Esker Cycles | Japhy 2024 | Trail Hardtail Mountain Bike

From backyard singletrack to long days in the alpine, Japhy will get you out there quickly while putting a huge smile on your face as it flows effortlessly through the landscape.

A hardtail can be the best choice for getting way out there without worrying about complicated setup and maintenance. Durable and dependable means fewer things to go wrong. Japhy is your go-to bike for times you just want to climb on and roll out.

Go deep into the backcountry on that remote singletrack route or simply rip around on your local trails, this is the bike to get the job done. Japhy tackles any terrain you throw at it and gets you back again on every ride.

With size-specific headtube lengths, steeper seat tube angles, and revised reach lengths, the new Japhy provides a more accurate fit and maximizes handling and comfort for every sized rider.
The shorter and steeper seat tube delivers a pure trail bike experience and the easy to use and easy to maintain full external zip-tie cable routing makes it more user friendly when far away from civilization.

29" wheels for 2.6-2.8" tires

Hardtail with 120mm front travel - can accomodate up to 130mm fork

4130 Chromoly frame - custom Quad-butted tapered, seamless DOM tubing

Portage Dropout - for adjustability, singlespeed and upgradeability. Now UDH Compatible



Starting at $1,000

Starting at $3,000

Starting at $2,700

Geometry

S1/SM S2/MD S3/LG S4/XL S5/XXL

A - Effective TT Length

570

601

623

645

678

B - Reach

420

450

470

490

520

C - Wheelbase

1139

1171

1195

1219

1255

423-444

423-444

423-444

423-444

423-444

F - Effective ST Angle

76

76

76

76

76

G - ST Length

380

410

450

470

500

H - HT Angle

66

66

66

66

66

I - HT Length

95

100

110

120

135

K - Fork Length

495

495

495

495

495

BB Drop

65

65

65

65

65

Stack

600

605

614

623

637

Rider Height

5'1"- 5'7"

5'6"- 6'

5'10"- 6'3"

6'+6'5"

6'2"+

Standover (0% sag)

735

742

774

800

820

Max Insertion

205

220

260

300

315

Hardtail geometry based on 30% fork sag. To see a complete Esker size guide, scroll down to the FAQs below.

For more information about chainstay length and our Portage Dropout System go to our Portage Dropout Page

Frame Specs

Frame Material

Seamless, quad-butted and tapered 4130 Cromoly

Weight

2,855 grams for Medium, or 6.29lbs - Weight includes dropouts, axle, seat collar, and cable guides

Frame Includes

Wolf Tooth seatpost collar, rear axle, Adjustable UDH Portage Dropout, cable guides and bolts

Headtube Diameter

44mm ID, 50mm OD

Rear Dropout Spacing

148mm

BB Type

Threaded 73mm English

Headset Lower Stack Height

13mm

Tire Size

Designed around 29x2.6" Accomodates up to 29x2.8" depending on tire and rim choice, and dropout position

Seatpost

34.9 clamp, 31.6 post, internally routed

Thru Axle

Boost 148 / 180mm / M12x1.0

Max Chainring

34t round / 32t oval / Boost Chainline

Brake Mount

Post Mount, 180mm rotor native

Japhy FAQ

  • Looking for a review?
    • Check out this recent review from Bikepacking.com - CLICK HERE
  • 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 Sizing Chart

Q - What wheel sizes can I use on the Japhy?

  • The Japhy was designed and optimized for 29" wheels (up to a 2.8" width).

Q - Whats the maximum tire width that the Japhy will take?

  • 29x2.5" in the shortest chainstay length position, and 29x2.8" in the furthest back chainstay length position.

Q - What fork travel can I use on the Japhy?

  • The Japhy is designed around 120mm suspension forks (30% sag with an axle to crown height of ~492mm, or a rigid fork with an a-c height of 492mm). We also test and approve the use of 130mm forks on the Japhy as well.
  • NOTE: Fork offsets have been a topic of discussion for quite some time in the mountain bike community. There are pros and cons to both short and long offset options. While we may have originally designed our frames around either a short or long offset fork, we've spent a lot of time experimenting and riding both options and are quite happy with the results of either short offset forks, or long offset forks. Much of it comes down to personal preference, your own riding style, and what type of trails/terrain you're riding on. Feel like experimenting with an offset that your Esker wasn't originally designed around? Have at it! Bikes are supposed to be fun and unique expressions of the individual riding them...don't sweat the details too much.

