Esker Japhy J1 Review: A Modern Steel Hardtail That Isn't Overbuilt

[@stephenking2869]

This is a perfect example of great trail etiquette. Thanks for being such a great mtb ambassador Steve.

[@hardtailparty]

A few more comments regarding the bike... Frame feel: I've been in search of s steel frame that resembles the great steel feel of old, where bikes weren't overbuilt and the frames actually had some give in them. Esker has achieved what so few have tried to achieve but failed. This bike feels light and comfortable, like a good steel hardtail of the earlier days. It's truly a joy to ride. We need more bikes built like this. Sizing: While i typically fit medium frames best with a 450mm reach, I recommend sizing down on this bike. For its intended use, I think a size small would have fit me better. I have a friend who's 5'11" on this bike, and he said it fit like a glove. He looked really balanced on it. Also, I'll be experimenting with different width wheels and tires in the future on this bike.

[@loganmumma3337]

Agree. I'm 6'2" and a size large is on the bigger side of a fine fit for me.

[@hardtailparty]

@@loganmumma3337 Nice. Do you have a japhy?

[@loganmumma3337]

@@hardtailparty I do, but I just bought the frame and built it, so some of the things you mention I don't feel. I used a 44mm offset fork. I run Hunt Enduro Wide wheels, which while only i33, really seem to fill out the larger tires well and minimize the ballooning effect. But I really like it. It's comfortable, and the 29+ does really well on the tech in my area, which is more Appalachian-like (roots and mossy limestone) than desert. Great review.

[@troysykes]

I just bought a medium. Haven't received it yet, I'm 5'9", now I'm worried it won't fit well. I'll be using it as a bikepacking rig and trail bike.

[@hardtailparty]

@@troysykes I'll bet it fits you great

[@pauls3616]

Awesome review but an even better interaction with the people on horses. It is so important to be considerate to others on the trails so that they remain open. Thanks Steve.

[@day1strength917]

Others have already mentioned this, but as someone who's dog was hit by a bike I have to say that one of the things I respect most about your channel is how you set the example of good trail etiquette. It's great to see someone on a bike demonstrating how to share the trail with others. I wish all the mtb KZbinrs would do this. Well done.

[@cjohnson3836]

This is an excellent review, as was the first impressions video. This is the best review out there and probably that will be for this bike. Not just because of this vid, but because you present a consistent standard across all reviews and we get to see the exact context in which its being formed through the ride along footage. Really important with this bike, in particular. Everyone has their own wants and sticking points for sure, and this bike seems to be getting looked at from so many different angles be it dirt tourers on one extreme to trail rippers on the other. And, that's making for some confusing and contradictory reviews starting to pop up. Not that those are bad or dishonest reviews, but they don't have the level of inclusion yours do. I think with this bike, yours is the only one I trust for that reason.

[@loganmumma3337]

I think Steve, as a true all round rider, has an appreciation for the all rounder bike the Japhy is meant to be. If you are a bikepacker or a trail rider mostly, it's hard to take yourself out of your frame of reference even if you know it is a bike meant for something other than what you are trying to pigeon hole it into. This is why I really like this channel. It's the only one I'm a Patreon member of.

[@adammitchell7379]

I love the way this is presented. Actually helpful info (like the feel of seated vs attack), while riding like 99% of us. I think it's important to have that knowledge because a long day out on the bike will find you in the saddle for hours! Great review!

[@oldshovel]

I love a good steel bike.

[@eskercycles]

Thanks for riding with us!

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks for designing such a rad bike. There are so brew steel bikes that have a comfortable lively feel, and you nailed it on this.

[@chunkylover54]

Nice.. sell me a bike!

[@arronvalleen6750]

Nice review. After watching I am glad I changed my Japhy order from a large to a medium. I am 5'10" and I think I would have had the same issues you were having on the medium. I think I am really going to like the bike on the trails here in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Midwest rooty chunk and machine built flow trail.

[@All_the_bikes_are_cool]

Thanks for the channel 🙂 big fan of your videos... 🙌🏼

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks for watching.

