So Gwin has chosen to go it alone, to set up his own deal, to do things his own way. His choice of bike sponsor couldn’t be more different or controversial within the industry. Up until now Gwin has always ridden for American companies: Yeti, then Trek and then Specialized. Companies with history and roots, and they all play by the traditional manufacturer/dealer/shop network. YT are only young (they started out in 2008), their first complete DH bike only appeared in 2010, but most importantly of all their approach to bike industry is ‘of the moment’. They wanted to make affordable bikes and the only way that they could do that was by cutting out the middle man and selling direct. This can have its drawbacks, but so far all is looking good. I guess I should also point out that YT are German, and they (along with others like Canyon) are turning the MTB world on its head.

I’m guessing that for many in the US bike industry YT were nothing really to worry about, they were a few thousand miles away doing their thing, “very Euro”! But YT had a plan, and then they got clever, they hooked up with none other than Cam Zink; a key and influential person in the US scene, and set up distribution right under the noses of their competitors across the pond. The team developed but only really on the slopestyle/freeride side of things. We know that YT have wanted to get involved with racing, but they wanted to do it their way, and didn’t wanted to be involved with mid-packers, they wanted a big scalp. This signing of Gwin is the next piece in the jigsaw. Sign him up, get him winning races and then YT will be hoping that they can keep up with production demands! If he has a bad year (as he did in his first year with Specialized)… well then the alarm bells might start ringing. But wouldn’t that be the case with any bike sponsor, direct or otherwise?

Press Release

The YT Mob: YT joins the World Cup with Aaron Gwin and Angel Suarez

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.”

Gwin is also excited about his new sponsor: “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.”

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.