Really well done Vital, completely understanding that this bike is a trial bike and doesnt need to be more than that. Tested on the types of trails that normal people will use.
sold my Capra and bought the Izzo a few months ago. I can confirm, the Izzo is fast and a great climber, and can still handle the tech downhill when things start to get rowdy. You just need to be more careful and precise with line choice, which is more fun in my opinion. Setting it up tubeless with Cushcore XC inserts made it even better.
@@williammarshall4277 Let me understand. How much of endurance, or stamina you need to build to beat your own time. ? I find it interesting. Like a marathon? I am all about speed , and beating time ,but I don't have any experience racing XC. I getting my Izzo Tuesday . I should start practicing endurance.
This may be YT's best looking bike in terms of real clean and simple lines. Maybe the perfect bike for your lunch and after work rides on the single track close to home. If you don't live on the side of a mountain of course.
It's been interesting to see how much the marketing of the Izzo has influenced the discussion when compared to the new SC Tallboy. Despite having almost equally slack geometry and similar travel, the Izzo is talked about exclusively as a 'light and quick' trail bike with little emphasis on descending, whereas the Tallboy is 'the downhillers XC bike' and just waiting to be pointed downhill.
I think the Maxxis Dissector would be the perfect front tire replacement for this bike if you’re looking for something more aggressive! I just put one on my trail bike and it rolls so fast!
Nice video. Would be nice to see some xc bike tests or comparisons over at least a 90 minute ride since people usually don’t buy bikes to go on 18 minute rides. Almost every review I see on TH-cam is super short and doesn’t touch on realistic ride lengths.
I'd really like to see a comparison like this with the mondraker (or any xc bike) but just with a 120mm 34sc fork and see if it has any downsides to the uphill segment and how much time you get back on the downhills
Hi, I noticed you removed the twistloc at the end of the video (Izzo). What did you change on the shock? Exchanged its lever (non remote), or simply left it open? I‘m asking because that would be the first thing I would remove too. I prefer standard grips and a cleaner cockpit
What was the weight of each bike and the size? For a more fair comparison, same tires should have been on the Izzo, although 8 sec. is not a lot for an almost 10 min run! Would love to see a comparison of Izzo (130) vs Spur (120). On a side note, what would happen if you reduced the travel of the Izzo to 120? To make it more of a race bike.
Great video with interesting results but I have to say, as someone who is not considering purchasing an xc race bike, I'd love to see a head to head with more similar bikes. The new Spur, sb115, kona hei hei and Scott spark are all contenders for my money in this travel range and I'd love to see a head to head in that category. If my living in Canada would be helpful I'd be happy to volunteer to test the bikes out for you
This review actually made me buy the Mondraker. 1. I do live in a rather 'flat' area. 2. It has a threaded bottom bracket! 3. Less power consumption. Quite the 'no brainer'. ;)
And it obviously would have, if we had chosen a more technical trail for the test. But this was really about finding out just how efficient it would be in terms of putting down the watts, so we went with a very mellow trail. As we explained in the video, the overall loss of altitude was only 90 meters over an 8-minute run, so needless to say there was a lot of pedaling required also on the way back down.
@@REB4444 correct. Also note that he RIPS on a bike, there are a few things he is able to do on that XC rig that most riders would not even think of trying with their enduro bikes.
After reading all the comments I would like to see a comparison on burlier trails. You've proven it's efficient now let's see it's full potential. I'm seriously considering this bike, so want the full review on where it's capabilities start to struggle.
A comparison with the Transition Spur would be epic!!! Almost same geo. A lil bit more reach for the Spur and some more travel and a lil shorter wheelbase and chainstay for the Izzo. Also the inner contest short travel Sid Lux Ult. vs Fox Factory 34 on these frames would be interesting. With less weight and shorter travel on paper the Spur should win on the climbs and the Izzo on the Downhills. But I'm curious who would win overal and which has the best handling and the biggest fun factor! That one I'll be buying! Go Vital MTB!!!
