{"id":43336,"date":"2022-11-16T11:00:38","date_gmt":"2022-11-16T10:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=704597"},"modified":"2022-11-16T11:17:12","modified_gmt":"2022-11-16T10:17:12","slug":"bike-of-the-week-the-yt-izzo-uncaged-7-is-a-muscular-downcountry-ripper","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/bike-of-the-week-the-yt-izzo-uncaged-7-is-a-muscular-downcountry-ripper\/","title":{"rendered":"Bike of the Week | The YT Izzo Uncaged 7 is a muscular downcountry ripper"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Oscar Huckle\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 16 November 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Our latest Bike of the Week is the YT Uncaged Izzo, the German brand\u2019s shorter-travel, trail-inspired downcountry mountain bike<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Izzo was initially launched with 130mm of suspension travel<\/a>, but this Uncaged bike takes it down to 120mm and introduces more lightweight componentry.<\/p>\n

This particular build is limited to 300 bikes worldwide. Let\u2019s take a closer look\u2026<\/p>\n

Frame details<\/h2>\n

The Izzo looks fast standing still and the frame cuts a clean and angular aesthetic. The reduction in travel is thanks to YT using a shorter-stroke shock in the frame, otherwise it has the same frame as the 130mm-travel Izzo.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s constructed from the brand\u2019s Ultra Modulus carbon \u2013 the highest level of carbon YT offers, which means it should translate into a stiff and responsive ride.<\/p>\n

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The Izzo uses a Horst-link suspension design.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Unlike many lighter downcountry bikes, YT sticks to a chainstay-located pivot rather than flexstays, sharing architecture with its 130mm-travel Izzos.<\/p>\n

The Izzo Uncaged 7 uses a Horst-link suspension design<\/a>, with the rear shock inverted. There\u2019s also a flip chip at the shock mount. Flipping it around to the high position from the low steepens the head angle by 0.5 degrees and raises the bottom bracket.<\/p>\n

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YT has opted for a 66.5-degree head tube angle.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

On the subject of geometry<\/a>, our size-large sample in its low setting has a 66.5-degree head tube angle, 77.5-degree seat tube angle and a 475mm reach.<\/p>\n

To promote durability, YT says all of the frame bearings employ additional seals to stop dirt penetrating.<\/p>\n

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The ribbed chainstay protection should make for a quiet ride.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The frame has its cables and rear brake hose internally routed<\/a> and YT says there are foam tubes inside to stop them rattling. They\u2019re also said to be routed over the main pivot to prevent any rubbing.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s ribbed frame protection both on top of and below the driveside chainstay, as well as on the inside face of the driveside seatstay. There\u2019s also a piece of protective film on the down tube to guard against rock strikes.<\/p>\n

A top-shelf spec list<\/h2>\n
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It\u2019s a fast-looking off-road weapon.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Izzo retails for \u00a36,799 \/ $7,499 \/ \u20ac6,999 \/ AU$13,999.<\/p>\n

The Uncaged 7 comes shod with a top-end RockShox SID Ultimate fork and matching SIDLuxe Ultimate shock.<\/p>\n

YT is using remote lockouts for both the fork and shock, with a RockShox TwistLoc control integrated into the grips on the handlebar.<\/p>\n

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There\u2019s no expense spared with the drivetrain. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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The wireless shifter is rather minimalist. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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SRAM G2s are the stoppers of choice.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The bike is specced with a tasty SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS<\/a> wireless electronic groupset<\/a>. The crankset uses a 32t chainring and a 175mm crank length<\/a> on our size large.<\/p>\n

SRAM is also on stopping duties with its G2 Ultimate disc brakes<\/a> that feature carbon levers.<\/p>\n

DT Swiss XCR 1200 Spline carbon mountain bike wheels<\/a> are a fitting addition to the build, and they have a 30mm internal rim width<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The Maxxis Rekon Race tyre hints at the bike\u2019s more XC-oriented intentions.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

They\u2019re wrapped in Maxxis Rekon Race 29\u00d72.4in mountain bike tyres<\/a> in its EXO-casing, dual-compound construction.<\/p>\n

The down tube has a neat mount for a Fidlock Thirstmaster 5000 water bottle<\/a>, which attaches magnetically. If you\u2019d rather use a conventional bottle and cage, you\u2019re free to do so.<\/p>\n

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An SDG saddle sits atop the Reverb AXS dropper seatpost.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

There\u2019s a SRAM Reverb AXS dropper seatpost<\/a> with an SDG Bel Air 3.0 saddle sitting on top.<\/p>\n

The rest of the finishing kit is taken care of by Race Face, with a Next SL 35 carbon handlebar<\/a> in a 740mm width and a Turbine R35 stem in a 60mm length.<\/p>\n

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Race Face takes care of the bar and stem.<\/span><\/figcaption> Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

All-in, our test bike weighs 12.1kg without pedals, but including the Fidlock bottle.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re currently testing the YT Izzo Uncaged 7 and you can expect a full review soon.<\/p>\n