Field Test: YT Izzo Core 2 - Ready to Climb
PINKBIKE FIELD TEST
YT Izzo
Words by Mike Kazimer; photography by Tom Richards
YT Izzo
Words by Mike Kazimer; photography by Tom Richards
The YT Izzo Core 2 was the only carbon framed bike at this year's Value Field Test, which is likely part of the reason it was the lightest full-suspension model on test. For comparison, its 30.4 pound weight is 2.5 pounds lighter than the Fezzari Cascade Peak, and 4.5 pounds lighter than the Canyon Spectral 125. Granted, the frame isn't completely carbon – the rear end is aluminum – but still, that figure on the scales is very reasonable, especially considering the $3,399 price tag.
The Izzo's frame has room for a water bottle inside the front triangle, and YT offer their own Thirstmaster line of bottles that use the FidLock mounting system. Thankfully it's still possible to mount up a standard bottle cage and use a regular water bottle, which is exactly what we did.
The Izzo's frame has room for a water bottle inside the front triangle, and YT offer their own Thirstmaster line of bottles that use the FidLock mounting system. Thankfully it's still possible to mount up a standard bottle cage and use a regular water bottle, which is exactly what we did.
YT Izzo Core 2 Details
• Travel: 130mm f/r
• Carbon front triangle, aluminum swingarm
• Wheel size: 29"
• Head angle: 66 / 66.5°
• Seat tube angle: 77° / 77.5°
• Reach: 472mm
• Chainstay length: 432mm (437mm on XL and XXL)
• Sizes: S, M, L (tested), XL, XXL
• Weight: 30.4 lb / 13.8 kg
• Price: $3,399
• yt-industries.com
• Travel: 130mm f/r
• Carbon front triangle, aluminum swingarm
• Wheel size: 29"
• Head angle: 66 / 66.5°
• Seat tube angle: 77° / 77.5°
• Reach: 472mm
• Chainstay length: 432mm (437mm on XL and XXL)
• Sizes: S, M, L (tested), XL, XXL
• Weight: 30.4 lb / 13.8 kg
• Price: $3,399
• yt-industries.com
There are also two bolts on the underside of the top tube for mounting a tube or tool holder. Cables are mounted internally through foam sleeves to keep things quiet, and there's a molded chainslap protector to further aid in the search for silence.
One frame detail that's not quite as well thought out is the amount of clearance between the shock air valve and the frame. It's a tight fit, which means that not all shock pumps will fit. YT does supply one with the bike that will fit, but if you already have a favorite shock pump keep in mind that it might not be compatible.
The Izzo's geometry is modern, if a touch on the conservative side compared to bikes that have been released more recently. That's not necessarily a bad thing, since long and slack isn't always the ticket when it comes to making less-rowdy terrain entertaining. There are two geometry positions that can be accessed via a flip chip, but we rode the bike in the low position for the entire test period. That gives it a 66-degree head angle, 77-degree seat angle, and a reach of 472mm for a size large. The chainstays measure 432mm on sizes small through large, and 437mm on the XL and XXL sizes.
Component highlights include a Fox 34 Performance fork, which uses a GRIP damper and has externally adjustable low-speed compression and rebound. SRAM's G2 R brakes handle stopping duties, with a 200mm front and 180mm rear rotor. SRAM's 12-speed NX drivetrain provides an 11-50-tooth spread, although it doesn't use the XD drive that SRAM's higher end options use. To finish it off, DT Swiss M 1900 wheels are mounted with Maxxis Forekaster tires in a 2.35” width.
Climbing
The Arizona desert is chock full of technical climbs, ones where a botched attempt usually results in an uncomfortably close encounter with a prickly cactus or sharp rock. I found that out the hard way on one particularly steep and spicy climb aboard the Izzo. I botched my attempt, foiled by a tall, tombstone-shaped rock in exactly the wrong place. I unclipped and went put my right foot down, except there was nothing to put it on – the edge of the trail fell away almost seven feet to a dry creek bed below. Before I knew it, I was sliding down the steep embankment, clawing at the rocks, dirt, and desert vegetation to stop my fall. I ended up with a nice bruise on my shoulder and a bunch of cuts and scrapes, but luckily nothing worse. The bike ended up with some cuts and scrapes too (sorry YT), but I was able to straighten out a bent brake lever and finish the ride looking a little worse for wear.
Despite that unplanned tumble, out of all the bikes on test, hardtails included, the Izzo was hands down my favorite climber. That's the reason I was on it when I crashed – I'd chosen it especially for that trail, since I knew there would be some extra-challenging sections, and I wanted to stack the deck in my favor.
The 130mm of rear travel is very well managed, with a great blend of traction and support delivered by the Fox Float DPS shock. You can run the shock fully open for max traction, put it in the middle position for a little more support, or into the firmest position for an almost fully locked-out feel. No matter the position, the Izzo is a fairly calm climber. It’s not insanely snappy, but that also means it’s not harsh, and the shock can absorb all the square edges the rear wheel encounters.
The 77-degree seat tube angle is good for a wide range of terrain - there wasn’t too much pressure on my hands while riding on flat sections of trail, and it was easy to maintain traction on the steeper sections. This also happens to be the lightest full-suspension bike in this test; it’s almost 5 pounds lighter than some of the others. That’s noticeable when going back-to-back, and it makes it a bike that encourages standing up and sprinting.
Descending
The Izzo isn’t a watered down enduro bike, and that’s part of what makes it so fun. It’s super easy to toss around, to get airborne and aim for a little sniper landing. The suspension is very progressive, a trait that works well on a shorter travel bike like this. I never had any harsh bottom outs, or felt like the bike was blowing through its travel too quickly.
