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Submitted by
djfer2008
a Cross Country Rider
from rugeley, staffs, uk
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | follow the dog, cannock chase | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | 2nd Hand | | Strengths: | takes anything thrown at it in its stride. Fast uphill and down, over rocks or muddy stuff. | | Weaknesses: | This textbox has no purpose | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hardrock, kona blast - zaskar outstrips them all | | Bike Setup: | Had it now for 8+ years, gone through a number of sets of front & rear cogs and mechs, a new set of wheels after wearing all the way through the sides with many years of harsh braking ;-)
Now running Rock Shox Judy front sus, LX front & rear brakes from Deore LX all-in-one levers (these are the dogs - one lever - squeeze to brake, push up + down to change)XT front mech LX rear (sorry, couldn't afford replacement XT at the time) mech, mach 1 wheels on mach hubs and FireXCpro tyres, shimano 525? SPD's, and a Cateye Tripleshot. | | Bottom Line: | The frame still rides like new. Light and solid. Tried plenty of others, and wouldn't consider anything else.
If you want to play hard, do pretty much anything bar full-on downhill, this is a fantastic bike | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bog
a Cross Country Rider
from Holmfirth, England
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Sherwood Pines, Nottinghamshire | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Second hand off Ebay | | Strengths: | Fantastic stiff, strong frame which goes well with the new Marzocchi MX LO Pro 120mm fork, Climbs and descends beautifully with precision and confidence. | | Weaknesses: | 1993 USA built frame so no rear disc mount but cured before I bought it with a A2Z adapter to run Shimano XT disc brakes. So NONE really | | Similar Products Used: | GT Tmberline (my first GT), wife's Marin Bear Valley SE (circa 1995) wife's new 2008 Kona Blast Deluxe | | Bike Setup: | 1993 USA built Zaskar LE, 2008 Marzocchi MX LO Pro 120mm fork, Race Face Evolve crank with X type BB, XT front and Deore rear mech, Shimano XT discs front and rear, Easton EA stem and carbon fibre riser, Mavic X117 rims, Panaracer Fire XC tyres | | Bottom Line: | As an XC machine for either long rides or a short blast this bike delivers in every respect. It's stiff, fairly light, really strong, goes just where you point it, it eats hills either up or down and leaves other bikes, including many full suspension in it's wake. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Laura
a Cross Country Rider
from Golden, CO
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Old Farm | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Stiff, responsive, light, indestructible.....This bike has taken me from newbie racer to enduro fanatic and technical rider. | | Weaknesses: | None - other than the paint started coming off as soon as I bought it in 2000. Oh yeah, and it's stiff, so you won't like it if you want plush. I'm getting older so that is the only downside for me. | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper, Bontrager | | Bike Setup: | XTR rear, LX front / shifters. SRAM 9.0 brakes, Avid levers, Mavic 517 rims and XTR hubs, old SID | | Bottom Line: | Love this bike. It actually fits me (that's saying a lot) and I am going to ride it until it breaks. I have raced XC on it for 7 years, done some enduro races on it, beat the snot out of it, etc....If you can get one of these (pre-2001) you will be doing yourself a HUGE favor. If you have been riding a dual susp. this bike will teach you how to maneuver even better (there's no room for error) and increase your race speed on your dual. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
art garza
a Cross Country Rider
from san antonio
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | madrone | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | Strenght to weight ratio. Frame is ultra stiff and indestructible. Beautiful ball burnished finish with great decals. Best hardtail on the planet. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox Duke, Mavic Crossride Wheels on Maxxis Crossmark tires. Thompson 120mm stem and seatpost. Azonic riser bars. Shimano LX Rear,Front derailuers. LX shifters,LX Linear brakes, SPD pedals. Fizik saddle. SRAM 9 speed Chain. | | Bottom Line: | I am fortunate to own this piece of pure Southern California machined artwork. This frame has the most beautiful welds I've ever seen on any aluminum frames out there. I have a true pre-bankruptcy American made GT Zaskar that I will ride till I die. I am sure that it will outlast anything that I can throw at it. I am opting for a Gary Fisher HI-FI Pro Full Suspension but will never give up my Zaskar. Bombproof. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Rai
a Cross Country Rider
from Bristol, U.K.
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Timberland as its nearby! | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike dorks Hut Have a go halfords | | Strengths: | 2001 race edition easton tubes 2001 frame just before they went bust and sold on and make mickey mouse stuff now.
They were great for xc racing and super light and strong and after 5 years I'm getting it resprayed and a new kit setup. | | Weaknesses: | Rubbish copies 2002 onwards, but nobody is gonna pay super price for hardtails anymore unless you're loaded?
Getting rare and as they are strong, ppl use for them jumping? wtf? its a xc machine!?! | | Similar Products Used: | New zaskars, Cove, Trance 2 etc. | | Bike Setup: | Just refitted in xt and waiting new 07 (time or writing) reba or manitou 7. | | Bottom Line: | Great race machine in 99-03, so its not gonna be too sloppy, but older frames will be weaker.
Looked after and it will last years-hence the respray.
Needs a good light weight kit and fork.
