YT DECOY 29 EMTB - Long Term Review 1300km Ebike

[@alanflynn589]

Got my decoy pro 29 in August first e bike absolutely love it so much fun just can't stop smiling I am not a young rider but an old git of 68 years young just love the bike to bits

[@SamsBikes]

Alan 68 isnt old when your flying down DH runs on the Duck...

[@robrider838]

Absolutely love my Mullet. Best purchase I've ever made. Been a total life saver for me this year. Hit 50,000km vertical for the year this weekend and endless downhill smiles. I replaced the brakes with Saints and added CushCore. Couldn't be happier.

[@SamsBikes]

Hey Rob great to hear keep rocking rider!!!

[@abelramos8652]

Hey Sam they come with Ep8 now. YT deserve props for offer these two absolute beast at those prices. Please suggest them to add a 150wh or so extender and it will a very hard ebike to beat. Oh by the way the 29 is “tune ready” to do it more enduro: you can mullet, you can use the flip chip to fit longer stroke shock ... it has room to grow Regards Thanks for your videos men

[@magicdecoy1006]

Hello sam. I have a YT decoy 29 pro in Gostship green. I measured the frame and measured the actual travel. In the high position. 60 mm on the rear shock is 153 mm on the rear wheel. In the low position 146mm. With a 65 mm rearshock in high, there is 164 mm on the rear wheel. Attention. The 65mm damper is only possible in the high position. In the low position the 65 mm is not possible.

[@SamsBikes]

thanks for the information

[@siriosstar4789]

Sam , the helmut cam is incredible as well the shots where a lead rider is shooting backwards onto you trailing them . Really really good camera work . soo cool .

[@SamsBikes]

hahaha thanks mate all the hard works pays off when people notice, this was a full week of shooting to get it all right but I'm very happy with the camera work..

[@siriosstar4789]

@@SamsBikes Sam , that's some of the best downhill camerawork i've ever seen . The wide angle lens just messes with your mind . The helmut cam looks like a small parachute and or a Darth Vader mask . 😂 and the shots of you coming down the hill are so unique . More please !

[@jeffriley2502]

I got the YT DECOY ELITE. absolutely love it. Many of my friends have told me it's their dream bike. Mullet with 38 fox factory forks. Very happy with my choice. Over 500 miles on it and doing great.

[@SamsBikes]

Right on Jeff keep riding!!

[@wanderdude3582]

Great Video. Nice to see a long term review!

[@SamsBikes]

Glad you liked it!

[@seandaniels5114]

Nice detailed overview as always. Keep up the good work mate. Stay safe.👍

[@SamsBikes]

thanks champ...

[@paulbent6579]

I've got a Base and because its a Yari fork you can up it to 170mm with an airshaft, which I have done and its great. 😁

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks Paul yes I would of done that was well if it was my bike!

[@paulbent6579]

@@SamsBikes Not sure but I think on the Pro the Fox fork is limited to being increased to 160mm as while it's a 36mm stanchion it's 34mm internals. I could be wrong though.

[@ericwright5673]

About to purchase a friends used 2020 Decoy Pro 29. Low miles, all original, seems like a no brainer, especially compared to waiting for the 2021. EP8 and no bigger battery offered just not worth the increased price. Your two videos were really helpful answering many of my questions and confirming compatibility for my riding style! Only concern is sizing. I'm also 183cm, and the bike is a L. Will see how it feels but think, again, for the price and opportunity to buy now it's worth going for it instead of trying to find or wait for an XL.

[@michaeledwards5241]

All it needs a 160mm air shaft in the fork and the shock needs the stroke increasing to 62.5 - 65mm and it will be even better.

[@SamsBikes]

true that

[@misty671]

Thanks Sam, love your enthusiasm. The YT was on my list but leaning towards Cube Stereo or the Levo. It might come down to availability. We have fewer choices and fewer bikes in Canada. 🍻

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks Rider I try my best.... haha definitely will come down to availability all great bikes...

[@leecharlesworth7975]

Great review Sam

[@SamsBikes]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@racepnd]

Wow an honest reviewer! Vey good review Sam thank you. I’m already worried about these direct sales manufacturers, how long would a warranty turn around take?

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks Rider, I think it depends on where you live, in Europe anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months...

[@racepnd]

As we only get 7 months a year riding one warranty repair and I’m out for the year. Lbs always gives me a bike to ride if mine is waiting for parts. If we don’t support our lbs they will be gone and that would suck.

[@Tomzzzzzz]

@@racepnd Good point. Yet another reason for a 2 bike "quiver" if you can afford it! I have two Santa Cruz bikes in case one goes down with a mechanical. The only downside is now I have two bikes to maintain and costs (and effort) do add up. But I'd rather have a backup bike than no bike at all.

