FIRST LOOK: YT IZZO Pro Race

Words: Sebastian Jayne                                                                              Photos: Matt Rousu
  
Our latest test bike comes from YT and promises to behave like the weapon it was designed upon, the Katana. The IZZO is YT’s step into the trail world and looks to tackle whatever opportunities its rider wants to face. Like the Katana the IZZO is said to be fast, agile and sharp with a compact and lightweight frame, short chain stays and stiffness to keep it precise out on the trails.

Check out our reviews from the rest of the YT range:
Jeffsy | Capra | Decoy eMTB | TUES

We have the top of the range IZZO Pro Race on test with 130mm of travel which might be the perfect amount for Aussie ‘trail’ conditions. The IZZO sits just below the JEFFSY range with the JEFFSY aiming to tackle more all-mountain and enduro riding. YT isn’t really an ‘XC’ brand which means on paper the IZZO trail bike appears less ‘beefy XC’ and more ‘trimmed down all-mountain’.

See where the YT IZZO fits into the range here

My first impression of the IZZO is it’s a beautiful looking bike. The all-carbon frame with internal cable routing keeps the lines clean. The frame features a flip-chip to raise the bottom bracket and steepen the head angle if you’re looking to tackle more mellower trails. To keep you on the trails the IZZO features extra bearing seals and extensive frame protection to protect the ride.

Our top Pro Race model has all the shiny bits with top Fox suspension and dropper, Sram X01 Eagle gearing and the super light weight DT Swiss XMC 1200 wheel set. There are three models in the range to pick from with the same frame but a trickling down of parts and costs on the way down.

IZZO Pro Race – $8,399
IZZO PRO – $6,199
IZZO Comp – $4,799
 
Given Aussie trail riding can take in mellow XC trails up to rougher enduro trails that may lack the all-out rowdiness of Euro or North American trails the 130mm platform may be suitable for many of us. We have the IZZO down in Bright, Victoria at the moment to tackle trails from XC all the way up to enduro and downhill to test the capabilities and see what the IZZO can handle while still staying fun!

YT are now distributed by Pushys in Australia, and you can get more details on the range on their website.

See more about the YT over on their site HERE and keep an eye out for our next issue for the full review or subscribe to AMB and have the next issue delivered to you!