The angles are very racey so don't bother using it for long rides or 12/24 enduros...
They have their fans and enemies, I have had different bikes and this needs a good setup for comfort and handling.
Reccomend a short stem if stretched out.
New zakars not as nice but just as capable are updated for larger forks and U.S. edt aimed at Freeride or xc.
U.K. gets rubbish version.
Good as a frame buy as its dead cheap.
Very stiff hamdler and great for xc racing-a must for a collector... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clay
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Divine race geometry. No flex, no excuses. Indestructable | | Weaknesses: | Not the lightest frame. So stiff it hurts, but in a good way | | Similar Products Used: | 93 Zaskar, 00 Zaskar X, 98 Zaskar, 99 Zaskar, LTS Team, Y-11, Stumpjumper M2, Litespeed Obed | | Bike Setup: | 16" full XTR, SID Race, Crossmax rims | | Bottom Line: | For all-out cross-country shredding, you cannot beat this frame. They are dirt cheap on eBay and build up to easily sub 23-24 pound warriors. Nothing will ever climb or thread like this frame. It is so dialed in everything else feels like novocaine. Do yourself a favor and take one for a rip. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jp
a
from UK
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | cannock chase | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop | | Strengths: | Great welding, and nice polished finish. No frame flex, a great climber and equally great descender, a genuine USA made 16" Zaskar that i've had from new. Easton 'e' logo stamped in top tube looks cool. | | Weaknesses: | 1998 frame so no disc mounts - fixed by using an A2Z disc adapter (a perfect fit). Bottom bracket cable routing is a pain, can get clogged with mud. Stiff rear end can be uncomfy after a few hours riding. Needs polish every once in a while! | | Similar Products Used: | A few steel Konas | | Bike Setup: | XC/Freeride setup, DH parts (stem, tyres etc) middleburn RS7's, Rond Magura Forks, full discs, XT bits | | Bottom Line: | A hugely versatile frame that will take you on XC loops and can also handle drops and jumps. Built up with the right parts it can still keep up with the new breed of 'hardcore freeride' hardtails. No other frame will quite have the same image as the Zaskar. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Chun
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfield, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | weight, triple triangle, durability, bomb proof | | Weaknesses: | no rear Disc mount--it sucks | | Similar Products Used: | Palomar, independent fabrication | | Bike Setup: | Club Roost bars, mavic Crossmax SL tubeless wheels, chris king headset, The Stem stem, hutchinson python rear, Michelin wildgripper front, white industries trials bike cranks, XTR rear Der., sram 9 speed cassette, XTR shifters/brakes (dual control), thomson masterpiece seatpost, Manitou Black TPC lockout 100/120 mm fork | | Bottom Line: | Great decent high end bike that will last for years. I wonder? is this a trials bike? answers to mtnracer@sbcglobal.net | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | This bike is stiff and I really like it for the two years I have had it (before it broke {see weakness}). I got this frame brand new. This frame is made in USA (not Taiwan or China) where new GT frames are. Great handling. | | Weaknesses: | The frame cracked after two years of crosscountry riding at where the seat tube and the top tube meets. I weight 175lbs and I just do XC riding. ***NOTE that the crack is at the TUBE! NOT THE WELDING! So this is MATERIAL PROBLEM not the welding by GT. This frame is 6061 material unlike the newer Zaskar which are made of Easton Tubing. This frame will not accept rear disc brake no matter what kind of adapter you used for it. Not even QR ones will work. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Kona, Norco, Trek, Klein, GT, Rocky Mountain, KHS, Canadian Tires POS (supercycle, CCM) | | Bike Setup: | Chris King hubs
Chris King headset
Magura HS33 hydro rim brakes
Mavic 618/517 rims
Fox Fork - Float RLC 80
Nokian NBX 2.1 tires rear
Continental Explore front tire
Thomson Elite Stem
Thomson Elite setback seatpost
Profile design carbon riser handlebar
XT cassttte
XT rear Derailleur
XT front Derailleur
XT Crankset
XT Bottom Bracket
XT shifters
XTR Chain
XTR Wires
Cane Creek bar ends
Louis G grips
Selle saddle
Salsa quick release
DT spokes
Time ATAC carbon pedals
Ti - water bottle cage | | Bottom Line: | I build this bike myself and its totally customize. I didn't do any dirt jumping or big drops of any kind. It was just one day when I finish riding some XC trails with friends and as we were chilling, we check over people bikes and found the crack on my frame. At first it shocked me as I thought GT Zaskar is a really stiff and strong frame as I have used it two years myself and read many review about it. I don't know what to say to "you" & myself now besides its "not strong" I guess. I currently have three other GT frames and wonder if I should get rid of them as well and this happened. I have seen GTs at high and low price for the Zaskar. I have seen used Zaskar in similar conditions ranging from $100 USD - $600 USD for resale market which was a bit confusing. After all, this frame worked good before it cracked. I will try to do some welding at the area that crack but will need a new frame soon for sure. If you want cheap strong frame that last you two years and you just bike for fun, this is for you. If you are a pro racer and do drop offs and jumps, I guess not. I also heard from a friend saying GT frames are always like this and he said he saw many like this before that are GTs. He said they are really fragile. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve cakehole
a
from england
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | DELAMERE FOREST..... | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | mail order | | Strengths: | looks, strength, weight, price | | Weaknesses: | ? what ? | | Similar Products Used: | my older zaskar, hardrock. | | Bike Setup: | gt zaskar race 2001(red), marzocchi mx comp forks, lx chainset rest all xt, avid disks, easton ea50 stem, riser bars and seat post, wheels mavic 219 all in black, sdg belair seat, dmr v12 or shimano pdm520 pedals, | | Bottom Line: | price in british pounds (£)...SWEET BIKE TO RIDE...REAL HEAD TURNER...EVERYBODY WANTS A GO OF IT...its an xc frame after all isnt it ? ive done xc on it and its great, light, fast and responsive...i do jumps on it, im crap at landings and it still comes back for more, even when i dont, total build price around £800 cant buy a better stock bike for the price ! im very happy with it so its getting 5 + 5 from me... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Chelmsford
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Lingwood Common | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Ron Spencer Cycles | | Strengths: | Bombproof, relatively light, adaptable, predictable handling | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Orange p7, Kona Explosif, Marin IFT | | Bike Setup: | Xt/XTR with lots of bling | | Bottom Line: | Bought this in 1997. Since then every component has been been upgraded & replaced as my disposable income (and bike perv tendencies) have increased.
