed the decoy for the last three days. I rode with UOSOCAL yesterday at dog park. And guess what I just got back from Spoke X and Hunter and the crew built me some Spoke X 310 Carbon Wheels with custom painted Onyx Vesper hubs. I am super stoked. It was my first time on a E bike too and I want one so bad. Sick video dude!🤘🤘

[@MILTONATOR]

Nice! Hunter and the boys are good people man. And about the Ebike… it’s a complete game changer. I feel like I’m kinda late to the party though 😅

[@trailpimp6369]

@@MILTONATOR Agreed! I might get the Decoy MX or even the 29.

[@omarqbn]

I love my EMTB. I should have got it a long time ago! So much easier to climb with and it allows you to ride more since you’re not so tired from climbing.

[@MILTONATOR]

Hey Omar! You can definitely get a lot more climbing and riding.

[@finroddd]

totally agree! I have always struggling uphill but when I tried e-mtb, it suddenly become a pleasure to go up.

[@jeffp5418]

I rode my first ebike in Bentonville Arkansas last year and bought one soon after. Its a different experience and not necessary for every type of riding but it is such a blast to ride. I bought a Bosch powered ebike (Trek Rail) and it is way stronger than the Shimano. I tried the Commencal bikes on a demo in Colorado as well but the EP8 just wasn't for me. You will find that shifting and braking timing are all different, the Bosch will help on those switchbacks it has an overdrive to help punch over sections.

[@MILTONATOR]

Definitely a different experience and a whole new world for me. Looking forward to trying out different motors, different bikes. They’re a ton of fun, though.

[@GF-cb8rr]

Up is the new Down. Got my Decoy about 6 weeks ago and could not be more happy. If you're reading this as of March of 2022. They're still in stock.

[@MILTONATOR]

The Large Core3 was in stock the first day I looked. Two days later it wasn’t. But I think I’ll be good 😉

[@GF-cb8rr]

@@MILTONATOR I'm 6' and the XL fits me perfectly.

[@william2532]

You gotta be the realest mountain bike KZbinr out there

[@MILTONATOR]

Thanks man

[@arnelflores8894]

Just got my Decoy… it is a game changer. Hanging my Capra for bike park days. 🤟👍

[@MILTONATOR]

Decoy and a Capra…. 👌

[@AdamMock]

So cool to see your first impressions on an eBike! They’re so much fun! ✌🏼🤟🏼

[@MILTONATOR]

Didn’t think I was ready for one. I was so wrong 😅

[@xfortysd40]

Ebikes rip!! So much fun, my pedal bike is going up for sell and I'll get a long travel 29er for park days. Otherwise there's absolutely no reason not to have one imo. Personally, I don't mtb for fitness at all, it's all about having hun and hanging with the crew! I Lift and do other cardio for my exercise. With the ebike, it's get you more of all that! If you're about crushing downhills, I don't see why one wouldn't chose an ebike. I don't get this ridiculous attitude of 'you have to earn your runs', one of the dumbest thing ever said. I earn my runs by doing trail maintenance, working 50+ hours a week, being a damn good father, so when I ride, I'm about maximizing the stoke, which I've f@&kend earned!

[@MILTONATOR]

You had me at “maximizing the stoke” 👊👊

[@da12641]

Bingo!, well said sir.

[@bike_somm]

Definitely made me lol a few times!! Great vid and description.. they are just a completely different breed, probably best for adventure and not so much as a normal bike replacement by any means.

[@MILTONATOR]

I wish I was in a place where I could afford two bikes. An Ebike would (now) become my second bike. But honestly, for most of what I ride (climb up to bomb down) I think I’d be ok with it as my only one. But then again, it may just be the excitement of riding something completely new to me, talking. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@bike_somm]

@@MILTONATOR Yea I spent two days on a friends Ebike in Santa Cruz.. I felt like I was in Mario Kart! So unfair to the 50+ people I passed on boost apologizing all the way up the mountains… lol Got back on my bike a few days later… felt like the first 15minutes was how I felt after an hour of riding an Ebike! Almost felt like I was going backwards for the first 30-40min. The DH was so much faster and fun immediately that there is no way in hell an Ebike could ever feel as good as a normal bike on some of my steeper and tighter trails. I just have way too much fun riding my normal bike to need an easy button.. it would for sure make me weaker if I rode an Ebike all the time. Love bikes these days you can choose so many different options and have completely different experiences 🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

Agreed.

