2023 Esker Hayduke | First Look

[@hardmtnbiker]

I have the old Hayduke and thinking about getting the newer frame. I absolutely love the feel of the steel Esker frames and like how they added tire clearance on the newer frames and slightly changed the geometry.

[@TheLankyCyclist]

I've been super impressed with my Hayduke. It's my first modern geometry MTB, and it's given me a ton of confidence on the trails. The steel feels great.

[@TravelingThru222]

Pretty sweet bike, Dude.

[@TheLankyCyclist]

Would be a great option for your adventures!

[@TheRickurb]

Congratulations 🎉

[@TheLankyCyclist]

🙏🙏🙏😊

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Love the looks of this bike, and I think your build came together really well. This is the same steel Surly uses so it should serve you well long term. I am also finicky on saddles are prefer wider, so this one I will need to check out. Next time I come out we should ride some MTB!

[@TheLankyCyclist]

I like SQ Labs whole approach. Worth checking out. Really do need to ride together one of these days!

[@330_Crew]

You can buy a GoPro mount to attach using the under downtube water bottle cage mounts. Makes for some interesting POV footage looking down the trail watching the fork react to the terrain.

[@TheLankyCyclist]

That would be kinda cool.

[@330_Crew]

@@TheLankyCyclist I'll have to message you a link to the bolt mount. Everytime I try to post it to YT its deleted because they think its spam.

[@drbyers]

The Hayduke is a swiss army knife. It does a little bit of everything short of double black diamond downhills. It does it pretty comfortably too.

[@TheLankyCyclist]

Yeah I’m glad my LBS steered me in the direction of the Hayduke. Very versatile.

[@drbyers]

@@TheLankyCyclist I had to wait almost a year to get mine due to Covid. And my LBSs only sell Treks and canondales so I had to research the Hayduke. I knew I wanted another steel hardtail and luckily came across an obscure online review. Eskers were still relatively unknown then. Hopefully they’ll continue to grow in popularity.

[@chunkylover54]

what trail is that. looks familiar

[@TheLankyCyclist]

A few different NE Ohio trails

[@mellissanash7517]

Check out the Schwable Wicket Will tires. Makes a great front tire.

[@TheLankyCyclist]

I had bad experiences with Schwable road tires a few years ago which soured the brand for me.

[@mellissanash7517]

@@TheLankyCyclist oh. I'm sure other brands have similar options.

[@ThatPNWlyfe]

What bag is that under the top tube?

[@TheLankyCyclist]

It’s a custom Cedaero half frame bag. There’s a vid on it.

[@ThatPNWlyfe]

@@TheLankyCyclist Thank you!

[@bmjnyc]

Great review. Wondering how tall you are and inseam? I just ordered a Hayduke XL at 6'2. 33 inseam. Wondering if I should have gone with a large?

[@TheLankyCyclist]

I’m 6’0”. Not sure of inseam but have shorter legs and more torso. I had my LBS fit me prior to ordering because modern MTB sizing is kinda nuts. I’m happy with my large. Fits really well.

[@bmjnyc]

@@TheLankyCyclist Thanks!

[@sprstu]

I'm 6'0 32inseam on the L Hayduke and it is a great fit. the 170mm dropper is a tiny bit too long but livable

[@evanloudenback3700]

Nice build! 150mm should be plenty of drop for MTB. I've ridden bikes with 120mm droppers before and felt fine. And 29 lbs for a steel hardtail is pretty light!! I'm not familiar with the manufacturer, but looks solid. I recognize those rocks from East Rim lol They make it tricky 😛

[@TheLankyCyclist]

Can’t fully shake the roadie mentality when it comes to bike weight. 😂 It’s really not bad and doesn’t hamper my enjoyment. Yup, East Rim!

[@ItsATrap614]

Depends on what type of mountainbiking you're doing. On a trail/enduro bike with a low slung frame you're gonna need at least 180 up to 200mm of drop.

[@hammertime7740]

Haydukes are solid. 6lbs is the sweet spot for s steel hardtail. Kona's steels are pushing 7 lbs

[@TheLankyCyclist]

Yeah, doesn't really make a difference to the ride and I can bash it around as much as I want.

[@stephenkohler3472]

There is NOTHING wrong with terms like downcountry, gravel, or ATB. It's just good shorthand for describing geometry, suspension, tire capacity, best usage, and general ride feel all in one quick little phrase.

[@chunkylover54]

how tall are you?

[@TheLankyCyclist]

6 ft

[@330_Crew]

All the MTB your doing should really help your technical cyclocross skills. In the fall you’ll be kicking a$$.

[@TheLankyCyclist]

Want my money back if it doesnt work

[@JDandy]

You had me at 4️⃣🍑ed