The bike manufacturer YT finally shares its secret and presents its first downhill World Cup racing team named, The YT Mob. None other than American Aaron Gwin along with Spanish youngster Angel Suarez will stir up the downhill world, while the team will be operated by 23 Degrees Sports with Martin Whiteley as Team Director.
Ale Di Lullo photo
Exactly one week ago the terrible news about the death of YT team rider Kelly McGarry made headlines all around the globe. The team at YT is still at a loss for words regarding the sudden loss of this extraordinary character. Unsure about the right moment to release the much-anticipated news about Aaron Gwin and the downhill team, YT has now decided to make it official: Aaron Gwin is coming to Forchheim!
Ale Di Lullo photo
After an extensive search, the 28-year-old downhill superstar has decided to join the German bike manufacturer. Aaron Gwin’s team mate is 20-year-old Angel Suarez from Vigo, who can look back on a very successful motocross career and who has already showcased his immense downhill racing potential with a top 20 finish at the World Cup in Lenzerheide in 2015. With the Mob, YT joins the World Cup circus for the first time in its history.
Ale Di Lullo photos
Finally, the long-awaited wish to send the TUES onto the world’s toughest tracks to prove that the downhill machine is not just a top-notch freeride beast, but also a proper racing tool is now coming true. With his distinctive racing focus and his untamed will to win, Aaron Gwin adds a new dimension to the YT family. It was particularly important for Gwin that his new bike sponsor shares the same passion and dedication for downhill as he does. With YT he has a like-minded crew on his side, one that is completely committed to the gravity aspect of mountain biking. The set-up of the bikes out of Forchheim could not be any better: The kinematic concept and the geometry of the TUES convinced the multiple World Cup winner already after the first ride. There will be no changes made to the frame itself, Gwin will ride all the World Cup races with a stock TUES frame.
Ale Di Lullo photos
So, has YT had a change of heart, deviating from their Good Times mentality to now only heavily focus on nothing but rankings and podiums? “No way”, says CEO Markus Flossmann. “Good Times is also the motto of our YT Mob. We are going to offer our riders the best bikes and conditions, so they can focus on doing their thing. The fun of racing will always come first, because eventually the rider who can stay relaxed and calm during the heat and stress of racing will take the win. We are beyond thrilled to have Aaron and Angel joining us.”
Ale Di Lullo photo
The unbelievable hype that we've seen over the last few weeks and the feedback of the fans were incredible, but I am really happy to finally announce the news. We are a great match because the guys at YT share the same passion for mountain biking as I do. I am sure we will have a great time together. The TUES is perfect and I am really happy to officially ride it from now on.- Aaron Gwin
Ale Di Lullo photos
In addition to YT as title sponsor, the YT Mob will have the following co-sponsors: e*thirteen, Onza Tires, TRP, Renthal, SDG, Motorex, ODI, Cane Creek and Alpinestars.
Ale Di Lullo photo
About YT Industries:In 2008, CEO Markus Flossmann founded YT with the aim to build competition-ready, affordable dirt jump and slopestyle mountain bikes for talented young riders. After only eight years, the product range includes high-end downhill and enduro bikes, which are awarded with renowned prices on a regular basis. The secret of success: high quality products, fair prices, the direct selling method which eliminates the profit margins of middlemen, an unmatched reputation and last but not least world-class team riders like Cam Zink, Andreu Lacondeguy and Aaron Gwin, who have joined the YT family. By now, YT has established distribution channels in Europe, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Asia and Africa.
Good on you yt for waiting before releasing this great news. You guys are a class act and I really appreciate that and I'm sure Kelly and his family does too. #winsforMcGazza
Yep. Great call. Much respect. I love how these guys roll. Talk about a company bridging the gap between freeride and DH racing and doing it with class.
"We are a great match because the guys at YT share the same passion for mountain biking as I do. I am sure we will have a great time together." i believe you, Aaron. I believe you.
Two weeks ago you said you calculated your value and you found a team that is willing to pay that money ................ But i think at the end you decided for yt because of the passion for mountainbiking.
i rode trp cx9 mini v-brakes on my old cyclocross bike for a long time, best mechanical rim brakes i ever had. and a more precise engagement-point than hydraulic hs33. now i ride the trp spyre (mechanical discs) on the current cx bike, totally love them. theyre strong enough to not make me want the hyrd or hylex.
