Test / MTB: Around 130 mm travel, light setup and modern geometry. Bikes with these attributes are enjoying increasing popularity at the moment. No wonder, since capable suspension, accessible geometries and sensible lightweight construction make the trail bike category extremely capable uphill and downhill. At YT, the minimum travel with the Jeffsy 29 was 150 mm. The new YT Izzo, on the other hand, manages with 130 mm of travel and thus opens up the segment of light trail bikes in the YT portfolio.
Test: YT Izzo Pro Race - Frame
A lightweight carbon frame with 130 mm travel forms the basis for the new YT Izzo. It is designed for 29er wheels, which definitely makes sense given the area of use of the bike. The positioning of the damper is a bit unusual for a YT. In the previous models, the damper was mounted horizontally in the frame. So that the bike offers more space in the frame triangle for a drinking bottle, tools and inner tube, the Izzo sits upright in front of the seat tube. This makes the bike interesting for touring riders who like to have a bottle on the frame.
YT thinks this approach even further: The Izzo comes with an optimized Thirstmaster drinking bottle with a magnetic holder on the frame and a full 835 ml capacity. There are also two more screws on the underside of the top tube, which can be used to mount a holder for a spare tube or tools, for example. Apart from the position of the damper, the rear end construction remains the same. As with the other models, YT also uses a 4-bar linkage with Horstlink on the chainstay for the Izzo.
Fox dampers are installed at the rear in all equipment variants. Unusual for this bike category is the remote control for the shock from the handlebars. This is done with a TwistLock lever from RockShox, so you can quickly lock and release the rear triangle. This is not only interesting for touring riders on long high mountain climbs, but also for the after-work ride to create a lively hardtail feeling.
There are other nice details on the frame. A generous guard with knurled rubber is mounted on the chainstay to protect the chainstay from the chain and to prevent annoying rattling. In addition, the internal cable routing has been optimized. The outer casing and cables are clamped in the down tube at the entrance and fixed with a rubber at the exit to prevent the cables from rattling.
Test: YT Izzo Pro Race - Geometry
When looking at the geometry table, we take positive note of the exemplary choice of size. The spectrum ranges from XS to XXL, so riders from 156 cm to 204 cm in height can sit on the Izzo. In the large sizes XL and XXL, the chainstays have also been lengthened by 5 mm to ensure a more balanced ride. There are overlaps between the sizes, so you can decide according to personal preferences.
If you go into the detail of the geometry data, you can see a modern geometry that is well suited for both uphill and downhill. The seat angle is steep at 77° so that ramps are not a problem. If you want, you can even make the seat angle steeper by half a degree. The ground clearance is also increased by 5 mm. This setting is particularly suitable for touring riders, as it takes away some of the aggressiveness of the bike, since the steering angle also becomes a bit steeper. For those who want an aggressive downhill bike, stick with the slacker setting. With a long reach, flat front and flat steering angle, the bike is in a good position to really let the gas stand on the downhills.
Geometry YT Izzo
| S | M | L | XL | XXL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| seat tube (in mm) | 400 | 425 | 450 | 475 | 500 |
| Top tube horizontal (in mm) | 566 | 591 | 616 | 641 | 666 |
| head tube (in mm) | 95 | 105 | 115 | 130 | 140 |
| chainstay (in mm) | 432 | 432 | 432 | 437 | 437 |
| Wheelbase (in mm) | 1158 | 1183 | 1209 | 1240 | 1265 |
| Steering angle (in °) | 66 / 66,5 | 66 / 66,5 | 66 / 66,5 | 66 / 66,5 | 66 / 66,5 |
| Seat angle (in °) | 77 / 77,5 | 77 / 77,5 | 77 / 77,5 | 77 / 77,5 | 77 / 77,5 |
| Reach (mm) | 429 | 450 | 472 | 492 | 513 |
| Stacks (in mm) | 603 | 612 | 621 | 635 | 644 |
You can find even more top fullies in our top 10 for 2021
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Test: YT Izzo Pro Race Equipment
There are currently four trim levels for the YT Izzo. It starts with the Comp model for 2.999 euros with Fox suspension, Sram NX gears and DT-Swiss 1900 wheels, which makes getting started very interesting. Then there is the Pro model for 3.899 euros. This is followed by our tested Pro Race model for 5.299 euros. The highlight of the line-up at the moment is the Launch Edition with Sram AXS wireless gears and ethirteen wheels for 6.499 euros.
