From YT Industries' point of view, they already seem to have the perfect trail bike in their portfolio. Since the premiere of the Izzo five years ago, the mail-order company has only made improvements to the equipment. As far as the carbon chassis, geometry and suspension are concerned, YT is confident that it will remain competitive in 2025 with proven features.
The facts about the YT Industries Izzo Core 2
- Price: 3499 Euro (RRP)
- Area of application: Trail
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 140 mm front / 130 mm rear
- Wheel size: 29-inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
- Weight: 14.27 kg in size L (BIKE measurement)
- Weight of wheels: 5143 g
- Acceleration wheels: 4077 kg x cm² (BIKE measured value)
- Warranty: 5 years
- Special features: Flipchip for geometry adjustment
Exemplary on paper
A look at the equipment list reveals a familiar picture: you get value for money with the Forchheim-based company. For a reasonable 3499 euros, the entire frame is made of lightweight carbon fibre, is neatly finished and is the only one to offer the option of geometry adjustment via flipchip.
YT also specifies the high-quality SLX drivetrain from Shimano. The suspension elements also leave nothing to be desired. Both on paper and in practice, the SLX stoppers stand out positively. The Izzo also owes its acceptable overall weight to this successful basic equipment: 14.27 kilos without pedals - despite heavy tyres, the bike is only 20 grams behind the second lightest bike, the GT.
The test group: 4 trail bikes in comparison
- Canyon Neuron CF 7
- GT Sensor ST Carbon Pro
- NS Bikes Define 130 AL
- YT Industries Izzo Core 2 (in this article here)
- An overview of our test can be found here
The features of the YT Industries Izzo Core 2
- Fork / Shock: Rockshox Pike Select+ / Rockshox Deluxe Select+
- Gears / range: Shimano SLX 1x12 / 510 %
- Brakes: Shimano SLX / 203/180 mm
- Wheels: Crankbrothers Synthesis XCT
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHR II; Maxxterra Exo 29 x 2.40
- Seatpost: YT Postman / 150 mm
- max. system weight: 130 kg
Need to catch up in practice
Even the first few metres in the saddle reveal that the geometry has collected a thick layer of dust in recent years. The slack seat angle positions the rider far back in the bike. So far that even on moderate climbs you try to shift your centre of gravity further towards the front wheel. That's annoying.
When steep ramps rise up in front of you, the bike really struggles with its ageing geometry. It takes a lot of physical effort to keep the front end on the ground. Circling round a hairpin bend or even climbing a key section? That's much harder with the Izzo than with its more modern competitors.
But that's not all: the response behaviour of the rear suspension also leaves a lot to be desired under chain tension. Fortunately, the YT has the grippiest tyres on test. What the rear end lacks in traction, the Maxxis Minion DHR II tyres at the front and rear make up for.
On the other hand, the rear of the Izzo is highly favoured by our testers on uphills on paved paths. Without any annoying bobbing, the bike converts legwork into propulsion. Only the Canyon does a better job in this respect.
Downhill, the pronounced playfulness dominates the riding impression. The firm rear end offers plenty of support for jumping off off-road edges or pushing through berms. The wheelbase is extremely short. Coupled with the low front end, the Izzo steers more precisely and nimbly through tight bends than any other bike in the test field. Test.
As much fun as the YT gives you on a playful trail chase, in rough terrain it must be a bit of a Trail bike the new generation. Due to the compact geometry, the bike does not feel very secure on steep descents and lacks composure at high speeds.
YT Industries Izzo Core 2: Lab results & BIKE review
Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
When the YT Izzo was still current, it fulfilled the requirements of a trail bike perfectly. It is nimble, has a strong acceleration and keeps the fun factor high in tame terrain. In view of the increased downhill potential and the better climbing characteristics of trail bikes with modern geometry, the five-year-old Izzo is falling somewhat behind in the 2025 season.
Max Fuchs
Editor
