Like the Hayduke, Lorax, and Jafey, the gang at Esker Cycles continues to pay homage to the defenders of the wilderness. Their new aggressive hardtail is named the Smokey Ti. And yes, the name is a tribute to the friendly, responsible, ranger hat-wearin’ bear we all grew up with.
Except maybe now he’ll say, “Only you can manual across that rock garden.”
The new Smokey Ti is their “most aggressive hardtail to date”. It’s longer, lower, and slacker. It sports a head tube angle of 64.5 degrees, with geo optimized for a 160mm fork. The frame can also handle tires up to 2.6″ wide.
The Smokey Ti’s frame was constructed from seamless, butted, and cold-shaped 3/2.5 titanium, delivering a durable yet comfortable ride. Like their other hardtail offerings, the new Smokey Ti also comes with the Portage Dropout System.
\This allows the rider to run the bike geared or as a singlespeed. Plus, you can use the dropouts to adjust the chainstay length. The dropout system has been updated with a Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH).
Geometry and Frame Details
Esker Cycles says that even though the Smokey Ti is the most aggressive hardtail they’ve ever made, it’s still an Esker. Meaning they’ve prioritized durability and ease of maintenance.
It utilizes external routing, a threaded bottom bracket, and a 44mm headtube. It uses four different water bottle and accessory mounting positions, which include a 3-pack mount on the downtube for a little extra carrying capacity.
Esker Smokey Ti Pricing
- Frame Only: $2500
- Frame + Fork: Starting at $3100
- Complete Builds: Starting at $4500, with numerous upgrade options available.
- Complete Single Speed builds start at $4200