[@xfortysd40]

@@bike_somm I get where you are coming from and they are completely different rides. I disagree if you are all about bombing dh run after run, they make complete since. It's why majority of pro riders train on them, more dh time equals more training which equals more skill! My riding level exploded with the use of an ebike, just like with anything in life, more you do something, the better you get! Now I agree they are completely different riding experiences, now whether one likes the weight or not is completely subjective. I admit, I love bombing on my pedal bike more, main reason I sold the Turbo Levo and went the light ebike route with the Orbea Rise. Hopped on that thing and it was no different than riding my Evo. Felt right at home and felt like a pedal bike. Imo, it's the best of both worlds! Before my Evo, I had a Commencal Meta which was just a tad over 36lbs. My Rise with coil, inserts, raked out with a 160 zeb, weighs a mere 43.6lbs! I'm a light ebike convert and will never go full fat 50+lb pig, no reason when you can have the best of both worlds in one package! Hopefully more light ebike options will come out soon.

[@cesarmayorga8257]

my orbea rise feels more plush 150/140 then my senti 160/150, i think the extra weight helps plow through chunk easier

[@MILTONATOR]

The Rise is one of the best looking ebikes out there right now, in my opinion. Hoping to get to try one out because I’m used to long travel and the 150/140 is a bit of a turn off. Good to hear you say that it rides plush

[@cesarmayorga8257]

@@MILTONATOR dude i’ve ridden my welded trail bike 140/120 on tmb i think 150/140 is plenty especially on ebike, I feel like the extra weight really wants to plow through chunk.

[@intertube1000]

With analog, I got home super tired, and don't want to do anything else but lay down, wifey gets mad. with ebike, I still can drive around doing honey do list.. lol. Also ebike allows me to improve my skills, I was lazy to session with analog, but ebike makes me want to session some trail features. BTW, I mainly ride on trail mode like 99%.

[@MILTONATOR]

I hear you, man. Same experience

[@hanselsanjuan8003]

Wow, Bruh! Never taught u would somewhat get engaged on an eBike so soon and Im loving it. I think getting an eBike would level up your race game having to do more opportunities on trying more trails to prep for the race day. Plus u can do a dual Race by joining on Enduro and eBike category. Hope my Idol would join the bandwagon. Commencal Meta Power on watch hahaha; Thanx for the video.

[@MILTONATOR]

Haha! Yea man, not sure if to call it a mistake or stroke of luck but I got hooked on the ebike. I can definitely see the benefits of pre-riding and scoping out lines for races.

[@traildoug415]

Road and gravel for fitness, EMTB for fun. I end up riding twice as often as I can EMTB on recovery days.

[@MILTONATOR]

Haha! Nice. Good way of putting it.

[@BudoDave76]

Yep. It happens hehe congrats on the new bike ;)

[@ronin550]

I love my Trek Rail 9.8, its life!!

[@DirtyPandaMTB]

Should try a light weight e-bike too for comparison. Like a levo SL or kenevo SL or Orbea rise. Half the power but a lighter package so Abit more agile . Specially since you don't use boost mode much 👍

[@MILTONATOR]

Would love to. For now I’m watching and reading reviews. So long as the geometry is to my liking. That’s top of the list for me as I research

[@DirtyPandaMTB]

@@MILTONATOR noice! 👊

[@Dempsey222]

That E Bike makes the long climbs to top of mountain so much more easy.

[@MILTONATOR]

Yeah they do! and surprisingly, at least on this ride, didn’t take much away from the descents. I’m sold.

[@Dempsey222]

@@MILTONATOR Makes sense to get one for the long climbs you have to get to the top of mountain.

[@StraightLine_MTB]

Nice! Recently got an Ebike as well. Fun to shoot around on. Great video carnal!

[@MILTONATOR]

Appreciate you, brother. Got mine coming soon🔌

[@jeffreasor8678]

My next bike is an ebike for sure, especially if Ibis releases one based on the Ripmo platform

[@MILTONATOR]

If (when) Ibis releases an E-Rip that bike is going to sell out quick! Heck yeah man, that’d be a killer ebike.

[@sgtj0311]

hahaaa! my biggest "mistake" was borrowing an ebike ... Im now wanting one since last year.

[@sgtj0311]

always awesome talking bikes with ya brotha!

[@MILTONATOR]

@@sgtj0311 likewise man! Catch you on the trails again soon.

[@jxGal]

It happened to me. Igot one. Now I am 30 years younger on the trails.. Ha ha.

[@MILTONATOR]

@@jxGal haha! Heck yea

[@Shauny808]

You would love the Kenevo SL. I have a Push 11.6 and a 38 with a Smashpot on mine, the world plush definitely comes to mind. Best of both worlds, with only 35nm and 320wh battery, sub 20kg weight (maybe mine a little over that with coil conversions. Heaps of geo adjustment to get it just how you like. Such a weapon of a bike.

