Issue #033, Review - May 10, 2018

YT JEFFSY 29 AL Comp review

The YT JEFFSY 29 AL Comp is the defending champion in this group test, securing both the coveted Best in Test and Best Value titles last year. For the new season, YT kept revisions down to a minimum and just switched out the drivetrain, so is that enough to defend the title?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: Good times guaranteed! 7 trail bikes under € 3,000 in Review

YT JEFFSY 29 AL Comp review — YT JEFFSY 29 AL Comp | 140/140 mm (front/rear) | 13.39 kg | € 2,799

Upgrade or downgrade? Considering YT’s new choice in drivetrain, we reckon this question might be on many people’s lips. It consists of a mix of Shimano and E*Thirteen components, and in fact, at 511%, this drivetrain setup offers an even larger gear range than an SRAM GX Eagle. According to YT, it is also more robust, easier to adjust and more reliable. And indeed: In practice, this melange demonstrated precise, crisp shifting. It was only marginally let down by the budget SLX gear lever. The rest of the componentry is absolutely spot on. Although the E*thirteen dropper seat post only offers three fixed positions, we were very pleased with the super ergonomic lever. The 140 mm travel RockShox PIKE RC is beyond reproach, and the SRAM Guide RS brakes convinced the test riders with good ergonomics and modulation.

The YT JEFFSY 29 AL Comp is the defending champion in this group test — **Helmet** Troy Lee A1 | **Brille** Oakley Radar | **Shirt** ION Tee LS Scrub Amp | **Shorts** ION Bikeshorts Scrub Amp

The motto at YT is “Good Times” – and the bike conveys that from the first few metres aboard. The sitting position is very comfortable, and if you move the saddle forward a little, you don’t feel like you’re pedalling from too far over the rear wheel, even on steep climbs. Even when left fully open, the suspension hardly bobs, so the JEFFSY makes for a very capable climber. However, the grippy MAXXIS tyres are quite slow rolling, and it’s certainly not the fastest going uphill. As compensation, however, you’ll be rewarded with an extra dose of fun on the way back down.

No more excuses with the YT JEFFSY 29 AL!No Excuses!

The bike couldn’t be more balanced! The rear end is very progressive and firm–typical YT– so the bike constantly invites you to play with the terrain and jump off and over things. With lots of fast, hard hits, however, the ride feels a little harsh, and you get the impression that they sacrificed some of the bike’s descending potential away by making the rear end a little too progressive. Thanks to the low bottom bracket (32 mm BB drop) you’re really integrated between the large wheels. Despite not having a super long front triangle or ultra-slack head angle, the bike rides through demanding terrain with buckets of confidence. At the same time, the JEFFSY was the most agile 29er in the test and proves that large wheels are anything but cumbersome.

YT JEFFSY 29 AL Comp in detail

Fork RockShox Pike RC 140 mm
Rear shock RockShox Monarch RT 140 mm
Brakes SRAM Guide RS 200/180 mm
Drivetrain Shimano SLX / E+Thirteen TRS+
Seatpost E+Thirteen TRS+ 150 mm
Stem Race Face Turbine R 50 mm
Handlebar Race Face Turbine R 780 mm
Tires Maxxis Minion DHR II
Wheels DT Swiss M1900 Spline
Weight 13.57 kg
Price € 2,799

**Unconventional**
YT uses a Shimano drivetrain with an E*thirteen cassette. This offers a 511% gear range. The drivetrain is supposed to be more robust and reliable than an Eagle. We certainly had no problems with it in the test.

**Make it steeper**
Unfortunately, the seat tube angle of the JEFFSY is still too slack. You’ll have to shift the saddle forward to get the most comfortable position.

**Limited**
The JEFFSY will only take YT’s own water bottle – not ideal, but better than nothing

**Ergonomic**
The lever of the E*thirteen dropper seat post is one of the best on the market

**Convenient**
The cables routed on the outside make maintenance much easier, and they don’t rattle at all. Aesthetically, however, we’ve seen neater solutions.

Geometry of the YT JEFFSY 29 AL Comp

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	571 mm	592 mm	616 mm	637 mm
Head tube	90 mm	95 mm	110 mm	115 mm
Head angle	67/67.5°	67/67.5°	67/67.5°	67/67.5°
Seat angle	74,5/75°	74,5/75°	74,5/75°	74,5/75°
Chainstay	435 mm	435 mm	440 mm	440 mm
BB Drop	32/24 mm	32/24 mm	32/24 mm	32/24 mm
Wheelbase	1132 mm	1154 mm	1178 mm	1205 mm
Reach	405 mm	425 mm	445 mm	465 mm
Stack	605 mm	610 mm	623 mm	628 mm

The YT JEFFSY is a brilliant bike to have fun on!

Upgrade tip: XT gear lever – doesn’t improve the riding, but it feels way better!

Conculsion

The YT JEFFSY is a brilliant bike to have fun on! It excels on flowing trails as well as rough descents. It climbs well, although you won’t set a PB. The componentry is well thought-out, especially for the price! Our Best Value tip!