With the new SZEPTER CORE 4, YT are launching their first ever gravel bike while at the same time shaking up existing bike category dogmas. Trimmed uncompromisingly for downhill performance and adventure, the SZEPTER wants to impress with an unusual concept at a very attractive € 4,499 price tag. But can it deliver?

YT Industries SZEPTER CORE 4 2023 | € 4,499 | 9.9 kg in size S | Manufacturer’s website

German direct-sales brand YT – an acronym for Young Talent – was founded by Markus Flossmann back in 2008. The company is committed to selling premium bikes with high-quality specs at a (comparatively) affordable price. In Markus’ own words “our ‘live uncaged’ mantra reflects the company’s goal to remove boundaries, challenge conventions, and do things better.” In other words, you’re never too old to have fun on your bike and you shouldn’t let anyone hold you back. Up until now, the portfolio of the popular German manufacturer was made up entirely of mountain bikes, although rumours of a YT gravel bike have been buzzing around the web for several years. Now it’s finally here and, at last, we’re able to answer the one-million dollar question: What’s YT’s idea of gravel bikes? And how does it ride?

Read the whole review in our sister magazine GRAN FONDO.


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Words & Photos: Simon Kohler

About the author

Simon Kohler

​​Simon loves speed. He has many years of racing experience as a longboard downhill skater, blasting down alpine passes on his board. In the meantime, he’s swapped four wheels for two, charging down trails and bike park lines aboard his mountain bike instead. He’s savoured some of Europe’s finest trails on various road trips through the Alps. Having lived in Austria for some time, he knows the local Austrian bike parks like the back of his hand. He’s a tech nerd through and through, using the skills and know-how from his engineering degree and his attention to detail to put the latest bikes and components through their paces for our reviews. As an early riser and self-declared muesli connoisseur, he lives his life powered by oats and the strength of his legs.