[@arronvalleen6750]

I have had my Esker Japhy for a couple of weeks and I think I have it pretty much dialed in for the cockpit adjustments along with the Portage dropouts adjusted to the mid point. I am really glad I changed my order to the medium as it really is a perfect fit for my 5'10" frame. Loving the bike on my upper midwest trails here in MN and Wi. The bike is pretty awesome on flow, rocky and rooty trails in its own way for each. I think the only thing I will change up might be the McFly tough tires. I can fell its a heavy tire for the uphills. Either will try out the McFly lights or look at something else. All and all a really nice bike in my opinion.

[@natethompson6178]

Agreed...29+ is one of the best hardtail tire sizes. Rollover is fantastic and can be so fast & fun on tech.

[@Max-xl3ml]

I love that unicycle analogy for seat tube angle that's totally true it feels so much better to be a bit ahead of your bb spindle. Sometimes though I feel like some brands steepen seat-tubes without raising the stack which causes all sorts of problems you can run spacers and risers of course but that's never an ideal solution. Its particularly an issue for someone like me that's always between L and XL bikes.

[@Mikemalone7873]

Steve, everything you review gets sold out... The HTP bump is real! Keep up the good work and thanks for the trail etiquette PSA.

[@chrisoliveira2038]

Great review as always Steve. Really liked the equestrian interaction. I used to hear of more equestrian vs. biker clashes years ago, but we are great partners for trail advocacy (horse people usually have a lot more political power than mtbrs). From a safety standpoint, it's always good to communicate with the riders as we look like weird half mechanical creatures to many horses. I sometimes get off my bike and take my helmet and glasses off to appear more human.

[@shaunroach7829]

Another fantastic breakdown of the bike and marvellous review!!! Great 👍 to remind us of good trail etiquette!!! Great job Steve!!

[@trilbillydeluxe6745]

Thanks for the great review. Been watching your channel for a while. I have the Hayduke, Esker’s 27.5 HT in a med with H1 build. Agreed, the feel is supple and it can shred when asked to. Being only an inch taller than you I have some of the same feelings as you about the seated position. The reach is the same for both bikes. Also have my seat all the way forward. First, rolling the Esker bars back a couple degrees really helped. But it wasn’t enough. I then went to a 30mm I9 stem and SQlab 12° bars. That did it for me. It came with the same shimano wheels as your test bike. Am currently having a set of wheels laced up at my LBS. Only went up to 35mm ID but 32 spoke. Now wondering if I should have went wider. But I do want to try some 27.5x2.6 tires

[@sixate]

Sounds like a solid rig, great review as slways. Would love to see more snow riding in Arizona. That looked awesome.

[@shannonkeller8003]

Excellent video! Would love to see more snow when it’s available! Love the honesty and tech spec that help to translate measurements and angles to feel and handling! Love mid fat bikes! I sent an email to Why Cycles asking them to reach out to you! I really want to hear your thoughts on their Wayward V2! Fingers crossed!

[@hardtailparty]

Hey, take for reaching out to them, i really appreciate it. I'm really interested in the jefe.

[@hardmtnbiker]

I completely agree with that "high quality" steel frame "FEEL". I was so amazed at my Hayduke's feel that I custom spec'd with 2 sets of wheels. 27.5 with i45 rims and 2.8" tires and 29 set with i35 and 2.5-2.6" tires rear. I liked it so much that I bought a Japhy (sm) frame dusk color, and built as a SS with 35mm and 40mm with 2.6" rear and 2.8" tires front. I'm fine with the STA and the fork offset on both Esker's. I can't think of another frame company that can touch this frame quality for the same low frame price. Just my thoughts

[@FelixT370]

amazing reviews!! I hope more companies get in touch with you soon

[@michaelschad6477]

Great review. Appreciate the snow riding clip, love desert snow!

[@GHinWI]

This reminds me of when the entire justification for boost hub spacing was + tires...plus tires (mostly) came and went, but the boost stuck.

