Updated Hayduke Lives! Esker Cycles has refreshed and updated most of its hardtail lineup. The two staple hardtails, Hayduke and Japhy, see key geometry updates and some new frame features, while the Lorax Ti and Hayduke LVS only see “minor tweaks”, but that includes the Hitching Post accessory mount. This leaves the Lorax, Smokey, and Smokey Ti untouched.
Let’s see what’s new!
The Hitching Post
All updated titanium frames will see the addition of The Hitching Post. This added feature is a modification to the seat tube, moving the bottle mounts further forward. This allows for more seat post insertion–since the post won’t bottom out on the bolts–and adds a place to strap down some additional gear if not using it as a standard bottle cage mount.
Hayduke Updates
Esker has simplified the Hayduke’s size range with S, M, L, and XL. The new Geo changes include a longer wheelbase, lower center of gravity (increased BB drop), and a taller stack.
They’ve increased the tire clearance to 29 x 3.0″, but say that actual tire clearance will depend on drivetrain choice, rim width, dropout position, and actual tire measurements. Plus, the Hayduke is rockin’ a lil’ more heel clearance, making it easier to ride in hiking boots.
Esker has also added mid-mount rack mounts to the middle of the seat stay. On the titanium frames only, the Hitching Post seat tube bottle boss/gear strap allows for more seat post insertion. The dropper port has been relocated up the seat tube to make it easier to route. Plus, there is a new custom molded chainstay protector.
New colors for the steel frames include Sundry, Lunar, and Metal Flake Blue. Plus, there are new logos and finishes for the titanium models.
These updates will help the Hayduke be more than ready for backcountry exploration, as well as differentiate the Japhy more.
Updated Geometry
Hayduke Retail
- Steel Frames: $1000
- Steel Completes: Starting at $3000
- Ti Frames: $2500
- Ti Completes: Starting at $4500
Hayduke LVS Updates
The Hayduke LVS remains almost the same, with some minor changes like increased snack-hauling capabilities with added top tube bolts. Plus, there are some minor geometry updates like increased stack offset and a longer effective top tube.
The mid-seat stay rack mounts carry over from the Hayduke, as well as the Hitching Post seat tube bottle boss/gear strap. There’s also a custom chainstay protector.
You can expect a new logo and finishes on the titanium versions only.
Updated LVS Geometry
LVS Retail
- Frames start: $2950
- Ti Completes: Starting at $4950
Japhy Updates
Following Hayduke’s lead, the new updated Japhy also gets a simplified size range with S, M, L, and XL. Japhy gets updated geo with the increased stack offset and longer effective top tube.
They’ve eliminated the Japhy’s seatstay bridge, making for a more compliant ride. The titanium Japhy gets a new chainstay yoke that has a slimmer profile, as well as the Hitching Post seat tube bottle boss/gear strap update.
The dropper port has been relocated higher in the seat tube to ease routing. There is also new bolt-on cable routing allowing for the use of bolt-on frame bags. The removable cable routing also cleans things up with the use of wireless shifting or single-speed configurations.
The Japhy also comes with a new custom chainstay protector. Plus, there is a new logo and finish on the titanium frames and new colors for the steel frames: Paloverde, Darkness, and Metal Flack Orange.
Updated Japhy Geometry
Japhy Retail
- Steel Frames: $1000
- Steel Completes: Starting at $3000
- Ti Frames: $2500
- Ti Completes: Starting at $4500
Lorax Ti Updates
The Lorax doesn’t get a boatload of updates but gets slimmer with a sleeker chainstay yoke and improved heel clearance. The seat stays have the mid-mount rack mounts in the middle of the seat stay.
Like the other bikes, the Lorax gets the Hitching Post to maximize seat post insertion. And the custom chainstay protector shows up again here on the updated Lorax. It also sports a new logo and finish.
The Geometry
Lorax Retail
- Ti Frames: $2500
- Ti Completes: Starting at $4500