I think it will work out. It seems clear to me that YT is providing nothing more than the frame...and Aaron seems to really like the bike the way it is. What we can hope for, is that Aaron will be able to provide feedback that improves the bike and the brand, and we will all see the benefit of that.
Thankfully I bought my Tues CF last season when prices were even more reasonable. Whew!
@maverickdh00 that's not entirely true as there is now a full carbon wheelset a part of the deal. Also some other sick stuff like the sixc crank on the capra. But still, the prices were increasing consistently from year to year. They had to in order to get their numbers from red to black I guess. They went up a 1000 with the carbon frame and again a 1000 with Fox and carbon wheels. That's still a fair deal considering the x2 shock sells at 700€ right now, but there was definitely some serious markup in it for YT, too.
YT prices will increase without a doubt - this is the new pathway of getting into markets that have been dominated by the big players. Undercut then equilibrate in the market - price just under competition and offer similar goods. Any reduction in price would be a bad business approach to long term profits. The bills they are paying + their payouts to employees in owners indicates that they have lower costs than most (plus direct sells) and can pump prices and still look attractive while having huge profits at their scale. Pretty crazy to think about retail prices vs. costs.
I'm afraid you are right nicolai12, but I feel with 5000€ they reached a certain limit to what is still reasonable for a top notch DH bike. I mean there is just nothing new about the fact that you can actually buy a decent motorbike for that kind of money... Which features anything a bicycle has and a motor on top of that! And then there is also their brand name and purpose they have to honor. However, one must acknowledge that even though they increased their prices, they still provide the same bike with crazy good specs for a much lower price if you can forgo to have a carbon frame and wheelset. YT does so many things right lately... And after they first were misused to get to a premium partlist with a discount and a frame to sell, they now establish their brand value and therefore have to claim the premium segment.
Here are some facts regarding the changes between 2015 -2016: Tues CF Comp - identical spec, price dropped by $100 Tues CF Pro - upgraded to carbon wheels, bars, cranks, brakes - upped by $1000 Capra Comp 1 - upgraded fork - upped by $100 Capra Pro - upgraded wheels, suspension - upped by $300 Capra Pro Race - upgraded to carbon wheels, upgraded brakes - upped by $500
Every price change directly correlates to a change in a bike's build, not to a signing of a racer or change in core values..
@bhowl prices of OE spec'd frames were decided before signing Gwin and corresponding investments in a WC race team. I fully agree that your facts regarding current pricing structure are correct and I appreciate you bringing this to the surface (they are pretty awesome), but I'll bet that the company has substantially higher fixed cost now and will start to bump prices as a result. Notice they are probably paying less for their specs now in the US with Fox/SRAM spec'd builds then with BOS? I guess both the consumer and company win and loss there depending on your experiences.
Haha me too, I'm just about sick of visiting the same pages hundreds of times a day! I wonder if pb and other sites had higher hits than normal because of it
Yeah, but how many people thought it couldn't happen without a big outside sponsor (like KTM or Audi). As far as I can tell, YT stepped up and payed what Specialized wouldn't. That's pretty big news.
Everyone cares. Gwinner is going to absolutely kill it on this bike. I predict three world cup wins plus the world championship. One flat tyre, one broken chain and a big fuck you to specialized. Yt and gwin laughing all the way to the bank!
Gwin is an amazing rider, but if you were to describe what Gwin is like and then describe what YT is like, you wouldn't put these two together. Unless one of these parties has a significant change in how they exist (or market themselves as to how they exist), this partnership will be gone in three years.
I think too much is made of this. Yt makes bikes and sells bikes. Gwin rides bikes and gets paid. They probably only come into contact for three days a year, in a employer/employee capacity (in which one is subservient to the other). They could be polar opposites but as long as they uphold their side of the agreement it won't matter. Gwin will be working with Whiteley for the most part.
@jaame, just an observation from watching all major sports, mainly in usa for 30 years. Motorsports, ball sports, track/field...winners praising God, pointing up, kissing cross etc.
All the mx guys in the American series all thank "the man up above". Then you get Canard who is as religious as they come, gets smashed big time every season. Amen hey?
American sport isn't necessarily indicative of "the best athletes in the world". The Chinese cleaned up at the last couple of Olympics, for example, and not many of them would be thanking God that's for sure. Not the Christian God anyway.
Loving all the who cares comments. You clearly cared enough to comment.
While it's hardly a surprise I still think it's good news, will be good to see how the Tues fares in the world cups.
