Esker Cycles just launched the Solitaire, a limited-edition rigid frameset that blends timeless klunker vibes with modern trail capability. With only 50 units available, the Solitaire is a long-awaited passion project brought to life. Find details on the Esker Solitaire and more about the new FORK YEAH! Steel fork here…

Drawing inspiration from the brand’s beloved Hayduke, the Solitaire carries forward the same proven tubeset and ride characteristics while paying homage to its roots through its name. The choice of “Solitaire” nods both to the Hayduke and to Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey, a work that’s inspired many of us to embrace simplicity and seek deeper connections with the natural world. With its singlespeed-specific design, the Solitaire embodies this ethos, offering riders the chance to find their own solitude on two wheels with just one gear. It’s hard not to love the name and vibe of this bike.

Esker Solitaire Singlespeed Klunker

Esker Solitaire Features

  • Designed for 29″ wheels
  • Clearance up to a 3.0″ tire
  • Custom Fork: Esker’s new FORK YEAH! steel rigid fork (see below)
  • Custom Tubing: Seamless, Quadruple-Butted, Tapered, Drawn Over Mandrel, Size-Specific, ED Coated, 4130 Chromoly
  • Rack Mounts, Frame Bag Mounts, Mid-Mounts, and 3-Pack Mounts
  • Portage Dropout: For adjustability, singlespeed use, and upgradeability
  • UDH Compatible
  • Singlespeed Optimized: nNo cable mounts for a rear derailleur
  • One Color: “Cadillac Desert” red
  • Frame and fork only; no complete builds

Geometry

The Solitaire deviates from the standard Esker geometry by consolidating the sizing into three options.

Size SM/MD MD/LG LG/XL
Effective TT Length 584 623 661
Reach 420 450 480
Stack 600 630 660
HT Angle 67.5* 67.5* 67.5*
HT Length 90 125 155
Effective ST Angle 74* 74* 74*
ST Length 380 440 500
Chainstay Length – Adjustable 445-459 445-459 445-459
Fork Offset 44 44 44
Fork Length 495 495 495
BB Drop 65 65 65
Wheelbase 1129 1172 1214
Stem Length 50 50 50
Recommended Rider Height 5’4"-5’9" 5’7"-6’0" 5’10"-6’3"

FORK YEAH! Features

The Solitaire will be sold exclusively as a frame-and-fork package, paired with Esker’s new FORK YEAH! steel fork, which looks quite interesting for folks looking to avoid carbon. It appears the fork might be available to purchase separately, but that’s unclear at this time. Here are the specs for the fork:

  • 495mm Axle to Crown
  • 1 ½”–1 ⅛” Tapered Steer Tube
  • 44mm Offset
  • 110x15mm Boost Spacing
  • 180mm Post Mount native
  • Clearance for up to a 29 x 3.0″ tire
  • Custom Tubing: Seamless, Custom-Butted, ED Coated, 4130 Chromoly with tapered legs
  • Low-Rider Rack Mounts, 3-Pack Mounts, and Crown Eyelet Mounts

Each Solitaire frame will ship with a custom bronze headtube badge hand-fabricated and finished by Jen Green. Every badge is individually numbered 1 to 50, making each frame a collector’s piece. The frame/fork combo sells for $1,250 and will begin shipping in October. Find details at EskerCycles.com

Further Reading

Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info...

Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.