YT IZZO Review - Is it the right bike for you?

The IZZO is a short-travel full-suspension trail bike from YT with 130mm of travel. This 29" trail bike uses a horse-link suspension setup but in a slightly different package to deliver the travel in the rear. The bike features a flip chip in the upper shock mount, which allows for a choice between a high and low position. The high position offers improved climbing characteristics, while the low position offers better stability for descents. The IZZO is available in different chainstay lengths for different sizes, with the larger sizes getting longer chainstays to improve weight distribution. Overall, the bike is designed to be balanced for both climbing and descending.
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[@mattdesmondwashere]

I replaced a Santa Cruz Bronson with a Core 4 Izzo last year and put 600 miles on it here in MN and in Colorado. I don't miss the extra travel and it is so light and nimble that it is perfect for the trails here, while still being usable out west. My personal bests and smiles on all of the trails confirm it was a great decision. The wheelbase is pretty long, and it's not a wheelie machine, but is very stable on descents. I'm not usually a SRAM fan, but I have no complaints on the X01 components. It would be impossible to get a bike shop bike with this spec for the price. Would buy again.

[@m1nusasusplus897]

totally agree, bought core 2 and changes wheels to custtom carbon and probably would buy again, only one issue - quality of painting, bike could be easily scratched even in forest withou any crashes.

[@6415DK]

How does it do with small to medium drops(5ft) or small to medium table tops? I'm looking to upgrade my hardtail cross country beginner bike. I don't do a ton of drops but it would be nice to have more confidence and comfort in some medium size drops/jumps. I am guessing it won't have any issue on this right? Sorry I'm fairly new.

[@mattdesmondwashere]

@@6415DK I find it’s totally fine on features like you describe. It’s on more bumpy/gnarly trails where I have wanted a more plush 160mm bike.

[@6415DK]

@@mattdesmondwashere Awesome thanks for the quick reply. I also primarily ride in MN but also go to Michigan (Marquette) to ride those more advanced/technical trails. I love our trails here just nice to not bottom out over some medium size drops in marquette or even in crosby. I'm too old and scared to hit the bigger stuff.

[@sparks6666]

I got the same Core 4 bike 6 months ago, swapped to AXS and Recon/Dissector tires. Agree 100% with the review. I love this bike so much.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Awesome, sound like some good changes. Glad you agreed with the review, thanks for watching!

[@hilom2]

I have my Izzo for a little over a year now, upgraded the wheelset, tires and handlebars. Love this bike great climber and very fast on descent. Reasonable price and YT doesn't hold back on components. Great review!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Great to hear!

[@alexdg33]

Nice, balanced, realistic review. Well done and thank you.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for watching!

[@lazajam1]

Thanks for sharing this awesome review, a buddy recommended this bike to me and goddamn they seem killer. Very capable. Appreciate everyone’s comments chiming in with their experience too.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you! It's a very fun bike.

[@johnostrum6953]

He’s so real I love it 😂 definitely enjoyed this review 🤌🏽 awesome work

[@TheLoamWolf]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@atvkilla200]

I’ve had an izzo pro since fall of 2020. I’m at a little over 2000 miles on it with basically no problems and it’s been great. Its super quiet and almost maintenance free besides basic things like brake pad replacement, a brake bleed, 1 BB replacement at 1800 miles and routine greasing/lubing on the usual spots. I had been riding the HIGH setting the first few hundred miles, then tried the LOW setting, and the bike behaves so much better on the lowest setting

[@FedBiker]

I've been riding my core 4 for a year now and it's a lot of fun. In my area we have little elevation but it's still my go to bike on techy rooty trails. I don't like the position of the adjusment of the upside down damper but by riding less sag (25 ish%) locking out is not oftenly needed. I've taken it to a few bike parks and it really held up great although as expected you will find the limits of especially the tires. Geo and travel just requires good riding : ) Shout out for good customer service as well as being a direct sale company.

[@GF-cb8rr]

Great review👍🏻 Thanks!

[@TheLoamWolf]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@maartenholkers3084]

Great review! I bought a Core 3 and changed some things on it to get it to my liking, swapping the brakes for XT 8120 and the GX for a XX1 front and GX AXS rear. The core 3 has a Fox 34 float performance elite at the front and I had to get to a much lower psi to get the full travel to work, surprises me you needed to go above and beyond the max PSI (I'm similar size and weight and run a XL). Nevertheless, I find it a great bike, very capable and not holding back to the XC I had before (Canyon Lux SLX with 100mm travel). Only uphill its a bit slower, but expected. Down its so capable and gives so much confidence.