Never felt the need to change the frame though. Fits right, climbs great, downhills and takes lots of abuse (including some big stacks), but is light and rigid enough to go roadie in winter with bigger gears & slicks.
An absolutely brilliant versatile frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Buford, Ga, USA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | chicopee woods | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1595.00 | | Purchased At: | Galyans | | Strengths: | Great frame while it lasted. | | Weaknesses: | Frame got stress fractures at the bottom of the seat tube and on the right chain stay. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona, Ellsworth, Titus switchblade, Specialized Stump Jumper. | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR, Thompson stem and seat post, Monkeylight bars, Mavic crossmax tubless wheels, chris King Headset.
| | Bottom Line: | When I purchased my bike It came with a lifetime warrenty. When it broke I called The new owners of Gt and was told that the warrenty had been reduced to a one year warrenty because GT had bankrupted. The customer service rep did offer to sell me a 2003 left over frame for $300.00. I bought a "new" Kona Kula Deluxe frame for $329.00 from Slippery Pig Bike Shop in Phoenix Az. "No Thanks GT"!!!!!!!!!!! I'm not that stupid! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Freeriding Freerider
a
from Philippines
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | urban | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | from a friend | | Strengths: | Stiff, strong, unbreakable, lightweight. | | Weaknesses: | No disc brake mounts,(mine is a mark 1 competition series) doesnt have a rear suspension. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized hardrock type R, Norco Moutaineer, GTavalanche | | Bike Setup: | EXRpro air fork, Vbrakes, deore components. | | Bottom Line: | this is a good ass frame. its a bit high for my style of riding. i've practicaly broken every part on my bike except for this frame. its more than ten years old but its still as strong as any other hardtail out there. handles well, the only damage i've done on it so far is chipping off the paint on its chainstay. absolutely no regrets on this frame. if you see one, no matter how old or beat up it looks like, get it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | China Camp | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Avenue cyclery | | Strengths: | strong stiff frame that can take alot of abuse, almost unbreakable, badass matte black paint job. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Tassajara
Gary Fisher Tassajara
Trek Liquid 55 | | Bike Setup: | xtr rear xt front derailers xtr cranks and bb xt cassette formula disk brakes xt shifters wtb laserdisk rims judy race fork and a bunch of syncros parts. | | Bottom Line: | I just love everything about this bike from the color and look to the way it handles and moves. I just bought a Trek Liquid 55, which is also a great bike, but I love my ZaskarX the best. This would be a great bike for anybody to own good luck in finding one though since GT no longer makes the X model. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Kovaly
a Racer
from Atlanta, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Roswell Bicycles | | Strengths: | Zaskar Race edition, races really well, quick yet sturdy ride. | | Weaknesses: | After two years of use the frame cracked in-half at chainstay just behind small cross-connect strut. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F400 | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox SID, mostly XT components, Avvid brake levers, V-brakes. | | Bottom Line: | While the bike was working is worked pretty well. Seemed to have a bad habit of picking up sticks though (the rear derailleur got mangled 3 times in the last two years. After the frame broke GT (actually Pacific bikes now) told me that they didn't warranty frames older than 2003. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Emilio Osso
a Racer
from Zarate - Buenos Aires - Argentina
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tucuman | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$560.00 | | Purchased At: | 2000 | | Strengths: | Light, Stiff, Nice, the BEST!! | | Weaknesses: | Anyone!! | | Similar Products Used: | Gt Tequesta, Gt Avalanche, Gary Fisher Marlin | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR, Mavic 517 rims, Pazzaz Seat Post and Carbon handlebar, Kore Stem and Rock Shox SID SL fork. | | Bottom Line: | I want Gt to work hard into building a new Zaskar like the old ones!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joey gee
a Weekend Warrior
from wellington
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | norton fitz warren | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | a mates uncles bike shop | | Strengths: | I had this frame since 1997 thats six years and every weekend I go out on my 12.5 inch GT tequesta and jump 6ft
doubles and do five foot drop's and It's still in one piece
how is this possible from a xc frame it's an amazing all rounder and if you like trials dirt jumping xc dual it does all of them and it does it very well to | | Weaknesses: | crap paint job and my mates take the piss cos it's yellow they also take the piss because It's a gt and It'so skinny but strong | | Similar Products Used: | all gt zaskar 12.5"'s and kona cindercone 13"(99) | | Bike Setup: | gt tequesta bomber 99 z1 bam profile dh cranks single speed
rear magura primo super tenderizer pedals bmx seat tioga cube stem and gusset prison bars
| | Bottom Line: | I know my frames not a zaskar but the 12.5 zaskar is the same as the 97 tequesta
and as I said this frame is the dogz bolux
don't ask me why it just rocks | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Parkes
a Weekend Warrior
from Santiago, Chile
