Esker Bikes are known for their robust design and versatility, catering to riders who demand performance and reliability across diverse terrains. Whether you’re considering your first Esker bike or are a seasoned owner, you likely have questions. This comprehensive guide answers frequently asked questions about Esker bikes, focusing on frame sizing, model specifics like the Lorax, components, and what makes Esker stand out.
Understanding Esker Bike Sizing and Fit
Choosing the right frame size is crucial for comfort and performance. Esker Cycles provides a detailed size guide to help you find the perfect fit.
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Q – What size frame should I buy?
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Refer to the size guide chart below for a complete Esker Cycles model line-up. It provides recommendations based on height to help you determine the ideal frame size for your Esker bike.
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NOTE: It’s common for riders to fit within two different frame sizes. When you’re between sizes, consider your riding style. A larger frame offers more stability at high speeds, ideal for open trails and downhill sections. However, it might feel less agile in tight, technical terrains. Conversely, a smaller frame is more maneuverable, making it easier to navigate technical trails, but may feel less stable at higher speeds. Think about where and how you’ll primarily ride your Esker bike to make the best choice.
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Esker Cycles Size Guide Chart for bike frame sizing recommendations
Delving into the Esker Lorax Model
The Lorax is a standout model in the Esker Bikes lineup, evolving from its gravel road origins into a versatile drop-bar mountain bike.
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Q – Didn’t Esker make a Lorax before?
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Yes, Esker has a history with the Lorax, even before Esker became a standalone brand. Previously, the Lorax was categorized as a ‘Gravel Road’ bike, featuring traditional drop-bar geometry suited for gravel paths and road riding. The new Lorax retains the drop bars that riders love but marks a significant evolution. Esker reimagined the Lorax, asking, “What would our ideal drop-bar bike be?” and “Where would we ride it?”. This led to the creation of a ‘Drop-Bar Mountain Bike’ Lorax, designed for adventurous touring on high alpine forest roads, exploring remote back roads, and even tackling singletrack trails. It’s built for exploration and pushing boundaries, maintaining the spirit of adventure that Esker bikes are known for.
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Q – What wheel sizes can I use on the Lorax?
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The Lorax is optimized for 29″ wheels, which strike a great balance between rolling efficiency and obstacle clearance. It’s designed to accommodate 2.2” tires ideally, but can handle tires up to 2.6″ wide, giving you options for different riding conditions and preferences.
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Q – Can I use a suspension fork on the Lorax?
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Absolutely! The Lorax is designed to be compatible with 120mm suspension forks. When setting up your suspension, aim for 30% sag, which corresponds to an axle-to-crown height of approximately 495mm. Alternatively, you can use a rigid fork with a 495mm axle-to-crown height.
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NOTE: Fork offset is a frequently discussed topic in mountain biking. There are benefits and drawbacks to both shorter and longer offset forks. While Esker frames were initially designed around a specific offset, extensive testing with both short and long offset forks has shown excellent performance with either. The choice often comes down to personal preference, riding style, and the type of trails you typically ride. Feel free to experiment with different offsets to find what works best for you and your Esker bike – personalization is part of the fun!
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Q – Can I use a front derailleur on the Lorax?
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Technically, yes. The Lorax frame design allows for front derailleur clearance and compact double cranks. However, there isn’t a readily available “out-of-the-box” setup that perfectly matches the Lorax’s chainline and tire clearances. The Lorax is primarily designed for 1X drivetrains, which offer simplicity and wide gear range. While some 2X options might be adaptable, they often require modifications or compromises. If you’re keen on experimenting with 2X setups, proceed with caution, patience, and ideally with the help of an experienced bike mechanic.
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Q – What’s the maximum Chainring Size I can use on the Lorax?
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The Lorax is designed to accommodate a maximum 38-tooth chainring. This ensures sufficient clearance and optimal drivetrain performance for a range of riding scenarios.
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Q – Can I build the Lorax with Flat bars?
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Yes! While the Lorax is designed as a drop-bar mountain bike, its versatile geometry and features make it adaptable to flat bar setups. This opens up possibilities for riders who prefer a more upright riding position or want to tailor the bike for specific types of terrain.
Components and Build Questions for Esker Bikes
Understanding the components and build options is important when choosing or customizing your Esker bike.
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Q – What length dropper comes with a complete build?
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Complete Esker Lorax builds come with a PNW Loam dropper post. The sizes vary by frame size: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large frames include a 125mm dropper post, which can be adjusted internally down to 100mm of travel to suit rider preferences and saddle height requirements.
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Q – How many water bottles will the Lorax carry?
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The Lorax frame is designed for ample hydration capacity, essential for long rides and adventures. Small frames can carry one water bottle inside the front triangle and one under the downtube. Medium, Large, and Extra Large frames can carry two bottles within the front triangle, plus an additional bottle under the downtube, maximizing your fluid carrying capacity.
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Q – Can I put a rear rack on the Lorax?
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Absolutely! The Lorax is equipped with integrated rear rack mounts on the seatstays. This feature makes it ideal for bike touring, commuting, or any situation where you need to carry extra gear.
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Q – Can I single-speed the Lorax?
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Yes, you can convert the Lorax to a single-speed bike. The Portage Dropout System (explained below) allows for chain tension adjustment, which is necessary for single-speed setups. This adds to the versatility of Esker bikes, allowing for simple and robust builds.
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Q – Can I run an internally geared hub on the Lorax?
