YT Bikes Capra MX vs 29er: Which Enduro Mountain Bike Reigns Supreme?

For those in the market for a high-performance enduro mountain bike, the YT Capra has consistently been a top contender. Within the Capra lineup, however, riders often face a crucial decision: 29-inch wheels or the mixed-wheel MX setup? While the differences on paper might seem subtle, these variations translate to distinct on-trail personalities. It’s not about one being definitively “better,” but rather understanding how each Yt Bikes Capra model caters to different riding styles and terrain. This article dives deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you determine which Capra is the ideal weapon for your enduro adventures.

Initially, setting up the Capra 29 proved straightforward. Achieving a balanced and composed feel was quick, inspiring confidence from the first ride. The Capra MX, however, presented a slightly more nuanced setup process. There was an initial sensation that the MX was adapted from a 29er design, a feeling sometimes encountered with mixed-wheel bikes. With a shorter rear end, and starting with slightly more rear sag (33% compared to 30% on the 29er) to accommodate the increased progression, the rear wheel felt almost too compact, shifting the weight balance rearward. After some initial adjustments to make this configuration work, it became clear that a more significant shift was needed to harmonize the front and rear ends.

Dropping the stem down by one spacer to lower the front helped improve the balance. However, the suspension still felt slightly off. Personal riding style and local trails often dictate suspension preferences. For this reviewer, overly progressive forks that are too soft initially can feel unfavorable, leading to excessive diving in situations involving drops into corners – a common feature on many trails. Therefore, the focus shifted to adjusting the rear end. Removing the stock volume spacers in the shock and adjusting the sag to precisely 30% dramatically improved the bike’s feel. While the MX required more fine-tuning than the 29er, a comfortable setup was ultimately achieved without resorting to specialized tuning or component changes.

YT Capra setup and adjustments for optimal performance

Once both YT bikes Capra models are properly dialed in, the seemingly minor differences accumulate to create a noticeably different ride experience on the trail, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. If outright speed across rough, straight sections is your priority, the Capra 29 emerges as the clear frontrunner. The enhanced stability provided by the larger rear wheel, coupled with improved compliance over uneven terrain and the increased front wheel weighting from the longer rear end, contributes to a more comfortable and confident experience at high speeds in challenging environments.

Conversely, the rear end of the Capra MX feels more direct and robust, sacrificing a small degree of terrain-smoothing capability but conveying a sense of increased resilience and eagerness to handle aggressive riding. When approaching bermed corners, both bikes exhibit composure, but the MX tends to favor a more playful and less conventional approach. It encourages cutting inside lines and railing corners with a more assertive style, rather than smoothly carving wide arcs. This translates to a more engaging and grin-inducing ride, often accompanied by the need for some trail maintenance afterwards! In flat corners, the 29er is more forgiving, requiring less deliberate front wheel weighting and offering a more relaxed feel. The MX, however, demands more rider input to maintain front-end grip.

While longer legs typically accommodate 29-inch rear wheels without issue, shorter riders often appreciate the added clearance offered by a mullet setup like the MX. However, even for taller riders, the Capra MX presents advantages in steeper terrain. The slightly shorter rear end subtly shifts the weight distribution, reducing weight on the front wheel in steep chutes and fostering greater confidence on challenging descents. This enhanced front wheel maneuverability is also beneficial on flow trails and when seeking playful moments on natural features. Combined with the MX’s laterally stiffer rear end, the bike exhibits a generally more energetic and lively character. Both Capra models demonstrate impressive composure on jumps and drops, absorbing hard landings with ease and maintaining sufficient agility for mid-air adjustments. Even with volume spacers removed from the rear shock of the MX, its progressive suspension effectively managed even harsh landings without harsh bottom-outs.

YT Capra MX excels in playful riding and cornering

When tackling climbs, the Capra 29 is the more efficient ascender. Its longer rear end naturally weights the front wheel more effectively compared to the MX, enabling riders to power up steep inclines with less effort. Despite its slightly longer overall length, this front wheel weighting also enhances handling in tight switchbacks and technical climbing sections, making the 29er the superior technical climber of the two. The MX gains an edge in trials-style ascents, but for most riders, efficient pedaling is prioritized over hopping and wheelieing uphill. On fire roads or less demanding climbs, the performance difference between the two is negligible, both offering a comfortable seated position and ample pedaling support to negate the need for the climb switch.

For riders prioritizing playfulness, the Capra MX emerges as the preferred choice. However, as an all-around package, and for riders who appreciate speed, the 29er proves to be exceptionally addictive. Its speed-hungry nature is undeniable, yet it retains ample capability for bike park sessions and conquering steep, demanding terrain, making it the preferred option in this comparison. Both YT bikes Capra models are exceptional enduro bikes and solid contenders in the current market. However, their slightly divergent personalities should be carefully considered by potential buyers before making a purchase.

YT Capra MX in action, showcasing its playful nature

* Editor’s Note: During the Capra MX photoshoot, an incident occurred where slight damage was inflicted to the top tube. While carbon fiber is often perceived as fragile, its resilience is design and manufacturing dependent. Carbon tubes are typically thinner in low-stress mid-sections, making them more susceptible to impact damage, where minimum thicknesses are governed by impact strength. Despite the damage, continued riding at personal risk showed no further issues. However, this is not recommended due to potential injury risks. YT emphasized that such incidents are rare, suggesting general Capra frame strength is not a concern. Nevertheless, avoiding direct impacts to carbon (or metal) mountain bikes is always advisable to minimize damage risk.

Official comment from YT Industries: “Safety and durability are paramount for YT Industries products. We ensure this with extensive testing, exceeding regulatory standards. Analysis of this isolated incident suggests minor wrinkles in the top tube’s top layer construction. External pressure in this specific area, not typical during riding, can cause cosmetic cracks in the resin and paint, as observed. This is not considered a safety issue as it affects only the top layer, without carbon fiber damage. In such unlikely events outside testing, YT offers warranty inspections via our website and service centers.”

The Final Verdict

Both the YT Capra MX and 29er stand as excellent choices in the enduro bike category, offering subtly different ride characteristics to cater to various rider preferences, yet both remain highly capable on challenging terrain. The MX is ideally suited for playful riders or those with shorter statures, while the 29er is a speed-focused machine that effortlessly tackles bike park laps.

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