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Santuario | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria Bike | | Strengths: | Light, Agile, Great for climbing and for riding in 3rd Chain ring. High quality paint job | | Weaknesses: | Cracked at the intersection of seat tube and top tube after only 18 months of use | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale CAAD 4, Giant AC1 | | Bike Setup: | Does anyone really care? | | Bottom Line: | Im not impressed. This is supposed to be a top of the line cross country bike and it has only lasted 18 months. And I dont even use it that much. I have to admit that I weigh 190 lbs and tend to use the seatpost very high. But even so, if you pay 500 for a frame, you should expect the best. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from Penfield, NY
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Harris, Tryon, The Y | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | CBO | | Strengths: | Totally beef. This thing is light enough for XC but strong enough to huck. Machining is beautiful, welds are excellent. Easton taperwall... Bad ass black color | | Weaknesses: | These frames run big, so an 18 wont feel like a normal 18 | | Similar Products Used: | all GT hardtails, Rocky hardtails, Rocky FS models. | | Bike Setup: | 2000 GT Zaskar X, Zocchi xfly 100, thomson, LX/XT, Deore discs, Race face next LP crankset, sun rhyno rims. | | Bottom Line: | Up until days ago this was my main ride. I took it easy and did XC last year, but this season my interest shifted to freeride. The frame held up better than i could ever imagine. It is truely an amazing frameset. My only complaint is that i purchased a large when i should have been on a medium(5'9). But oh well, it was my fault and i hear they run big. It fit me well but not "like a glove". I would have had this frame forever, if it were not for a 40 foot tree limb crushing the rear triangle and totally mangling my friend's Rocky mountain Fusion. Excellent ride, thank you GT wherever you are now..My next rig will be a Rocky mountain fully suspended freeride deal...model depending on my insurace coverage. Oh well..stuff happens..Bottom line=Sweet frame, get one if you still can.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joseph Allen
a Cross Country Rider
from Greenville
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | many | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Moore's Bicycle | | Strengths: | Light, fast, agile, eats hills for breakfast. Strong as an ox. | | Weaknesses: | None – except this frame is now on the endangered list. | | Bike Setup: | XTR/XT, TruVativ, Mavic, Rock Shox, Thompson, Cane Creek, Avocet, Michelin | | Bottom Line: | I bought this new in 1997. (Anodized RED) I still ride it today, and as hard as ever. NO FLEX – NO PROBLEMS. I had planned on upgrading to a new one when it was needed, but now who knows. Hopefully GT will bring this classic back. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from China
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any but learning some | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Not extremely light frame, colour, the geometry of the tube | | Weaknesses: | none may be | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper A1, Parkpre Pro image | | Bike Setup: | Zaskar frame, FSA Orbit UF, Manitou Mars Super, full XTR, M959 wheelsets, Hope mini discs, FSA FR 120 stem, Answer Carbon bar, etc. | | Bottom Line: | There's many " by the name of" GT frames available in China, mainly in the south near HK and Macau, made of 7005, terrible painting, Drop out suck,...&^%&#*%@@***^$^%&^ although this &$$% costs only $35 USD, I'd better buy the real one...I hope the guys who lives in HK and Macau, don't buy full-new-cheap-cost frame...DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Robinson
a Cross Country Rider
from West Covina
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Bulletproof, cool looking, stiff!, great handling, and did I say bulletproof? | | Weaknesses: | Makes you wish GT made a full suspension bike as good as the Zaskar | | Similar Products Used: | GT Tequesta, Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, Specialized M2, K2 Razorback Team. | | Bike Setup: | xt/xtr and stuff | | Bottom Line: | I've had this bike for TEN YEARS and I'm no lightweight. 6'2, 225 lbs. I've cracked enough frames (other bikes) to know that the Zaskar is TOUGH. It's also so stiff and nimble that I've yet to find a sweeter ride for technical singletrack and any trail where you need to do a lot of maneuvering. And no matter how hard you pedal, all the power goes straight to the tires. You'll have a really hard time finding a stiffer frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Louie Midnight
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Stiff, tough, cool | | Weaknesses: | paint scratches super easy | | Bottom Line: | Awesome frame. I got a 2001 frame before they were all gone. built it up just the way I wanted. Stiff, nimble, good climber. I weigh 250, ride quite aggresive and havent had any probs. The paint is weak on it though, probably spend a couple $100 in the winter to get it polished up. I dont expect Ill ever have to deal with a waurranty claim on it. If you are a big guy, and can find one, get one. I even saw a guy in the mtb classifieds giving his frame away cause it was too big!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Parkes
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario, Canada (GWN)
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Single track, forest. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Silent Sport Swap | | Strengths: | Light and fast! Strong frame with excellent handling on the trails. Mine is 22.5lbs ...Look UP! | | Weaknesses: | I haven't found any yet. Dusty for your trailing competion. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized full suspension, Other less expensive | | Bike Setup: | XT Shimano Deore shifters brakes, XTR Derailer,XT Deore crank, Crane Creek Stem,X225 rims, Time platforms, | | Bottom Line: | Great light strong frame. I like this hard tail much better than the full supension bikes which are heavier and slower. Very smooth riding on strait track . Handles very well on technicals.