Great video. I’m really torn between canyon lux and the Izzo. Riding uk single track mainly so I see a lot of what I think are over biked bikes! I’m still on my old 26” Zesty so any advice much appreciated
Well the lux and Izzo are pretty different bikes. The lux is more of and XC race bike where the Izzo is a light trail bike. A more comparable bike from Canyon’s lineup would be the Neuron, which is more of a trail bike.
Im in quite the same situation. At the moment I'm riding an older race hardtail. I am mostly riding XC track and singletrails. My neighbor has an Lux and it's so fun to ride on this tracks. But I would prefer even a little more comfort and I think the Izzo would be perfect for my needs. Did you already by a new bike?
@@Donkeydoedel I assume you were replying to the original commenter, but I recently bought the izzo and it’s so awesome! The value for the money is absolutely insane and the ride is so much better than my previous bike. I’m coming from a much different bike than you, but i think you’ll love it!
Awesome comparison ! I have found similar results between my XC and my trail bikes....often only a few seconds apart. Maybe I missed it, but how were you measuring power ?
That's a Burgtec cockpit (RideWide bar and stem). We only upgraded the front tire to get a bit more confidence on steeper and looser trails, the stock Forecaster that comes on the bike is certainly fast but lacks a bit of bite when things get more serious. We left the back stock, to keep that rolling/pedaling speed. It matters less on this kind of bike if the rear slides around a bit (might even add to the fun factor!)
Good vid but it would have been a lot more relevant to compare to a 'normal' XC bike instead of a race bike... A normal XC bike would likely lose to that race bike by the same margins so what did we learn?
How about some test and riding in the Midatlantic, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania...? All the test and comparisons are out west and at ski resorts. MOST OF US HERE DO NOT RIDE THOSE CONDITIONS.
I wish someone @Vital Mtb or someone who has ridden the izzo and the new Santa Cruz tall boy, could suggest to me which bike is better for trail riding. I love in FL, thanks!!
we've ridden both and you really can't go wrong with either. for short-travel 29ers. check out our group test sessions video from earlier this year. it has the tallboy and 4 other bikes - all that would be good in florida terrain - th-cam.com/video/dwvc53At7f0/w-d-xo.html
For what YT charges, buy the base model, sell the parts you don't want, and build it up. You'll probably get enough for the parts to make the frame less than other brands frame only option. Heck, the full YT build is the same or less than most bike brand frame only options.
I would love to see a test where the bikes had the same wheels and weighed the same.. I bet that mondraker was around 24p and the izzo at 27ish.. Maybee next time, change the wheels over and put weights on the lighter bike so they weigh the same.. This will take the weight difference out of the equation.
disappointing that Izzo wasn't faster on the DH section. Why? Was it not technical enough for the bigger bike to gain an advantage? Would like to know the rider's thoughts on that because it doesn't make sense yet the video praises the bike even though it clearly was slower (although more fun and forgiving)
No doubt the IZZO would have been faster on the way down, if we had chosen a more technical trail for the test. But this was really about finding out just how efficient it would be in terms of putting down the watts, so we went with a very mellow trail. As we explained in the video, the overall loss of altitude was only 90 meters over an 8-minute run, so needless to say there was a lot of pedaling required also on the way back down.
Would interesting to see the point of gnarlyness that gives the trail bike the advantage. And then the same point for an enduro bike then dh. Would be good for people unsure of what bike they actually need. :)
@@steveburt1824 The IZZO would have been faster down the hill, if we had chosen a more technical trail for the test. But this was really about finding out just how efficient it would be in terms of putting down the watts, so we went with a very mellow trail. As we explained in the video, the overall loss of altitude was only 90 meters over an 8-minute run, so needless to say there was a lot of pedaling required also on the way back down. We really didn't want to come at this test from the usual angle of "OK it has a bit less travel but you can still rip on it." For sure you can have a lot of fun with this bike, but what really stood out when we first rode it was just how well it seemed to pedal. So we really went at this by trying to put the bike OUT of its most natural element, and it still put up a remarkable performance. 8 seconds dropped over a 9mn39 second climb, is really not a lot. With a bike that can also handle most enduro trails and have fun doing it? That is what this bike brings to the table.
