THE MOUNTAIN GOAT’S BACK

Can the third-gen YT Capra keep up with the edgiest enduro bikes?

When the YT Capra debuted in 2014 it blew us away, earning an almost unheard-of full five stars from our test team and cementing the German direct-sales brand’s reputation for high performance and top value. Now they’re releasing a third iteration of this hard-charging platform, hoping it can keep them current in a market that’s as fast-paced as the bikes it produces.

Ensuring they cover all bases, YT are releasing two versions. The Capra 29 is a 29in-wheeled enduro race machine with 165mm of rear wheel travel. Then there’s the Capra MX, which runs a mullet wheel set-up (29in front, 650b), has slightly more progressive suspension kinematics and 170mm of travel, and is aimed at park shredders and those looking for bigger hits. They share the same front triangle but get custom stays and yokes to tailor their geometry and suspension behaviour.

It’s no surprise to hear that both models have been given the longer, lower and slacker treatment.

They also get a steeper effective seat tube angle, which puts their slightly differing geometries bang on trend for big-hitting modern enduro bikes. In the ‘low’ setting, the Capra MX has a head angle of 64 degrees, an effective seat tube angle of 77.5 degrees and reach values that jump in 20mm steps from 424mm to 504mm, across five sizes. The Capra 29’s figures are 64.2 degrees, 77.7 degrees and 427mm to 507mm, respectively.

Each will be available in two builds. The Core 4 models get a top-spec ultra-modulus carbon fibre frame, Fox Factory suspension, SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain and Code RSC brakes. On the Core 3 that changes to a high-modulus carbon frame, Fox Performance Elite suspension, SRAM GX Eagle gearing and Code R brakes. Pricing starts from £3,999 (before shipping/taxes).