Roughly two years in the past, Esker Cycles quietly paused their full suspension bikes. It was a transfer that went largely unnoticed, until you occurred to be out there for one in all their Orion suspension-equipped frames. However moderately than getting out the complete suspension recreation utterly, it seems that Esker was simply taking a break whereas utterly redesigning the lineup (together with their hardtails).
Now, Esker’s again within the full-suspension recreation, they usually’re ditching carbon to focus fully on aluminum and titanium frames. Esker’s new Howdy and Woodsy fashions hold issues refreshingly easy whereas nonetheless rocking Dave Weagle’s Orion Suspension System from their earlier lineup.
Consider these bikes as their beloved hardtails with simply sufficient rear squish added for further consolation and management. No gimmicks, no fluff — simply simple metallic bikes with balanced geometry and easy mechanics at a stable worth.
Maybe most attention-grabbing is the body materials choices. For each fashions, you’ll be able to select from a full aluminum model or a titanium entrance triangle paired to an aluminum rear triangle. Each bikes are additionally constructed round 29 x 2.6″ tire clearance with UDH 148mm Increase dropouts, and threaded backside brackets.
Howdy & Howdy Ti (125mm – Path Full Suspension)
Named after the “Good Outside Manners Raccoon” from that Nineteen Fifties Forest Service marketing campaign, a few of us could keep in mind that flannel-wearing raccoon who taught us to not litter and to be respectful within the woods. That’s as necessary as ever, and looks as if good inspiration for a motorbike identify.
The shorter journey mannequin, Howdy is supposed to pair a 140mm journey fork with the 125mm journey rear suspension.
What makes it tick:
- Suspension: 125mm rear journey through Dave Weagle’s Orion Dynamics design
- Body choices: 6061-T6 alloy (entrance and rear) or titanium entrance (3/2.5 seamless, butted, cold-shaped) with alloy rear
- Geometry: Path-oriented 64.8° head tube, 77° seat tube, 435mm chainstays, modern-but-not-extreme attain/stack
- Colours: Uncooked, Unicorn, or Salmon
- Different Body Options: Exterior cable routing, 73mm threaded BB, 148mm increase spacing, 29×2.6″ tire clearance, and a Common Derailleur Hanger
Woodsy (145mm Path – Rowdy Full Suspension)
Named after one other cartoon public service announcement, Woodsy Owl is the Forest Service mascot who’s been telling youngsters to “Give a hoot! Don’t pollute” since 1970. He’s nonetheless on the market combating litter and educating environmental safety to new generations.
The bike itself is a 145mm rear journey all aluminum or titanium/aluminum all-mountain bike. Pair it with a 160mm journey fork for a particularly succesful construct.
What makes it tick:
- Suspension: 145mm rear journey through the identical Orion system
- Body choices: Similar alloy and titanium combos because the Howdy
- Geometry: Barely slacker with 64.5° head tube, 77.5° seat tube, 440mm chainstays, comparable attain/stack philosophy
- Colours: Uncooked, Verde, or Ranchera
- Different Body Options: Similar sensible specs because the Howdy
Pricing
Each the Howdy and the Woodsy observe the identical pricing construction. The aluminum frames begin at $2,000 for the frameset, or $4,000 for full bikes. To bump as much as the titanium/aluminum body, the pricing jumps to $3,500 for the frameset and $5,500 for the entire builds. Try the positioning beneath for all of the all of the construct choices.