[@davidoxberry8239]

Absolutely love my Izzo Pro Race (similar spec, previous name). I couldn't get on with the feel of Sram brake on the rear and ended up swapping it out for an XTR (mid pandemic availability otherwise I would have gone XT). Personally I felt the bike easily overwhelmed the Forekasters and I swapped them out for a Minion SS/Dissector combo which I love. Still keeps it fast and loose without being too draggy. I ride mainly in the flip chip 'high' setting because there are loads of hidden stumps on my local trails and swap it to 'low' for trail centre days. I actually removed the lockout because I never used it and it aids a cleaner look and a simpler ride, still climbs really well. I don't ride it in the winter and I'm really missing it. Great review.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you David, Minion SS/Dissector sounds like a fun boost to the capability of the bike. Hope the winter weather clears for you so you can get back to riding it!

[@robertvose9991]

Great review. I came off a Caynon Neuron that I'd tried to downcountrify by shortening stem, overforking to 150, burly tires, etc. The Izzo better hits the mark- light, poppy, quick handling but pretty capable going down. But I went with a 35mm stem on it as well. Are you riding the stock 60mm in the (great) vid here?

[@warren2269]

Thanks for the open and honest review. Glad to hear I won't have to run out and swap the tires like many other reviews mention. It sounds like if I keep the bike within the limits and focus of design, it should be a great bike. Finally, thanks for the bonus material of the ever elusive wolf-pig at 3:35! 😄

[@hallstewart]

Good review. Does it have a press fit BB?

[@E.T_rode_bikes_As_well]

Just slap some higher rise bar on it and ride it like a bigger travel bike! Love the izzo!

[@yzedf]

Similar weight and I’ve got a 2020 Izzo Pro that I picked up used a few months back. Was supposed to be my second bike… and it’s now my primary bike. Upped the shock spacer to a 0.6 from the original 0.2, 2 volume spacers in the fork for wet, 3 in the dry, hi mode on the flip chip, 200mm rear rotor and swapped the GX parts onto my other bike so I have the nice stuff on the Izzo including the 170mm cranks. Bike has been amazing, I’m doing more than 90% of the stuff I do on my long travel bike, just a bit more careful on the bigger hits. I can’t recommend it enough for the bigger riders that like to go fast and don’t want a long travel bike but don’t want that wet noodle feel off a true xc bike.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for sharing. Sounds like a killer build and we agree with your sentiments!

[@rustyshackleford6562]

I’ve been thinking about getting one of these bikes. What’s the max height you can drop off before this thing bottoms out? I’m kinda feeeling like 130mm of travel might just be a little to short for me. I can ignore the big big stuff but I don’t think I can resist sending it off a little 4 foot drop.

[@yzedf]

@@rustyshackleford6562 I do 4 to 6 footers almost every ride, only the 6 has any kind of landing. Stock spacer is hard bottom out, 0.6 has been fine.

[@HindsightFPV]

What are you referring to when you say shock spacer?

[@yzedf]

@@HindsightFPV it’s a plastic piece inside the air can of the shock that you can change to be bigger, smaller or even remove. Bigger spacer makes it harder to use all the travel of the stock at the same air pressure.

[@seanscott7120]

I also replaced my Bronson with a Core 3 Izzo. A few thoughts on it The rear shock is very difficult to lock out / adjust on the fly. The upper rear links are chunky and one can hit your knees on them as you pedal The rear shock sits in a pocket in the lower frame. This fills up with grime and moisture. I am very happy with the performance overall. It climbs amazing and can handle most of the riding I do. There are some things I miss about the Bronson, mostly the playfulness.

[@matthewserna7475]

Most of the people I've seen that don't like the izzo bought it trying to make it a mini Enduro bike, for what it is I think it's the best value in that category

[@milanmues1353]

Do you have a recomendation for a Mini Enduro Bike, as you call IT?