Ive heard people say its ruff on the butt....I say try standing up once in a while and suck it up!
Love the strong frame ... Outlasts those other bud's who try and keep up utill thier bike falls apart. Great at riding over your trashy competition's bike parts! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
leather-cheerio
a Cross Country Rider
from Muttontown, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Stillwell woods | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | East Meadow Bike | | Strengths: | Light, stiff, NORBA geometry, strong. The standard. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback Axis TR, Giant NRS 3, Chromoly Marin,
1998 Zaskar LE | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR, Marzocchi Z3 100, Syncros Stem, post, Titec hellbent bar, Sun Rhyno lites with XT hubs, Race Face Prodigy cranks, Chris King NoThreadSet. Shimano 636's.
| | Bottom Line: | Went back to the Zaskar after a full-suspension try. Never will leave until it breaks, Had a 98' LE with 2 very large dents in top tube, didnt effect frame at all, sold on Ebay for 180$
A great frame for big guys. (im 6'3" 260lbs) I have broken several bikes, never a Zaskar. Comfortable with riser bars and a long-travel fork.
Get this bike while they last!!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Concord
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | www.supergo.com | | Strengths: | Classic geometry, Strength, looks, American made baby! | | Weaknesses: | GT was purchased by another company. Future of Zaskar is uncertain. | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR and Avid disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | GT Zaskar is a flagship of hardtail bikes. It's cheaper now to buy a Zaskar because GT filed chapter-11 not long ago, which sucks big time. This frame is verything I expect it to be. I hope they still make this frame in the USA. My 2001 Zaskar Team was handcrafted in America, otherwise, I would not have purchased it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Victor Komma
a Racer
from Tokyo Japan
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue Mountains National Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Galaxy | | Strengths: | Incredible stiffness, strenght, over built with strong welds, handling and climbing is superb. Built for competition. | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy...but hey, its built for hard core single track racing. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose IBOC SX, Giant MCM Team | | Bike Setup: | '96 Zaskar LE built up for urban assault, rigid fork, 1.00 slicks, close ratio road cassette, full XTR | | Bottom Line: | For all those who need the ultimate hardtail frame for bike courier work in the city, that is built for strength and incredible handling, the Zaskar LE is the ultimate in my books. I do a lot of urban riding and the way this frame handles tight corners and carving through traffic is second to none. The accuracy is zen-like. I have hammered this frame for 25,000kms through the streets of Tokyo and I think it will alst another 25k...no probs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle Hughes
a Racer
from Huntington, WV
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Beach Fork S.P. | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Rainier Cycle Sports, Tacoma, WA | | Strengths: | Super light frame. Very stiff and holds up well. | | Weaknesses: | None that I can report after 3+ years of competitive racing and 7 years of ownership. | | Similar Products Used: | None of which I would compare to the GT Zaskar. | | Bike Setup: | XT mega 9 drivetrain, RaceFace Cranks, Easton stem and handlebar, 517 Mavic rims, Rudy SL Ti fork, Conti tires. | | Bottom Line: | This frame will go down in history as one of the best hard tail frames ever built. If you can still get a hold of one, I recommend it highly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark russo
a Cross Country Rider
from bradenton, fl. 34209
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | hardrock, ocala, FL. | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | ordered each piece seperatly from different places | | Strengths: | good light bike. The geometry is a bit strange, but I find it be an excellent 2nd bike that I use to ride up and down the sidewalks to get around town on. | | Weaknesses: | geometry needs to be revamped for the possibility of serious off road riding | | Similar Products Used: | klein attitude, cannondale F500, litespeed obed | | Bike Setup: | xt/ xtr, cook cranks, judy race | | Bottom Line: | I would say go ahead and buy one. It is my favorite bike that I ride on the street with. Beats riding a road bike!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a
from bay city, mi
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | drops | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Tested only | | Strengths: | It was my brothers friends bike he borrowed. Seems really light, he had full xt 8 speed and xtr brakes. Was preety hard on my ass. Very light and stiff. I took it off a 4.5 foot drop to minutely angled grass hill, and didnt break, but felt really strong and stiff. | | Weaknesses: | Didnt ride long enough to really see any! | | Similar Products Used: | hardtails, nothing this expensive. | | Bike Setup: | It had full XT 8 speed with XTR brakes. Old yellow Judy SL with speedsprings, SPIN (cool) rear wheel, mavic front wheel, Sealle Itiallia TI Gel seat. The Judy with 63 mm travel really hurt my wrists, only because I am used to my Marzocchi Z1 with 130mm travel. | | Bottom Line: | real cool bike. He had the older one with the "All GT Terra" stickers still on it. But never the less, a sweet bike. it felt stiff, and responsive. Really nice XC bike. The rear SPIN rim made the back really really really stiff, he has the older version spin, the one that didnt break. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a
