The first YT Capra was relatively progressive, providing all of the long/low/slack that gravity MTB racers need to go fast. This third full carbon fiber iteration from the direct-to-consumer brand replaces the 27.5″ option with a mixed-wheel setup, keeps the full 29″ offering, and ditches one of the frame braces to allow for a full-size water bottle. The 170mm x 170mm bike is also available in a wider variety of sizes, from small to XXL, in either wheel configuration.
But, is the updated Capra longer and slacker, with a steeper seat tube angle than the previous model? It certainly is. As the geometry table below demonstrates, chainstays grow along with reach numbers to improve balance on the larger frames, while seat tubes tip slightly slacker as the frame length increases. Head tube and seat tube lengths remain fairly short on all of the frames, allowing riders to choose the reach they prefer, and adjust to its stack with spacers and riser bars. The frame’s flip-chip only makes a 0.3° change in the head and seat tube angles, though it does shift the BB by 5mm which may be a positive move for riders with excessively rough trails where every bit of clearance helps.
As ever, there is a pile of build options for the new Capra MX mixed-wheel and 29er frames. The pink Launch Edition will be built up with Cane Creek eeWing titanium cranks, a SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain, Code RSC brakes, 170mm RockShox ZEB Ultimate RC2 fork, a Cane Creek Kitsuma DB Coil shock, and Crank Brothers Synthesis carbon wheels, all retailing for €/$7,999. The Capra Core 4 build gets the same drivetrain, and brakes as the launch bikes, replacing the suspension with a Fox Factory 38 and Float X2 Factory shock and swapping in a SRAM Descendant carbon crankset and alloy rims for €/$5,999. Finally, the carbon Core 3 builds lose the Kashima coating in favor of Fox Performance Elite suspension, with a SRAM GX drivetrain and Code R brakes, priced at €/$4,999.
Since there are no alloy versions of the new frame in this press release, and the build options only descend to “Core 3” we can expect more news from YT in the coming months.
All of the models are shod in Maxxis Assegai 2.5″ tires with EXO+ casings up front, and 2.4″ Minion DHR tread on the back. Saddles are covered by SDG, dropped by the YT Postman on all builds, and all bikes come with an e13 TRS Plus chain guide.
The new bikes will not be available until the end of 2021, and buyers can put down a 10% refundable payment to reserve their Capra or any other YT bike that has a lead time longer than 8 months.
Head over to YT Industries for further information.
