Keep fun simple.
Sometimes you just want to do something fun for the sake of doing something fun. We’re always tinkering with something at Esker HQ, and the Solitaire was born from the desire to keep things simple and a little nostalgic - a “throw-back”, if you will.
The Solitaire was designed to reduce complexities and encourage riders to go back to their roots. We removed unnecessary cable guides, condensing size options, and paired it with our new Fork Yeah! steel fork…it really ties the room together.
Only 50 of these framesets exist — the Solitaire is a project we’ve been dreaming about for a long while… finally made real.
What’s in a name?
Since the Solitaire is inspired from our beloved Hayduke, utilizing the same tubeset and ride characteristics, it was only right that we gave it a little nod with the name.
Desert Solitaire, by Edward Abbey, has long inspired readers to seek deeper connections with nature and appreciate the beauty of simplicity. With this bike designed to be run as a singlespeed, the name Solitaire felt like a natural fit. Now it’s your turn to pedal into the world and discover a little solitude on your Solitaire.
Each Solitaire frame comes with a custom headtube badge by Jen Green. Hand fabricated, cast in bronze, hand finished and numbered 1-50.
FEATURE PACKED
29" wheels
Clearance up to a 3.0" tire
Custom Fork - Fork Yeah!
Custom Tubing - Seamless, Quadruple-Butted, Tapered, Drawn Over Mandrel, Size-Specific, ED Coated, 4130 Chromoly
Rack Mounts, Frame Bag Mounts, Mid-Mounts, and 3-Pack Mounts
Portage Dropout - for adjustability, singlespeed and upgradeability.
Single Speed optimized! - there are no cable mounts for a rear derailleur
UDH Compatible
GEOMETRY
| Measurement | SM/MD | MD/LG | LG/XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effective TT Length | 584 | 623 | 661 |
| Reach | 420 | 450 | 480 |
| Stack | 600 | 630 | 660 |
| HT Angle | 67.5* | 67.5* | 67.5* |
| HT Length | 90 | 125 | 155 |
| Effective ST Angle | 74* | 74* | 74* |
| ST Length | 380 | 440 | 500 |
| Max Seat Tube Insertion | - | - | - |
| Chainstay Length - Adjustable | 445-459 | 445-459 | 445-459 |
| Fork Offset | 44 | 44 | 44 |
| Fork Length | 495 | 495 | 495 |
| BB Drop | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| Wheelbase | 1129 | 1172 | 1214 |
| Stem Length | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Recommended Rider Height | 5'4"-5'9" | 5'7"-6'0" | 5'10"-6'3" |
*Hardtail geometry based on 30% fork sag*
For more information about chainstay length and our Portage Dropout System go to our Portage Dropout Page
Looking for 'Standover Height'? - Check out our thoughts HERE
FRAME SPECS
| Frame Material | Custom seamless, double,butted tapered, Drawn Over Mandrel, size-specific, ED Coated, 4130 Chromoly |
|---|---|
| Frame Weight | X,XXX grams for Medium/Large - Weight includes dropouts, UDH, axle, seat collar, and cable guides |
| Recomended Fork Travel | 120mm suspension fork at 30% sag (495mm A-C) - Forks within +/- 10mm approved Frame Ships with the Esker Fork Yeah! Steel Fork |
| Headset Specs | ZS44 upper // EC44 lower |
| Rear Dropout | Esker Portage Dropout - Adjustable - UDH // 148mm Hub Spacing // M12 x 1.0 x 180mm Axle |
| Tire Clearance | Designed around 29x2.6" Accommodates up to 29x3.0" *Clearance may vary based on your drivetrain choice (Chainline), rim width, actual tire measurement, and dropout position* |
| Seatpost Specs | 34.9 clamp, 31.6 post, internally routed |
| Bottom Bracket | Threaded 73mm BSA |
| Chainring Specs | Maximum = 34t round / 32t oval 52mm or 55mm Chainline |
SOLITAIRE FAQ
Q - What makes the Solitaire uniquely single-speed?
- We built the Solitaire without provisions for running a rear derailleur - sure, you can slap some wireless robots on there if you're into that sort of thing, or pull out the twine and shellac to fasten some shifty housing to the frame if you want to, but for us the essence of the Solitaire is simplicity.
Q - With this being a limited edition frame, how many Solitaires did you make?
- We're only making 50 total Frame/Fork of this specific Solitaire. Each one comes with a custom headbadge by Jen Green numbered 1 through 50.
Q - How many water bottles will the Solitaire carry?
- SM/MD = 1 bottle in the front traingle, 1 bottle under the down tube
- MD/LG = 1 bottle in the front traingle, 1 bottle under the down tube
- LG/XL = 2 bottles in the front traingle, 1 bottle under the down tube
Q - Can I put a rear rack on the Solitaire?
- Sure Thing! Our Solitaire model has dedicated multiple rack mounts built into the frame, or you can utilize a rear rack by installing our Portage Rack Mount Bolts and a Seatpost Clamp with Rack Mounts.
Q - Can I single-speed the Solitaire?
- 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 Solitaire?
- 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 Solitaire?
- 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.
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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.