Around three years ago, the Forchheim-based mail order company released its sportiest model to date, the Izzo, onto the trails. At first glance, however, the bike doesn't look its age: The stylish carbon frame with aluminium rear triangle is the stiffest in this comparison and looks timeless and modern. After the first few metres on the 130-millimetre fully, however, it becomes clear that the slightly longer front end with a 60-millimetre stem paired with the comparatively slack seat angle stretches the rider over the frame in a sportier way than its competitors.
YT Izzo Core 2: Not a proven climber
Nevertheless, the Izzo is not a proven climber. The rear suspension nods slightly when pedalling and is still not one of the most sensitive in the field. Only agile riders will be able to reach for the low platform lever on the trail. The chunky Minion tyre combination and the narrow gear ratio (454 percent) also put the brakes on climbing ambitions. In terms of downhill performance, the YT has somewhat lost touch with current trail bikes. The Izzo is agile on twisty trails, generates a lot of pop at the rear and the tyres also generate good cornering grip.
On steep or fast descents, however, all testers criticised too much pressure on the long front end. As a result, the Izzo doesn't provide much security on steep sections and also generously passes on impacts to the rider. As with Specialized, the weak G2-R stoppers only slow down moderately, and the NX groupset also takes a long time to change gears. With lighter wheels and tyres, the Izzo could be transformed into a sporty tourer. The budget would probably allow it. The bike is currently available from YT with a substantial discount for 2499 euros.
Conclusion on the YT Izzo Core 2 by Tobias Ziganek, BIKE tester
The riding position is the sportiest in this test. However, the high weight and the slow-rolling tyres reduce its suitability for touring. Nevertheless, the lively character provides plenty of riding fun on tame trails.
Technical data and notes YT Izzo Core 2
Manufacturer information
- Price: 3199 Euro²
- Available by mail order
- Frame material: Carbon/aluminium
- Frame size: S, M,L, XL, XXL(tested size L, 46 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 14.37 kg
- Frame weight without damper: 3010 g
- Weight of wheels: 5322 g
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
Equipment
- Fork: Fox 34 Float Performance Fit Grip
- DamperFox Float DPS Performance
- Front/rear suspension travel: 135/130 mm
- Crank handleSram NX Eagle
- CircuitSram NX Eagle 1 x 12
- Translation / bandwidth: 32; 11-50 / 454 %
- Brake system / Disc (front / rear)Sram G2 R / 200 mm / 180 mm
- Telescopic support / stroke / ØYT Postman / 150 mm / 31.6 mm
- ImpellersCrankbrothers Syntesis XCT 29-
- TyresMaxxis Minion DHR II; Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.40
- Ease of maintenance: weak
BIKE test rating¹: good - 175 out of 250 points
Further information on the trail bike can be found in the graphics
- The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).
- ²Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.
Stefan Frey
Editor