Q - Can I run a rigid fork on the Japhy?

  • Absolutely! Rigid works with an axle to crown measurement of ~492mm work best to maintain the original geometry design and ride characteristics.

Q - How many water bottles will the Japhy carry?

  • SM = 1 bottle in the front traingle, 1 bottle under the down tube
  • MD/LG/XL/XXL = 2 bottles in the front traingle, 1 bottle under the down tube

Q - What length dropper comes with a complete build?

  • SM = 150mm PNW Loam dropper that can be adjusted down to 120mm of travel, or a 160mm Wolf Tooth Dropper that can be adjusted down to 110mm of travel.
  • MD/LG/XL/XXL = 170mm PNW Loam dropper that can be adjusted down to 145mm of travel, or a 200mm Wolf Tooth Dropper that can be adjusted down to 150mm of travel.
    • For more information on the adjustability of the PNW Loam dropper, click HERE.
    • For more information on the adjustability of the Wolf Tooth dropper, click HERE.

Q - Can I put a rear rack on the Japhy?

Q - Can I single-speed the Japhy?

  • You betcha! Our Portage Dropout System allows you to adjust the chainstay length by up to 14mm, allowing you to run a single speed setup reliably, quietly, and with ease. Heck, we even have a single speed build option that you can buy!

Q - Can I run an internally geared hub on the Japhy?

  • Technically, yes, but we don't offer any support on figuring out which hubs and support parts may be needed in order to make this happen. Have fun!

Q - Can I run a Belt-Drive on the Japhy?

  • No you cannot, chains only for Esker hardtails.

Q - How does the Portage Dropout System work?

  • The Portage Dropout System attaches to our hardtail frames and allows you to adjust chainstay length (for ride characteristics or tire width clearances), chain tension (for single speed application), or different hanger types (UDH or Classic).

Q - The Size/Color that I want is out of stock, is there anyway to get the specific one I want?

  • Possibly. Shoot us an email at info@eskercycles.com and we'll do our best to connect you with one of our retail partners if they have one in stock.

Q - How long does it take to get my bike/frame once I order it?

  • That depends. If its a bike/frame that you're placing a Pre Order for, the item will have an ETA window associated with it once you select it on the product page. If its a bike/frame that we have in stock, we will email you the shipping eta once the order is placed - that can vary from 2-6 weeks depending on how many orders are in front of yours.
  • NOTE: If you want to speed up the delivery of your frame/fork, order it through one of our Retail Partners. They receive priority shipping when orders are placed through them.

Q - How much assembly do I need to do if I order a bike directly through the webstore?

  • Not much at all. Our complete bikes arrive 90% pre-assembled. For more information and assembly instructions, head on over to our Tech Documents page and click the 'New Bike Assembly Instructions' link.
  • If you would prefer having your bike assembled through your local Esker Retailer, please order your bike directly through them. They'll help you figure out your size, work with you on spec/upgrade options, and get your bike built for you exactly how you want it.

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.
  • 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 kind of steel do you use?

  • Our steel frames utilize an in-house designed proprietary 4130 chromoly tubeset. This custom drawn, externally tapered, seamless tubeset is quadruple butted to ensure the best combination of weight savings, torsional rigidity, and overall strength. We heat treat all of our steel frames and finish them off with an electrophoretic deposition (ED) coating inside and out prior to paint. This ED coating helps to protect the frame from rust and corrosion (no frame saver needed!)

Q - What kind of Titanium do you use?

  • We build our titanium frames from seamless, double-butted 3/2.5 titanium. This tubeset provides an incredible balance of weight and strength that we find to be paramount for those big backcountry missions and covering the countless miles of abuse we've seen on our frames. We engineer this tubing specifically for this application and value Titanium's longevity both in fatigue, abrasion and corrosion resistance.

Q - Do your steel frames ride different than your Titanium frames?

