FIRST RIDE REPORT

THE NEW YT JEFFSY MK3

YT Industries has released the third generation of their Jeffsy do-it-all trail bike, and we managed to log some time on it prior to its release to share our initial impressions of its performance. While YT has not made any decisions that make the new Jeffsy necessarily stand out, instead it sits very nicely as a true all-rounder machine, and we can safely say that it’s a solid performer from our two days on board so far.

Keep reading to learn all the details of the YT Jeffsy MK3 in the press release, following our First Ride Impressions.

First Ride and Release: The New YT Jeffsy MK3

During the press camp for YT’s new Jeffsy MK3, we logged two solid days on the updated do-it-all machine on the border between South Wales and England in the UK. This area is littered with excellent trails, which Wye MTB helped us to navigate with a mixture of pedaling and shuttling, and so in two days we got a very solid feel for its character. Trail conditions were extra greasy though, meaning I had my guard up for the majority of trail time and so have some questions I’d still like to answer during the long-term review which you can expect to see in the coming months. I can’t deny that an ulterior motive is that I think the Jeffsy will make for a killer bike for the slightly less gnarly trails around my home testing ground.

At 6’2” (189cm), it’s easy to assume I should be on an XL bike. Just about every sizing chart out there would tell you so, and YT thought no differently. However, my proportions are quite extreme with a short torso and very long arms and legs; and my active riding style means I favor a bike with a shorter reach than is typical for riders of my height. In fairness, I previously opted to test the Capra, Izzo and even previous general Jeffsy in XL, though the new Jeffsy has a slightly longer reach than these bikes which pushes the XL slightly outside my comfortable sizing limits (especially with the 50mm stem spec). Thankfully after half a day of testing the XL Jeffsy and struggling to feel fully comfortable and “at one” with it, I was able to trade with one of the friendly faces of YT – Frank Dorr – and test the large size for the remainder of the camp. And instantly, YT’s new Jeffsy came alive for me.

I tested the previous generation Jeffsy for a good length of time a while back, and enjoyed its versatile nature, so was relieved to see that YT hadn’t pushed things too far in terms of geometry or kinematic with the latest iteration. It’s very much an evolution rather than a revolution, and they’ve managed to keep its climbing performance more or less identical, but pushed its descending capabilities up a notch without losing its fun factor for mellower trails.

Speaking of the climbing performance, YT’s geometry gives a nicely centered position without being bolt-upright, and the slightly longer rear ends across the board help to keep weight on that front end. The suspension offers a good balance of support and traction, negating the need for me to consider reaching for the lockout lever throughout the two days of testing thus far.

On the way down the hill, the Jeffsy offers a nice blend of characteristics that make it very much a jack of all trades. It is not a master of any particular terrain or riding style, instead sitting in a well-balanced sweet spot where it’ll happily pop, play and work mellower terrain for speed; but still offers enough confidence to push hard on relatively gnarly terrain. Make no mistake, when things get particularly rough and fast, you’ll be better served by the Capra, but for general trail through to light enduro riding the Jeffsy has your back. Once we got the baseline setup dialed in, I felt little need to play with the suspension settings, meaning there’s possibly some extra performance to be unlocked. I’d also have loved to stick a softer compound and likely different tread pattern tire on the front, as the Minion DHF MaxxTerra didn’t quite offer up the confidence in front end traction that I’d have liked in the slick conditions of the British Fall.

I’d like to extend a particular kudos to YT’s product managers for their choice of build kits throughout the range. At every price point the performance appears to remain consistently solid, and value continues to stack up well for what is now certainly a premium product, especially the carbon frame. Their storage solution is as well-considered as they come and its nine month development period has resulted in a very sleek hatch. The Core 4 and 5 offer builds that I would get on and ride without so much as thinking about swapping parts, aside from likely swapping out that front tire for my preferences. Lower spec levels have their priorities in the right places, with solid brakes (I like Codes, but others may not agree) and good suspension, so it’s only the pickiest riders who are likely to feel the need to swap out parts before they’ve worn out. All in all, YT has not disappointed in their pursuit of taking the Jeffsy up a notch, and in the world of all-round bikes it’s likely to keep many riders satisfied based on initial impressions.

PRESS RELEASE

YT JEFFSY MK3

THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP

October 25th 2023 – The JEFFSY story began in 2016 as YT’s first foray into 29″ wheels. The concept was simple: To design a dependable, confidence-inspiring trail bike akin to a best friend who always has your back. This concept turned into a project and, with that, a campaign. “I Hate JEFFSY” fueled speculation for the upcoming launch, setting the scene with a wife complaining that her husband is never home, only to reveal he’s been hanging out with his new best friend – the JEFFSY MK1. From there, JEFFSY MK2 sought a deeper connection with “Friendship Redefined”, a monologue on trust and commitment read by none other than Christopher Walken. An ode to friendship, if you will.

“The Power of Friendship” completes this long-awaited trilogy. With 80s inspired visuals, it sets the scene with two young friends finding themselves in an alleyway standoff before JEFFSY steps in to save the day. Nothing is out of reach when you work as a team – please welcome the JEFFSY MK3.

FRAME AND FEATURES

With five sizes and two frame materials, JEFFSY provides versatility and top performance at all price points. Slotting between the CAPRA and IZZO models, the updated chassis features 29″ wheels and a progressive V4L suspension design that pairs 145mm of rear wheel travel with a 150mm fork. Geometry improvements enhance balance – the reach has grown by 5mm across all sizes, while size-specific chainstay lengths now sit at 437mm for sizes S-L and 442mm for XL-XXL. The seat angle maintains an effective 77-degrees when at the average rider’s saddle height across every frame size, guaranteeing an efficient, comfortable pedaling position on longer rides. Gravity runs deep within the YT range, and the JEFFSY is no exception; the slack 65-degree head angle provides confidence and a flip chip, allows 8mm of bottom bracket height adjustment.

