- 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.
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 - How many water bottles will the Hayduke carry?
- SM = 1 bottle in the front traingle, 1 bottle under the down tube
- MD/LG/XL = 2 bottles in the front traingle, 1 bottle under the down tube
Q - Can I put a rear rack on the Hayduke?
Q - Can I single-speed the Hayduke?
- 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 Hayduke?
- Technically, yes, but we recommend working with your favorite professional mechanic to figure out which hubs and support parts may be needed. Have fun!
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 - 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?
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 - I want to buy a frame bag before my bike/frame arrives to me, can you provide the frame bag dimensions for the Hayduke?
- 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 the following frame bag makers to get the exact bags made for your bike that you want!
