Review: YT Capra CF Comp

[rouxtjie]

On the subject of comparing its RRP to that of a Reign there are a couple of things to consider.

 

1. Comparison is made assuming the same business model

We know YT does direct, Giant does not so should be more affordable, right? Not quite. Giant owns their factories and produce millions of bikes a year. R&D costs are set off against several models so too overheads and marketing expenses. The international site lists 24 bikes on the MTB side alone. YT has 8 counting alu and carbon seperate. To put that in perspective: there are more Reigns in Giant's line-up than YT has bikes in total!

 

Just having your own factories give you a MASSIVE advantage as there isn't a supplier in the chain who needs to make his cut and lead times could be shorter (as you call the shots).

 

Also Giant spec own brand gear that once again should come in cheaper than having to buy from a manufacturer who's core business it is to make money off that sale.

 

2. "Payment"

We don't know when or how these bikes are paid for. Forward cover, paying in Eur, USD or Yen all make a big difference.

 

3. Landed Cost

Most manufacturers have tier system in place with importers. If it's a shop (like William's who do Ibis) the volumes will be lower and therefor he will pay more than a full on distributor with a network of shops. We don't know what the YT SA's deal is. (And rightly so)

 

4. Apples and Oranges

Giant make some fine bikes that don't stand back for the best of them. Quite often they ARE the best of them. But we are comparing a mass producer with a niche, boutique brand here. For starters we should be looking at Santa Cruz, Ibis, Yeti and the likes for a real like for like. 

 

5. Stock Levels / Order Quantities 

Again, not sure what the deal is, but I would assume YT SA bring n smaller qty's and will have to do so more often. Giant does several containers full of stuff further reducing costs.

booom

 

Strength is your weakness and vica versa...My money...YT everyday of the week

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

Have you spent time on both bikes to be able to draw that conclusion?

 

I have spent time on the Evil, but have not ridden the Capra. I missed the demo day here in Pretoria. Maybe some day I will be able to give a comparison. I did say in my opinion, based on the facts I have on riding the Evil and having read a coupe of reviews on the Capra

 

Ah. Judging a suspension's performance based on its looks. Right. 

 

Just say you prefer the looks of the Evil. Nothing wrong with that, and you don't sound like a stoopid when you say it.

 

The DELTA (as darn sexy as it is) isn't objectively better or worse than the horst link design of the YT. It'll be different, sure, but each has its own quirks. And both are very good suspension designs. 

 

There's also a reason so many bikes have adapted the Horst link design since Spaz's patent ran out. 

Thanks for giving me the benefit of the doubt on my intelligence, I think.........

 

My view on the comparisons is this. The average guy buying a Capra/Evil/Banshee, etc. would not be comparing it to a Reign. It's just too mainstream. I believe, and again it is my opinion only so roast away  , that not many people can ride any of these bikes to their limit meaning comparing geometries, suspension platforms, etc. does play a role but the biggest factor is the looks and individuality. I mean you have to love your bike, it's what gets you out there too.

I will try to explain the above: there are many people out there willing to pay a premium for being "the" guy who has something different to the masses when out riding, or at an event. The attention for being the only guy out of 20 who has a Capra/Evil/banshee while there are 10 guys who have a Reign/Trance/Spez is something they would gladly pay for.

It's a bit of a poser mentality, if you doubt this just look at all the weekend warriors in their lumo #endurbro, power ranger pajamas.

Again, please this is my opinion, it in no ways means I don't think any of these bikes is good. I rode a fully kitted Insurgent, carbon wheels, Fox 36, etc. and it was a beast!!!! My question is, will having that bike make me a better rider. Yes it would, but would it improve my riding more than say if I just put a Fix 36, carbon wheels, etc. onto my trance? I'm doubtful. Your talent is the ultimate limiting factor.

[Chilternburt]

Isn't it more reminiscent of how SA gets stooged by Apple? They deliberately set the prices higher to account for a more volatile currency, so there is a considerable buffer between the SA price and USA, should the ZAR (or other market) ever gain.

 

More going on that direct exchange rate I think. Other places get direct exchange with USA and EUR on YT prices, for example. I don't really know though, just speculating.

 

Rand / Dollar doesn't effect Apple pricing in SA as all SA stock comes from Apple Europe, therefore you need to price it against the Pound  / Euro

(worked there for 5 years)