Vital MTB Editor Build: YT IZZO 6

Another year, another new bike, such is the bike journo life and it's part of the reason we love it, of course. Getting to put together your dream build is always a privilege, and this one is no different. After spending 2024 aboard the Starling Murmur that I had built up with a mini-enduro flavor, I wanted to go in a slightly different direction this year and focus on weight and speed. Since I'm fortunate enough to also have access to longer-travel bikes, I figured why not make my main trail bike as swift and as sharp as possible? This led me down a familiar path, to a bike I've already ridden a fair bit and which actually already lives in my household - as a constant reader you may recall that I tried to build up a YT IZZO already, but it was promptly abducted by my son Nils (who you might also know as an occasional Vital test rider). Since he refuses to give it back, I've now built my own!

The finished build came in at 13.8 kgs (30.4 lbs) as you see it here, with tire sealant, pedals, and bottle cage. Parts selection and all the dreamy pics below:

Frame

I've had a thing for the IZZO since it first came out, and what I most appreciate about it is that it really does what it says on the box. It's NOT a mini-enduro bike, and it doesn't feel like one either. YT drew inspiration for the design from the Katana sword of Japan's samurai heritage, and the result is a dynamic and engaging ride that is as happy scooting up a hill as it is bombing back down it. The geo is relaxed enough to place it in the trail bike category, but the way it responds to pedal input is almost XC-esque at times (so much so that we actually did a feature comparing it to a real XC race bike a while back, with somewhat surprising results). The lines are elegant and understated, although YT left no stone unturned with the shapes and there are plenty of nice little touches to be found throughout. I went with this Juicy Fruit color scheme which really turned out cool - as this will be my main test sled for gear reviews this year, it's fun to have something that pops in pics and edits.

Suspension

The FOX 34 fork turned a corner in 2022 in my opinion, and it's been a great trail bike fork ever since. The 2025 edition has been updated with the latest Grip X damper - I went with a 140 mm version to match the ambitions of this build. The 2025 inline Float Extra Volume shock is the perfect running mate out back, providing a poppy yet supple ride feel on this frame.

Drive Train

I'm unapologetically a huge fan of SRAM Transmission. I love the very sharp and precise shifting action, no doubt a result of the increased stiffness of the direct mount interface, and the T-Type chain shifts really smoothly under power on the Transmission cassette. I prefer the smaller AXS pod for the control side of things, and being able to run Hope's direct mount clamp was certainly a bonus when it comes to cockpit clean up. After discovering that I quite like shorter cranks during testing for our recent feature on the subject, I committed to 155 mm Hope Carbon cranks on this build. Deity's amazing new Supervillain pedal was the obvious choice underfoot (it's currently sitting pretty atop our long-standing flat pedal rankings if you need some more scientific reasons behind my selection), and I was lucky enough to snag a pair in this limited edition "Satin Gold" colorway that goes well with the overall theme here.

Wheels and Tires

In my quest for light-yet-strong-enough components, I settled on Hunt's Proven XC wheels - yes, it says "XC Race" on the box (and on the rim), but these 30 mm rims are made for the demands of modern XC racing and just in case you haven't been paying attention lately, that has become pretty gnarly at times. The Provens are light, quick, and plenty stiff for what I need them to do on this bike.

Fun little detail: I've set the wheels up with Stan's new Exo-Core valves, which is sure to draw the ire of the haters - but after running them for 9 months now, I can confidently say that they are indeed a better product. They provide much better airflow than a regular Presta valve, and they are super easy to work with and keep clog-free. They do look a bit ungainly but the fact that I've still chosen them for this dream build tells you everything you need to know in regards to how they perform.

As for tires, the Maxxis DHF/Dissector combo is tried and true for me, providing a great mix of rolling speed and grip. 3C MaxxTerra compound gives up a tiny bit of grip in return for better rolling speed and longer life - I'll take that for a trail bike build. EXO casing up front and EXO+ out back for a little bit more peace of mind when casing rock gaps hehe.

Brakes

Ever since it won our Product of the Year award in 2022, Hope's Tech 4 brake has remained a constant favorite with us here at Vital. Awesome power and modulation, very easy to work on and maintain (even though the bleed process does get a bit sloppy), and backed by Hope's outstanding commitment to serviceability this is truly an excellent product. It doesn't look half had either... 

Dropper Post

Wireless dropper posts are truly a first-world solution to a non-existent problem, but that doesn't mean it's not a good product. The new FOX Transfer Neo is in fact excellent, and once you get used to the comfort of wireless controls, it's hard to deprive yourself of it again. Wireless or not isn't a make-or-break scenario for me, but since I have the option I'm stoked to enjoy it. The Kashima fits right in with the suspension theme, too. I just wish FOX had made the lever fully MatchMaker compatible so I could mount it directly to the Hope brake, but you can't have it all, all the time.

Finishing Kit

Some more favorite products in the finishing kit list; a Deity cockpit with Supracush grips, Hope BB and headset, a BikeYoke Sagma saddle and a well-worn and much-loved Specialized Zee bottle cage (of the wrong color LOL).

There you have it, stoked on how it all came together. Look for this build to pop up in plenty of features and reviews this year!

About The Reviewer

Johan Hjord - Age: 51 // Years Riding MTB: 19 // Weight: 190-pounds (87 kg) // Height: 6'0" (1.84m)

Johan loves bikes, which strangely doesn’t make him any better at riding them. After many years spent practicing falling off cliffs with his snowboard, he took up mountain biking in 2005. Ever since, he’s mostly been riding bikes with too much suspension travel to cover up his many flaws as a rider. His 200-pound body weight coupled with unique skill for poor line choice and clumsy landings make him an expert on durability - if parts survive Johan, they’re pretty much okay for anybody. Johan rides flat pedals with a riding style that he describes as "none" (when in actuality he rips!). Having found most trail features to be not to his liking, Johan uses much of his spare time building his own. Johan’s other accomplishments include surviving this far and helping keep the Vital Media Machine’s stoke dial firmly on 11.

Photos by Johan Hjord