Really well done Vital, completely understanding that this bike is a trial bike and doesnt need to be more than that. Tested on the types of trails that normal people will use.
Wow awesome presentor. Love how he listened and let the test rider gives his feedback. Very good review!!
sold my Capra and bought the Izzo a few months ago. I can confirm, the Izzo is fast and a great climber, and can still handle the tech downhill when things start to get rowdy. You just need to be more careful and precise with line choice, which is more fun in my opinion. Setting it up tubeless with Cushcore XC inserts made it even better.
Which core model did you get?
@@davidalberius6107 I bought mine before they switched to the core model. I have the pro race. 2 years later & I still love it.
@@bsrhoad Riding a 2020 jeffsy pro race myself. Two years later and it's still a dream! I definitely agree! :)
Should I add inserts to my 22 core 2 izzo? And what's your favorite tires for the izzo?
Great review and really liked how your test rider gave his subjective impressions to go along with the objective test data!
400w for 9 minutes. Beast mode.
Seriously impressive
@@williammarshall4277 Let me understand. How much of endurance, or stamina you need to build to beat your own time. ? I find it interesting. Like a marathon? I am all about speed , and beating time ,but I don't have any experience racing XC. I getting my Izzo Tuesday . I should start practicing endurance.
Time to calibrate that power meter.. ;)
@@dustind9242 He's semi-pro. 400 watts for 9 mins sounds about right.
wanna see Izzo Vs Spur
Me too!
would be a great match-up. however, the Izzo is slower because of the weight of that extra $1000 in my pocket ;)
@@mikestivers8302 lmao
This may be YT's best looking bike in terms of real clean and simple lines. Maybe the perfect bike for your lunch and after work rides on the single track close to home. If you don't live on the side of a mountain of course.
Hmmm I live on the side of a mountain and this bike rips on all of the trails you’re describing. I bought it last month and have zero complaints.
It's been interesting to see how much the marketing of the Izzo has influenced the discussion when compared to the new SC Tallboy. Despite having almost equally slack geometry and similar travel, the Izzo is talked about exclusively as a 'light and quick' trail bike with little emphasis on descending, whereas the Tallboy is 'the downhillers XC bike' and just waiting to be pointed downhill.
I bought the Izzo based off this review - great job going through it 👍
Which core model did you choose? I am asking because I can’t decide if 3 is worth the extra bucks over 2
Not sure what the name of this presenter is, but he is great.
Johan
Yonatan yaton tona
I think the Maxxis Dissector would be the perfect front tire replacement for this bike if you’re looking for something more aggressive! I just put one on my trail bike and it rolls so fast!
Just curious why upgrade only front tire and not back tire?
Another great review. Thank you!
This video made me buy the Mondraker. That and the threaded bottom bracket. Really. Thanks. :)
Nice video. Would be nice to see some xc bike tests or comparisons over at least a 90 minute ride since people usually don’t buy bikes to go on 18 minute rides. Almost every review I see on TH-cam is super short and doesn’t touch on realistic ride lengths.
400 watts for 9 mins!? I need to work on my training!
I'd really like to see a comparison like this with the mondraker (or any xc bike) but just with a 120mm 34sc fork and see if it has any downsides to the uphill segment and how much time you get back on the downhills
Hi, I noticed you removed the twistloc at the end of the video (Izzo). What did you change on
the shock? Exchanged its lever (non remote), or simply left it open? I‘m asking because that would be the first thing I would remove too. I prefer standard grips and a cleaner cockpit
What was the weight of each bike and the size? For a more fair comparison, same tires should have been on the Izzo, although 8 sec. is not a lot for an almost 10 min run! Would love to see a comparison of Izzo (130) vs Spur (120).