  • Yes and No. Based on our own riding input, as well as a ton of great input and feedback from our customers, find that our steel frames have a very similar feel when it comes to compliance on the trail in comparison with our Titanium frames. The biggest difference that most individuals feel is the weight savings of Titanium. Our Titanium frames are around 650-900grams lighter than their steel counterparts. This weight savings results in a 'snappier' and more 'lively' riding characteristic when on the trail.

Q - Do I need to 'Frame-Saver' your steel frames after I buy one?

  • NOPE! We treat all of our steel frames with an Electrophoretic Deposition (ED) coating inside and out prior to painting them for rust protection.

Q - What does your warranty look like?

  • Esker 1,000,000 Mile Warranty: Yup, you read that right, we'll cover any defects in material, craftsmanship, or design up to 1,000,000 miles. If you hit 1,000,001 miles...you're on you own, and CONGRATULATIONS :)
    • Esker Cycles will repair or replace, at its option, any frame that it determines to be defective due to defects in the original materials and/or manufacturing. This limited warranty does not apply to wear and tear, prior claimed defects, or any failures or malfunctions that result from abuse, neglect, misuse, alteration, crash, collision, or any improper assembly or maintenance. This warranty is in effect for the life of the product, applies only to the original owner, and is non-transferable. By REGISTERING your bike with Esker Cycles as the original owner of the product, we guarantee service in regards to any and all warranty related issues. You will be required to present proof of purchase for any warranty claim. This warranty does not cover shipping or logistics to and from Esker Cycles.
  • No Fault Replacement
    • Esker Cycles will make replacement frames or parts available at a minimum charge in the event of a crash or other non-warranty situation for the life of the frame. Esker Cycles does this at its sole discretion. You will be responsible for all shipping costs to and from Esker Cycles.
  • Click HERE to Submit a Warranty Claim.

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 near by and ask them what they may have available for you to demo locally.

Q - Should I get a Hayduke or a Japhy?

  • How do you ride?
    • The Japhy is an everything trail bike - its your night ride bike, its your durable hardtail, and it can even do an overnighter once in while. The geometry is designed to be a bit more stable at high speeds, wheelie and bunnyhop easier, and lower your center of gravity by not only using a smaller front triangle and lower standover height, but a lower bottom bracket to get your feet a little closer to the ground. It also has a steeper seat tube angle than the Hayduke, making it much more enjoyable for seated climbs, and a little less forgiving on flatter, more pedaling based rides.
    • The Hayduke is a more dedicated bikepacking bike made to take more gear. It has more front triangle space, more neutral geometry for hauling a load, and more places to mount gear. It also has a more relaxed seat tube angle than the Japhy, which makes it more comfortable for flatter, more pedaling based rides.
      • If you carry gear 10% of the time, and mostly just want an awesome riding hardtail that you can depend on, get the Japhy. If you carry gear more than 50% of the time, and wanted a more dedicated bike for that purpose, get the Hayduke.

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

  • We don't reccommend 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 Japhy, 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 the following frame bag makers to get the exact bags made for your bike that you want!

Built for the Back Country
We here at Esker enjoy long rides into the wild spaces and are proud to say our bikes are truly Built for the Backcountry. That means they are designed and built on three tenets:

Durability

We build our steel hardtails from 4130 Chromoly for the utmost in durability. Our proprietary quad-butted, seamless tubeset provides a greater strength to weight ratio than other 4130 frames on the market by engineering it specifically for its application while the complete Electrophoretic Deposition (ED) coating of the frame resists corrosion inside and out for an extremely long and worry free life.

Geometry

Esker is known for designing well refined, stable handling, and neutral geometry bikes so that you always feel like you are at home, as the bike seems to disappear underneath you from mile 2 to mile 92 and beyond. The newest Hayduke generation brings even further refinement with size-specific headtubes and slightly taller seatubes, to dial in your fit even further.

Ride Quality

Steel is real - but engineered steel is more real. By engineering a frameset that utilizes a proprietary custom drawn externally tapered, seamless, quadruple butted, heat treated 4130 Chromoly DOM tubeset that is specific to each frame size, we can build a frame that is strong and durable with a fully tuned ride quality, giving it more compliance and lower weight than steel frames using stock tubing while also increasing torsional rigidity and strength.