[@matthewserna7475]

@@milanmues1353 probably a transition patrol or scout

[@milanmues1353]

@@matthewserna7475 OK, i'm gonna Look at Them But from what i See, the izzo is exactly that Mini Enduro, im looking for. I mean Put chunkier Tires on, but then... For Sure IT IS Not the best Bike for an descend longer Than half an hour, but when do i geht that. The longest one in my hometown is Like 3 Minutes. So i should be totaly fine with the izzo. As far as i know Transition they are more or less expensive (compared to yt) so i better Go with the yt, or should i?

[@herbertponder8643]

Canyon Spectral 125

[@blackfish4674]

@@milanmues1353 jeffsy

[@thinkaboutit3011]

I wat hed your video on this bike 20 times i finally pulled the trigger today on this exact bike the core 4 in the grey they had it in the outlet for 2800 and a 20% off so basically 2200 bucks i couldnt say no it was just to good a deal to pass up! Now i just have to wait for it

[@TheLoamWolf]

Wow, $2,200 is insane! Hope you enjoy it, we sure did.

[@Pete086]

Thanks Loam Wolf awesome review man I think I’m going with the YT Iszzo over the Transition Spur and the Trek Top Fuel 9.8

[@TheLoamWolf]

Glad you enjoyed the video and hope you enjoy the bike.

[@Pete086]

@@TheLoamWolf 😎Awesome I’m excited about the bike but for some reason I haven’t noticed if it’s a Press-fit or Threaded? Couldn’t seem to find that bit of info on the YT site either.

[@GF-cb8rr]

​​@@Pete086 It's a press fit bottom bracket.

[@Pete086]

Thanks guys, I was talking to Pivot about their reasoning for going with the press fit BB and they swear that their press fit is a better choice over the thread on.

[@HLDefender]

Definitely considering the '23 Uncaged with Olins vs the '23 Pivot Trail 429. The YT clearly wins in the cost factor. Both in the same travel would be a very interesting match up

[@IIISentorIII]

Yea I agree. Did buy the Stumpjumper Expert couple months ago on a super sale and love it. But if I would look for a new bike right now, I would look very hard on the Uncaged 11. Amazing spect bike for that cost..

[@lefauxrythme6541]

I have an izzo since 2 weeks , like you I am more than 93kg and yes for a 25% Sag … I35 psi ! The fox table isn’t good I don’t want 45% SAG ! This bike should seems very good without changing nothing, yes make your adjustments and have fun !

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for sharing, good to know we're not alone!

[@Bittersfamily0424]

I own a heavily upgraded 2018 YT Capra 29er. It’s an amazing bike. But I want a YT Izzo Core 3 for general trail riding and big days in the saddle.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Sounds like a nice two bike stable.

[@MrRay645]

pretty much what I have now... Privateer 161 built up as a park bike (coil, heavy DD tires/inserts on heavy HUNT enduro wheels) and an upgraded Izzo Core 3 (lighter wheels, cranks, bars....not XC race light but a bit off the stock core 3) riding the Izzo a great deal more than I thought I would. In general I think I'm finding I would rather be under biked that over and the 161 is probably only going to see DH parks this summer.

[@Bittersfamily0424]

@@MrRay645 Well that is the highest recommendation one can give. 98% of my riding would be better on an Izzo as well. Thanks Brother👊🏻😎

[@chadsperry853]

I bought a xl izzo and went to 140mm in the front. I am used to dw links and this bike feels pretty bobby to me, also struggling with the lower bottom bracket and low stack, next I'm going to try 150mm and the high flip chip, 8 just installed a ohlins shock as well, which did seem to help. Feels smoother but still has more Bob than i would like.

[@TheBIKEDEALZ]

felt a bit bob as well..

[@durcell123]

I had a izzo , they run a little on the small size. So if your waffling on med or LG go LG. Fun bike though.

[@leenorton5927]

Looking to get the entry level Izzo Core 2. This bike seems to tick the boxes I am looking for, I live in the moutains in Austria. Trail bike seems to be the best one for climbing and then decent for downhill. I don't want to go downhill straight away, as prefer to climb then get into the more technical downhill. I think you said it in your vid, but you reckon this is good for longer technical climbs? Thanks for the great vid!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yes it’s a solid technical climber for sure. Ground clearance is not the absolute best, but geometry otherwise is excellent and the climbing platform is great too.

