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Jeffsy or Izzo?

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Jeffsy or Izzo?

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flag appltn
Posted: Jun 6, 2020 at 1:45 Quote
I need help. I’m trying to decide between the Jeffsy and the Izzo and I’m stuck.

I’m currently riding an over forked hardtail (2014 Trek Stache with a 140mm fork) and I’m after a more aggressive full suspension trail bike. Something with enough heft for days at the bike park but also zippy enough to flow around a trail centre.

I’m considering the 2020 Pro Race version of both the Izzo and the Jeffsy.

Izzo: I think this could be perfect but I would want to change the fork (for a fox 36 at 140 or maybe 150mm), stem, bars, tyres and remove the shock lockout. I’m wondering if upsizing the fork is going to compromise the handling (I emailed YT and they advised against it). I also worry that a stock 130/130 would overlap with the hardtail - I know they’re very different bikes but I can see myself using the hardtail for the kind of riding the Izzo is designed for.

Jeffsy: This has just about the exact spec I want and it’s very appealing to just buy it and ride without changing a bunch of parts but I’m wondering if 150mm at the back is going to be too much for some of the riding I do. I’m happy to compromise a little bit of climbing ability but I would like something poppy and playful.

Side question: I’m 6ft 1in which puts me right between L and XL according to YT’s sizing chart. How do I choose which to buy?

What do people think?
flag Yetichon
Posted: Jun 6, 2020 at 2:48 Quote
I don't know, but I think it's weird to buy an Izzo to overfork it with a 36... Just buy a Jeffsy at this point, no ? Especially if you have the hardtail for more mellow riding, and the Jeffsy is not a Capra either, good bike for trail riding.

At 6ft1, go for the XL, it will be perfect. The YT are sizing quite small, I was on an XL Capra and I'm 6ft.
flag Kamill1
Posted: Jun 8, 2020 at 8:16 Quote
From what you are describing, you want the Jeffsy. You can always lockout the rear for climbing. I have the '19 AL Jeffsy and I don't have any issues with climbing. I even switched to the Jade coil in the rear with no lockout and it's still fine.

No reason to throw parts at the Izzo to make it a bike it wasn't designed for. If you want a bike for local trails that you can also take to a DH park, get the Jeffsy and maybe think about a coil in the rear. I've done most of the black tech at Thunder Mountain and the Jeffsy can handle it.
flag Steelerector86
O+
Posted: Jun 8, 2020 at 10:39 Quote
It sounds like you'd be happier on the Jeffsy.

I've already got a Capra 27 for rowdy gravity riding, so the Izzo will fill a space in my quiver for the light/fast trail riding. If you want 1 bike for both, get the Jeffsy.

On the size, I'd say it has to do with what you'll ride. I'm right at the break between sizes too. I went with an XL Capra, for the little extra high-speed stability that comes with a longer bike, but I ordered a L Izzo, so I'd be able to move around the bike a little easier on tighter trails.

Also note that this sizing is different for different models.
flag boellemis
Posted: Jun 10, 2020 at 8:06 Quote
Kamill1 wrote:
From what you are describing, you want the Jeffsy. You can always lockout the rear for climbing. I have the '19 AL Jeffsy and I don't have any issues with climbing. I even switched to the Jade coil in the rear with no lockout and it's still fine.

No reason to throw parts at the Izzo to make it a bike it wasn't designed for. If you want a bike for local trails that you can also take to a DH park, get the Jeffsy and maybe think about a coil in the rear. I've done most of the black tech at Thunder Mountain and the Jeffsy can handle it.
Sorry I don't mean to hijack too much but when you got the jade did you need to get new mounting hardware or did you use the existing hardware from the deluxe?
flag appltn
Posted: Jul 13, 2020 at 8:59 Quote
I eventually settled on the Jeffsy 29er in a size L. I emailed YT with the sizing question and their advice boiled down to L if you want playful, XL if you want planted.

photo

photo

I've got about 50 miles on it and so far I'm really happy with the decision. It pedals great, it flows well and it's super fun and confidence inspiring on the downhills.