[@rjoly8029]

Thanks for the Friday morning post! Now I'm going to be late for work.

[@wesleywermuth9545]

Great video Steve! Love your videos. Keep up the great work

[@mellissanash7517]

would going to a 45 or 40mm stem improve some of that reach/sta con you had? Seriously you have the best trail etiquette of any youtuber & it's refreshing to see!

[@hardtailparty]

I'll be getting experimental soon. Stay tuned.

[@Happybiker1980]

Great video as always. Have you measured the effective STA? You keep saying it's too slack but as far as I can see it's the same as a Solaris Max with a 120mm fork (75° sagged) which you liked. Which figure do Esker quote, effective or actual?

[@stanpun4134]

I was wondering something similar.

[@hansonwang2121]

What rim width do you recommend for 2.6 tires? Also, I love how nice you are to hikers everyone should act this way.

[@renenavarro4121]

35 internal

[@cjohnson3836]

30-35mm depending on the tire.

[@kikoy08]

Spank oozy 359/350 (30.5 internal; 35 external) description is at their website

[@hardtailparty]

I like 35i for 2.6s

[@lukasfoe6508]

When is the review on the Tannus Armour Insert coming. Or did I miss the video?

[@hardtailparty]

It's coming on the hamari review. Spoiler: i much prefer cushcore

[@Cassienope]

Cushcore xc, tannus armor, cushcore pro is my order in terms of how I prefer the feel. Tannus armor is lighter than the pro, but doesn't have the same ride feel and support that the pro gives you. I like tannus armor better than cushcore XC though.

[@ShadLife]

Please be courteous and follow good trail etiquette no matter where you ride. Also, if a trail organization closes a trail for whatever reasons, honor the closing and don't complain about how you can't ride the trail. Organizations don't just close trail to make you upset, they have valid reasons for doing so. In my area, they are often closed during and for a little while after rainfall and during spring thaw to preserve the trails. Sometimes they are closed because we are doing maintenance on the trail or there is a hazard. It's amazing how many people ride closed trails and/or complain to the organizations that the trail is closed.

[@sam-ww1wk]

Ehh, trails in Utah usually only close for uncontrolled insane development. Fawk em.

[@chrisclapp7631]

Steve. Awesome honest review. What were your thoughts on the tellis dropper? In your first look you were concerned over the water bottle boss. I also totally get what you are saying about the internal rim width. I slide out of corners all the time because of it. Really wish they but 40 or bigger on there.

[@hardtailparty]

Dropper was fine, but it's got a longer insertion than most other 150s. It was just barely rideable height for me. 2mm more and I wouldn't have fit.

[@kcb55]

Think it would be worthwhile going for the level 2 build??

[@johnsonjay60]

I can't wait to get my steal ht. I'm never going to be able to decide 😆 there's too many I like!

[@samwisegamgee4280]

Hey man, you should check rockmachine blizz trl, it have 29+ wheels and aggressive geo.

[@hardtailparty]

Looks awesome. I can't find any contact info for them. Do you have any ideas joe to get in touch?

[@patchesthejaybird8431]

About the Z2 Bomber, the 27.5 size has the shorter offset, for some reason Fox does this. I've also have been running 1 token, and it feels fine. Maybe I need to add a token, I might be missing something. Time to experiment this season!

[@hardtailparty]

All 27.5 forks have shorter offset than their 29er counterparts. It's to make up for the lower trail numbers that 27.5 wheels have.

[@Alex_564]

Interesting, I just got the new Japhy after your recommendation(& waiting to see what gen 4 Sherpa offers). For me, it's the reverse. I wish could slide my seat like 3-5mm back as I'm close to the edge of my saddle with a few times hanging off it a little. I think I would have liked this previous gen version's 75° STA, like the gen 3 Sherpa, of the previous gen you reviewed than the 76°, which the new model has.

[@hardtailparty]

They steepened the seat angle a fewonths after this review

[@Alex_564]

@@hardtailparty they did. A little too steep when seated on my first few impression. May have to get a fall line r with a 25mm setback.