from bay city, mi
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | drops | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Tested only | | Strengths: | It was my brothers friends bike he borrowed. Seems really light, he had full xt 8 speed and xtr brakes. Was preety hard on my ass. Very light and stiff. I took it off a 4.5 foot drop to minutely angled grass hill, and didnt break, but felt really strong and stiff. | | Weaknesses: | Didnt ride long enough to really see any! | | Similar Products Used: | hardtails, nothing this expensive. | | Bike Setup: | It had full XT 8 speed with XTR brakes. Old yellow Judy SL with speedsprings, SPIN (cool) rear wheel, mavic front wheel, Sealle Itiallia TI Gel seat. The Judy with 63 mm travel really hurt my wrists, only because I am used to my Marzocchi Z1 with 130mm travel. | | Bottom Line: | real cool bike. He had the older one with the "All GT Terra" stickers still on it. But never the less, a sweet bike. it felt stiff, and responsive. Really nice XC bike. The rear SPIN rim made the back really really really stiff, he has the older version spin, the one that didnt break. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
paul j
a Racer
from minnesota
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anything rough | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | stiff,fast, and not to flashy looking | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | fisher super caliber | | Bike Setup: | xtr
valiant rims
bontrager racelite crank
kore bar, stpost,
time ti carbon peddles | | Bottom Line: | bike is stiff, light, and fast. what more can you ask for in a xc race bike. For those of you who cry about your ass hurting from the ride being too rough you are most likely too out of shape to desrve a true race quality bike as this surely is. This is a great bike for taller people who feal cramped on most other bikes. I am 6'3" 195lbs and I have not had a problem with it yet and I ride at least 300 miles a week on this bike alone. Those who complain of the weight of the bike must have cheap heavy garbage for components(this happens mostly when you find a price for this complete bike that sounds too good to be true).
Please remmber to tread lightly and leave no trace in order to continue this awsome sport. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
thomas harris
a Cross Country Rider
from boulder, co
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | rainbow rim | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$420.00 | | Purchased At: | cambria | | Strengths: | agile, quick ride. | | Weaknesses: | Although I loved this frame when it first arrived, I broke it after only two months of riding. Unfortunately this was two weeks before GT declared bankruptcy. Customer service lied to me and said they were out of frames when in fact they were in the process of selling out all their inventory to web retailers. So now its a month later, and no new frame is in site. Don't buy GT. I was told by their customer service that all the frames sold on the web in their liquidation are unwarrantied. Beware. GT Sucks. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized, gt | | Bike Setup: | xt | | Bottom Line: | don't buy gt | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Radeon
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized M4, Cannondale Raven | | Bike Setup: | Zaskar X,Avid Arch Rival 40,Rockshox SID XC 01,full XT,Kore,Mavic Crossride with Specialized Team control & master | | Bottom Line: | Agressive looking and agile.It climb like a goat and continue to ask for more.What do you expect more from a XC bike???Go get it man!!! It's great....... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DeBo
a Cross Country Rider
from rosco, MI
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hanson Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | cambria.. I thik | | Strengths: | 3.5 lbs. frame that can take serious abuse, relaxed geometry compared to the Zaskar Race, ball burnished finish, easton tubing, stiff... really stiff. | | Weaknesses: | creaking at the seat tube, no clear coat over stickers | | Similar Products Used: | 97' Zaskar, 00' Litespeed Tanasi (unbeatable for Ti), stumpjumper M2 | | Bike Setup: | sid sl, next lp, xtr, mg60 stem, monkey lite, king head and hubs, time carbon, mavic 517 cd, u.s.e xcr, gore cables | | Bottom Line: | Well, if you weigh over 170 and love aluminum, then this is a geat bike. I happen to fall into that category and I love the stiffness and the responsiveness I feel when riding this bike. I can't seem to stop the creaking at the seat tube, but that in no way hinders the riding. I'm riding the zaskarX, which is basically the same as the race edition except for the geometry. It's a little more relaxed, and can be ridden all day with a problem or worry. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darrell Stewrat
a Racer
from miramichi
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Strengths: | light | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bottom Line: | it is vrey light | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from usa
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2050.00 | | Strengths: | stiff, strong, sweet paint job | | Weaknesses: | cracked top tube near head tube weld, no disk mounts (not that i could afford them), stickers peeled off ( but it was cool cause what remained was "G SKAR" | | Similar Products Used: | GT Pantera
GT LTS (well same company at least) | | Bike Setup: | 18", '00 z1, xt/xtr, answer risers, mammoth rims, irc kujo/wtb velociraptor, oddesey triple traps | | Bottom Line: | well i cracked the frame, but it was abused a lot. im 6'3, 240lb, and abused it quite a bit. so my bike shop sent it over to GT to have it inspected to see if it was a manu. defect (it sounds as if this has happened to other people as well. insurance actually paid for all but $200 when my tricked up GT Pantera was stolen off my dads car.