Well Gwin seems to like it. Maybe you just have a different body. Or you don't know shit about bikes.
Either way I don't care, go ride RedAlp if you want to be special.
Jesus, one dude says he didn't like a YT bike gets neg propped to hell? And Mazze, that's the comment I'd expect from a 12 year old. Grow up.
Frigging YT fanboys are just as bad as the Shimano die hards. Yes, they make good bikes, and yes, it's totally possible for someone not to like them. It's not an indictment of you personally.
I don't even own a YT so I'm not what you think I am. Also there is just no point in shaming little kids who are happy to be on a Champions bike except you are trying to be a little prick. Gwin says he is suprised of how comfortable the bike feels and out of the f*cking blue a pathetic noname has to state that he doesn't like it for no apparent reason because he feels special to be different and likes to distinguish himself by bashing on kids? And now you are coming out to be his white knight? You certainly don't seem immature tsheep.
I was a no point shaming anyone. I've made a joke about some people that i expected under this article. Let people ride whatever they want, it's a f*cking joke. I've stated my own opinion and now i get bashed because i mention it and it doesn't suit the people who read the comment. I've also nowhere mentioned that i feel special because i ride something else, i haven't even spoken bad about the bike, i've said completely neutral that i did not like the bike and i therefore have a different point of view of Gwins move than someone who like the Tues. And now you're the one who's insulting me, that i don't know shit about bikes, for no apparent reason. Have a close look on what i wrote again, you were the one who got offended and started flame me for "wanting to be special".
Obviously you can't read. I didnt insult you in the first place. I said you may have just a different body. Or you may know shit about bikes. Where should I know? There is absolutely NO personal insult at all. You were the guy insulting others for being YT 'fanboys' which is by definition a offensive and degrading term, with negative meaning to it. Next point: white knight is not an insult and 'except someone is trying to be a little prick' is speaking hypothetically, so again, no insult. Therefore I was neither offensive nor insulting at all. The one thing you can get me for is to call you a pathetic noname in the matter of what your unfounded opinion is worth, but that is just what you are - and so am I. An anonymous nobody on the internet commenting on a random topic. If your opinion was based on an actual argument, it would be a different story. But nobody cares if you like the bike or not. So if either of you guys gonna start an argument with me, you better stay with the facts.
Besides, I just didn't see a joke in a comment bashing 12 year old kids that are happy about a nice, affordable bike as those kids are exactly what YTs target audience was from the very beginning. Therefore I had enough reason to believe that this was more of a hate comment on the fact, that YTs are the kind of bikes that young guns can afford and you had some arbitrary problem with that clientele. Great joke though.
... On a lighter note... I wish I was 12 again and had a YT Tues. There was no "downhill" when I was 12 (1986) and mountain bikes were a lot different to what they were now. I had to make do with being a Powell Peralta and Santa Cruz (skate) fanboi.
Secondly - Great interview from Gwin. I do admire his straight talking.
Still, in my view i've made a joke and unlike "not knowing shit", i do not consider "fanboy" an insult. I am a fanboy my self. Hell, i was stoked when i bought my Session and Gwin was killing it on this bike. And i'll once again celebrate, when the Ahertons win on their new bikes. I could have gone and written a full on review in the comments, but i doubt that it would have changed something, as you said "nobody cares if you like the bike or not". Besides, the Tues is actually a killer spec, i can't deny that, regardless of my opinion on the bike. If i was new to the sport, i'd could imagine to buy a YT too. As is said, i was sarcastic and made a joke. Let people ride whatever the f*ck they want.
@SmashedFungi I'm sorry but you must be retarded if you still manage to read my words as an insult, because - like I explained twice already - all I ever said is that there is the chance that you have just different body proportions OR you might not know shit about bikes. So it can be EITHER the former OR the latter. Nowhere I stated that I know for a fact that you are clueless. And even if I did then by your logic that would still reflect a respectable opinion and not an insult. Now PUHLEEASE shut up and get some more friends to dislike my comment. By the way the RedAlp reference must have made it quite obvious to everyone that my comment was not to be taken too seriously. That's it, I'm outta here bye.
Everyone talks about Aaron but think about just how lucky Angel must feel right now going to ride in one team with such a legend and having all these amazing sponsors
No TLD clothes? Onza tires and TRP brakes is going to be hard to digest for a while, But I am sure his input will get them up to speed. The E-Thirteen wheels? He will have (and go thru) a lot of them.