[@hardtailparty]

@Alex_564 seat angle is so personal. For me, the steeper the climb, the steeper i like my seat angle. On flat terrain, I'm fine with a slacker seat angle

[@Alex_564]

@@hardtailparty very much is. With your videos, patreon service & just riding I've found what's working for me & what's not. Thank you!

[@bks3396]

Great review as always Steve! Any chance you have coming down the pipeline a new 2021 Giant Fathom?

[@hardtailparty]

Nope, i haven't been able to get ahold of giant.

[@russelrivera5044]

Thanks for the review! Which of your reviews is a good example of a bike that steers better with the feet?

[@crc6209]

Best Japhy review for sure! Thank you! I’m curious if you’ve had a chance to ride the Kona Unit? I’m deciding on either the Japhy or the Unit as a bikepacking rig, and was originally set on the Unit, but positive user reviews on the Japhy has me reconsidering. I was also a little worried about the STA of the Japhy (66deg), the Unit is not as slack at (68deg). Cheers! 🤙

[@hardtailparty]

Do you mean the hta? I haven't ridden the unit yet, just the honzos. Prior to 2021, the honzos were heavy and stiff. Now they're just heavy. I'm not sure if they've updated the units yet or not.

[@crc6209]

@@hardtailparty Oops! Sorry, that should have been HTA. The STA are the same for the Unit and Japhy at 75deg, but the Japhy does have a longer TT. Thanks!

[@xandercl1819]

You should try and get your hands on a Waltworks frame. Walt custom builds steel mountain bike frames out of Park City exactly how you want them. You design the geometry, paint and look of the bike and Walt will make it!

[@hardtailparty]

I'm familiar with walt. He's got some great ideas.

[@stevencole7331]

What you may find interesting is space x went with a stainless steel design for there starship over composites for their future of space flight . Do they make a stainless steel hardtail and if not it would be interesting for someone to give it a go ? I like more back sweep on my bar as it gives me a more natural position for my hands and shoulders with less strain My bike has a 51 degree offset at an extra large size and I would have been better with a large at that angle like you were suggesting . nice review

[@cjohnson3836]

I've heard of some custom builders that will make a stainless build but that its difficult to work with and at the cost you may as well go with a titanium frame.

[@chrisoliveira2038]

Look up Reynolds 953 bikes. Doesn't seem like there are any real advantages over 853 or titanium. I've seen a few stainless road and gravel bikes, but I think I'd go for Ti if I wanted to spend more money than a quality steel frame.

[@larkinkelly3754]

I had a stainless road bike, it was lighter than chronology and had the steel zing, but the tubing was paper thin and it dented really easily. Would not recommend for mtb unless it was overbuilt. You get a lot more thickness for the weight out of a to bike

[@KSM-25]

Hey Steve, love the video as always. Do you ever do 1:1 or group coaching sessions for us locals?

[@hardtailparty]

I wish, but the forest service no longer issues permits for coaching.

[@KSM-25]

That is a bummer. Had no idea the whole process even flowed through them. Very interesting.

[@hardtailparty]

@@KSM-25 if we're riding on forest service land, i need insurance, a first aid cert, and a permit fron the forest service. If it's city land (bike park) i need insurance, first aid cert, and a permit from the city. I looked into coaching professionally, but there are too many roadblocks here in Sedona.

[@KSM-25]

Makes sense. Oh well!

[@hardtailparty]

@@KSM-25 if you're ever on a group ride, I'm happy to give free tips, those are allowed.

[@kenyanettingham1818]

Steve, have you ever rode a Trek Stache? Looking to upgrade the 29+ wheels to something aluminum on a budget that I'll get alot of years out of. I weigh about 210 lbs and I'm 6 '1 in height , I ride a variety of terrain. Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions .

[@benjacobson7490]

U can sign up for his patreon and he'll help u with that kind of stuff

[@kenyanettingham1818]

@@benjacobson7490 Cool, have you received some helpful advice?

