YT CAPRA 29 AL Comp in review
One bike that had to be part of this group test was the YT CAPRA 29 AL Comp. This bike from the German direct-to-consumer brand has become a firm fixture in the Enduro segment and delivered a convincing performance in this test. But is it all good?
Here you’ll find an overview of the best budget enduro bike 2019 in test
YT offer their customers several options with the CAPRA. Besides four different specs, you can also choose between either 27.5″ or 29″ wheels. Last but not least, you’ll also have to give some thought to the frame size before placing your order. Thanks to super short seat tube you should be able to choose between at least two sizes. We could have gone with either the L or XL and eventually settled on the larger option. The € 2,999 bike comes equipped with many of the finest components, such as the FOX Performance Elite suspension, which might not have the bling Kashima coating of the Factory model but performs just as well whilst riding. You also get proven SRAM CODE R brakes and a drivetrain consisting of a mix of Shimano and E13 components. Although the drivetrain offers a wide gear range, we felt the front chainring was a little too big for long, steep climbs and it took some time to get used to the widely-spaced gear jumps. YT also rely on E13 for the wheels, dropper post and tires. The stock Renthal cockpit suits the CAPRA perfectly in terms of looks and dimensions.
If the only line you’ll take is a straight line, then the YT CAPRA is the bike for you! 
The YT CAPRA 29 AL Comp in detail
Fork FOX 36 FLOAT Performance Elite 160 mm
Shock FOX FLOAT X2 Peformance 160 mm
Brakes SRAM CODE RS 200/200 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT / E13 TRS Plus
Seatpost E13 TRS Plus 150 mm
Stem Renthal Apex 50 mm
Handlebar Renthal Fatbar 800 mm
Wheels E13 LG1 EN
Tires E13 LG1 EN Plus 2.35″strong>
Where do you put your water bottle? Unfortunately, there is no space for a bottle cage on the CAPRA. Especially annoying on quick after work rides.
Thanks to the short seat tube, riders can choose between several frame sizes. We also appreciate the smooth curves of the aluminium frame, except for the long weld seam on the seat tube.
The idea of a chainstay protector in the same colour as the frame is ingenious – as long as the bike is clean. Dirt quickly shows on the red chainstay protector and it looks very dirty after only a few rides.
A little bit of play on a dropper post is normal. However, the E13 TRS dropper developed more and more play during testing. It still worked fine though.
Although the rubber compound of the E13 LG1 tires offers good traction, the square profile doesn’t. When cornering, the tire folds over very easily and becomes difficult to control.
| Size | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 420 mm | 445 mm | 465 mm | 490 mm |
| Top tube | 583 mm | 619 mm | 642 mm | 664 mm |
| Head tube | 95 mm | 105 mm | 115 mm | 120 mm |
| Head angle | 65.5° | 65.5° | 65.5° | 65.5° |
| Seat angle | 76° | 76° | 76° | 76° |
| Chainstays | 435 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm |
| BB Drop | 28 mm | 28 mm | 28 mm | 28 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,199 mm | 1,223 mm | 1,252 mm | 1,274 mm |
| Reach | 445 mm | 465 mm | 485 mm | 505 mm |
| Stack | 618 mm | 627 mm | 636 mm | 640 mm |
The YT CAPRA 29 AL in review
Pedal the YT CAPRA 29 AL Comp and it quickly becomes clear that you won’t be winning any KOMs on this bike. On the contrary, you’d be well advised to take your time on the climbs. Before going uphill, we recommend pushing the saddle as far forward as possible to compensate for the slack seat tube angle. We also appreciated the climb switch on the shock quite a lot while we tested this bike. However, it was the E13 tires that held us back the most. We would replace them as soon as possible, not only because of their rolling resistance on the climbs but also because of their downhill performance. Their pronounced angular profile tends to fold when you hit corners too fast. Heading downhill, the integrated position aboard CAPRA makes you feel almost indestructible.
Thanks to the low standover height, you’re free to throw your weight around to manoeuvre and the bike’s length (485 mm reach in size XL) means the YT loves to go fast. No bike in the test felt so calm and composed on rough terrain. However, the initially very plush rear end has a hard time keeping up with fast, hard hits and tends to feel harsh in those situations. But the CAPRA offers good mid-stroke support and makes it easy for the rider to get airborne. The handling is well balanced and the bike always remains predictable. However, the length of the CAPRA has its drawbacks in tight sections – it isn’t particularly agile, demanding a lot of input from the rider.
The rougher the terrain, the better the CAPRA performs.
Conclusion
If you opt for the YT CAPRA 29 AL Comp in the larger frame size, you get a hard-hitting bike that scores points for its geometry and spec. The suspension performs well with a few exceptions, but you’ll have to be willing to compromise on agility and climbing efficiency.
Tops
- confidence inspiring geometry
- good value for money
- plush suspension
Flops
- the larger option isn't very agile
- climbing is only a means to an end
- no bottle cage bosses
For more info head to: yt-industries.com
The test field
Here you’ll find an overview of the best budget enduro bike 2019 in test
All the bikes in test: Canyon Strive CF 5.0 | FOCUS SAM 8.9 | Propain Spindrift Performance | RADON Swoop 9.0 | SCOTT Ransom 920 | Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp Alloy 29 | Trek Slash 8