| frame | YT Izzo Pro Race |
| suspension fork | FOX 34 FLOAT FACTORY |
| Suspension shocks | FOX FLOAT DPS FACTORY |
| Wheels | DT SWISS XMC 1200 SPLINE |
| Tire VR | MAXXIS FORECAST |
| Tire HR | MAXXIS FORECAST |
| derailleur | SRAM X01 EAGLE |
| Gear levers | SRAM X01 EAGLE |
| Crank | SRAM X01 EAGLE |
| Front derailleur | |
| Brake | SRAM G2 RSC |
| Brake discs | Rotor CENTERLINE 200mm / 180mm |
| Seat post | FOX TRANSFER FACTORY (31.6mm | S 100mm / M 125mm / L 150mm / XL - XXL 175mm) |
| Saddle | SDG RADAR MNT |
| Stem | RACE FACE TURBINE R |
| Links | RACE FACE NEXT 20mm Rise | 760mm width |
Our tested Pro Race model isn't quite the best, but you can say that the equipment is in the high-end range. And that for a really attractive price of 5.299 euros. YT uses a Fox Factory chassis with a Kashima coating here, as well as the transfer support, which is operated via a Raceface remote. This matches the cockpit, which consists of Race Face Turbine R and Race Face Next carbon handlebars.
The YT Izzo Pro Race is equipped with a complete Sram XO1 Eagle 1×12 circuit. With a 32 chainring and 10-50 cassette, the range is definitely sufficient, especially when you consider that you are traveling with a light overall package. The brake comes with the G2 RSC from Sram, which has a reach and pressure point adjustment. The brake is equipped with a 200mm disc at the front and a 180mm disc at the rear.
Another highlight are the wheels from DT Swiss. At around 1200 grams, the XMC 1500 Spline are not only light, but also stable. With a width of 30 mm, the carbon rims let the Maxxis Forecaster tires come out very wide in 2,35″. However, the profile of the tires is rather reserved and more suitable for touring than trail.
Test: YT Izzo Pro Race - On the trail
The first seat test on the Izzo was very positive. Despite the flat front and long reach, you don't sit too sporty on the bike. The handlebars could be a bit wider for our condition. We would have preferred a 780 mm handlebar on the test bike in size L - especially since it could also be shortened. The SDG saddle wasn't exactly our favorite either, but that's a matter of taste.
We're rolling. The light setup and the well-rolling tires are immediately noticeable. The Izzo moves very well and can be quickly brought up to speed. The remote lockout from the handlebars also helps. Locked, you almost feel like you are on a hardtail. The expected characteristics of the light trail bike are also confirmed on climbs. With a curled rear end, forest roads can be easily shot up. On technical climbs, however, you should free the rear triangle from these shackles, as it is quite neutral even when open and absorbs bumps. Simply turn the “throttle” on the left grip and you have the traction you need for the technical climb. Due to the steep seat angle and the flat front, the front wheel hardly tends to climb and the bike remains easy to control.
The uphill meters are quickly mastered, but how does the new YT Izzo fare on the downhill? The Fox Transfer post can be lowered quickly and easily using the Race Face lever on the left handlebar grip. The handling of the YT can be described as very balanced and offers a good basis in most driving situations. When things get fast, the bike runs extremely smoothly and gives the rider a lot of security. Due to the slack steering angle and the flat front, you can put a lot of weight on the front wheel to create maximum cornering grip. If the curve radii get tighter, the short chainstays help.
Even when it gets technical, the bike conveys a lot of security. The rear triangle is quite linear and sensitive. Only late does this become progressive in order to be able to withstand heavier blows. The downhill performance is somewhat limited by the low profile Maxxis Forecaster tires. In dry conditions and on long tours, the tires are optimal due to their nice width, but if it gets a little wet or the surface is more difficult, then the tires quickly reach their limits.
So who is the new Izzo for? Ultimately, the term trail bike describes it quite well, because it appeals to a broad target group that likes to be on the trail. It doesn't matter whether you're a leisurely touring rider or a gravity crack looking for a bike for the after-work ride during the week. With chunky tires you can focus a little more on downhill performance.