So @Mattin you're saying they knew kelly was gonna die so just wanted to wait till after? Pretty sure that's not the case, I don't think his death has anything to do with the release of this news as it was always going to happen soon
Kelly passed away exactly one week ago. Which is a delay in news that is not just acceptable, but rather even classy and respectful.
As for the period before, from what I read the sponsorship agreements were still only in the case where they were discussing details. Until both parties didn't settle on an agreement and the contract is not signed yet, nothing is official yet and you can't release the news (because not official = not news).
To work out all the details, including co-sponsors, etc, etc, looking at what an expensive contract it is and how many people collaborate and have to agree, it is totally normal that it takes weeks or even a couple of months to totally settle this. This isn't your typical job offer at the supermarket for stocking shelves where they have a stock contract and either you sign it or you don't. This is a whole new part of the company that needs to be planned and built from scratch. It takes time.
Everyone seemed to take my comment as me bashing kelly's death. I have the up most respect for him and am saddened by his death, I'm just saying that I think regardless of Kelly's death, they would have released this now...
So fortunate to live where I do... To see that product release video shot in my backyard and see the shuttle trucks drive past my place of employment makes me realize just how lucky I am. Oh - and Gwin gaps those rock rollers like - well, like a WC DH champion. So fast. Best wishes for a great season!
My first thoughs were: He's gonna go to GT, coz they lost Athertons and they would do anything to keep them on top spots. This is quiet a surprise moment, but why not if he feels comfortable on the bike? Let's wait for GT lineup then. Or I missed the announcement?
Sorry about the condition of the sweeper, we should have it fixed up soon/altho ruffer the btr for these guys i know. The major problem is water from the fireroad...fire roads are controlled by fire and not ocparks, so its very difficult to adjust em. Also, expect to see some habitat restoration up there to narrow down the line/scars.
We used to say mountainbikers should get paid more than what they are getting because of all these and that. I guess this is a step in the right direction. Company pays good money to a mountainbiker - gets good results - increases sales and profit - everybody happy. If this works out, I'm sure a few more riders would want a higher paycheck.
As a YT Tues CF owner, I am totally stoked to see it being used as a true DH weapon now. I bought it for DH and it would appear that I made a good choice.
This really doesn't matter. I don't care if Gwin rides for Huffy. Who he's riding for has absolutely zero impact on any aspect of my life. He's fast. It's been proven that it's not the bike, but the person on the pedals.
So now it's official the bikes you already had to wait 6 months for will now have a year waiting list. Result, you need to pay a year in advance for awhile they haven't even species yet with parts that haven't been released, so they can pay Gwins exorbitant salary! Fuck YT and their sizest attitude. At least I want a specialised I got to the shop and buy it I'm a size the fits me. Sure it costs twice as much, bit what use is a bike half the price when you can't ride it for half the year anyway..
Just because it's a horst link doesn't mean it rides the same at all. A specialized Enduro, transition patrol and yt capra are all horst link bikes. I have an Enduro and rode a Transition. Night and day difference in how they handle. I'm sure the Capra would be different as well.
1st marketing mistake for YT? YT has always been amazingly good in business. No flow in their marketing strategy and business model... till today. I understand the will to enter big in the DH circuit, especially when you have the cash to do it. But signing Gwin goes against the brand equity ('Young Talent', 'Good Times'). Unless YT wants to change this winning equity, I think they would have benefitted more from signing Bruni, Bryceland or someone like Fairclough (or wait a bit till they are available). Even if they are winning less races, they would fit with the brand much better. Title don't sell bikes, rider's image do. I think Specialized made a much better deal for season 2016.
I wouldn't go as far as to call it a mistake.
YT is already incredibly successful in Europe and the US market is the one they are planning to gain the most recognition from in near future. And there is one thing we all know Americans love and that's American heroes.
Also, having a winner on your team does not mean you have to discredit your motto of providing awesome bikes at an achievable pricepoint for young riders. Looking at the sheer amount of interest in Gwin, this is nothing but a seriously great deal for YT. On the other hand though, I would also have chosen the massively talented and young frenchies over gwin, assuming they would have been interested and to be got for the same amount of cash. It would have been great to see this alone for the fact that we are practicly neighbours and have a special relationship, but it would also have fit the motto perfectly well as you explained yourself.
However I think for the frenchies the Specialized deal was the logical thing to do, because it signals success to be sponsored by Specialized whereas YT needs to earn that reputation first. I hope Gwin will achieve that with YT.
