5/21/2023 0 Comments Trek stache discontinuedAnd, in addition to the steel and Ti truss options, there’s now a more user-friendly steel unicrown fork, with the exact same offset and dimensions. As per all of Jones’ bikes, all forks can be shod with 26 x 4.3” fat tires, if you want some extra ‘suspension’ to your ride. The latest iteration features some tweaks there’s now provision for a rear rack and the rear hub is Boost-spaced (rather than 135QR), which helps clearances with 1x drivetrains and wider plus tires. When we tested the rigid-specific Jones Plus (now rebranded LWB), we were blown away by its trail manners we never expected a bike that was so upright and comfortable to ride could also be so capable on technical singletrack. Want a space metal version? The Esker Japhy is also available as a titanium model and features all the same specs. ![]() In the end, both bikes are dialled for trail riding and singletrack-heavy bikepacking and are shining examples of what modern, steel hardtails should be. ![]() On the other hand, the Hayduke is a little less progressive but arguably better suited for general purpose bikepacking, especially for smaller riders who prefer 27.5 x 2.8” tires and want more frame bag space. If your perfect day on the bike involves long service road climbs, backcountry singletrack, or rambling down forgotten trails, the Japhy should be near the top of your list. We’ve heard that some true 29 x 3.0” tires will fit with the dropouts backed all the way out, but can’t confirm.įrom Miles’ review: There’s no question that the Japhy offers a lot of bang for its buck and is incredibly capable. It features adjustable rocker-style dropouts, progressive trail-ready geometry, and clearance for 29×2.8″ tires. Released as a 29” alternative to the incredibly versatile Hayduke, the Esker Japhy is a chromoly steel hardtail with 29+ tires, a 120mm travel fork, and three value-packed builds to choose from. We’ve decided to pay homage to the discontinued options by including them at the bottom of the list. The list of 29+ bikes is displayed in alphabetical order, with bikes we’ve tested grouped at the top and accompanied by a hexagonal “T” icon. Click each list item to expand the details and see a larger photo. Many long-distance bikepackers prefer a threaded BB for certitude and serviceability on the road. In addition, note the bottom bracket spec. These include maximum tire size (to the best of our knowledge) and hub/dropout width specs. Following Surly’s lead, several companies have since created bikepacking-specific models around the 29+ platform, as well as drop-bar bikes, hardtails, and even full-suspension 29+ mountain bikes.Īs with other Gear Indexes, the factors we found particularly important to highlight are listed in red. ![]() When photos of this rig initially surfaced, folks referred to it as the bikepacking Krampus, and once it was officially released, the Surly ECR set new precedents for capability and utility in a rigid bike. By borrowing a couple of cues from full fat tires, but without as much weight and rolling resistance, 29+ bikes trumped what a regular rigid mountain bike could accomplish.Ī year and a half later, Surly unveiled one of the first “bikepacking specific” bikes. That’s to say, those mammoth 3.0” tires seemed to open up a dreamworld of possibilities by expanding what a bike without suspension could do with added floatation, loads of traction, cushion, and supreme rollover. We aren’t saying that 29+ was the impetus for bikepacking, but the two seem to be cosmically intertwined. Coincidentally, it was around that same time when bikepacking began its rise in popularity. Surly Bikes was the originator, launching both the Instigator with 26+ tires and the Krampus with massive 29 x 3.0″ rubber. Believe it or not, it wasn’t until the summer of 2012 when plus tires first debuted.
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