YT has revealed its new Capra range and the big news is a new mixed wheel size specific frame option.
The German direct-sales brand is pushing the Capra Launch Edition as a limited edition mullet enduro bike alongside a range of Core 4 and Core 3 spec bikes which will also be available in 29er or MX builds.
Instead of merely swapping out the 29er rear wheel for a 27.5in size, YT’s engineers have redesigned the rear linkage and used a higher-modulus composite structure.
Hydration fans will immediately notice the new bottle cage placement, which sits just above the bottom bracket. Its presence is enabled by that redesigned swingarm and frame brace, which is asymmetrical.
In its mixed wheel size configuration, the Capra Launch Edition retains a 170mm fork but adds 5mm of rear suspension travel. That balances it with 170mm of squish at both ends, and the added ability of rolling a 27.5in rear wheel, for angling out of those tight turns with greater flow.
- Best enduro mountain bike: carbon and alloy enduro bikes for all skill sets
- Best mountain bike: get the best MTB for you and your trails
Super slack mullet
How does the mixed wheel size upgrade influence geometry? In its lowest setting, the Capra Launch Edition sits at a 64-degree head angle, which is slightly slacker than the 64.3-degree angle on YT’s Capras with a 29er rear wheel.
As a reference reach number, the size large Capra Launch Edition stretches to 464mm, with the 29er bike a touch longer, at 467mm.
YT is using a more advanced carbon-fiber layup for the mixed wheel size Capra, offering the option of a 300g lighter frame. Riders who are keen on this mullet enduro bike will have to be mindful of the available sizes, as YT is not producing the Capra Launch Edition in the smaller sizes.
YT is pricing its Capra Launch Edition MX bike at $4,499.00. This build places a RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork up front, with Cane Creek’s DB Kitsuma shock in the rear. Drivetrain duties are deferred to SRAM’s XO1 Eagle set-up, with deceleration managed by Code RSC brakes. A Renthal cockpit leverages rider steering input and the whole rig rolls on Crankbrothers Synthesis Enduro Carbon wheels.
If you want a Capra Launch Edition MX you will need to act quickly as YT is only offering a limited number of bikes with just 100 available worldwide.
- Best mountain bike wheels: the best MTB wheels reviewed
- Best mountain bike tires: your connection to the trail
The 2022 YT Capra range
Beyond the limited edition MX bike YT is offering the Core 4 and Core 3 in both 29er and MX mixed wheel setups which come at different specs and price points.
The Core 4 bikes get the same ultra-modulus frame as the headline launch model while the Core 3 is made from YT's regular high-modulus material. Specs are shared between the 29er and MX models, with the Core 4 equipped with Fox 38's and Float X suspension, SRAM's X01 Eagle drivetrain and Code RSC brakes, Crankbrothers Synthesis I9 wheels wrapped in Maxxis Assagai and Minion DHR tires.
YT hasn't made any concessions with the suspension for the Core 3 version which also gets Fox 38's and Float X suspension as well as the same tire stock. The rest of the spec consists of SRAM's GX Eagle drivetrain, Code R brakes and Crankbrothers Synthesis wheels.
The brand’s 2022 model year Capra 29er is available in sizes from S to XXL, with the larger sizes using a longer chainstay too, at 443mm, to balance overall handling dynamics. All Capra 29ers in the S-L sizes, use a 438mm chainstay.
The three models in the new YT Capra range will be available for pre-order and YT has confirmed that there will be additional Core and Uncaged models coming in the future.
YT Industries Capra 2022 pricing
- CAPRA MX Launch Edition: $7,999.00 / €7,499.00 / £6,699.00
- CAPRA 29 Core 4: $5,999.00 / €5,999.00 / £4,999.00
- CAPRA MX Core 4: $5,999.00 / €5,999.00 / £4,999.00
- CAPRA 29 Core 3: $4,499.00 / €4,499.00 / £3,999.00
- CAPRA MX Core 3: $4,499.00 / €4,499.00 / £3,999.00
- Black Friday bike deals: The best deals on mountain bikes, components and clothing
- Black Friday cycling clothing: Wardrobe upgrades to look and perform better on the trail
- Black Friday bike helmets: Today's best deals on mountain bike helmets
- Black Friday cycling shoes: Today's best deals on cheap MTB shoes
- Black Friday wheel deals: Today's best deals on cheap mountain bike wheels