[@hardtailparty]

Yes, I've ridden the stache. Super fun bike. I don't have enough experience with a variety of 29+ wheels. I've only ridden 2 or 3 different 29+ wheelsets

[@benjacobson7490]

@@kenyanettingham1818 I haven't signed up for it but Id trust him and be willing to give it a shot

[@flyingsquirrel575]

Love the comparison to a Land Rover with modern electronics. That would be as opposed to Lucas electronics. Lucas is, after all, the Prince of Darkness.

[@blackthanos914]

Man, you would hate my custom 29er. 71 degree head angle, 80mm White Bros. fork. 73 degree head angle, 2.35 tires.

[@hardtailparty]

Yeah, not my cup of tea but I'm glad they exist for people who love them.

[@VACPOV]

dope video!

[@mackturtle82]

I'm eyeing a Japhy purchase. what year model is this Japhy? I'm trying to figure out it if changed much 2021-22, or at all. seat tube angle: do you feel like a steep STA is as useful on a singlespeed bike? I find that, riding up a hill with only one gear, pushing the seat forward might be helpful for as long as you can remain seated, but we all know that the "second gear" on a SS is standing and mashing (zero gear is walking!) I spend enough of my time in second gear to know that every little bit would help.

[@outsider1733]

Another excellent review! I know you didn't ride it this way, but how would you say this bike would compare as a SS to the Canfield Nimble 9?

[@hardtailparty]

I'd expect it to be a little calmer/mellower than the n9

[@sam-ww1wk]

You could jet get some swept back bars for riding distance or if you did a trip. That way you could keep your reach for more daily riding and swap back to the flat bar.

[@oxirosmusic]

Just reserved this exact frame! Got lucky somebody cancelled their reserve since they are all sold out

[@hardtailparty]

Congrats! It's a rad bike.

[@oxirosmusic]

Well, I just got the frame, I’m gonna use my components from my Yeti SB100 hehe

[@timnoonan2786]

Did you ever try this bike with the 44 rake? If so impressions compared to the 51 rake? thanks

[@PghMtbRides]

Try it with a tumbleweed persuader bar 30 degree Backsweep, 50mm rise

[@chegeiser]

Seat angle is listed as 75deg, not slack. Does it seem this is inaccurate? Hard to argue with how the reach feels compared to other bikes. At 5’11” I may try to change my order from large to medium. Thanks for the review!

[@hardtailparty]

It feels slacker than 75*. Effective sta measurements aren't very standard across brands.

[@RideYearRound]

I could see them speccing a 35i rim expecting people to run 2.6 and 2.8, but 30 is way too narrow!

[@johnsonjay60]

That bike is gorgeous simple look, nice lines. She's perty:)

[@hardtailparty]

100% agree

[@djjazzynic]

Did you notice the headtube angle at all? It seem really slack for it's purpose. I thought that would be right up your alley, a 120 fork with what a 66ha in sag so closer to 64 static?

[@hardtailparty]

Hta felt great.

[@jhuanger]

Regarding the z2 fork... I have the same fork and also experienced a bit of dive, I’ve always thought the dive can be adjusted with the damper, but the tokens are meant for not bottoming out the fork on big compressions and drops?

[@hardtailparty]

The tokens adjust how progressive the ramp up is and how high it rides in its travel. The damper adjusts the speed at which it moves through its travel

[@martinbergeron389]

Perhaps you should have tried the Small size because the seat angle is 75 degrees (not too slack).

[@larkinkelly3754]

Stinks they didn’t send the upgraded version with i9 101 wheels and mrp fork

[@bathg1]

Can you test the growler 50 ?

[@hardtailparty]

See my othe reviews, I've reviewed the growler.

[@MrMJJ23]

You keep saying the seat tube angle is too slack but as far as I can see it's the same as a Solaris Max with a 120mm fork (75° sagged) which you liked? Do you think Esker's geometry is inaccurate? Is it that the stem is longer on the Esker?

[@hardtailparty]

That's the real value of these ride reviews: they highlight what it actually feels like vs what the geo charts say. I'm convinced geo charts aren't nearly as accurate as we hope.