Thanks for the input everyone!
flag Amcottin
Posted: Oct 20, 2020 at 16:23 Quote
appltn wrote:
I eventually settled on the Jeffsy 29er in a size L. I emailed YT with the sizing question and their advice boiled down to L if you want playful, XL if you want planted.

photo

photo

I've got about 50 miles on it and so far I'm really happy with the decision. It pedals great, it flows well and it's super fun and confidence inspiring on the downhills.

Thanks for the input everyone!

Regarding your description for different sizes and functionality. If you were on the fence of sizes (as op), would you consider L or XL to maximize pedaling efficiency on climbs? I don't even know if this is a thing
flag appltn
Posted: Oct 21, 2020 at 0:56 Quote
Amcottin wrote:

Regarding your description for different sizes and functionality. If you were on the fence of sizes (as op), would you consider L or XL to maximize pedaling efficiency on climbs? I don't even know if this is a thing

Unfortunately I didn’t get to ride an XL so I can’t give a direct comparison. I believe climbing efficiency would be relatively unaffected either way as your weight will be roughly centred regardless.

The XL has slightly longer chainstays so that might prevent looping out better but I’ve never had that issue on the L either.

All I can tell you that I’m very happy with climbing on my size L and I’ve been up some pretty steep stuff! That said most people who are between sizes tend to size up so maybe I’m wrong!
flag bhunter71
Posted: Oct 31, 2020 at 3:27 Quote
Hey Guys,

I'm also considering both the Izzo and Jeffsy. Excuse the life story of a post.
I come from a place where my bike experience isn't too relevant- I've been riding a 26" no suspension bike for 30 years, and either of these two would be night and day better.

I want to be honest with myself over intended usage.
My goal is exercise, and my riding is similar each day. 2 miles of pavement each way to New England trails that are narrow, windy single track, with a bit of root and rock thrown in.
I wouldn't be on any sort of mountain for the vast majority of my riding - am I really describing more of a XC riding style, ie Izzo?

I like the 2300$ price point of the Jeffsy base very much - and this may confine my choices.
I'm also not young, and not small at 6'3" long arms, 230lbs clydesdale.

I'm waiting for a XXL Jeffsy (edit;had mistyped) base in February, and I expect I'll be super happy with it if it can be delivered by summer.

Thanks in advance for any comments, I really appreciate it!!
(Happy Halloween!)
flag bhunter71
Posted: Nov 1, 2020 at 1:11 Quote
(edit; removed some stuff. self-reply after discussions with a local YT enthusiast.)

I find the Izzo perhaps a more practical match, but the Jeffsy an unbelievable value.
I'd be happy with either and shall wait on availability.

I find that XL with 29ers is more reasonable for my intentions, on either bike.

On paper, I find the biggest geometry difference to be 1cm of lower BB height on Izzo - which sounds like it describes the expected differences in behavior/performance.
flag notnew
Posted: Nov 3, 2020 at 12:43 Quote
bhunter.
Ibought a jeffsy last year and returned it (e13 bb creaked first ride, e13 casette shifting not great and guides did not match my expectations of pro race $5k). return was no problem.. just took a few weeks. you need some patience here.. youre saving money on parts..the flip side is customer service backlog... there is a reason they are popular...

performance:
the uphill was a dog but also need to account that the e13 tyres were very heavy and grippy on 2019 model.
downhill it was so planted...really...really good.
body fit was a bit off.

in the interim i have demoed
Occam (great up, expected more down)
Genius (top brain model... nice...liked better than ransom),
ransom (not convinced... sketchy... not nervous but just didnt quite track as expected)
a few roses (brought new meaning to wheel wander... forget),
strive (carpark/pump track, nice v balanced. but shapeshifter didnt work...this was in koblenz btw)
Spectral (carpark, pedal strikes, im going for 29, no),
Remedy (solid, but unimpressed)
Orange 6 (great ride, no bottle),
altitude (not impressed, under braked with guides. NO)

clydesdale can be fit or unfit. im 45yrs and 77kg but was never 'racer' fit for cycling (more anaerobic)... so i may understand your life stage...
i think for youit boils down to
if you are fit or you really dont care about uphill speed go jeffsy (parts are much better this year).
but if you want to travel fairly smartly on up-down track and are carrying weight go for izzo. we all enjoy speed and the izzo will allow you that bit more speed which may translate to enjoyment. and the lock out cant be a bad thing to help that.

