YT CAPRA CF Pro Review
The YT CAPRA CF Pro ushers in YT’s tagline of ‘Good times’ with a lightweight and stiff carbon frame and well-considered spec, which should all add up to a sweet performance on the trails. But is all going to run smoothly?
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: SOOOOO F#%$&NG ENDURO: 11 Enduro Bikes under € 4,000 in Review
A long-running smash hit, the YT CAPRA may have been on the market for a few years, but it is still easily one of the most loved bikes around. Not only does it deliver real value for money, but it also looks super cool. The bike cashes in at € 3,999 and displays amazing attention to detail, equipped with a top-flight FOX Performance Elite fork that only differs from the Factory models when it comes to the golden Kashima coating (the internals are the same). Trail-friendly handling is spot on, and the rear suspension works efficiently and progressively (as we’ve come to expect from YT). This characteristic lends the bike a whole lot of pop and plushness, which teams with the grippy E13 TRS+ tires to generate a ton of traction and keep the bike glued to the ground.
Built for big fun on the way down… this is exactly where the YT team have invested their expertise and experience! The CAPRA keeps planted and stable at high speeds, seeing its slack angles (65° head angle) result in great tracking over roots and rock gardens. The fairly long reach (445 mm) and 430 mm chainstays lend it the agility and balance that’s required so that it rails around corners and performs with a playful pop from the progressive rear.
For some racers out there, the toptube could be on the short side if you like to throw your body around the bike when it gets super steep. The CAPRA performs solidly on climbs, and you can always lock out the rear shock for an even more efficient feel.
The YT CAPRA CF Pro in detail
Fork FOX 36 Performance Elite 170 mm
Shock FOX FLOAT X Performance Elite 170 mm
Brakes SRAM GUIDE RSC
Drivetrain SRAM X01
Seatpost Race Face Turbine
Stem Race Face Atlas 50 mm
Handlebar Race Face SIXc 780 mm
Tires E-Thirteen TRS+ / E-Thirteen TRSR
Wheelset E-Thirteen TRS+
The FOX X2 Performance may have fewer adjustment options, but it isn’t vastly behind the Factory models. On climbs it can be locked out for better efficiency.
YT have built the frame and seatstays from carbon, but gone for aluminium chainstays. This doesn’t change the frame’s weight much, and it definitely helps keep costs down.
The cables run externally on the downtube, and YT have done a great job at keeping them visually under wraps.
Thanks to their robust carcass, the E13 TRS tires offer great puncture resistance. And while they offer good grip, you have to compromise on weight and rolling resistance.
The geometry of the YT CAPRA CF Pro
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube | 400 mm | 450 mm | 480 mm | 510 mm |
| Top Tube [A] | 557 mm | 582 mm | 608 mm | 626 mm |
| Head Angle [D] | 65 ° | 65 ° | 65 ° | 65 ° |
| Seat Angle [B] | 74.8 ° | 74.8 ° | 74.8 ° | 74.8 ° |
| Chainstays [C] | 430 mm | 430 mm | 430 mm | 430 mm |
| BB Drop [J] | 4 mm | 4 mm | 4 mm | 4 mm |
| Wheelbase [E] | 1149 mm | 1176 mm | 1203 mm | 1220 mm |
| Reach [G] | 398 mm | 420 mm | 443 mm | 458 mm |
| Stack [H] | 588 mm | 597 mm | 606 mm | 615 mm |
| Wheel Size [F] | 27.5″ | 27.5″ | 27.5″ | 27.5″ |
Conclusion
F&%$, yeah! The YT CAPRA CF Pro is still an amazing bike with great suspension, top-notch handling, and the guarantee of a good time. But even though its spec is arguably stellar and the price is fair, it perhaps doesn’t have the same edge as the competition.
Strengths
– Forgiving yet fun handling
– Potent rear suspension
– Great spec
Weaknesses
– Short top tube
For more Info head to: yt-industries.com!
The test fleet
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: SOOOOO F#%$&NG ENDURO: 11 Enduro Bikes under € 4,000 in Review
All bikes in test: Bergamont ENCORE 9.0 | Canyon Strive CF 7.0 Race | Giant Reign 1.5 LTD | Merida ONE-SIXTY 5000 | Propain Tyee CF Free | Radon SWOOP 170 10.0 | Rose UNCLE JIMBO 3 | Specialized Enduro Comp 29 | Trek Remedy 9 Race Shop Limited | VOTEC VE ELITE 2017