[@MrMJJ23]

Thank you

[@luvinfunvan]

Nice job with your interaction with the equestrians! For some balance regarding seat angles whats most important is not the angle but where your saddle ends up in space relative to the BB. The seat angle is not a great geometry number to use to figure this out because manufacturers rarely publish actual or seat angle offsets so figuring this out is tough. In addition how you ride can dramatically change the comfort range of the saddle position. If I was driving to a trail head and strictly riding up and then down I can tolerate a very forward saddle. If I was pedaling to the trails or bike-packing I’d want that saddle much further back. Personally at slightly under 5’8 with a 31” inseam and short torso for an everything pedal to the trails hardtail I’d want to get the nose of my fave saddle about 25-35mm behind the bb with 165mm cranks.

[@hardtailparty]

Yes, the effective seat angle is a far more useful metric than actual seat angle. Unfortunately it's tough to measure as it speeds on seat height.

[@Mesa3077Boogie]

What didn't make sense was when you said it's 29 plus compatible but the rims are narrow..? I feel 30mm internal is plenty for 29 plus. I mean what are you expecting

[@hardtailparty]

See my first look video.

[@baddriversofcolga]

What he's expecting are wheels that are wider as 30mm is not optimal for plus wheels. As he said in the video 40+mm would've been more appropriate so the tires don't balloon so much.

[@nordology2001]

Have you ridden the Hayduke?

[@hardtailparty]

Yes

[@arronvalleen6750]

@@hardtailparty what were the differences in ride quality between the Hayduke and the Japhy in your opinion? Was the Hayduke more playful and capable on rougher trails?

[@hardtailparty]

No, they hayduke was more vanilla to me. Not bad at anything, but it didn't really stand out anywhere. Great features on paper, but it didn't blow my mind.

[@arronvalleen6750]

@@hardtailparty Sounds like you had more fun on the Japhy then.

[@hardtailparty]

@@arronvalleen6750 yes, i definitely prefer the Japhy. Like i said the hayduke isn't bad, it was just a little vanilla for my tastes. The Japhy is a rad little bike, and i think i could make a fantastic explorer out of it.

[@patchesthejaybird8431]

Concerning seat tube angle, sometimes I like to sit back in the saddle, and engage my glutes along with my quads, glutes can have some real power, and having a laid back seat angle can help there. However it has to be balanced, because sometimes I like to slide forward and spin. Getting the seat position balanced to your anatomical geometry can be tricky, and not all bikes work for all people.

[@hardtailparty]

Agreed. And not all trails are the same steepness.

[@PaytonCarterMusic]

I've had a J1 build on pre-order for a couple of months now, this sure isn't helping my nervous anticipation 😁 I'm hoping to build it up as a single speed, but if I understand correctly, I'll have to change the rear hub because there currently aren't any cog/spacer/lockring single speed solutions available for the Micro Spline body, and you can't swap freehub bodies on those Shimano hubs? Great review. You point out a lot of subtleties that many other reviewers would miss, like the unique handlebars. I especially like that you ride in Sedona, the terrain seems a lot like where I live in St. George. Thanks for all the awesome content you put out!

[@hardtailparty]

I haven't found a singlespeed cog that works with MS yet, but i imagine it's only a matter of time...

[@rakewawrz5200]

Just looking at that bike I can tell it's long. Sometimes on a bike like that I crank the bars back and I move the seat back so I'm actually sitting farther back. Oh yeah then do a one or two to degree down and go on the seat.

[@kikoy08]

Hi! What frame weight can you consider a sweet spot for your height for chromoly frames?

[@hardtailparty]

Sub 6lbs for a trail bike, sub 6.5 for an enduro bike.

[@cmbrightuk]

Strange you have that issue with bomber z2, I have one on my mmmbop and have no volume spacers and run about 15psi less than recommended and have yet to bottom out. Although I guess that could be due to head angle differences

[@ck-4203]

Lost me on on too-narrow and heavy wheel observation. Bummer. So it is really not 29+ compatible unless you get different wheels.