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Built for the Backcountry Assembled to order in the USA
Esker howdy — model overview and specifications

Howdy

MSRP: $2,200.00
$1,200.00
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LONG LIVE LONG RIDES

Say hello to Howdy! The shorter travel sibling to Woodsy. Built with long rides in mind, the Howdy can get up over and down anywhere you can think to pedal it. Don’t be fooled by the modest 125mm of travel, this peppy trail bike can handle it all.

The Howdy boasts a durable aluminum frame that instills confidence on every ride. The robust bearings of the ORION Suspension make for an incredibly smooth and laterally stiff ride. External cable routing offers ease of maintenance. A straightforward metal bike at a good value.

 

 

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Named after the “Good Outdoor Manners Raccoon” of the mid-twentieth century US Forest Service campaign, Howdy was born deep in the woods of Pennsylvania in 1959 and became the Forest Service’s companion to Smokey Bear.

This smiling, flannel-clad raccoon encouraged people to avoid littering, be fire aware, and practice good manners while using the forest.

 

Orange Howdy mountain bike on rocky terrain under blue sky

 

FEATURE PACKED

29” wheels

Clearance up to a 2.6” tire

125mm frame travel, for 140mm fork

6061-T6 aluminum frame

External cable routing — keep it simple, keep it clean

ORION Suspension — Dave Weagle design, moto meets mountain bike

UDH compatible

GEOMETRY

Measurement S1/SM S2/MD S3/LG S4/XL
Effective TT Length 559 589 619 650
Reach 427 454 481 508
Stack 601 617 637 656
HT Angle 64.8 64.8 64.8 64.8
HT Length 90 107 129 150
Effective ST Angle 77 77 77 77
Estimated Saddle Height for ESTA 565 656 745 831
ST Length 365 398 431 464
Max Seat Tube Insertion 265 298 331 364
Chainstay Length 435 435 435 435
Fork Offset 44 44 44 44
Fork Length 551 551 551 551
Bottom Bracket Drop 37 37 37 37
Wheelbase 1180 1214 1250 1287
Stem Length 50 50 50 50
Estimated Rider Height 5'3"-5'7" 5'6"-5'10" 5'9"-6'1" 6'0"-6'4"

Full Suspension geometry shown at 0% fork sag

Between Sizes? Check out the FAQ below for more information to help you choose whats right for you.

Curious about fork travel? Frames are approved for forks within +/- 10mm of their original design.

Want more information on the chainstay length and Portage Dropouts? Check out our Portage Dropout Page

Looking for Standover Height? - Check out our thoughts HERE

 

FRAME SPECS

Frame Material 6061-T6 Aluminum Front and Rear Triangle
Suspension Specs Fork: 140mm suspension fork (551mm A-C) - Forks within +/- 10mm approved
Rear Shock: 125mm of travel // 210x50 shock length
8x22 Forward Shock Mount Hardware
More about ORION Suspension
Headset Specs ZS44 upper // ZS56 lower
Rear Dropout UDH // 148mm Hub Spacing // M12 x 1.0 x 173mm Axle
Tire Clearance Designed around 29x2.5"
Accommodates up to 29x2.6"
*Clearance may vary based on your drivetrain choice (Chainline), rim width, and actual tire measurement*
Seatpost Specs 34.9 clamp, 31.6 post, internally routed
Bottom Bracket Threaded 73mm BSA - 2.5mm spacer integrated on the Driveside
Chainring Specs Maximum = 34t round / 32t oval
52mm or 55mm Chainline

HOWDY FAQ

Q - What size frame should I buy?

See the table below for a complete Esker Cycles model line-up size guide.

NOTE: Many folks can fit more than a single frame size. If you find yourself at a height in which you can fit 2 different frame sizes, ask yourself what your riding style is like and where/how you intend to use the bike. A larger frame will feel more stable at high speeds, but not as maneuverable in tighter and more technical situations on the trail. Inversely, a smaller frame will be less stable at speeds, but allow you to pick up and place your wheels in technical sections of trail much easier.

Esker Cycles model size guide

Q - How many water bottles will the Howdy carry?

SM/MD/LG/XL = 1 bottle in the front triangle, 1 bottle under the downtube.

Q - Do you do custom builds?

We do not. We offer a limited menu of upgrade options for all of our bikes, but we do not do custom builds. For 2026, Howdy is only available as a frame or frame/fork.

If you'd like to have a custom Esker built up, please reach out to one of our Retail Partners and they'll work with you on getting you exactly what you want!

Q - What does your warranty look like?

Click here for warranty information

Q - Can I order one of your frames/bikes through a local bike shop?

Absolutely. That would be the best way to order one of our frames/bikes! Working with your local bike shop allows you to get great insight on which model is right for you, which size may work best for your intended use, and ensure that your bike gets built up and fit to your exact specifications. Jump on over to our Dealer Locator to see a full map of our retail partners and find the one closest to you.

Q - Can I demo a bike before I buy it?

We do our best to travel around throughout the year and often partner with regional mountain bike festivals or local retail partners to host demos. For the most up to date opportunities, check our Dealer Locator. You can also see a full map of our retail partners - reach out to them if you're nearby and ask them what they may have available for you to demo locally.

Q - I want to buy a frame bag before my bike/frame arrives to me, can you provide the frame bag dimensions?

We don't recommend buying a frame bag until you have your frame/bike on hand. That is absolute best way to ensure you get the right size and shape for your bike.

If you're looking to make a custom bag(s) for your Esker, we've partnered with some incredible custom frame bag makers that all have our frame dimensions and files on hand. Please reach out to one of them HERE.

 

 

BUILT FOR THE
BACKCOUNTRY

Purposeful design. Proven on the trail.


Refined Geometry

Purposeful geometry for every model. Stable, responsive, and comfortable—so your bike feels at home wherever you take it.


Durability

Premium metal tubing, selected for each frame’s purpose and rigorously tested. Built for years of riding into—and back out of—the backcountry.


Ride Quality

Refined on the trail by the people who design it. The right balance of comfort, stiffness, and feel for the long way home.