[First Ride] YT Industries Jeffsy 27

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In March 2016 YT presented the Jeffsy 29, their first 29″ wheeled bike, created for the Trail and All-Mountain lovers. Today, 10 months later, YT presents their new two-wheeled machine: the Jeffsy 27.

Back in January we travelled to Málaga, Spain for the official presentation of the German brand’s newest bike. The model that we tested was the Jeffsy 27 CF Pro Race in size XL with 160mm of front and rear travel, weighing only 12.4kg without pedals. The frame is constructed of carbon fiber, featuring internally routed cables, frame protectors, Virtual 4 Link suspension system, Boost chainstays and tubeless ready tires.

YT’s co-founder and engineer Stefan Willared explained to us that the new Jeffsy 27 doesn’t come with a Boost fork, because if it did it would be more of Enduro bike, and less of a Trail bike, which they say it is. In any case, it may seem like Jeffsy’s 29 little sister, but we think that the new Jeffsy 27 is more of an updated Capra. Bryan Regnier, YT’s Enduro pro racer, mentioned to us that depending on the track, he will be racing with either a Jeffsy 27 or a Capra at this year’s EWS.

Specifications

The fork is a FOX 34 Float Factory Kashima with 160mm of travel, a QR 15 x 100 axle, and a 3-position FIT4 damper: Open, Medium and Firm. You can adjust rebound and low speed compression externally. A FOX Float X Factory Kashima shock with an EVOL air sleeve, adjustable rebound and 3-position compression takes care of the 160mm of rear travel. For the 1×11 transmission, YT decided to mix a few high-end components: the rear derailleur and shifter is an X01 from SRAM, the cassette is a e*13 TRS+, and the cranks are the NEXT SL Carbon from RaceFace. Although the CF Pro Race is the most expensive model of the Jeffsy 27 range, it doesn’t come with the new 1×12 SRAM Eagle group, the CF Pro that comes with it. The wheels are the e*13 TRSr SL carbon wrapped in e*13 tires.

Renthal is in charge of the cockpit: the handlebar is the well-recognized Fatbar Carbon 35, 800mm length and 20mm rise, the stem is the Apex 35, making it the perfect combination to control the front-end of the new Jeffsy 27. The grips are the new Sensus Swayze Lite and the brakes are the SRAM Guide Ultimate, which, in our opinion, are the best ones you can get right now. The RockShox Reverb Stealth seatpost is combined with a custom SDG x YT Fly seat. Unfortunately, YT continue to spec the Reverb lever above the handlebar on the left side. It’s more ergonomic and less apt to snag on your shorts when mounted below the bar.

Geometry

Thanks to the Flip-Chip technology, Jeffsy’s 27 geometry can be changed in 2 different positions (Low or High), varying the headtube and seat angle 1º, and the BB height from 341mm to 350mm.

On The Trail

The Jeffsy 27, and especially the CF Pro Race model, has been created to descend, but that doesn’t mean it can’t climb. The rider position is centered and balanced, offering comfortable pedaling on long trails, even steeper ones. The suspension system is stable and takes up every bump and imperfection of the ground, offering lots of traction.

When pointed downhill it most definitely inspires confidence. You certainly feel a sort of absolute control over most types of terrain. We never felt that this bike wasn’t capable of something. On technical terrain, it feels stable and it lets you correct any errors that may occur under some circumstances on the trail. It is nimble and easy to handle, and you can really appreciate its precision and stability on corners and jumps.

The progressive suspension curve of the new Jeffsy 27 is very good, it’s reactive at the beginning of the stroke, and progressive at the end, letting you ride more aggressively without having to worry about the big hits, because it absorbs them very well. Thanks to the geometry, the rider position is on point and offers confidence and control in every riding situation.

If you put a FOX 36 Boost fork on the CF Pro Race, you more stout Enduro machine ready to compete at the EWS, but if you leave it as it comes, you have a more well-rounded bike that works nicely on the climbs while still being a rocket on the downhills. The new Jeffsy 27 is without a doubt a very good bike with high-end components and sleek design at a very competitive price.