Some readers might be excited to hear that Esker Cycles just released a steel version of their new Lorax drop-bar 29er. The Esker Lorax steel features the same geometry and carbon Lithic fork as the titanium model, but it comes in three colors at a lower price point. Find details here…

More drop-bar 29er options are always good, and today, Esker added a steel model to this versatile genre. Like the titanium version we announced at the end of May, the new Esker Lorax steel is designed around a shorter stem and wider handlebars to deliver a mountain bike fit and feel for folks who value stability, control, and handling in rough terrain. The geometry is optimized for a rigid fork with a 495mm axle to crown or a 120mm suspension fork, allowing it to be tailor-built for various types of riding.

Esker Lorax Steel

The frame is constructed from a custom-drawn, externally tapered, seamless, quadruple-butted, heat-treated 4130 Chromoly tubeset that’s custom-tuned to each frame size. The Esker Lorax features a 73mm BSA bottom bracket, Boost spacing, a 44mm head tube, and a 31.6mm seat tube. It is also has internal dropper routing at the seat tube, rounding out a complete set of mountain bike specs. Otherwise, the Lorax has external cable routing for the sake of simplicity. The frame is designed for a 29 x 2.2” tire with clearance for up to 29 x 2.6”, according to Esker.

Size S1/SM S2/MD S3/LG S4/XL
Effective TT Length 537 560 587 610
Reach 365 380 390 405
Wheelbase 1075 1094 1118 1143
CS Length 445 445 445 445
Effective ST Angle 74 73.5 73 73
ST Length 400 460 510 560
HT Angle 68 68 68 68
HT Length 90 100 138 165
Fork Length 495 495 495 495
BB Drop 68 68 68 68
Stack 600 610 645 670
Rider Height 5’0″-5’7″ 5’3″-5’10” 5’6″-6’1″ 5’9″-6’4″
  • Esker Lorax Steel
  • Esker Lorax Steel
Esker Lorax Steel

Between the frame and fork, the Lorax has 25 mounts, allowing plenty of gear carrying options. That includes provisions for a rear rack, fenders, a direct-mount top tube bag, and three-pack mounts on both the top and bottom of the downtube and each fork blade.

Adding to the Lorax’s versatility, the Lithic Mountain Bike fork comes with an adjustable offset. You can also swap the dropouts to allow flat or post mount brakes and switch between 100 x 12 or 110 x 15mm hubs. Similarly, the Lorax comes stock with a flat-mount Portage dropout that isn’t adjustable, but if you want the ability to adjust chain tension or play with tire clearance and chainstay length, you can purchase their Adjustable UDH Dropouts. These dropouts run a post-mount brake standard and are available to purchase when ordering the frame. We also hope to see Portage dropouts with 142mm spacing, which in combination with the versatile Lithic fork, would allow a gravel bike wheelset to be used on the Lorax.

  • Esker Lorax Steel
  • Esker Lorax Steel
  • Esker Lorax Steel

The Esker Lorax is available in three striking colors: Saguaro (Metallic Green), Burlap (Tan), and Dusk (Dark Blue). You can get the frame and color-matched fork for $1,600 or in complete builds starting at $3,000. Numerous upgrade options are available. Find all the details at EskerCycles.com

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