[@brentkilgore]

Love my 2020 Izzo pro. I run the flip chip on high but still find the bb low for the rocky trails in my area. Thoughts on increasing travel on the fox 34?

[@hansbuehler]

Go to 140mm. I did and it’s just a small tweak

[@baseliner2010]

Super easy and cheap upgrade. Hard to want another (additional) bike as a daily driver, even here in Utah (Moab being the exception!).

[@ericfroehlich976]

I had the jeffsey last year and had to sell it due to unexpected expenses 😢. I'm ready to get another bike and it was between the spectral 125 and the izzo. YT is a great company and I'm sold on the izzo. Throw a SID on it and race xc or bike pack. Throw a 140 pike and rip. Only wish it had a threaded bb

[@rasmushenriksen3376]

Which stem are you running on there? Looks great!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Its the 3D-Titanium printed Mythos IXO. Rob did a write up for it on the site...def a unique piece ( theloamwolf.com/2023/02/08/review-mythos-ixo-3d-printed-ti-stem/)

[@davidthiele3244]

How tall are you? Not sure if I need a large or XL.

[@jirivenhoda9620]

Thanks for a great and highly informative review. I'm considering an upgrade from my current 2022 Cannondale Scalpel SE, looking for something a little more capable and stable in trail parks while not sacrificing too much climbing performance (for that the Scalpel is awesome). I mostly ride flow-trails and natural rooty stuff, no extreme enduro or great jumps. Do you think the Izzo would be a noticeable difference towards my riding preferences?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yes, absolutely. It sounds like a great match for you - still sporty and efficient, but able to tackle some more natural terrain or attack flow trails with more stability and confidence.

[@jirivenhoda9620]

@@TheLoamWolf Thanks for the reply. The YT Jeffsy also received some great reviews and its on-par with the IZZO price-wise. How would you advise on when to chose IZZO over Jeffsy and vice versa?

[@briceb5078]

Super vidéo et review !👍 Je suis un peu comme vous, je mesure 1.88m et pèse un peu plus, 100kg-110kg. Est-ce risqué de prendre un Izzo pour moi? Mieux vaut que je prenne le core 4 avec une fourche Fox 34 ou le core 3 avec une fourche RockShox Pike? Mieux vaut des roues carbone ou aluminium pour les gabarits lourds comme nous? J'attends vos conseils, car je suis très intéressé par ce vélo de montagne ! 😁

[@colinvanwijk5731]

Do you see it as a bike with which I could also tackle the odd MTB marathon (XC)?

[@brunomarco7397]

Hello, I hesitate to buy an IZZO Core 4 (aging) or a Cube Stereo 150 (more modern in geometry)!? Based on your experience, what would you recommend? Also what size is better for Izzo XL or XXL if I am 1m92 tall? Thks!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Hey Bruno, Robert here. Haven't ridden the Stereo for a few years, but unless it's changed considerably (which I don't believe to be the case), they are very different bikes, both in terms of geometry and suspension amount and feel. The Stereo is much more towards the enduro side of things, with much less pedaling efficiency and agility but better rough terrain performance and stability. The choice between the two will highly depend on your trails and riding style. In terms of sizing on the Izzo, I'm 189cm and was comfortable on the XL. In terms of top tube length when seated the Izzo is fairly long, and the XXL would have been too stretched out for me, but I have a short torso and prefer more compact cockpits for the descents to influence the balance of the bike more actively. The XXL may be the better choice for you if you're looking for increased stability and are proportioned in a way that the longer top tube will still be comfortable when seated.

[@brunomarco7397]

@@TheLoamWolf Thanks so much for the info and advice. My choice will be on an Izzo because I ride most of the time on very rolling sections! The mountain is a few hours away and I would prefer to rent a real ENDURO. After for the size and given the availability on the YT site, it will be an XXL, I have close to 1m inseam (I can always change later with a short stem and possibly a 150mm front fork)

[@johns9974]

Hi Drew, I am going order one of you Jerseys and a T shirt, what size do you wear ? to give me idea what I should order

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks very much John. Drew here - I’m 5’11 170 and wear a large jersey and am transitioning towards XL shirts for a little looser fit. Robert in this video is 6’3 and wearing an XL. The jerseys are a bit more of a tailored fit, for whatever that’s worth. If you wear protection etc… thanks for the support.