On a side note, what would happen if you reduced the travel of the Izzo to 120? To make it more of a race bike.
Great video with interesting results but I have to say, as someone who is not considering purchasing an xc race bike, I'd love to see a head to head with more similar bikes. The new Spur, sb115, kona hei hei and Scott spark are all contenders for my money in this travel range and I'd love to see a head to head in that category.
If my living in Canada would be helpful I'd be happy to volunteer to test the bikes out for you
This review actually made me buy the Mondraker. 1. I do live in a rather 'flat' area. 2. It has a threaded bottom bracket! 3. Less power consumption. Quite the 'no brainer'. ;)
They will rattle your teeth out.
An xc bike is not an offroad cruising bike.
Expected the Izzo to come first on the descent tho
And it obviously would have, if we had chosen a more technical trail for the test. But this was really about finding out just how efficient it would be in terms of putting down the watts, so we went with a very mellow trail. As we explained in the video, the overall loss of altitude was only 90 meters over an 8-minute run, so needless to say there was a lot of pedaling required also on the way back down.
@@REB4444 correct. Also note that he RIPS on a bike, there are a few things he is able to do on that XC rig that most riders would not even think of trying with their enduro bikes.
After reading all the comments I would like to see a comparison on burlier trails. You've proven it's efficient now let's see it's full potential. I'm seriously considering this bike, so want the full review on where it's capabilities start to struggle.
@@rickyhill5263 yeah exactly! It’s good to see the bikes limits
Great video! Amazing Bikes.
A comparison with the Transition Spur would be epic!!! Almost same geo. A lil bit more reach for the Spur and some more travel and a lil shorter wheelbase and chainstay for the Izzo. Also the inner contest short travel Sid Lux Ult. vs Fox Factory 34 on these frames would be interesting. With less weight and shorter travel on paper the Spur should win on the climbs and the Izzo on the Downhills. But I'm curious who would win overal and which has the best handling and the biggest fun factor! That one I'll be buying! Go Vital MTB!!!
Great video. I’m really torn between canyon lux and the Izzo. Riding uk single track mainly so I see a lot of what I think are over biked bikes! I’m still on my old 26” Zesty so any advice much appreciated
Well the lux and Izzo are pretty different bikes. The lux is more of and XC race bike where the Izzo is a light trail bike. A more comparable bike from Canyon’s lineup would be the Neuron, which is more of a trail bike.
Im in quite the same situation. At the moment I'm riding an older race hardtail. I am mostly riding XC track and singletrails.
My neighbor has an Lux and it's so fun to ride on this tracks. But I would prefer even a little more comfort and I think the Izzo would be perfect for my needs.
Did you already by a new bike?
@@Donkeydoedel I assume you were replying to the original commenter, but I recently bought the izzo and it’s so awesome! The value for the money is absolutely insane and the ride is so much better than my previous bike. I’m coming from a much different bike than you, but i think you’ll love it!
I bet there would be no difference in time of wheels and tires were the same.
On a longer loop the XC bike would be faster, those small differences would add up. The izzo is pretty impressive though.
Awesome comparison ! I have found similar results between my XC and my trail bikes....often only a few seconds apart. Maybe I missed it, but how were you measuring power ?
I want to see the izzo vs top fuel
love this presenter!
Could you list what handlebar upgrade you used? Also why only upgrade front tire and not both?
That's a Burgtec cockpit (RideWide bar and stem). We only upgraded the front tire to get a bit more confidence on steeper and looser trails, the stock Forecaster that comes on the bike is certainly fast but lacks a bit of bite when things get more serious. We left the back stock, to keep that rolling/pedaling speed. It matters less on this kind of bike if the rear slides around a bit (might even add to the fun factor!)
May i know the tires and its sizes used? Nice content btw.. more power and God bless!
Good vid but it would have been a lot more relevant to compare to a 'normal' XC bike instead of a race bike... A normal XC bike would likely lose to that race bike by the same margins so what did we learn?
