YT recently refreshed their 2020 bikes, but noticeably absent was a refreshed Jeffsey aluminium version. Year after year the Jeffsey aluminium has presented a compelling value for the budget conscience trail / enduro bike buyer. Well the Jeffsey aluminum is now back and it has undated geometry, bringing it back in sync with it’s carbon counterpart.
Both 29″ and 27.5″ versions of the bike are available in a single base build. Unlike some other manufacturers that offer higher component specs to those that still want a metal frame, YT has opted to make this a decidedly budget build. That being said, the Jeffsey spec is no slouch and will punch above its price tag in many respects.
Suspension
In regards to suspension, a RockShox Yari RC is up front in either 160mm (27.5″) or 150mm (29″). The balance of the suspension is handled by a RockShox Deluxe Select rear shock with 160mm (27.5″) or 150mm (29″) of travel. The rear suspension also includes a flip chip that makes the head angle 0.5 degrees steeper and raises the bottom bracket.
Components
YT tends to use branded parts such as a Raceface cockpit and DT Swiss M1900 wheels. However, for the dropper post YT has opted to go with a house branded YT Postman with small and medium bikes receiving 125 mm drop, larges 150 mm drop and XL – XXL getting 170 mm of drop.
Braking and drivetrain are all handled by SRAM. Guide T 4-piston brakes provide the stopping power. The lowest end, SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain is provided. This may be a disappointment to some but you have to remember that we are talking about a $2,299.00 bike and I think YT has placed a priority on suspension and brakes in their spec. Which I think will serve most riders this bike is geared towards well.
Geometry
As mentioned earlier the geo now matches the carbon version of the Jeffsey. You get a head tube angle of 66 degrees and seat tube angle of 77 degrees. The reach on a medium is 450mm and chainstays are 435 mm. On the XL and XXL an extra 5mm is added to the chainstays in an effort to keep the bike more balanced for larger riders.
The YT Jeffsey aluminum looks to again provide a really great value to bike buyers looking for an affordable full suspension bike. It does however have stiffer competition with other manufacturers such as Ibis with their RIPMO AF throwing their hat in the ring. Find out more at: https://yt-industries.com