[@HelplmAlive]

You can only really upgrade the shock if you have a XL frame because of how they designed the shock mount. Ain't no way you can mounta coil even on a XL. Only can fit a Ohlins TTX Air and that's only on the XL or larger frames. I own a Izzo which is over forked to 150mm with Luftkappe installed on a Pike Ultimate. If lighter trail and pedal days I put trail tires on. And if I don't feel like taking my Enduro bike, I put some more aggressive tires on like DHR2 and Assegai. Also not a fan of the G2 RSC. But I suppose they work great if you're more climbing focused.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Good to know, hadn't considered the lack of shock clearance for the smaller sizes. Your Izzo sounds like an interesting machine to have alongside an enduro bike. Longer fork sounds like a fun time. G2 RSC's wouldn't be our first pick that's for sure, but they're nicely controlled and have just about enough power to exceed the traction of the stock tires in all but the grippiest conditions.

[@shanehiggins3033]

YT Izzo core4 or the Yetti SB115 I'm still deciding

[@dunkinadam1276]

It depends on the riding that you are doing. If you are doing more XC riding then go with the Sb115. But if you are doing more steep and rough terrain then go with izzo.

[@shanehiggins3033]

@@dunkinadam1276 thank you sir

[@mr.godsent6990]

Can you put a 140mm fork on this bike ?

[@sdbuonannob7420]

Yeah. Just watched a KZbin clip with someone who installed a 36 150

[@1Thirty1]

What size frame is that bike?

[@Talos353]

It's an XL.

[@MrVenomist]

yt izzo or canyon spectral 125?

[@matthewserna7475]

Depends on your riding. Going mostly downhill? Canyon will be more stable. But flat/climbing and you'll probably like izzo more. That's what I'd make the call on. The izzo geo is definitely more well rounded for most riding but if I lived in BC I'd have the canyon

[@MrVenomist]

@@matthewserna7475 thx

[@durcell123]

Don't forget about the Norco optic

[@slipperyseal762]

Did you take it down Flat White or Community Service? A nice lap bike for that.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Flat white yes, community service no. One thing that a 34 fork and my 96kg mass don't like is a drop-to-turn situation, where the high torsional load exceeds the stiffness of the fork and limits the control. So was mindful to keep it away from tracks with too much of that!

[@slipperyseal762]

@@TheLoamWolf makes total sense, I've had that with the smaller forks on those trails. Also 96kg. Thanks for the insight and a great review!

[@jimmykuba3522]

Hi, what bike category ist izzo?

[@TheLoamWolf]

It's a trail bike

[@jbjab99]

Can you use a coil shock with this bike? First you said shouldn't then any shock.

[@1998nathanr]

How tall is the tester

[@TheLoamWolf]

Robert is 189cm / 6'2" and was comfortable on an XL.

[@dapsynorbert]

What would you recommend for 5'8" rider

[@davidmariner1837]

I’m 6ft and 87kg how would an XL be for my height

[@1998nathanr]

@@davidmariner1837 I’d say it depends if you like long or short stem

[@1998nathanr]

@@dapsynorbert definitely a medium

[@adaml5473]

why does it come with minion DHRs if its a climbing oriented bike

[@TheLoamWolf]

Ours came with the faster rolling Maxxis Forekaster.

[@wesleyoke8448]

YT just always ends up as the definition of 'to good to be true'. I always want to like them, Izzo and Capra, but they sort of let me down... but just in personal preference ways.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Everyone has their own preferences! What would you change about the IZZO?

[@Drummer85Mike]

I’m the opposite. As soon as I saw the izzo, I fell in love. I’ve always ridden a hardtail. I was the “I would never ride a full sus” guy. Then I found out about YT on august 10, did a little research, and a few hours later I accidentally clicked the “place order” button; finger slipped. Bike should finally be here in 4 days. I’m so stoked!!!! Great review!!!

[@mtb扬]

tall boy or izzo

[@TheLoamWolf]

Tough call. Got a Tallboy on test right now. Both very fun and well matched. Not a stand out really between the two. Hard to argue with the value of the Izzo, but Santa Cruz quality is notable too.

[@reedmecum8966]

I got a YT bike and it showed up trashed and there refusing to help YT bikes is a garbage company that only cares about money

[@TheLoamWolf]

Sorry to hear about the bad luck and we appreciate you sharing your story.