overall this frame is "the bomb." stiff, well made (besides the possible defect), sweet angles, and the NAME. if the warranty doesnt cover it ill get either the GT ruckus or the Kona Roast frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Margate
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Marcolm park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | all over | | Strengths: | Stiff and no flex | | Weaknesses: | no lojack option | | Bike Setup: | Anadized blue 16" blem frame, Ringle Hubs/stem, Kooka Cranks, xtr derailers/brakes/BB and many more toys | | Bottom Line: | After I rode my friends Zaskar I knew I had to have one. I got a great deal on a Blem frame which could hardly been seen and it was anadized blue. It really is a great frame because of the stiffness and works perfect in the area I live in. Since there are no mountains in FL we make up that loss with technical trails which makes the Zaskar perfect. GT did a great job with this bike and I recomend it to everyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Mckie
a Cross Country Rider
from SW Scotland
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Leisure lakes England | | Strengths: | strength/image | | Weaknesses: | geometry,sizing, possible frame misalignment | | Similar Products Used: | azonics/Trek 7000 | | Bike Setup: | full Xt, hope hubs on mavic X517s | | Bottom Line: | Bought this bike as a tough bike that i could ride on daily and race as well. I wanted something that could take a bit of punishment and to be honest it definately could. The problem was that after selling my last bike I expected more but the Zaskar didn`t deliver. I tried to like the bike but it never rode right and it was as if it was out of track although it looked fine. It was also that harsh that I eventually ended up with lower back trouble duing races.
This bike would appeal to those who seek the image of a tough bike. persnally I wouldn`t recommend one to a friend,although its horses for courses. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GTWACE
a Weekend Warrior
from SINGAPORE
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | bt | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | nowhere land | | Strengths: | Good looking, stiff, fast | | Weaknesses: | gives off strange sound | | Bike Setup: | Zaskar Race Frame | | Bottom Line: | A good XC race frame, handles well and is pretty light, but does not give a rock solid ride, shakes a little on impact when rear wheel lands on ground, still it is a XC frame not meant for jumping. Get it for XC racing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Upstate NY
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria | | Strengths: | Awsome frame. Beefy as hell, sweed welds, easton taperwall, badass black color, CNCed parts, American Made | | Weaknesses: | Cant really think of any.....anthough the first frame I got had no BB threads, but CBO quickly shipped me a BRAND NEW ONE within 5 days! Great customer sevice or what? The new one if perfect. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Tequesta
GT Karakoram
GT Backwoods
Some Treks
XCR2000(I think that was it) | | Bike Setup: | GT Zaskar X frame in Badass black, Judy XCs, XT f/r, SR cranks, KORE, Mavic, WTB seat, Bonty seatpost, Avidz. nuttin less... | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is this is THE frame to buy. It rides like a dream. The first time I rode it just felt perfect. The frame is incredibly stiff and really makes for an excellent climber. It is fast as hell too. I could not really ask for a better frame at a better price (400 for the frame, orgininally 750!). After riding a 1998 GT Tequesta for about 3 years this is a welcome change. Enough has been said. As many other before me have proclaimed, this frame is excellent. A+ GT! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Racer
from Lexington, VA
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Douthat State Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Klaus' Ski and Sport - Belmont, NH | | Strengths: | Really predictable | | Weaknesses: | None that I've found | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized M2 S-Works Pro | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR 9-speed, SID XC | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I've had plenty of opportunities to get a new frame for cheap, but I'd rather keep riding my GT. I guess I've come to know exactly how the bike will respond in all situations, and I don't want to go to something new.... It is great in tight singletrack; great on fast descents; great at climbing. Basically everything that I want it to do it does well. I've had the frame for 5 1/2 years now, and I've never had a problem with it (except for replacing the der. hangar once or twice). It has taken a serious beating over that time span, and still comes back for more! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ARMANDO
a Cross Country Rider
from MIAMI, FL
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | CBO | | Strengths: | LIGHT, STRONG ,AND ZERO FLEX | | Weaknesses: | NONE AT ALL | | Similar Products Used: | GT AGGRESSOR | | Bike Setup: | ZASKAR X,XT/XTR,MANITOU SX-R,TRUVATIVE STYLO, ROLFS | | Bottom Line: | IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A GREAT HARDTAIL FRAME, LOOK NO FURTHER. ALSO GET THE ZASKAR X FRAME, PEOPLE WILL JUST STARE AT THE BAD ASS BLACK COLOR! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Curtis
a Cross Country Rider
from Philly
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Strong, RIGID, zero torsional flex, perfectly balanced, holds a turn like a sharpened skate. | | Weaknesses: | RIGID | | Bike Setup: | custom setup | | Bottom Line: | if you wanna rip up hills, down hills, rail turns, rail slides, launching, jibbing, bonking, well then beat the hell out of this bike and it'll scream for more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
