YT CAPRA CF Pro Race review
Arguably still a young company, YT Industries have managed to stir up a whirlwind over the last few years – not just because of Aaron Gwin’s domination on the DH World Cup circuit, but mainly because of their super spec’d, stunning-looking bikes. The YT CAPRA CF Pro Race has been revised and retuned for this season, but has it got the same aptitude for podiums as team rider Aaron?
If you have ever questioned what the ideal spec for an enduro bike should be, then a glance at the list for the YT CAPRA CF Pro should probably suffice. It’s made up of the nicest kit that money can buy, including impeccable FOX suspension, consisting of a 36 FLOAT Factory-Fork and the slick FOX X2 air shock. They grant a generous 160 mm and 170 mm of travel respectively, equipping you for virtually anything.
Fully aware that the devil is in the detail, the team from the Forchheim-based brand pitted their minds to set up the ultimate Renthal cockpit: nice rise, good width, perfect length, and just the right dosage of stiffness. Paired with grippy MAXXIS Minion DHF tires, the Germans went for tidy-looking DT Swiss XMC 1200 carbon wheels. We’d have loved a softer 3C rubber compound for the front tire, and the recently launched climb switch that’s now available for the FOX X2 rear shock would be another welcome addition. Even without platform damping, it’s a solid climber. You’re unlikely to break any records when the trail turns steeply upwards, but the YT CAPRA CF Pro Race is guaranteed to get you up the climbs.
YT Capra CF Pro Race in spec
Fork: FOX 36 FLOAT Factory 160 mm
Rear shock: FOX FLOAT X2 Factory 170 mm
Brakes: SRAM Guide Ultimate
Drivetrain: SRAM X01 1×11
Seat post: RockShox Reverb Stealth
Stem: Renthal APEX 40 mm
Handlebar: Renthal Fatbar Carbon 760 mm
Wheels: DT Swiss XMC 1200 Spline
Tires: Maxxis Highroller II
Weight: 13.37 kg
Price: € 4,199
The tube profile and the stiff carbon frame’s design lend a hint of motocross to the bike, perfectly aligned with its aggressive attitude.
While the CAPRA CF Pro Race employs carbon for the main frame and seat stays, YT chose to keep the chainstays in aluminium as a way to reduce costs – plus, they’re a spot where carbon often neither saves weight nor boosts stiffness.
The FOX X2 is probably the best air shock on the market right now. It has recently even become available with a climb switch: a wise upgrade for the CAPRA. Get it done with a service from FOX and expect to pay around € 200.
YT Industries know what riders are after! A sensible cockpit is essential for securing a decent handling package, and we’ve got no complaints with the Renthal Fatbar carbon bars.
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Speaking of records, the CAPRA is likely to bruise down the descents and show pure prowess as it tackles tough downhill tracks, raking in the Strava trophies thanks to its super-sensitive, supple, and satisfyingly progressive suspension, as well as its excellent geometry. Switchbacks, rock gardens, jumps: the CAPRA is so far from unsettled, so far from twitchy, but so close to nirvana. For taller riders out there, there’s some bad news, as the brand overlooked the addition of a carbon-framed XL – so you’re limited to the aluminium rig.
Conclusion
The YT CAPRA CF Pro Race offers everything that you could want from a capable enduro bike. Super-potent suspension and incredibly composed geometry render it a hell of a lot of fun. Besides nailing bike park tracks and home trails, it won’t fare too badly if you pin a race number on it either. And the best thing of all: the top-of-the-range CAPRA won’t require a second mortgage. Our value for money top tip!
Strenghths
- Super-potent suspension
- Top-flight spec
- Smooth and playful at once
Weaknesses
- More a grinder than a climber
- No bottle cage mount
For more information head to the YT website!
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: Does it get better than this? – 9 high-end enduro bikes in comparison
All bikes in review: BMC Trailfox 01 XX1 | Bold Linkin Trail LT 29 | Canyon Strive CF 9.0 Race | CUBE Stereo 160 C:68 Action Team 27.5 | Giant Reign Advanced 1 | SCOTT Genius LT 700 Tuned | ROTWILD R.E1 FS EVO | Yeti SB 5.5C X01