Esker Japhy Review - A Multi-Talented Steel Hardtail

[@hardmtnbiker]

I’m happy to own 2 Eskers. A V1 Harduke that I set up as a geared bike with 2 wheel sets. 29er and 27.5 plus. I also have the V1 Japhy that I set up as a SS Mtn bike. Yes, I’m a big fan of steel hardtail’s and feel that Esker really hit the sweet spots with Geo and quad butted steel frames. I’m also really excited with their newer frame refinement and additional features. Personally I’m donating 1 or maybe both of my bikes to some new riders and will be considering buying either the new Hayduke or the Japhy frame and set up as a 1x12 with the new UDH.

[@njoroge_mn]

Now that bike, Japhy is my ideal dream Hard Tail MTB. Looking forward to owning one like that one .

[@flyingsquirrel575]

I have a ‘22 Japhy, size L., RS SID Ultimate 120mm fork. Mix of XT and SLX, Hunt Endurowide wheels. I didn’t love everything about it immediately. I’m a casual rider and want a fairly neutral bike, not a slacked-out shredder. I value stability and, as was so well pointed out in the review, an overall balanced bike. Although the frame has exactly the compliance I like, it tended to wander a bit under about 15 mph and the steering was a little slow for my liking on climbs. So I put in a 1 degree headset to steepen the front. Bingo. I got just the right touch more steering responsiveness seemingly without sacrificing any other positive attributes. I know that the stated 66 angle is far from the slackest thing out there, but it just didn’t suit my style. It sounds like Esker has steepened the ST angle from ‘22 to ‘23, and it probably makes for even better climbing. Overall, I’m very happy with the Japhy and it feels like a bike I’ll have for a very long time.

[@reeceholmes8546]

reliable fun for everyone, thanks Neil, I like it

[@George-Kliavkoff4Big12]

Nice nod to Salsa. Another bike packing bike manufacturer. Also, sick color and matching MRP.

[@bicimapasgps5728]

Love steel hardtails as well, thanks for the video. May I ask how did you fit the water bottle on the top tube? Thank you

[@quintonomous11]

looks like a Fidlock bottle + Fidlock "uni base"

[@Alex_564]

How does this compare to the ti version? What's the cs length set to on the udh dropout? Would this be good for single black trails?

[@raymondcrew8785]

Ordering one of these very soon. Wish your color was available as just a frame.

[@DAMN55117]

love the esker. thanks

[@jonthesailorman]

Cool bike, I’m building up my Specialized Fuse to emulate this geometry with an angleset combined with a 120 fork.

[@ssmtb]

Thanks for the review! How would you say that rear rack compares in terms of price/sturdiness to the Aeroe Rear Spider Rack?

[@monkeyevil]

Love my Japhy Ti. We're similar height, and I agree that a large would have been a better choice. Did you say that was a 170 post in the video?

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

I could fit either, i guess it just goes to show that size charts are just recommendations. Yes, I said 170, but this bike comes with 160, I guess I miss measured, that said, their medium - XXL singlespeed and GX guilds come with a 175.

[@ChrisBrown-dz9sz]

I have short legs and long torso. I got the medium which fits pretty well for me. The 200mm wolf tooth dropper it came with was too tall for my inseam. I asked esker to exchange and they had the shorter 170mm model in the mail the same day to me no charge. Great CS.

[@marciooki5820]

Nice review and beautiful bicycle.i wonder if they ship 2 Japan 😢

[@DrewPeabawls]

5:24 what shoes are being worn here? Thanks!

[@luiso.1520]

Nice review. Japhy in that color with the revsed geo looks like the bike I need. Can´t help to also think about the Panorama Taiga though, can we get a review on one with its also revised geo?

[@BenZCardiff]

What’s the hip pack you are rocking?

[@livefreeordiehard8909]

What are the major differences between the Hayduke and the Japhy? Just the mounts on the frame? The geometry seams very similar .... Both fit max 130mm fork.

[@ybb3211]

I am interested in your opinion - what is the difference you see between the Japhy and, let's say, Kona Unit X with a 120 mm non-rigid fork? It doesn't seem like there's a great deal of difference to me, but maybe I'm missing something

[@jakealdred7003]

This or a Timberjack for a do it all bike?

[@MThomasHoff]

Still waiting for my Hayduke frame since December 😢

[@DangerAmbrose]

I'm happy with my 80s 3x6 and my 90s 3x7 rigid mountain bikes.

[@BIKEPACKINGcom]

Nice!

[@timwatkins6559]

k

[@walken199]

That’s great, but make sure you don’t try a modern mountain bike, It might ruin it for you.

[@weeringjohnny]

It's true that steel bikes can be repaired, but not by everyone. If you're figuring on riding your Japhy in the developing world, village blacksmiths may not be able to weld today's steel used on top-drawer bikes, despite their often wonderful skills. In that case, DHL is your friend.

[@eclecticaro]

Nonetheless it doesn't become a landfill for 40.000 years like carbon.

[@weeringjohnny]

@@eclecticaro Absolutely. That's the main reason I have nothing carbon.

[@JakeLuke308]

Both the Japhy and Hayduke click the boxes for me, until I get to the literary box. No one named Japhy can stand up to George Washington Hayduke.

[@Hoppecs03]

GWH...the myth the man the legend.

[@OhadELM]

When saying, Japhy, you're referring to Hayduke, yes?😅