i am also on the fence on (other) bikes with a purchase. for what its worth i have discounted this years jeffsy from myy list... not because of the above (...the parts are better...and you will note all my gripes in 2019 do not apply)

For the jeffsy I do not like that yt charge 50 eurodollar for a 600ml water bottle on the jeffsy when my usual bottle is 750ml and i use most of that. i like having enough water on my usual 1 to 2 hr rides ...a back pack for that is just hassle (more prep time and less out there). but i am looking at a different price point. that was my discard.
(i also applied 'bad bottle' to eliminate orange six)

hope that helps.
flag notnew
Posted: Nov 4, 2020 at 1:34 Quote
izzo and jeffsy are both great value.
radon has better parts for price, sometimes canyon. both are more xc geo. i prefer steeper seat tube angle. i have discounted.
If you dont climb 20 percent gradients they ll do the job on flatter flow trails and are worth consideration.
(there is also bike direct ... but forget that)

on geo bb height you are forgetting that the ride height is when sagged. the paper bb is not an 'at sag' value.

you are not in a rush.. wait for the sales / look at the outlet store - the resell of returns...it will happen...sometime jan feb maybe Mar. Usually after the new model release. Dont procrastinate when you see the deal - they dont last and have limited number. you may find a good deal in a local shop but with stock decimated (sold) i cant imagine shops will need to offer sales to offfload stock.

bhunter71 wrote:
(edit; removed some stuff. self-reply after discussions with a local YT enthusiast.)

I find the Izzo perhaps a more practical match, but the Jeffsy an unbelievable value.

I find that XL with 29ers is more reasonable for my intentions, on either bike.

On paper, I find the biggest geometry difference to be 1cm of lower BB height on Izzo - which sounds like it describes the expected differences in behavior/performance.
flag bhunter71
Posted: Nov 4, 2020 at 2:55 Quote
Thank you so much for your comments, notnew. I've also scanned thru the Jeffsy 29er and Izzo threads, so I have a sense of people's opinions.

I had been given a 'strict' budget of $2,000 US dollars, and then I managed to extend this to the ~2500$ to cover the Jeffsy. I realize there's quite a bit of ground between Jeffsy and Izzo - the price of the base Jeffsy brought me here, but I've since fallen in love with the Izzo (on paper, this is)

I'm a not-fit clydsedale who wants to be a fit clydesdale.
My goal really is efficiency and speed. More efficiency ought to yield more speed/distance/fun over the same period of time. I'm looking for sustained cardio for 30-45minutes in a daily routine.

I might switch the lockout for pavement to dirt transition, but I do not see myself using the dropper seat at all on a daily basis. I'm not overly concerned about pedal strikes, because I know exactly where all the roots and rocks are, and they just don't move around all that much.
[edit; I realized after that this is misleading. My initial get-in-shape pattern might not involve seat dropper at all, but I would indeed grow into both seat dropper and more downhill riding in time. I tend to be a 'thrill seeker', I need to build up to it though]

I will continue to just walk the trails every day, and try to be patient with a goal of just getting a bike from YT by springtime/early summer 2021. Will take any opportunities I can to try bikes in the meantime.
I have not ruled out the Jeffsy base. I do have mountain access on summer weekends, including lift serviced parks, and I can find creative ways to rationalize the bigger bike.

I've 'researched' the lots of Canyon, Commencal, Fezzari, propain, nukeproof,etc, etc, and I remain blown away by the price point that YT is selling the Jeffsy/Capra at. The 2300$ Jeffsy is more bike than I ever expected (again, on paper).
flag TallRide
Posted: Nov 4, 2020 at 4:47 Quote
I went through a lot of this same debate with myself and I went with the Izzo. I would have gone with the Jeffsy if my goal was purely just to go downhill and cruise around, but I always like to challenge myself to consistently beat my own PR's on climbs. I also wanted something that I can enter in local race series with and feel confident.

I've got a "long travel XC style" bike now which is basically what the Izzo is, and that's my style. I think it all comes down to personal comfort. 130mm of travel is plenty for me riding in East TN and NC mountains.
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