New RAAW Yalla!! V2 on Test

“Don’t fix it if it ain’t broken” seems to be exactly what RAAW thought while updating their RAAW Yalla!! V2 downhill bike. In a nutshell, the German manufacturer implemented a few upgrades without touching the core concept, geometry, and kinematics. Find out what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and how the updates affect the bike’s performance on the trail.

The popular RAAW Yalla!! V2 downhill bike has undergone a few changes – but you’ll have to look closely to spot them! A hint: the second exclamation mark in the name subtly reveals that this is the second generation of RAAW’s DH bike. Since its debut in 2022, the Yalla has tackled not only countless amateur races, but also World Cups, Fest Series events, and urban downhills. And we, too, spent plenty of time on the bike since our first ride review– last year, it even featured in our downhill comparison test. To meet the diverse range of demands, RAAW continue to rely on their toolbox concept, which enables countless setup options. For the new Yalla!! they also designed a UDH-compatible dropout that lets you adjust the chainstay length. But that’s not all – there are several other clever solutions and practical innovations aimed at improving durability, and to make it easier to source spare parts.

The new RAAW Yalla!! V2 in Detail.

A closer look at the new RAAW Yalla!! V2 reveals the slightly modified tube shape in the bottom bracket area, which now offers more space for a variety of shock options. The downtube protector is now bigger, and the derailleur cable housing now runs through the generously-sized chainstay protector, which is the same system RAAW use on the Madonna and Jibb, and is meant to protect the housing against damage. In general, the cable routing has been revised to allow for wider bends, which, in turn, results in smoother shifting performance. The bearings on the main pivot and linkage are now bigger and have been reinforced to improve durability.

Spec Options for the RAAW Yalla!! V2

The RAAW Yalla!! V2 is available for purchase starting now! As usual, you can choose from a frame only option, a frame kit and a rolling chassis, with the choice of FOX or Öhlins components for the suspension. Buying complete bikes is still not an option, and our test bike was a custom build. The new RAAW Yalla!! V2 frame retails between € 2,990 and € 5,590. Components for the toolbox concept must be purchased separately, and – like numerous spare parts – can be ordered directly from RAAW’s website.

The Geometry of the RAAW Yalla!! V2

The fundamental geometry and kinematics of the new RAAW Yalla!! V2 remain unchanged. However, several new adjustment options have been added, allowing you to fine-tune the bike to your needs and preferences. The most notable innovation – which we expect to see more often on other bikes in the future – are the UDH-compatible dropouts, which enable you to adjust the chainstay length by +/- 5 mm. This requires removing and reinstalling the dropouts, a process that only takes a few minutes. Conveniently, the brake mount adapter can still be used – it just needs to be repositioned.

Another smart feature is the use of Boost hubs with 148 mm spacing instead of 157 mm, which makes it easier to source spare parts, and allows you to reuse the rear wheel from your enduro or even trail bike, which usually rely on the same 148mm Boost standard. And if you’re running a mullet setup on one of your other bikes, we have good news too! RAAW also have an MX shock mount for the Yalla!!, which allows you to run a smaller 27.5” rear wheel!!

The rest of the toolbox adjustments remain the same, allowing you to tweak the bottom bracket height and shock progression. The 56 mm headset – which accommodates various headset options – also remains unchanged.

Size	M	L	XL
Seat tube	400 mm	400 mm	400 mm
Head tube	110 mm	110 mm	110 mm
Head angle	63°	63°	63°
Seat angle	78°	78°	78°
Chainstay	440 – 450 mm	445 – 455 mm	450 – 460 mm
BB Drop	26.5 mm	26.5 mm	26.5 mm
Wheelbase	1,270,1 mm	1,300,1 mm	1,330,1 mm
Reach	455 mm	480 mm	505 mm
Stack	639,9 mm	639,9 mm	639,9 mm

The RAAW Yalla!! V2 on the Trail

Since neither the geometry nor the kinematics of the new RAAW Yalla!! V2 have changed, we’ll spare you another riding impression and instead refer you to the previous review in our downhill group test, where the RAAW Yalla! competed against five other bikes. What stood out positively, however, was the cleverer cable routing – especially around the bottom bracket – and the improved frame protection, both of which help shield the bike and keep it pleasantly quiet on the trail.

Conclusions about the new RAAW Yalla!! V2

The updates to the RAAW Yalla!! V2 are a matter of fine-tuning. While the core concept, geometry, and kinematics remain the same, the improved frame details enhance durability and make it easy to source spare parts. On top of that, the added adjustment options – which are impressively executed – make it even easier to adapt the new RAAW Yalla!! V2 to your needs and riding style.

For more information, visit RAAW website.

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Words & Photos: Peter Walker