[@jamesdunster4508]

Great video Sam, nice to see a long term review of the Decoy 29. I'm thinking of getting one. I wondered on how you found it riding natural and technical enduro and dh style tracks? I'm in the UK and ride that sort of terrain 80% of the time

[@SamsBikes]

Hey James thanks for the kind words, I would be looking at the Mullet if you wanting to do more Enduro and DH

[@Tomzzzzzz]

Great review! I am not planning to purchase an e-MTB soon, but I'm very curious about when the Shimano EP8 might be available on YT bikes. The one thing that leans me heavily toward the EP8 is how quiet it is on climbs according to reviews I've seen featuring that motor.

[@SamsBikes]

Tom I would say 3-4 months but I don’t have any information.

[@ciprian_s]

Watch out Sam , with that kind of bike stand ! I broke the speed sensor on my Decoy with it.

[@SamsBikes]

oh shit really... thanks for the heads up.

[@theonlyhowsie4281]

YT have the new “YT Mill” shop/service centre in the Surrey Hills now. I think it gives some more confidence to those UK buyers worried about having to ship things back overseas etc. Spec for price I think the original Decoy pro is better IMO!

[@SamsBikes]

Yep your right I forgot to mention that..

[@philwebb606]

Great review, definitely needs more travel

[@SamsBikes]

Definitely but a fun bike!

[@andysteel6067]

Great review. Lovely bike.... might get one!? Also - Nice shoes bro!! Very matchy matchy. What are they?

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks Rider, it’s a sweet bike if your looking for a trail ebike right now as they have it in stock! The shoes 👠 are amazing ride concept powerlines sweet shoe for aggressive flat pedal riding

[@andysteel6067]

@@SamsBikes - Nice one Sam. Thanks for the info #LEGEND! 🙌

[@mikelo303]

Great review. New to channel. Subscribed immediately. Thx!

[@SamsBikes]

Thanks champ!

[@davidcart28]

i popped in to the yt shop he was hinting the new battery is coming in january they are struggling with The extra weight placement

[@SamsBikes]

yep I think we will see a good sale on the Ducks before Xmas and new Ducks in early 21 with new motor and battery

[@leofinalizacao]

Did you run tyre inserts when running the stock tyres? Great review 👍🏼

[@SamsBikes]

no I didn't... but good call, for me my Eddy currents are my go call..

[@leofinalizacao]

@@SamsBikes they don’t do well in slopy Great Britain

[@323johnnybravo]

These ever come available again I’m buying one.

[@magicmacify]

I had an ebike from canyon with ep8 and going to YT with the E8000. I don't care. Bike, geometry and specs are more important than the motor. You don't go on the extreme NM level anyway. Same with battery, my old bike has 640WH... Never run out of battery... Even on long days for me.

[@arnaueke]

Seems a great bike, still worth the price? I see this motor is no longer mounted on new bikes but overall seems a great bike and is in stock not a current thing nowadays.

[@SamsBikes]

Great bike but I wouldn’t buy an old motor in 2021 but that’s me in terms of reliability the e8000 is bomb proof

[@sushix5207]

There is a Flipchip!!! Look at the Dampers rear end!

[@MrO1i1]

Have you tried the Decoy Shred?

[@SamsBikes]

no but its just a mullet in a new dress... it will be great..

[@MrO1i1]

@@SamsBikes 👍🏼 it looks great and I was hoping it would be even more capable for dh/park. I ride a 2015 Capra pro and looking for an ebike next year. I’ve got an ohlins ttx coil in 222x81. Will that fit the decoy? Great reviews btw

[@dommyschieder9998]

I ordered mine on the 12th of October and still waiting. Im like 80 kilometers away from where YT have its headquarter in germany. But that coronashit is messing everything up at the moment ...

[@VonRyanTagavilla]

can the rear shock upgradeable to 160mm?

[@patrickdorn8319]

Aloha Sam Would you buy the Decoy again This is my first E mtb and I wanna get this right Living in islands we don’t have opportunity to test ride many if any bikes so I’m doing my research So many options

[@SamsBikes]

Hey Patrick which Island do you live in? One of my good mates just bought a Trek Rail he lives in Waikiki im sure he would let you have a little ride on it. I personal think the Trek or the Levo is a great bike and if I lived on a island I would want local bike shop support. I wouldn't buy the Decoy now it has the old motor and a YT Battery I think there are many better options now.

[@patrickdorn8319]

Aloha Sam I live on Maui Different island but I found a shop on Oahu where your buddy is and I’m planning a trip over there once they get 2021 lineup in So would you buy the decoy knowing what you know now as your first Emtb I’ve done my research I just wanna get it right You have been tremendous help so far

[@patrickdorn8319]

@@SamsBikes got it thanks for feedback I’ll look at other options

[@SamsBikes]

All good bro, I would definitely buy in the bike shop seeing you live on the island and the trek rail or the levo are both great options. I wouldn’t buy the Decoy again it’s a great bike but it’s got the old motor and yt battery I personally think it was the best option in 2019 but now it’s not! If you want to go online for better value it’s a risk and you could be without a bike for a few months if something goes wrong! I live in Madrid and my bike can be back to YT in 2 days if there is a problem. Anyway mate maybe follow me on Instagram and send me a private message if you want to chat more.