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Technically possible, yes. However, Esker Cycles does not currently offer direct support or guidance for setting up internally geared hubs on the Lorax. This kind of customization requires specific knowledge of compatible hubs and components. If you’re experienced with internally geared hubs and enjoy a bit of a project, it’s a path you can explore.
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Q – What is the ‘Bolt Setback’ of the top-tube mounts?
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The Lorax uses a 124mm setback for the top-tube accessory mounts. This design choice provides extra space when using multiple cockpit bags, like top-tube and feed bags, and minimizes interference with the stem and steering. Many bag manufacturers, including Esker’s partners, offer bags designed with this setback, ensuring a good fit and functionality.
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Q – How does the Portage Dropout System work?
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The Portage Dropout System is featured on Esker hardtail frames and allows riders to adjust the chainstay length. This adjustability is useful for fine-tuning ride characteristics, accommodating different tire widths, and importantly, adjusting chain tension for single-speed conversions.
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NOTE: The Lorax model utilizes a Flat-Mount Portage dropout that is compatible with modern drop-bar hydraulic brakes but is not adjustable in terms of chainstay length. For Lorax frames where chainstay adjustability is desired (for tire clearance or single-speed setup), you need to opt for the Adjustable UDH Dropouts. These use a post-mount brake standard and are available when ordering a frame, not a complete bike. If you prefer this option, contact [email protected] when you order your Lorax frame, and Esker will ensure it’s shipped with the Adjustable UDH Dropouts.
Ordering, Delivery, and Customization of Esker Bikes
Understanding the ordering process and customization options helps manage expectations when purchasing your Esker bike.
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Q – How long does it take to get my bike/frame once I order it?
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Delivery times vary. For pre-orders, the product page will display an estimated time of arrival (ETA). For in-stock bikes or frames, expect a shipping ETA after placing your order, typically ranging from 2-6 weeks depending on order volume.
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NOTE: For quicker delivery of frames or forks, consider ordering through Esker’s Retail Partners. Orders placed through dealers often receive priority shipping. Find a dealer near you using the Retail Partners locator on the Esker Cycles website.
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Q – How much assembly do I need to do if I order a bike directly through the webstore?
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Esker bikes shipped directly require minimal assembly. Generally, you’ll need to install the front wheel, handlebar, seatpost, and pedals. Esker provides the necessary tools and instructions for straightforward assembly, allowing you to quickly get your new bike ready to ride.
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Q – Do you do custom builds?
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Currently, Esker Cycles does not offer fully custom builds directly. They provide a curated selection of upgrade options for their standard bike models. For a truly custom Esker bike build, it’s recommended to reach out to one of their Retail Partners. Dealers can work with you to create a custom build tailored to your specific preferences and needs, leveraging their expertise and Esker’s frame options.
Materials, Warranty, and Support for Esker Bikes
Esker Bikes is committed to quality and customer satisfaction, reflected in their choice of materials and warranty policies.
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Q – What kind of Steel do you use?
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Esker steel frames are constructed from a proprietary 4130 chromoly tubeset, designed in-house. This custom-drawn, externally tapered, seamless tubeset is quadruple butted to optimize weight savings, torsional stiffness, and overall strength. All steel frames undergo heat treatment and are finished with an electrophoretic deposition (ED) coating, both inside and out, before painting. This ED coating provides excellent rust and corrosion protection, eliminating the need for additional frame savers.
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Q – What kind of Titanium do you use?
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Esker titanium frames are built from seamless, double-butted 3/2.5 titanium tubing. This material offers an exceptional balance of lightweight and strength, crucial for demanding backcountry adventures and enduring extensive use. The tubing is engineered specifically for bicycle frame applications, and titanium’s inherent longevity, fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance are highly valued by Esker.
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Q – What does your warranty look like?
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Esker Cycles stands behind their products with an impressive warranty: the Esker 1,000,000 Mile Warranty. This warranty covers defects in material, craftsmanship, or design for up to one million miles. Beyond that, you’re truly on your own – congratulations on reaching such a milestone!
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No Fault Replacement
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Esker Cycles also offers a no-fault replacement policy. In the event of damage from a crash or non-warranty situation, Esker Cycles will make replacement frames or parts available at a minimal charge for the frame’s lifetime. This is at Esker Cycles’ discretion, and customers are responsible for all shipping costs.
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Click HERE to Submit a Warranty Claim.
Demoing and Frame Bag Options for Esker Bikes
Trying before buying and customizing your bike with frame bags are common considerations for Esker bike enthusiasts.
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Q – Can I order one of your frames/bikes through a local bike shop?
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Yes, Esker Cycles encourages supporting local bike shops. You can order Esker frames or bikes through any of their authorized Retail Partners. Local bike shops can provide expert advice, assembly services, and ongoing support.
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Q – Can I demo a bike before I buy it?
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Demo opportunities may be available through Esker Cycles or their retail partners. Contact your local Retail Partners to inquire about demo bikes and test ride possibilities. Demoing is a great way to experience the ride quality and fit of an Esker bike before making a purchase.
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Q – I want to buy a frame bag before my bike/frame arrives, can you provide the frame bag dimensions for the Lorax?
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It’s generally recommended to wait until you have your Esker bike in hand before purchasing a frame bag. This ensures the most accurate sizing and fit.
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If you are planning to get custom frame bags for your Lorax, Esker partners with several excellent custom frame bag makers who have the frame dimensions and files needed for a perfect fit. Consider reaching out to one of these specialized bag makers for custom bags tailored to your Esker bike.
This FAQ aims to provide comprehensive answers to common questions about Esker bikes. For further inquiries or specific details, always refer to the official Esker Cycles website or contact their customer support or retail partners.
