Esker Cycles just released their newest steel hardtail, the Japhy. It’s built up around 29+ tires, a 120mm travel fork, and geometry suited for riding your local singletrack and backcountry adventures. Find photos, specs, and build kit details here…

With the Hayduke’s recent switch to 27.5″-only builds, Esker Cycles decided to fill the 29″-wheeled gap with an entirely new bike. The Japhy is their new 29″ hardtail, based around a 120mm travel fork, clearance for 29 x 2.8″ tires, and a 4130 Chromoly Steel frame. It features many of the same specs as the Hayduke, like the versatile Portage dropout system, loads of braze-ons, and three different build kits with great component selection.

Esker Cycles Japhy
  • Esker Cycles Japhy
  • Esker Cycles Japhy

When compared to the Hayduke, the Japhy is longer and lower but has a slightly more slack head tube angle at 66°. It maintains a chainstay length of 425-437mm, which should feel playful and responsive, but has a slightly shorter reach and taller stack for a more upright position. Without comparing them side by side, the Esker Japhy looks like it would make a fantastic steel bikepacking rig. Find a quick breakdown of the different builds below.

  • Esker Cycles Japhy
  • Esker Cycles Japhy
  • Esker Cycles Japhy

Japhy H1

  • Fork Marzocchi Z2 120mm
  • Brakes Shimano Deore 4-piston
  • Dropper SDG Tellis / SDG Lever
  • Wheels Stans Flow S2 Comp
  • Drivetrain Shimano Deore 12-Speed, 10-51T
  • Tires Terrene McFly 29 x 2.8″
  • Price $2,000 USD

Japhy H2

  • Fork MRP Raven 120mm
  • Brakes SRAM G2 RS
  • Dropper SDG Tellis / Wolf Tooth Remote
  • Wheels Industry Nine 1/1 Enduro S
  • Drivetrain SRAM GX 12-Speed, 10-52T
  • Tires Terrene McFly 29 x 2.8″
  • Price $2,950 USD

Japhy H3

  • Fork MRP Ribbon 120mm
  • Brakes Shimano XT 4-piston
  • Dropper SDG Tellis / Wolf Tooth Remote
  • Wheels Industry Nine 1/1 Enduro S
  • Drivetrain Shimano XT 12-Speed, 10-51T
  • Tires Terrene McFly 29 x 2.8″
  • Price $3,250 USD
Esker Cycles Japhy
  • Esker Cycles Japhy
  • Esker Cycles Japhy
  • Esker Cycles Japhy

The Esker Cycles Japhy comes in four sizes (Small – Extra Large) and four different colours: Dawn, Ryder, Dharma, and Desolation. You can purchase it as one of the complete builds listed above, or as a frameset for $750 USD. Head over to EskerCycles.com to learn more.

Expect a review in the new year, as we have a Japhy heading our way!

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