[@patrickdorn8319]

@@SamsBikes Respect That’s what I needed I’ll reach out to you once I finally get something but yes I’ll go thru a shop I’ve heard you have great trails there Keep charging it I got a shop here that carries Bulls they seem like great specs on bikes and the Bros motor Aloha & Respect

[@BALDeBiker]

Great review Sam. I'm holding off until YT upgrade to the new motor & the bigger battery YT promised (although I think they should just swap to the shimano motor, as it will help with warranties on the 2022 YT decoys)

[@Cardas1]

Hi @BALDe-Biker, I'm doing the same :) , do you have any idea , when could we expect this change ? @Sam’s Bikes, love your review. Any idea on the release data for the new motor ? Thanks

[@BALDeBiker]

@@Cardas1 A safe date would be March/April 21 for the shimano. It might come sooner....but lots of other issues may push it out further. Probably actual bike release dates will go 3-6 months out. I expect YT will sit tight & wait until later on next year for new bike/motor launch/availability

[@SamsBikes]

Riders great to see you having a chat, I agree I think the Duck should come out early next year with the new EP8 and a 700 battery or a Shimano 630. Lets see!

[@Cardas1]

​@@SamsBikes Great, so nothing else to do ....let's hope then :) Thanks to All!

[@antoniosastre8926]

Hola Sam Hay mucha diferencia entre la decoy base 29 y la pro merece la pena comprar la base si le das caña o directamente comprar la pro ,aguanta su bateria cuatro horas haciendo sendas de Madrid

[@SamsBikes]

hola Antonio La Pro es mejor pero la Base tiene la misma batería y motor

[@patrickdorn8319]

Aloha I’m in between XL & XXL Would you get the bigger bike Or because it has motor good smaller What is rule of thumb on Emtb Respect From Maui

[@SamsBikes]

Size up if you want a more planted bike size down if you want a more playful bike or want to jump a shorter bike is nice for that

[@josedavila1102]

Hey Sam, can I use decoy pro 29 for enduro MTB? Cheers from Lima Peru!!

[@SamsBikes]

Yes, absolutely just need to slow it down a little.

[@iu2297]

Nice

[@chasespears3520]

When would you guess YT will put out 2021 decoy?

[@SamsBikes]

first 3 months in 21

[@Alanvictoryoung]

I was really interested in the YT Decoy but I have lost my trust with the promised 700wh battery that has never arrived. Over a year later and no 700wh battery. Very poor decision even mentioning it!

[@SamsBikes]

Yep I would have to agree with you there.. but I think we will see something in the 22 ebikes..

[@2headedgeek]

Do not get hung up on the 700wh battery, I have the Decoy Base 29, I was like you holding of with purchasing due to the battery, however, with it being a YT own battery you will find that the range on it is amazing. I have done rides for around 6 - 7 hours and used just over half the battery. Yes it is how you manage it, if I am on flat I will use the lowest setting, trails obviously I use trail mode and I only use Turbo mode if I have exhausted the gear selection in Trail mode. If you jut want to use Turbo all the time then wait for the 700wh, however, you could be having amazing fun on an amazing bike today.

[@Sedona-Faise]

How abouth the shred model?

[@SamsBikes]

The Shred is just a Mullet in a new dress... great bike

[@ants00]

If I buy a used 29" can I change it to a mullet?

[@Faabioo9080]

its Okay to buy a bike with e8000 motor in 2021 ?

[@werner2428]

Hi I'm 180cm tall, should I take L or XL (mulet)? Gr from Nederlands

[@Gogogadgetwilly]

I love this bike, but I’m sooooo worried about the aftercare of a direct to consumer bike.

[@ashleyholland4853]

YT have a shop/workshop in the surry Hills now for servicing and repairs.

[@SamsBikes]

Rob I think its pretty safe call these days but definitely more convenient for a bike shop

[@ozPanzer]

@@SamsBikes it's ok if you're in the USA. All I have seen in my research is horrible after sales by YT and was the biggest factor in discounting that from my list. Such a shame cos the bike is awesome!

[@BSE75]

bigger battery aviable now

[@SamsBikes]

Yep I’ve seen that!

[@steelgtr]

Weight?

[@SamsBikes]

23

[@steelgtr]

@@SamsBikes Pounds or kilos? :)

[@SamsBikes]

Kg

[@ryankelly6392]

Yt are amazing bikes but the warranty and service is a absolute shambles would never buy another one again

[@SamsBikes]

I think it really depends on where you live I have only heard good things in Europe!

[@ryankelly6392]

@@SamsBikes UK, been waiting 2 months on a frame replacement with no contact when it will be replaced, similar stories from people on a fb page no, replays from emails for weeks on end

[@kaitlinbulgacs9540]

The bike reviews are great but the company is another story, check them out on trust pilot before making an order.