YT's Trail Bike Redefined: The 2025 Izzo
Youtube's revamped Izzo model features increased fork travel and robust components, yet edge towards a higher weight.
Stepping up its game, YT has transformed its Izzo into a true trail slayer! With an upgraded 140mm travel fork and beefier components, the 2025 Izzo comes surprisingly close to the Jeffsy in terms of travel and intention. Weighing in over 14kg, it's time to say goodbye to calling the Izzo a down-country bike.
YT's Fresh Approach to the Izzo
Although YT has kept the carbon frame design and the 130mm of travel from the last Izzo, the brand has imbibed a fresh spirit and gotten a fancy new wardrobe! RockShox and Ohlins are now in the spotlight, replacing the old Fox suspension. Shimano handles all the drivetrain duties as well.
2025 Izzo Quick Facts
- The same 130mm travel carbon frame as before, now paired with a 140mm fork on all models
- Three-bike range, with the top-tier Core 3 featuring Ohlins suspension for £4,499
- My pick of the range is the Core 2, featuring the latest RockShox Pike Select + with Charger 3.1
- Weight increased from 14.2kg to 14.9kg, making the Izzo more trail bike than down-country
Dive into the Core 2
The Core 2, my favorite from the new Izzo range, boasts the RockShox Charger 3.1 damper and an SLX drivetrain.
The 2025 Izzo - More Unchanged than Revamped
YT shared that the frame hasn't changed on the new model. It still comprises a blend of ultra-premium Ultra Modulus carbon fiber, saving several hundred grams over basic carbon. The top-end Core 3 sports a full carbon frame, while the Core 2 and Core 1 models have alloy rear ends to keep costs manageable.
Gold-Standard Suspension on the Core 3
The big change on the Izzo is the addition of 10mm more travel on the front end, making it more versatile on rougher terrain. Keep in mind that the best down-country bikes we've tested usually come with 120-130mm travel and weigh around 12-13kg.
As the bike world evolves, it's interesting to notice how manufacturers continue to enhance bikes' capabilities. From high-end Santa Cruz Hightower enduro bikes to entry-level Calibre Bossnut 2025 models, everyone seems to be adding more travel to cater to their customers' demands.
Izzo Core 1 - A Solid Starter
The Core 1 comes with an Ultra Modulus carbon fiber frame and an alloy rear end. Marzocchi Z2 Bombers with 140mm travel dominate the front end, while Sunringle SR329 wheelset, 30mm internal width rims, and Maxxis Minion DHR II tyres ensure a smooth roll.
Izzo Core 2 - Balance and Performance
The Core 2 offers the same carbon and alloy frame, but its front end uses a RockShox Pike Select+ fork with the newly-introduced 2025 RockShox Charger 3.1 damper. This combination strikes a perfect balance between performance and affordability. A RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock equipped with a wider rebound range backs it up. The drivetrain is top-notch, featuring Shimano SLX with an XT shifter. The wheelset, made by Crankbrothers Synthesis XCT, and Maxxis DHR II tyres deliver premium rolling capabilities. The Core 2 even saves a noteworthy 600g compared to the Core 1, weighing in at 14.3kg.
Izzo Core 3 - Performance Meets Luxury
The Core 3 model brings the action with an Ohlins RXF36 M.3 fork and an Ohlins TTX1 shock at the rear, offering superior rebound control with dials for both high and low speed adjustments. This bike also features a carbon chainstay frame for extra durability. Rounding out the package is a DT Swiss XM1700 wheelset, a Renthal Fatbar and Apex bar and stem combo, and a dependableShimano SLX drivetrain. This little beast even manages to shed an additional 100g, bringing its claimed weight down to 14.2kg.
[1] - http:// Press Release: YT Industries LAUNCHES NEW IZZO IN 2022 | MTB INSIDER[2] - https://www.singletracks.com/brand/yt-industries[4] - https://www.yt-industries.com/products/decoys/decoys-core-5-mx-i/specs#intro
- The 2025 Izzo, with its now standard 140mm fork, is moving closer to the trail bike category, challenging the line between down-country and trail slaying.
- RockShox and Ohlins have taken center stage in the 2025 Izzo, replacing the old Fox suspension, giving the bike a refreshed look and feel.
