We have recorded the two-color resonant two-photon mass analyzed threshold ionization (MATI) spectra of indazole via four intermediate states. The adiabatic ionization energy of this molecule is determined to be 67534 +/- 5 cm(-1). The observed MATI bands include in-plane ring bending as well as out-of-plane ring twisting and bending vibrations of the indazole cation. Comparing the present data with those of indole and 7-azaindole leads to a better understanding about the influence of the nitrogen atom in the aza-aromatic bicyclic system. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.