Named after Dr. Seuss’s beloved forest creature/environmentalist, Esker’s Lorax is a go-anywhere dropbar bike made for exploring the far-off places that the book’s character was hoping to preserve. A staple in the brand’s lineup since 2016, Esker is updating its iconic steel dropbar backcountry exploration bike with its new Fork Yeah! steel fork, new colors, specs, and pricing. What’s not changing is the adventure-ready frame and features that riders already know and love.
The Lorax is already well-liked for its 4130 chromoly steel frame that’s ready to go the distance, whether on the Tour Divide or your mixed surface commute. The frame fits 29” wheels, has clearance for 2.6” tires, and user-friendly external cable routing for ease of maintenance. The frame and fork are loaded with mounts for frame bags, racks, and all of your other bikepacking necessities, and the Portage Dropout system allows for adjustability or single-speed setups. And, as expected in this day and age, it’s UDH-compatible to work with all of the latest drivetrian options.
What’s New?
Fork Yeah!
For 2026, Esker is equipping its Lorax framesets and complete bikes with its new Fork Yeah! rigid steel fork. As of now, the Fork Yeah! is only available on the Lorax, but it will be available for purchase separately for $250 starting in May. This change helps bring the starting price of the frameset down to $1,250 and $2,200 for the complete base build.
Like the Lorax frame, Fork Yeah! is made from 4130 Chromoly. It has a 495mm axle to crown length, a 1 ½” to 1 ⅛” tapered steerer, 44mm offset, 15 x 110mm Boost spacing, and clearance for tires up to 3.0” wide. It’s also got low-rider rack mounts, 3-pack mounts, and crown eyelet mounts for all your mounting needs. According to Esker, it also has an amazing ride quality.
Paint Options
Color-wise, Esker is introducing a new low-cost paint option that it’s calling “Darkness” ED Black. This option skips the cost of paint, while protecting the frame with an ED coating (electro-deposited), which is claimed to be both durable and corrosion-resistant. We think it looks pretty good, too. Esker is also offering the Lorax in two painted colors, Ranchera and Lunar, which add $150 to the price of the frameset or complete build.
New Specs
With new specs for the base model complete build, Esker is able to offer the Lorax for as low as $2,200. This lowest-cost option includes the Darkness ED Black frame and Fork Yeah! fork, Microshift 1×10 drivetrain, house-branded wheels, Avid BB7 brakes, and Maxxis Ikon 2.2” tires. Starting with that base build, Esker offers a number of upgrade options for the paint, fork, cockpit, drivetrain, and wheels, so you can pick and choose to get the parts you want.
- Lorax Complete – starting at $2,200
- Fork Yeah! Fork
- Microshift Sword 1×10 drivetrain
- Avid BB7 brakes
- Esker “House” wheelset
- PNW Bar/Stem and Ergon saddle with alloy seatpost
- Maxxis Ikon 29×2.2 folding tires
- Lorax Complete Options
- Painted Option – Ranchera or Lunar – +$150
- Forks –
- Reba Gold 120mm – +$300
- ENVE MTN Carbon fork – +$450
- SID Ultimate 120mm – +$900
- Cockpit –
- Add PNW Loam Dropper – +$200
- Drivetrain –
- SRAM Apex 1 Eagle w/ Hydraulic brakes – +$500
- Shimano XT/GRX 12 speed – +$800
- Wheelset –
- Industry Nine 1/1 Enduro S – +$500
- Industry Nine 1/1 Enduro S Carbon – +$1000
- BERD Hawk 27 – +$1600
Geometry
The Esker Lorax is a rigid steel-framed drop bar adventure bike, and it has a geometry that reflects its intended use. Take a look at the chart below for all the specifics and sizing.
Esker Lorax: Availability
Esker’s updated Lorax is available now. Head to the Esker website to learn more, find a dealer near you, order a frameset, or customize a complete build.
