News -

First Look: YT CAPRA ELITE 29 – a the new flagship CAPRA with top-end spec

Are you looking for a new enduro bike with all the latest high-end bling but can’t afford to dig deep into your pockets? If that’s the case, the YT CAPRA Elite 29 might just be what you’re looking for! Read on to find out everything you need to know about the new bike!

YT CAPRA Elite 29 | 170/170 mm | 29 ”| 14.9 kg | € 5,999 | Manufacturer’s website

It’s obvious that classic model years have become obsolete at YT. Not even four weeks ago the German mail-order specialists introduced the CAPRA Shred, which is the new coil version of their popular enduro rig. With their latest CAPRA Elite 29, they’re launching yet another high-end enduro banger that shares the same proven frame platform.

The FOX 2021 suspension combo is the true highlight of the new CAPRA Elite.
At the front, a brand new FOX 38 FLOAT Factory fork takes care of business…
… and at the rear, a FOX FLOAT X2 shock with a 2-position compression switch manages the generous 170 mm of rear travel.
DIY mechanics will be disappointed: the latest iteration of the CAPRA still features a press fit BB, which is harder to change than the threaded version.

The new YT CAPRA Elite 29 in detail

As the name suggests, the new CAPRA Elite 29 is only available with 29″ wheels. It shares the same proven carbon frame as the previous high-end model, the CAPRA 29 CF Pro Race, which we reviewed extensively in our high-end enduro bike group test. The new CAPRA Elite costs € 500 more than its predecessor and features a new, stiffer FOX 38 fork, which is meant to improve the bike’s downhill performance. Moreover, the high-end spec includes a SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain with a 10-52 cassette, which should make for a smoother commute to the trailhead. The rest of the spec doesn’t leave any wishes open either. The cockpit, for example, bears a reassuring Renthal logo and consists of a 50 mm Apex stem and 800 mm Fatbar carbon handlebars. The dropper post is a FOX Transfer Factory with 125 to 175 mm stroke depending on frame size. While a 2021 FOX FLOAT X2 Factory shock takes care of the rear-end, an E*thirteen LG1 RACE EN carbon wheelset provides for even more carbon bling. As far as the rubber goes, YT have taken up our suggestions and provided their latest enduro bike with a set of MAXXIS tires, with an ASSEGAI EXO at the front and Minion DHR II with EXO+ carcass out back. Aggressive riders should consider upgrading to a DoubleDown carcass, which offers additional sidewall support and improves puncture resistance while protecting the carbon rims more efficiently against nasty impacts. Besides the many fine components, it’s the elegant brown/gold paint-finish that really gives the new CAPRA its killer look.

The SRAM 10–52 X01 cassette makes light work of steep climbs
SRAM CODE RSC brakes with 200 mm rotors take care of the braking.
Depending on frame size, the FOX Transfer dropper comes with 125 to 175 mm travel.
The dropper is activated by a new FOX remote. However, we’ve already seen this design from Race Face.
FINALLY! YT deliver the new CAPRA with MAXXIS tires
The rear wheel of the new CAPRA comes with EXO+ carcass as standard. However, aggressive riders should consider upgrading to a sturdier DoubleDown version
The sturdier carcass will help aggressive riders protect the carbon rims more efficiently against nasty impacts.
Another highlight of the new CAPRA Elite: the Renthal cockpit.

The spec of the CAPRA Elite 29 at a glance

Fork FOX 38 Factory 170 mm
Shock FOX Float X2 Factory 170 mm
Brakes SRAM Code RSC 200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle
Seatpost FOX Transfer Factory
Stem Renthal Apex 35 50 mm
Handlebar Renthal Fatbar Carbon 35 800 mm
Wheelset E13 LG1 Race EN Carbon
Tires MAXXIS Assegai EXO 2.5″, MAXXIS Minion DHR II EXO+ 2.4″
Weight 14,90 kg
Price 5.999 €

The geometry of the YT CAPRA Elite 29

The new CAPRA Elite 29 shares the same geometry with its predecessor. The bike is available in sizes M – XXL. Thanks to the short seat tube, you can choose between two sizes. At 460 mm in size L and 480 mm in XL, the reach is rather short for a modern enduro bike. In the lower setting, the bottom bracket drops by a further 25 mm. At 65°, the HA is neither too slack nor too steep. However, it’s a different story with the seat angle, which at 75.5° is very slack in combination with the pronounced kink in the seat tube. To avoid sitting too far back over the rear wheel, we recommend pushing the saddle all the way forward, especially when riding on steep climbs. We’ve already addressed this issue in our test of the CF Pro Race version.

Size M L XL XXL
Seat tube 420 mm 445 mm 465 mm 490 mm
Top tube 584 mm 621 mm 645 mm 667 mm
Head tube 95 mm 105 mm 115 mm 120 mm
Head angle 65.0° 65.0° 65.0° 65.0°
Seat angle 75.5° 75.5° 75.5° 75.5°
Chainstays 435 mm 435 mm 440 mm 440 mm
BB Drop 25 mm 25 mm 25 mm 25 mm
Wheelbase 1,203 mm 1,227 mm 1,256 mm 1,279 mm
Reach 440 mm 460 mm 480 mm 500 mm
Stack 621 mm 630 mm 639 mm 644 mm
We didn’t even touch the flip chip on the rear shock and rode the CAPRA only in the low setting.

YT CAPRA Elite 29 first impression

With its dream spec and elegant look, the new YT CAPRA Elite 29 is an object of desire. In all our previous comparison tests, the CAPRA has always delivered an outstanding downhill performance, even in much tamer configurations. That being said, the new spec won’t make up for the CAPRA’s known drawbacks: the broader gear range won’t make it a better climber and you’ll still be looking in vain for a bottle cage.

For more info on the new CAPRA ELITE 29 visit the YT website.

The CAPRA is so hot, we had to put it behind bars. That being said, the geometry is becoming a little outdated, which becomes clear especially on long climbs.
Back to ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

Tags