[@MILTONATOR]

About to dive deep into reviews of the Kenevo SL. I'm a complete noob when it comes to ebikes. Thanks

[@Shauny808]

@@MILTONATOR this one mirrors my thoughts about the bike pretty much exactly kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJC9aZ6ga6t8mJo

[@willbros1499]

@@MILTONATOR ....We've had eBikes here in Northwest Arkansas since they hit the market, and because of the nature of the terrain, they have really caught on. We have riders in our group who are on their second one, and have extensive experience with them. The one that is catching on BIG TIME here, is the Orbea Rise. They are over-forking it with a 150 or even 160, and putting various different coils on the rear. I've ridden them, and they are amazing, and to your point on that one corner you were unable to stop on, the handling of that bike is so close to an "acoustic bike," that it was a big reason they got that bike. Coming from the Tazer, and I've ridden both, they feel that it just feels far more nimble, and I agree. I also like how their motor delivers power more smoothly. It's difficult to explain that without riding them, but it's just more natural feeling and the bike doesn't "lurch" forward nearly as violently, as you were describing at times. I would HIGHLY suggest you at least try the Rise before you buy anything else, just because it's going to give you those 15 mile rides with a combination of modes, but give you more of the handling characteristics of a standard bike.

[@MILTONATOR]

@@willbros1499 …and they’re really cool looking also (the Orbea Rise) Even the aluminum one looks really slick. Not many around here where I’m at but hoping to get a chance to demo. The almost-natural feel of the motor really interests me. Thanks

[@MrGlamis70]

I have a demo scheduled for a YT Decoy next week and I’m afraid that I may like it too much😂

[@MILTONATOR]

Be afraid. Very afraid 😅

[@RAMON433]

I just got my decoy core 3 and I’ll tell you right now Milton I ain’t going back 😂🙏🏻

[@MILTONATOR]

Haha! Congrats man! That’s the one I’m eyeballing at the moment - the Core3 🤙

[@RadDadLife]

Saw your bike on Pinkbike! I see you committed to the dark side lol

[@MILTONATOR]

😈🤣

[@rezenclowd3]

Personally I do not get any satisfaction clearing technical pedal sections on the e-bike, or parts of the trail that require some pedal to get up and over. It still feels like I have cheated especially when trying to compare times, as so much now MAY be the bike whereas before it really was all rider skill and power. My Kenevo SL is quite fun, but any heavier I would not enjoy, and I already tuned down the power/support of the small Mahle 1.1 motor

[@jt8251]

Congratulations on your technical pedaling prowess.

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

Definitely can get a few more laps in when you are a bit gassed. I had a guy pass me and my buddy on a YT decoy as we were riding up to Doctor Park in CO. It wasn't even fair and he wasn't even trying hard. It was discouraging how easy it was, or so it seemed. Dr. Park climb is, well if you know, you know. Great video MILT!

[@MILTONATOR]

“Unfair” and “discouraging” haha! I can total see that. Some day I hope to ride up Doctor Park -- on my EMTB 😁

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

@@MILTONATOR Let me know, I'll join you. You'll just have to wait for me at the top, as you blow right by me on the ebike. Haha.

[@MILTONATOR]

@@travelthenarrowtrail8660 😂

[@alexlamy1271]

La yt son de mis favoritas en ebike viejon .. chida esa bike ..

[@MILTONATOR]

Simon! Están 🤌

[@jackbauer562]

Game over

[@koho]

Milton - *PLEASE* try one of the light Ebikes before buying one. I did pretty extensive testing and landed on a Turbo Levo SL. 40 lb - massiveLy better as an actual mountain bike than the 50 pounders. (See also GMBNs comments on the Turbo Levo's lightweight brother, tje Kenevo... same message). Specialized did a stellar job on the power delivery, so natural. You give up some power (bit not much range), but still get to the top easily (and technical climbing is fun!). It's not just weight - the geo is exactly the same as a Stumpjumper, i.e., no long chainstays like on the Ebikes with oversized motors. Great bike just as a MTB.

[@MILTONATOR]

I’ve been saying it for sometime now, Specialized is leading the way with EMTBs, in my opinion. They look really good, weigh less, and from what I’ve heard, function really well. But, their pricing is beyond my reach, so… 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@koho]

@@MILTONATOR Yep, their price a killer. It was a hard decision for me because of the $$$. I thought at some point they'd come down a bit, but looking not so likely these days. Really, though, whatever you end up with you'll have a blast!

[@emtbtrailrider539]

Dude buy a Commencal eMTB easy, so many different builds they make bro. Make sure you shift gears correctly so you don't taxed the pedal assist motor too much, its still a workout !!

[@323johnnybravo]

Iv been looking at the decoys but sadly in Western Colorado E bikes are banned on almost all of the trials I ride.