The year had a bad start, so cheers to a good racing season with lots of action and as few injuries as possible!
I think GT learned their lesson and ditched the Athertons- the new GT Factory team is loose as fuck and going to be tons of fun
GT Bicycles, the original Good Times
Gwin on YT will bring attention from an older audience. Separate to that, Gwin guiding a younger rider like Angel will strengthen further the YT name among young riders. I dont know how there could have been a better deal than this for YT, even if they hired Minnar instead it wouldn't have been a better than the deal they made.
sick-visuals, i know what you mean and i'm disappointed too. i could do the research but i don't think Astar makes helmets, so would make sense to stick with TLD, a top manufacturer of head saving helmets, with their only real competitor being Bell, in my humble opinion. bummed though never the less.
Two weeks ago you said you calculated your value and you found a team that is willing to pay that money ................ But i think at the end you decided for yt because of the passion for mountainbiking.
now i ride the trp spyre (mechanical discs) on the current cx bike, totally love them. theyre strong enough to not make me want the hyrd or hylex.
Tues CF Comp - identical spec, price dropped by $100
Tues CF Pro - upgraded to carbon wheels, bars, cranks, brakes - upped by $1000
Capra Comp 1 - upgraded fork - upped by $100
Capra Pro - upgraded wheels, suspension - upped by $300
Capra Pro Race - upgraded to carbon wheels, upgraded brakes - upped by $500
Every price change directly correlates to a change in a bike's build, not to a signing of a racer or change in core values..
They could be polar opposites but as long as they uphold their side of the agreement it won't matter. Gwin will be working with Whiteley for the most part.
Amen hey?
Frigging YT fanboys are just as bad as the Shimano die hards. Yes, they make good bikes, and yes, it's totally possible for someone not to like them. It's not an indictment of you personally.
Also there is just no point in shaming little kids who are happy to be on a Champions bike except you are trying to be a little prick. Gwin says he is suprised of how comfortable the bike feels and out of the f*cking blue a pathetic noname has to state that he doesn't like it for no apparent reason because he feels special to be different and likes to distinguish himself by bashing on kids? And now you are coming out to be his white knight? You certainly don't seem immature tsheep.
Next point: white knight is not an insult and 'except someone is trying to be a little prick' is speaking hypothetically, so again, no insult. Therefore I was neither offensive nor insulting at all. The one thing you can get me for is to call you a pathetic noname in the matter of what your unfounded opinion is worth, but that is just what you are - and so am I. An anonymous nobody on the internet commenting on a random topic. If your opinion was based on an actual argument, it would be a different story. But nobody cares if you like the bike or not.
So if either of you guys gonna start an argument with me, you better stay with the facts.
Besides, I just didn't see a joke in a comment bashing 12 year old kids that are happy about a nice, affordable bike as those kids are exactly what YTs target audience was from the very beginning. Therefore I had enough reason to believe that this was more of a hate comment on the fact, that YTs are the kind of bikes that young guns can afford and you had some arbitrary problem with that clientele.
Great joke though.
Secondly - Great interview from Gwin. I do admire his straight talking.
As is said, i was sarcastic and made a joke.
Let people ride whatever the f*ck they want.
@fartymarty I can relate
As for the period before, from what I read the sponsorship agreements were still only in the case where they were discussing details. Until both parties didn't settle on an agreement and the contract is not signed yet, nothing is official yet and you can't release the news (because not official = not news).
To work out all the details, including co-sponsors, etc, etc, looking at what an expensive contract it is and how many people collaborate and have to agree, it is totally normal that it takes weeks or even a couple of months to totally settle this.
This isn't your typical job offer at the supermarket for stocking shelves where they have a stock contract and either you sign it or you don't. This is a whole new part of the company that needs to be planned and built from scratch. It takes time.
Was this before the relise of this article....if so...
BTW, what happened with Audi and KTM?
YT has always been amazingly good in business. No flow in their marketing strategy and business model... till today.
I understand the will to enter big in the DH circuit, especially when you have the cash to do it. But signing Gwin goes against the brand equity ('Young Talent', 'Good Times'). Unless YT wants to change this winning equity, I think they would have benefitted more from signing Bruni, Bryceland or someone like Fairclough (or wait a bit till they are available). Even if they are winning less races, they would fit with the brand much better. Title don't sell bikes, rider's image do.
I think Specialized made a much better deal for season 2016.