Carbon fiber and aluminum frames cater to all price points and preferences, and regardless of which model you choose, you’ll receive the same dialed geometry. However, carbon frames feature the all-new STASH downtube storage, YT’s first step into in-frame storage. The unique design assesses common problems and overcomes them, with the decision to separate the lid and bottle cage eliminating unwanted noise and play. The lid is double-sealed for water resistance, while two neoprene bags fit neatly in the compartment to silence your payload. The YT Postman V2 dropper also receives a series of improvements, including a revised rail/clamp interface for simple adjustment and up to 230mm of post-travel, adjustable via travel reduction shims.

MODELS

Looking to take your first steps into riding or after a solid platform for future upgrades? C ORE 1 meets and exceeds these needs, featuring a RockShox Lyrik fork, Deluxe rear shock, powerful SRAM DB8 brakes, an E*Thirteen cockpit, and quality Maxxis DHF and DHR II Exo+ tires. C ORE 2 and 3 models feature the same spec on an aluminum or carbon frame, respectively. These bombproof builds feature proven componentry, including a FOX 36 Performance fork, Float X shock, SRAM GX drivetrain, DH-inspired SRAM Code R brakes, quality DT Swiss M1900 wheels, and a Renthal OE cockpit.

C ORE 4 steps the game up: At this level, you receive top-performance components, including RockShox Ultimate suspension, the latest SRAM GX Transmission drivetrain, SRAM Code RSC brakes, Crankbrothers EN 2 AL wheels, and a YT-exclusive blacked-out Renthal Apex cockpit. C ORE 5 now sits at the top of the food chain. This dream build features YT’s highest-grade Ultra Modulus carbon fiber, FOX Factory suspension, a SRAM X0 Transmission drivetrain, SRAM Code RSC brakes with HS2 rotors, Crankbrothers EN 3 AL wheels, and a factory Renthal bar and stem combo. Whichever level you choose, all CORE models feature the latest YT Postman V2 dropper (125mm S, 150mm M, 170mm L, 200mm XL, 230mm XXL) and a Maxxis DHF and DHR II combo in EXO+ casing/MaxxTerra compound.

For more Information about YT Industries:
YT–industries.com | Instagram | Facebook

First Ride and Release: The New YT Jeffsy MK3 Core 5

YT JEFFSY CORE 5

Price: 5,999.00 € | £5,999.00 | $6,499.00 | $9,099.00 CAD

HEADSET Cane Creek Series 40 ZS44 ZS56
STEM Renthal Apex 35 50 mm | +/–6°
HANDLEBAR Renthal Fatbar 35 780 mm | 7° Back | 5° Up | 30 mm Rise
GRIPS ODI Elite Motion V2.1 Lock–On

WHEELSET Crankbrothers Synthesis Enduro Alloy I9 1/1
FRONT TIRE Maxxis Minion DHF 29’’ x 2.5 WT | 3C MaxxTerra | EXO+
REAR TIRE Maxxis Minion DHR II 29’’ x 2.4 WT | 3C MaxxTerra | EXO+

BRAKES SRAM Code RSC
ROTOR HS2 200 mm | 200 mm
SEATPOST YT Postman V2 Ø 31,6mm | Adjustable drop 25/10/5mm
SEATPOST LENGTHS 125 mm (S) I 150 mm (M) | 170 mm (L) | 200 mm (XL) | XXL 230 mm
SADDLE SDG Bel Air 3.0 140 mm | Lux–Alloy Rail
BOTTOM BRACKET SRAM DUB Pressfit

First Ride and Release: The New YT Jeffsy MK3 Core 4

YT JEFFSY CORE 4

Price: 4,999.00 € | £4,999.00 | $5,499.00 | $7,699.00 CAD

HEADSET Cane Creek Series 40 ZS44 ZS56
STEM Renthal Apex 35 50 mm | +/–6°
HANDLEBAR Renthal AL2014 780 mm | 7° Back | 5° Up | 6061 AL I 30 mm Rise
GRIPS ODI Elite Motion V2.1 Lock–On

WHEELSET Crankbrothers Synthesis Enduro Alloy
FRONT TIRE Maxxis Minion DHF 29’’ x 2.5 WT | 3C MaxxTerra | EXO+
REAR TIRE Maxxis Minion DHR II 29’’ x 2.4 WT | 3C MaxxTerra | EXO+

BRAKES SRAM Code RSC
ROTOR Centerline 200 mm | 200 mm
SEATPOST YT Postman V2 Ø 31,6mm | Adjustable drop 25/10/5mm
SEATPOST LENGTHS 125 mm (S) I 150 mm (M) | 170 mm (L) | 200 mm (XL) | XXL 230 mm
SADDLE SDG Bel Air 3.0 140 mm | Lux–Alloy Rail
BOTTOM BRACKET SRAM DUB Pressfit

First Ride and Release: The New YT Jeffsy MK3 Core 3

YT JEFFSY CORE 3

Price: 3,999.00 € | £3,999.00 | $4,299.00 | $5,999.00 CAD

CRANKSET SRAM GX Eagle 170 mm | 32T | DUB
CASSETTE SRAM GX 1275 Eagle 10–52T | 12–Speed
DERAILLEUR SRAM GX Eagle 12–Speed
SHIFTER SRAM GX Eagle 12–Speed MMX

First Ride and Release: The New YT Jeffsy MK3 Core 2

YT JEFFSY CORE 2

Price: 2,999.00 € | £2,999.00 | $3,299.00 | $4,599.00 CAD