JEFFSY 27 or CAPRA? This is a question many who are currently looking for a new bike on the YT website will ask themselves. For our enduro bike comparison, YT sent us the YT JEFFSY 27 CF Pro Race. Does this bike live up to its name?
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: Let’s go Racing! – The 10 fastest enduro bikes in test
No, YT didn’t tune the JEFFSY 27 CF Pro Race specifically for this comparison! The bike actually comes as standard with these drool-worthy components. With so much carbon, it’s no wonder that it tops the scale at a remarkable 12.2 kg – the lightest bike on test. The mixture of an E13 cassette with Raceface Next SL cranks and a SRAM X01 drivetrain alone saves around 150 g compared to an Eagle drivetrain with a minimally bigger range. The FOX 34 FLOAT Factory also contributes to the low overall weight of the bike, and is only slightly flexier than a 36. Unfortunately, the light E13 TRSr SL carbon rims couldn’t withstand a hard hit through the tire; the rear rim showed a crack at the end of the test. However, thanks to a one-year “No Questions Asked” guarantee from E13, it would be replaced free of charge.
Compared to the other JEFFSY 27 models, the top model has a centimetre more travel at the front and rear (160 mm), which one clearly feels on the trail. The rear travel feels almost bottomless; it sticks to the ground and thrilled us with enormous amounts of traction. At the same time, the YT JEFFSY 27 CF Pro Race doesn’t feel undefined due to lots of end progression. The FOX 34 at the front also shone with ultra-sensitive response and very effective damping, though it lacks a bit of stiffness on rough sections – a 110mm axle or a 36 would have been better.
The handling is typical YT: buckets of fun and yet composed. On the JEFFSY 27, you feel at home straight away and playfully rail turns. Approaching ledges, the bike invites you to pull up and get air, and through bumps it encourages you to pump and build up speed. Is there something this bike cannot do? Nope! Even the climbing performance is great. Only the seat tube could have been a little shorter and the angle somewhat steeper.
YT JEFFSY 27 CF Pro Race in Detail
Fork Fox 34 Float Factory160 mm
Rear shock Fox Float X Factory 160 mm
Brakes SRAM Guide Ultimaten
Drivetrain SRAM X01 Eagle / E*Thirteen TRS+ Kasette
Seat post RockShox Reverb Stealth
Stem Renthal Apex
Handlebar Renthal Fatbar Carbon
Tires E*Thirteen TRSR
Wheels E*Thirteen TRSR SL
Price € 4,499
The FOX 34 has noticeable flex to it, which means that steering can be a bit imprecise at high speeds. A wider crown with a 110 x 15 mm axle or a FOX 36 would help.
The combo of an E13 cassette with Raceface Next SL cranks and a SRAM X01 drivetrain alone saves around 150 g compared to an Eagle drivetrain with a minimally bigger range.
The rear suspension of most JEFFSY 27 models have 150 mm travel, but the CF Pro Race has 160 mm. This is achieved by a longer stroke on the shock (65 instead of 60 mm). The performance gains are very noticeable!
Unfortunately, the E13 TRSr SL rims didn’t survive a major blow. E13 offers a one-year “No Questions Asked” guarantee for cases like these and will exchange the rim free of charge.
The geometry of the YT JEFFSY 27 CF Pro Race
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 410 mm | 450 mm | 480 mm | 520 mm |
| Top tube | 573 mm | 602 mm | 625 mm | 648 mm |
| Head angle | 66° | 66° | 66° | 66° |
| Seat angle | 74.5° | 74.5° | 74.5° | 74.5° |
| Chainstay | 430 mm | 430 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm |
| BB Drop | 12 mm | 12 mm | 12 mm | 12 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1142 mm | 1173 mm | 1204 mm | 1228 mm |
| Reach | 410 mm | 435 mm | 455 mm | 475 mm |
| Stack | 587 mm | 601 mm | 614 mm | 623 mm |
| Wheelsize | 27.5″ | 27.5″ | 27.5″ | 27.5″ |
Conclusion
The YT JEFFSY 27 CF Pro Race goes like a rocket and impressed with its plush rear suspension and dialed geometry. It missed the podium by a hair in this comparison, but in terms of value for money it’s the absolute favourite. If you are looking for maximum riding pleasure at the lowest price, you will find it here! Our buyer’s tip!
Strengths
– the rear suspension performs brilliantly
– best value for the money
– light weight
Weaknesses
– carbon rim broke
– FOX 34 lacks stiffness
For more information head to yt-industries.com
The test fleet
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: Let’s go Racing! – The 10 fastest enduro bikes in test
All bikes in test: Canyon Canyon Strive CF 9.0 Team | Giant Reign Advanced 0 | Lapierre Spicy Team Ultimate | Nukeproof Mega 275 RS | Pole EVOLINK 140 29 | Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 90 | Santa Cruz Hightower LT | SCOTT Genius 900 Tuned 2018 | Specialized S-Works Enduro 29
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