The Izalco Max is the race model in the Cloppenburg-based manufacturer's portfolio. In contrast to the former lightweight construction wonder from the 2010s, the bike defines itself as a modern all-rounder that aims to combine the contrasting characteristics of good aerodynamics and low weight. The current generation has been on the market in two quality levels since 2023 and is getting a makeover for the coming model year.
The top series (9.9 to 9.7) is now equipped with a power meter as standard. On the Shimano versions (9.9 and 9.7), the power meter is hidden on the left crank arm; on the model with SRAM (9.8), it is integrated into the crank spider. Another new feature is the more aerodynamic carbon wheels from DT Swiss and Reserve. The two top models (9.9 and 9.8) are fitted with the ARC 1600 and 1400 versions from the Swiss manufacturer, while the Izalco Max 9.7 is equipped with the 40|44 version from the US brand.
The previous handlebar/stem combination has also been replaced by a one-piece carbon solution from Reserve. This means that the Izalco Max gives up the uncomplicated position adjustment, but should benefit aerodynamically. The old 9.8 model only achieved a below-average value of 222 watts in the TOUR test, with the rather clunky stem in particular having a negative effect on performance.
Lighter and faster?
The technical updates should also be noticeable on the scales. Focus states a complete bike weight of 6.8 kilograms for the top model (9.9), saving around 400 grams compared to the 2023 version. The lighter carbon frame of the top series weighs 865 grams in the medium frame size, while the simpler chassis of the 8 series model is specified at 1050 grams.
There are also new wheels for the simpler model variants (8.9 to 8.7), which each weigh over eight kilograms. While the 8.9 is fitted with carbon wheels from Reserve (40|44), the two cheapest Izalco Max sets are made of aluminium from DT Swiss and Alexrims (E 1800 and R 500). Two models (8.9 and 8.8) change gears electronically with drivetrains from SRAM (Rival AXS) or Shimano (105 Di2), while the basic version remains unchanged with a mechanical Shimano 105.
Prices: 2499 to 8499 euros
New colour variants round off the update of the Izalco Max. The 8-series is now available at prices between 2499 and 4299 euros, while the 9-series models range from 5999 to 8499 euros. There is a choice of seven frame sizes.
Izalco Max 9.9
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-34 t.; Powermeter)
- Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR (28 mm)
- Impellers: DT Swiss ARC 1400 Dicut 55 (Carbon)
- Weight: 6.9 kilogrammes
- Price: 8499 Euro
Izalco Max 9.8
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Force AXS (2x12; 48/35, 10-33 t.; Powermeter)
- Brakes: SRAM Force
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR (28 mm)
- Impellers: DT Swiss ARC 1600 Dicut 55 (Carbon)
- Weight: 7.5 kilogrammes
- Price: 6799 Euro
Izalco Max 9.7
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Ultegra Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-34 t.; power meter)
- Brakes: Shimano Ultegra
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa N.EXT TLR (29 mm)
- Impellers: Reserve 40|44 (Carbon)
- Weight: 7.4 kilogrammes
- Price: 5999 Euro
Izalco Max 8.9
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Rival AXS (2x12; 48/35, 10-36 t.)
- Brakes: SRAM Rival
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa N.EXT TLR (29 mm)
- Impellers: Reserve 40|44 (Carbon)
- Weight: 8.1 kilogramme
- Price: 4299 Euro
Izalco Max 8.8
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105 Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano 105
- Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro Evo (28 mm)
- Impellers: DT Swiss E 1800 (aluminium)
- Weight: 8.2 kilogrammes
- Price: 3299 Euro
Izalco Max 8.7
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes: Shimano 105
- Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro Evo (28 mm)
- Impellers: DT Swiss R 500/Alexrims BRD (aluminium)
- Weight: 8.2 kilogrammes
- Price: 2499 Euro
Julian Schultz
Editor