At higher speeds it doesn’t feel as surefooted as the Canyon Spectral 125, but in the terrain it’s designed for it feels just right. The Izzo is what I'd consider a purebred trail bike, a bike where the ideal ride includes multiple climbs and descents, rather than grinding up a fireroad and bombing down a steep track back to the bottom.
At higher speeds it doesn’t feel as surefooted as the Canyon Spectral 125, but in the terrain it’s designed for it feels just right. The Izzo is what I'd consider a purebred trail bike, a bike where the ideal ride includes multiple climbs and descents, rather than grinding up a fireroad and bombing down a steep track back to the bottom.
Timed Testing
Our timed lap consisted of steep, technical climbs full of ledges and hard efforts, and a rough descent littered with rocks that lead into a fast, loose section of trail. Don't forget that timing is just one of many ways to judge a bike, and fast doesn't always mean it's the best for everyone.
The Izzo was the fastest climber, beating out the Specialized Stumpjumper Alloy by 4 seconds. On the downhill portions the tables turned a little, and it ended up in fifth place, 4 seconds slower than the Stumpjumper and the Fezzari Cascade Peak, which tied for 1st.
Compared to the aforementioned Spectral 125, the Izzo's head angle is 2-degrees steeper at 66-degrees vs. 64, and the reach is 14mm shorter, at 472mm versus 486mm. That gives it a more nimble feel, and it's an easier bike to maneuver through slower speed sections.
As far as components go, YT have put together a killer spec for the price. I have zero complaints about the Performance-level Fox 34, and the DPS shock performed flawlessly. The SRAM G2 brakes aren't the most powerful, but they're certainly a step up from the Level brakes that often get spec'd on bikes at this pricepoint.
I'm not the biggest fan of the SRAM NX drivetrain, but I didn't have any issues with this particular group. Even the shifter action seemed better than normal, possibly thanks to the use of the Matchmaker clamp instead of the clunky plastic mount. The Maxxis Forekaster tires are an appropriate choice for this bike, although we did get two flats – desert dwellers or anyone in rockier terrain will likely want to get something with a thicker casing to avoid punctures.
Pros
+ Excellent climbing performance
+ Light and lively; well suited for rolling terrain
+ Very good parts spec for the price
Cons
- Tight clearance around shock air valve limits pump choices
The 2022 Value Bike Field Test was made possible thanks to Visit Tucson and Norrona clothing.
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These tests take a lot of time and money to make happen, and we genuinely try to give riders useful, honest feedback about the bikes we review. We appreciate everyone's support!
These tests take a lot of time and money to make happen, and we genuinely try to give riders useful, honest feedback about the bikes we review. We appreciate everyone's support!
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Know what you mean though.
As a YT owner who drives a Volkswagen Jetta, doesnt know who puddle of mud is, and doesnt turn my podcasts loud enough to clip speakers; Id have to agree with you.
If I dont know, I'm not Core, right?
Looks like YT uses Base - Core - Uncaged for $ - $$$ - $$$$$$ these days.
Its fine mate. These you buy, they ride well. Just make sure you sell before the first bearing change.
That doesn't align with the late-stage capitalism narrative.
Just wanted to say RiP to the budget 2700 Capra build.
Or does YT use Evil naming convention; low and extra low?
I got rid of my transition patrol and picked up an Izzo and I could not believe how much easier my trails were. I am not into huge jumps and drops so for me having less travel has so far not been an issue. I did however replace the 130mm fork with a 140mm fork. This slackens the head angle by just shy of 0.5 degrees as well. I have been enjoying it and have not even found it necessary to flip the geo chip to the slack setting.
The only other thing I changed was the tires. It came with forekasters which are light but weak and I nearly tore a tread lug off that caused a hole too big to seal.
There is one other thing that for me is redundant and it is the rock shox rear shock lockout twist grip thingamajig (not sure what it's actually called and can't be bothered to google it). I don't find it necessary to lock out the shock... Perhaps some others may disagree but I have not noticed any big difference in climbs whether it was on or off (however I am also not racing or worried about saving seconds). I'd rather save $100 on the bike than have a shock lockout...
Even better: maybe next bike might be all aluminum?
Seems like this bike should be the clear winner.
I hope you feel consoled now. That's as much as I an do from here.
This used to just be known as XC riding... but I guess trail sounds cooler.
-W
May those time return
Except E-MTB's, they can continue to be called something other than mountain bikes.
How many sachets of imported organic dog food for the big reveal as to who is making the 2022 field test possible? Unless. is Pinkbike six months behind Beta? And that is why Kaz still looks to be in good health.
That's some pretty folksy language there.
Fairly sure I spent $3,200 for a Specialized Enduro Comp back then - and that was before 1x12 drive trains, dropper posts and carbon frames. I decided to "nerd out" and check the value of $3,200 in 2008 dollars vs. today based on past inflation rates - that is equivalent to $4,190 in 2022 dollars.
All things considered, this Izzo is much less expensive and all-around better spec'd than entry level bikes 14 years ago.
Meanwhile, the Pitch, while admirable in terms of its capabilities for the money, was a complete downgrade in terms of both frame and component spec, from Specialized's main bikes like the Stumpjumper FSR and the Enduro. Also, the Pitch Pro in 2022 dollars would cost $3,600.00 (converted from british pounds to USD at 2008 exchange rates + inflation adjustment to 2022) - which kinda proves my point: $3,500.00 is a very reasonable "budget bike" price threshold.
After years on worn out second hand hardtails, the Pitch Pro was the first "good" brand new bike I ever bought, back in 2008. I honestly think it (and I guess the Specialized Enduro it was the budget version of) were quite ahead of its time in terms of a mid-travel rugged do anything trail beast. Especially if you replaced the 140mm fork with a 160mm.
I still feel sad that I sold it in the end after 10 years of use, but what a bike.
Sorry, nostalgic rant over...