[@MILTONATOR]

No way! I think it’s just a matter of time for more wide adoption because these things are everywhere. Super popular

[@323johnnybravo]

Yeah out in Fruita CO a guy had one out on the trails and got heckled until he left. Signs everywhere saying they are banned.

[@Bald_rek]

What sunglasses are those ? They are really nice

[@MILTONATOR]

Thanks! Oakley’s Jawbreakers

[@da12641]

I hated emtb for many years. Every time I see them, I think wat-a-puzzy. Now that I'm a actively building jumps/trails illegally, emtb is one of the essential tools. In addition, I already have two jobs, two young kids, a wife and house that always need DIY. I don't have time to spend 2-3 hours on the trail. The emtb allowed me to cover more of the trails in less time.

[@MILTONATOR]

See, that’s something I never thought about. Good on you man, for the hustle and juggling of all them responsibilities and still sending it on the trails 👊

[@thim8009]

You should try out a kenevo sl.

[@MILTONATOR]

Hoping to. Specialized is top of my list for when I’m able to get an e-bike

[@KelMTB]

Are we seeing A Commencal Meta Power SX Mullet really soon? Lol ... That's like your Meta SX on steroids.

[@MILTONATOR]

Haha! I think eventually that may happen. Went Decoy 🦆 😁🤙

[@NiklasRuud]

waiting for my surron Ebike, while waiting practice on normal mtb :=)

[@nikoyannaros48]

I have none experience with e bikes but I had the opportunity to ride a friends decoy, first time ever on an e bike. I was really impressed how agile the bike was. It is still a bicycle and not a motorbike. In certain situations I could feel the weight, in turns when the bike is getting light. The the weight is pushing . But not too bad. My old dh bike had 19kg. Felt a bit like that. And yeah, it shoots you up the hill and you stop talking to other people, lol. I mostly ride park or bikepark style. An e-bike would be perfect for off season. I don't like pedaling uphill. To me an ebike is like having an integrated lift and you can focus on the descends.... but it is an even more expensive toy. Additional to the bio bike that you have to look for to keep it running.

[@MILTONATOR]

You touched on the one thing that makes me hesitant to replace my Meta SX with the ebike-- bike park season. In a couple of months our local bike park will open and I’ve been looking forward to riding my SX there ever since I go it. If I do replace it with an ebike, I’ll likely end up renting a dh. But yeah, it’s an expensive toy for sure

[@OG_SQUID_MTB]

I bought an eMTB in November . Never going back to an analog. No reason . But if you are gonna buy one I wound go with a bike that has a small battery like the YT

[@MILTONATOR]

YT Decoy it is 😁

[@theunfairadvantages]

gonna trade in the SX for a meta power now? haha. -quick side question for you since you had both; how does the SX feel compared to the TR on dirt jumps/park style riding?

[@MILTONATOR]

The Decoy is calling me my name, pretty loudly! 😅 Hands down, the SX feels better. More planted, faster and just all around more fun. Love my SX! Which is why this E switch is so difficult to make

[@GTIMAN2010]

I’ll probably get one when my knees start to go bad.

[@MILTONATOR]

That’s where I was (mentally) up until I rode this thing. I’m in a whole different place now 😅👊

[@elduran8686]

@@MILTONATOR Por eso I wont ride one, hahaha!! Hear that once you try E, you're stuck chasing that feeling. Then later the wallet is screaming "EEEEEE JOLE"

[@MILTONATOR]

@@elduran8686 hahahah! Neta que si

[@jackbauer562]

Now, i need a regular bike back after 2years on ebike. My sugar and cholesterol went up 🤣

[@MILTONATOR]

😂 #mybiggestfear

[@Rad_MTB_Rage]

Oh no not you too 🙂 ... I want one so bad..

[@MILTONATOR]

Didn’t think I was going to have THAT much fun on it. But I did 😁

[@Rad_MTB_Rage]

@@MILTONATOR haha cool stuff

[@jap7856]

What I think is funny is all of the aMTBer just talked shit about eMTB's (Not Saying that U Did) now are trying them and posting on UTube how much fun eMTB are. Most of us that ride or rode MTB's was just be cause it was fun (On The DH) and now the eMTB has just added to the amount of fun (UH & DH, More Laps) you can have:) I been eMTBing for about 4 year now, after my the having an eMTB for 2 months I knew I was never going back to a aMTB.

[@MILTONATOR]

Yeah man. My “hate” only went as far as saying that only those with medical conditions should ride one 😅 Boy was I wrong. So many legit reasons to get one.

[@t.o.f.t.s.]

...and that's how I ended up getting an Ebike. bike = n+1

[@AVGuy]

Once you tried the Yetti E160, you can’t go back.

[@MILTONATOR]

I can imagine. That particular one is pretty far out of my league, though 🤙

[@AVGuy]

Yes, I agree with you. It is $$$$