YT IZZO COMP 2020 on test – The best trail bike for fans of efficiency
The YT IZZO COMP is the winner of this group test. It climbs efficiently, sprints easily and offers excellent handling. What makes this bike so good?
Click here for an overview of the the best trail bike under € 3,200 € in review
13.80 kg in size L | € 2,999 | Manfacturer’s website
As usual, YT’s video for the premiere of the new IZZO was a real treat. The design of the bike is based on a samurai sword and promises to have similar characteristics on the trail – fast, agile, sharp. Visually, it certainly hits the mark. YT’s new design with the vertical shock and flat top tube looks fantastic. However, you’ll have trouble reaching the valve of the shock with most pumps, which is annoying.
There is nothing to complain about regarding the spec of the € 2,999 carbon bike. Shifting is taken care of by SRAM’s NX Eagle drivetrain and a set of G2 R brakes do stopping duties. The low profile 29×2.35″ MAXXIS Forekaster tires are mounted to DT Swiss M1900 wheels and the YT Postman dropper post gives 150 mm adjustment. The bike’s standout feature is the RockShox Twist-Loc lever with which you can lock out the FOX FLOAT shock from the cockpit. Speaking of the cockpit, the 760 mm handlebar isn’t particularly wide but suits the bike’s character. However, riders of the XL frame are likely to want a 780 mm model. Besides the frame, YT also designed their own water bottle to go with it, which attaches to the stylishly integrated Fidlock bracket and holds up to 835 ml – ideal for long rides.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to reach the shock valve with most pumps. The frame is in the way. You’ll have to find a model with a very short and slim pump head or use an adapter.
The IZZO is efficient even with the shock open. When you lock it out, it turns into a rocket.
The IZZO is the only bike on test featuring a carbon frame. We don’t think it makes a significant difference in handling but it definitely looks sexy.
YT IZZO COMP
€ 2,999
Specifications
Fork FOX 34 Rhythm 130 mm
Rear Shock FOX Float EVOL Performace Elite 130 mm
Seatpost YT Postman 150 mm
Brakes SRAM G2 R 180/180 mm
Drivetrain Sram NX 32 (11-50)
Stem Race Face Aeffect 60 mm
Handlebar Race Face Aeffect 35 760 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss M1900 29
Tires MAXXIS Forekaster 2.35"
Technical Data
Size S M L XL XXL
Weight 13.80 kg
Specific Features
There are additional bosses on the top tube to mount something like Wolf Tooth’s B-RAD system to carry a spare tube and tools. Convenient!
YT designed an 835 ml water bottle specifically for the IZZO, which is priced at € 49.90 and attaches to the sleekly integrated Fidlock mount.
The geometry of the YT IZZO COMP
When you look at the geometry of the IZZO, you can’t help but think they’ve done everything right. The 472 mm reach is generous and the 450 mm seat tube is nice and compact. A flip chip theoretically allows you to adjust the head and seat tube angles as well as the bottom bracket height, but all three values are fine just as they are in the slack setting. The bottom bracket has a whopping 40 mm drop, which positions you low and perfectly integrated with the bike. With a wheelbase of 1,240 mm, the IZZO is the longest bike on test, but you don’t notice it on the trail.
Climbing, the IZZO is a force to be reckoned with. No other bike on test is as efficient with such a good riding position!
| Size | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 400 mm | 425 mm | 450 mm | 475 mm | 500 mm |
| Top tube | 566 mm | 591 mm | 616 mm | 641 mm | 666 mm |
| Head tube | 95 mm | 105 mm | 115 mm | 130 mm | 140 mm |
| Head angle | 66.0° | 66.0° | 66.0° | 66.0° | 66.0° |
| Seat angle | 77.0° | 77.0° | 77.0° | 77.0° | 77.0° |
| Kettenstrebe | 432 mm | 432 mm | 432 mm | 437 mm | 437 mm |
| Radstand | 1,158 mm | 1,183 mm | 1,209 mm | 1,240 mm | 1,265 mm |
| Reach | 429 mm | 450 mm | 472 mm | 492 mm | 513 mm |
| Stack | 603 mm | 612 mm | 621 mm | 635 mm | 644 mm |
Shorts Specialized Enduro Short | Shoes Ride Concepts Transition
Have I accidentally locked out the shock? You’ll notice how efficient the rear suspension of the IZZO feels the moment you climb aboard. There’s almost no hint of pedal bob, even with the shock open. Activate the Twist-Loc and the suspension lifts out of its sag, placing you even more centrally on the bike. The IZZO sprints uphill with ease and offers excellent acceleration. On steep, technical climbs, the bike remains very easy to control with precise handling that always hits the line you aim for.
Fast, agile and precise – the IZZO lives up to its marketing claims!
Speaking of precise, the IZZO’s razor-sharp handling is equally impressive on the descents. The analogy to the samurai sword is very apt here. Rapid direction changes are implemented with surgical precision. The rear end manages its travel with similar poise. The IZZO isn’t the most comfortable, but it still has plenty of reserves. This is thanks to the perfectly tuned progression. As such, it allows you to carry a lot of speed and irons out rough landings. Despite its long geometry and the rather slack head angle for a bike of this category, the IZZO’s handling is balanced, good-natured and agile. You can ride the IZZO really fast but you don’t have to. If you’re going fast on natural trails, you’re better off hopping over the roots rather than just hammering into them. With really fast hits you’ll notice that the rear suspension only has 130 mm travel to work with. The Forekaster tires aren’t able to keep up in these scenarios either. However, we wouldn’t say they’re all bad since they also contribute to the very agile and efficient feel of the bike.
How does the YT IZZO COMP compare to the competition?
The IZZO delivers the best overall package in this test. It climbs more easily and efficiently than the MERIDA and also offers the most comfortable riding position. There are more capable bikes on the descents, such as the Trek Fuel EX, but it’s less direct and lively. The IZZO is more fun to ride, especially on flowing and flat trails. The GIANT Trance 29 is similar, though it can’t keep up on the climbs.
Tuning tips: wider handlebar | swap tires if necessary
Conclusion
Fast uphill, fun downhill – if you’re looking for a bike that does just that better than any other, check out the YT IZZO COMP. No bike in this group test is able to combine comfort, efficiency and fun as skilfully as the IZZO, not to mention its incredibly good looks. If you’re looking for an efficient trail and touring bike, the YT would be our favourite and is, therefore, the deserved Best in Test!
Tops
- best climber on test
- looks high-quality
- super fun handling on the descents
Flops
- less traction on fast hits
- shock valve difficult to reach
You can find out more about at yt-industries.com
The test field
Click here for an overview of the the best trail bike under € 3,200 € in review
All bikes in test: Canyon Neuron AL 7.0 (Click for review) | FOCUS JAM 6.8 NINE (Click for review) | GIANT Trance 29 1 (Click for review) | MERIDA ONE-TWENTY 9.700 (Click for review) | ROSE GROUND CONTROL 3 (Click for review) | SCOTT Genius 950 (Click for review) | Specialized Stumpjumper ST COMP (Click for review) | Trek Fuel EX 8 XT (Click for review) | YT IZZO COMP