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Interviews

20 years/20 questions – YT Industries

Stefan and Markus take to the hot seat

TO CELEBRATE THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF DIRT WE’RE SPEAKING TO THE BRANDS AND RIDERS THAT HAVE SUPPORTED US THROUGHOUT THE YEARS. WE’LL BE ASKING 20 QUESTIONS ON THE PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE OF MOUNTAIN BIKING TO THOSE WHO ARE TRULY IN THE KNOW. CHECK OUT OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK THAT’S AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER HERE.

To go from being an unknown brand to winning World Cups in eight years is no mean feat but that’s exactly what YT Industries did. With a focus on good times and putting the consumer first, YT is a brand that does things right.

From the second we locked eyes on the Capra we were hooked. It was a complete game changer for the enduro market and has deservedly won our enduro bike of the year multiple times.

Add on top of this the runaway success of the Tues and the irresistible Jeffsy and you have an awesome fleet of bikes. We can’t wait to see what’s in store next from these guys.

We had a chat with Markus and Stefan about mountain biking past, present and future.

20 questions – YT Industries

What achievement of the company are you most proud of?
“That at this time we are able to offer steady employment for 70 people”.

What has been you biggest product development?
“The CAPRA – just like Steve said: it was a game changer amongst enduro bikes”.

What was the brand working on 20 years ago?
“YT is only 8 years old”… 😉

What is the direction of the company setting up for the next 20 years?
“We will keep on developing products that focus on fun and Good Times. Whether they will have 2, 4 or more wheels, I cannot tell you”.

What influence has Dirt had on your company?
“We’re world famous thanks to Dirt”.

What has been the biggest lesson the company has learnt in the industry?
“That it is very important to follow your own ideas”.

What has been your favourite moment of Dirt’s history?
“The first time Dirt came to visit our German headquarters. We´ll never forget.” 

Your favourite or most memorable Dirt Cover?
“None specifically. They were all too good to be true”.

Dirt is well known to be controversial, what experience do you have of this?
“Being controversial is what Dirt is all about; luckily for us, it was all positive vibes when it came to YT”.

What would you like to see from Dirt over the next 20 years?
“A print issue“.

How were you first introduced to Dirt?
“In a news stand at the train station”.

What has Dirt taught you over the years?
“English beer can be tasty as well”.

Who have been your favourite riders of the past 20 years?
“Shaun Palmer, style wise”.

What Rider has most pushed the boundaries over the past 20years?
“Andreu Lacondeguy – he brought motocross size and style to mountain biking”.

What has been your favourite or most memorable race?
“The World Cup race in Lourdes 2016. Certainly, there were even more exciting and thrilling races in the history of downhill racing but it was our first ever World Cup with The YT Mob and we nearly shat our pants. To win this race was the greatest thing ever”. 

What does the next 20 years bring for Mountain biking?
“More bike parks, more e-bikes and hopefully Good Times”.

What’s your opinion on E-Bikes?
“Well, why not? If you’re doing it right!”

What life lessons has Mountain biking taught you?
“When you go fast you are more stable!”


What’s been the most questionable thing to come out of Mountain biking?
“Everything may seem justifiable at a certain point in time, even though it might be regarded as complete nonsense later”.

Who doesn’t get the credit they deserve in the industry?
“Kalle and Schiffer, the shapers behind our home bike park in Osternohe.”

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