German direct-sell specialists YT Industries has launched an aluminium version of its popular Capra enduro bike. Superseding the company's current Wicked model, the Capra Al will be available in two complete builds retailing at €2,499 and €2,599.
As usual, YT has worked its buying power magic, and as a result these bikes are unlikely to be matched in terms of value for money.
The aluminium framed Capra sticks to the same architecture as its carbon brother - which considering it scored full marks with us last year, can only be a good thing. The frame is ever so slightly longer in its wheelbase than before but still has the same geometry and the same 165mm of V4L four-bar linkage suspension.
The cheapest way onto a Capra will now be the €2,499 AL 2 model, that's a full €1,000 saved over the entry-level Capra carbon. That money stretches a long way too – there's a Rockshox Pike RCT3 fork up front and a Monarch Plus at the back, a Race Face/SRAM X9 2x10 transmission secured by an e*thirteen dual guide, SRAM Guide R stoppers and a DT Swiss E1900 wheelset.
YT hasn't skimped on the finishing kit either – most of it is RaceFace's Atlas kit. There's even a Reverb Stealth dropper post and Maxxis High Roller tyres. The claimed total weight for this model is 31.7lb (14.4kg).
Taller riders will be pleased to note that an XL size is in the pipeline.
Regardless of what spec you choose, the new Capra AL offers exceptional value
Spend a further €100 and you'll be receiving the Capri AL 1, which features a very similar spec bar an upgrade to SRAM's entry level X1 11-speed drivetrain. The 1x drivetrain saves weight too – this bike comes in at a claimed 30.6lb (13.9kg).
We've not seen value like this since YT announced its last line of bikes. Depending on which model you are looking at, YT is expecting stock to be available between March and May. We'll get one in as soon as possible, so stay tuned for more.
YT has just announced consumer-direct distribution for the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. This information was covered on our respective bikeradar.com/us and bikeradar.com/au sites.
