Issue #017, Review - December 13, 2015

YT Capra CF PRO Race Review

The YT had proved massively popular since we first laid eyes on it, a lot of bike for the money but how would it fare when held up against some of its’s toughest competitors?

Update August 2016: This is the review of the 2015 model, we’ve also tested the YT Capra CF Pro Race 2016!

The YT Capra caused somewhat of a stir when it was first released; it literally headbutted its way into the market and had everyone scratching their heads and babbling “value for money” and “but it’s carbon.” The Capra quickly built an aura of the ultimate enduro bike, and we all asked the same questions. For that price, surely concessions would have been made? Surely it was a crap bike? Seemingly not! All reviews and media were full of praise, so what was going on?

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The Capra's price is a much talked about topic, surely there was a drawback? — The Capra’s price is a much talked about topic, surely there was a drawback?

The silhouette of the Capra is certainly dramatic and looks like nothing else on the market, full of hard lines and futuristic looks. The YT VL4 suspension system looks burly and confidence-inspiring, and it integrates well with the frame’s clean and unique form. The spec sheet reads like a racer’s wish list: Bos Kirk Shock, Deville FCV fork, XO1 drivetrain, RockShox Reverb, and Mavic Crossmax Enduro wheels. We have to penalise YT though…our bike was supplied with MAXXIS 3C High Roller II 2.4 tyres, which are far more aggressive that the Mavic Charge and Roam that are listed as standard on their website.

From the minute you climb onto the Capra, it sinks arrogantly into its travel and its intent becomes very clear: this is a bike built for getting rad on the descents. The long and low top tube, short 50mm Renthal Apex stem, and wide 780mm Renthal Fatbar make you want to go full gas. However, with only a 445mm reach (size Large) it’s too short to be the biggest bike in the range and taller riders may be left having to fit a longer stem and dilute the Capra’s downhill intent (a new XL is on the way). But if the Capra fits, the 65.2° head angle gives a huge dose of aggression, the excellent Bos Deville FCV fork raking out the front and offering up 160 mm of travel.

The Capra wasn't the nimblest climber on test. — The Capra wasn’t the nimblest climber on test.

So, it’s cheap, well-built, and sexy as hell…where’s the catch? Well, there isn’t one really. After some big days out we found that the Capra climbs well enough, but it’s no mountain goat and feels a little more sluggish than some of the competition. It’s certainly not heavy at 13.55 kg, but the seat angle and long 150mm Reverb throws your weight far back over the rear wheel and it does not feel as efficient as some. It’s no ‘winch and plummet’ bike though, and will get you to the top of the hill without fuss. It’s not going to set any climbing KOM’s, but if you are thinking of buying this bike then pure uphill speed may not factor high on your shopping list anyway.

With a 6.3mm bottom bracket drop the Capra is low-slung and rails corners beautifully, and even with the shorter 170 mm cranks you have to watch out if you are trying to put down pedal strokes in rough ground. This low-slung feel inspires massive confidence and the bike is easy to pick up and throw around in the air. The 1192mm wheelbase keeps things stable and allows you to ride more centrally and aggressively, but the bike will still slice through a switchback with ease. The Bos Deville fork is a work of art when it comes to damping, bringing composure when all around things are going to hell, and the Bos Kirk performed well; however, the wheezing noise from the compression circuit did annoy some testers.

Details

Sublime damping: The Bos Deville FCV fork offers up 170mm of well-controlled, bump-eating suspension. Setup is more involved than others on the market, but once you find the sweet spot the fork is an exceptional performer. — **Sublime damping:** The Bos Deville FCV fork offers up 160 mm of well-controlled, bump-eating suspension. Setup is more involved than others on the market, but once you find the sweet spot the fork is an exceptional performer.

High class: Despite its bargain price, the Capra Pro Race comes with a dream build kit. The Renthal Apex 50mm stem and impressive 780mm Renthal Fatbar Carbon bar create a cockpit that is instantly familiar and confidence-inspiring. — **High class:** Despite its bargain price, the Capra Pro Race comes with a dream build kit. The Renthal Apex 50mm stem and impressive 780mm Renthal Fatbar Carbon bar create a cockpit that is instantly familiar and confidence-inspiring.

Stiff and light: The Capra’s futuristic-looking frame, incorporating their VL4 suspension, was impressively stiff. Power transfer through the bike was very good, and we experienced no creaking or noise during the testing. — **Stiff and light:** The Capra’s futuristic-looking frame, incorporating their VL4 suspension, was impressively stiff. Power transfer through the bike was very good, and we experienced no creaking or noise during the testing.

150mm Dropper: With a bike as low and aggressive as the Capra, it is great to see a 150mm dropper post. This maximises height adjustment for taller riders, and with a great standover height lets you get the seat right out of the way for the descents. — **150mm Dropper:** With a bike as low and aggressive as the Capra, it is great to see a 150mm dropper post. This maximises height adjustment for taller riders, and with a great standover height lets you get the seat right out of the way for the descents.

Lightweight wheelset: The Mavic Crossmax WTS wheelset keeps the weight down and provides a very fast engagement pickup. We found the rear rim was a little sensitive to losing its true after rough descents. — **Lightweight wheelset:** The Mavic Crossmax WTS wheelset keeps the weight down and provides a very fast engagement pickup. We found the rear rim was a little sensitive to losing its true after rough descents.

Specification: YT Capra CF PRO Race

Fork: BOS Deville FCV 160mm
Rear Shock: BOS Kirk 170mm
Drivetrain: SRAM X01
Brakes: SRAM Guide RSC
Seatpost: RockShox Reverb Stealth
Stem: Renthal Apex 50mm
Handlebar: Renthal Fatbar Carbon
Tyres: Mavic Charge 2,4″ / Mavic Roam XL 2.2″
Wheelsize: 27.5″
Wheels: Mavic Crossmax Enduro WTS
Price: € 4,399

Strengths

BOS suspension are superb performers.
Excellent build kit.

Weaknesses

Size large very compact.
Uninspired climber.

Conclusion

The well-chosen cockpit and suspension package makes the bike a missile over challenging terrain, soaking up big hits with ease and always feeling planted and relaxed under fire. The Bos suspension is a little harder to set up, but when you find the sweet spot it’s incredibly good. It will climb OK, but when it comes to descending the Capra is a potent, white-knuckle thrill ride.

For more information on the YT Capra visit ytindustries.com

This article is part of our Enduro Bike Group Test 2015.