How about some test and riding in the Midatlantic, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania...? All the test and comparisons are out west and at ski resorts. MOST OF US HERE DO NOT RIDE THOSE CONDITIONS.
but where are the cranks on the Mondraker in the beginning though????? HAHA
Also dig the presenter as well.
When they're talking in the beginning, it looks like the Mondraker has no cranks and no chain
I wish someone @Vital Mtb or someone who has ridden the izzo and the new Santa Cruz tall boy, could suggest to me which bike is better for trail riding. I love in FL, thanks!!
we've ridden both and you really can't go wrong with either. for short-travel 29ers. check out our group test sessions video from earlier this year. it has the tallboy and 4 other bikes - all that would be good in florida terrain - th-cam.com/video/dwvc53At7f0/w-d-xo.html
Why does the Mondraker not have cranks in the first bit of the video?
Probably from swapping the power meter cranks between bikes
@@epicTPR11 ding ding ding!
Nine seconds every lap, how many laps has a world cup track? 7? 9? At the end one minute behind the xc bike.
9 seconds faster on 14 watts less normalized power. Not even close.
I would love to build up a Yzzo. I really love the geometry. Unfortunately, YT does only provide complete builds and not just the frame 😔
For what YT charges, buy the base model, sell the parts you don't want, and build it up. You'll probably get enough for the parts to make the frame less than other brands frame only option. Heck, the full YT build is the same or less than most bike brand frame only options.
I would love to see a test where the bikes had the same wheels and weighed the same.. I bet that mondraker was around 24p and the izzo at 27ish.. Maybee next time, change the wheels over and put weights on the lighter bike so they weigh the same.. This will take the weight difference out of the equation.
I would sell a kidney for an Izzo.
I thought the izzo would of been faster down hill with the extra travel
man you been in Israel ???
The creek in the background makes me wanna pee
Lol
disappointing that Izzo wasn't faster on the DH section. Why? Was it not technical enough for the bigger bike to gain an advantage? Would like to know the rider's thoughts on that because it doesn't make sense yet the video praises the bike even though it clearly was slower (although more fun and forgiving)
No doubt the IZZO would have been faster on the way down, if we had chosen a more technical trail for the test. But this was really about finding out just how efficient it would be in terms of putting down the watts, so we went with a very mellow trail. As we explained in the video, the overall loss of altitude was only 90 meters over an 8-minute run, so needless to say there was a lot of pedaling required also on the way back down.
Would interesting to see the point of gnarlyness that gives the trail bike the advantage. And then the same point for an enduro bike then dh. Would be good for people unsure of what bike they actually need. :)
YT Izzo vs Norco Optic
we test the Optic here - th-cam.com/video/dwvc53At7f0/w-d-xo.html
@@vitalmtb Thank you. This was the last year's model tho, no?
Move off the trail hippie.
I'm the 420th view... ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
First 🤯😂
Sounds to me like the Izzo got smashed by the mondraker. Maybe not as fast etc as YT would like you to believe
@@REB4444 surely it should have been faster DH. If the Izzo can't beat an xc bike up Or down what's the point of it? Where does it excel?
@@steveburt1824 The IZZO would have been faster down the hill, if we had chosen a more technical trail for the test. But this was really about finding out just how efficient it would be in terms of putting down the watts, so we went with a very mellow trail. As we explained in the video, the overall loss of altitude was only 90 meters over an 8-minute run, so needless to say there was a lot of pedaling required also on the way back down. We really didn't want to come at this test from the usual angle of "OK it has a bit less travel but you can still rip on it." For sure you can have a lot of fun with this bike, but what really stood out when we first rode it was just how well it seemed to pedal. So we really went at this by trying to put the bike OUT of its most natural element, and it still put up a remarkable performance. 8 seconds dropped over a 9mn39 second climb, is really not a lot. With a bike that can also handle most enduro trails and have fun doing it? That is what this bike brings to the table.
@@vitalmtb I see, I didn't catch on to the lack of drop over the 8 mins, I better re watch it. Thanks