r j
a Racer
from Port hardy bc
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | corn dog | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | simons | | Strengths: | responsive all round frame. ido dh,cc, and free ridding it is not broken
i find that for how stiff it is it feels really soft | | Weaknesses: | none to report | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | zaskar le, xt drive, titec post/ hell bent bar, wtb seat, kalloy dh stem, 858 pedals, rynolite rims with 2.45 tires,hadley hub, z3 qr20 fork. | | Bottom Line: | the frame kicks ass | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BoBo
a Cross Country Rider
from Houffalize, Belgium
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Houffalize (UCI XC World Cup you know) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike shop around the corner | | Strengths: | Sexy looks, stiff, light-ish, responsive | | Weaknesses: | Stiff (not suited for softies), frame stickers that loosen easily from Ball Burnished frames, not exactly cheap | | Similar Products Used: | Probably any high-end Hard Tail frame | | Bike Setup: | Zaskar LE frame, Bomber Atom 80 shocks, XT/Hugi hub combo with Mavic X517 rims and Conti tires, ESP 9.0 shifter/rear derailleur with XT front, Magura 10th Anniversary brakes, other parts Roox | | Bottom Line: | The Zaskar frame is about emotion: you'll either like or dislike it.
The only downside to my '98 Zaskar LE frame so far are the loosening frame stickers. A shame for a frame at that price. Therefor it only gets a 4 chilis rating in the value department.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ollster
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere anytime | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$140.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Lighter than my previous frame. Lifetime warrenty. feels solid. handles really well. takes drops well. smooth ride. good acceleration. good standover height. | | Weaknesses: | none to speak of. a little heavy if anything, but i'm big (6'2" 220lbs), and a burly frame was what i was after. | | Similar Products Used: | Gt Backwoods, various Giant, Specialized big manufacturer stuff etc. | | Bike Setup: | Zaskar, Marz z3, raceface cranks + seat post, xt drivetrain, kore stem, x-lite riser, other stuff... | | Bottom Line: | I bought this frame as a warrenty upgrade when i broke my Backwoods. I got it for AUS $275 which equates to around USD $140. For what i paid i got one sweet frame. i am used to the ride qualities of Alu. but this frame feels "smoother" and more forgiving than my Backwoods and doesn't rattle and bang like my old one. and the GT warrenty is great. couldn't be happier. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darth Vader
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | local shop here | | Strengths: | cool design, light (not what i expected), nice price i paid for the lightness. | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Bottom Line: | just recently purchased the frame not the whole bike and hope this a real bomb proof coz im gonna nuke this beauty soon.
im not into how light my bike is but how well it will survive my abuse.
the value rating is becuase of the price, lightness, and looks. durability is about to be tested. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris webster
a Weekend Warrior
from chesterfield, england
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | dodgy looking man | | Strengths: | this bike is very, very strong....stronger than most of the bones in my now broken body....it all started when i decided to go riding in a quarry near where i live. I was storming down this hill when my front wheel hit a piece of metal that was sticking out of the ground. I fell right off the edge of a cliff and fell 150 foot ! to the ground. when i woke up, i saw that my leg was now in a position that god never intended it to be in. my shin bone was sticking through my skin. i tried to cry out for help, but due to my punctured lung and my 3 broken ribs, i found this very hard and painful. i then tried to sit my self up right but my broken arm prevented me from doing this. i just lay there like a slug helpless waiting for the grim reaper to come and collect my sorry broken and smashed body. i noticed a something catch my eye and as i turned i saw my bike there....glistening in the sun, it seemed to me as if it was laughing at me, it looked like there wasn't a scratch on it, even the wheels seemed ok ! i lapsed into unconsciousness. when i awaoke i was in hospital, and to cut a long story short, my bike sufferd no damage at all apart from a few scratches from where it smashed off of some rocks, i still ride the bike today. | | Weaknesses: | the bike lacks an early warning system telling its riders that a cliff is up ahead | | Similar Products Used: | this was my first 'good' bike | | Bike Setup: | magura front and rear, xt shifters, xtr group set, race face cranx, pace evo III forks | | Bottom Line: | buy one | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris webster
a Weekend Warrior
from chesterfield, england
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | dodgy looking man | | Strengths: | this bike is very, very strong....stronger than most of the bones in my now broken body....it all started when i decided to go riding in a quarry near where i live. I was storming down this hill when my front wheel hit a piece of metal that was sticking out of the ground. I fell right off the edge of a cliff and fell 150 foot ! to the ground. when i woke up, i saw that my leg was now in a position that god never intended it to be in. my shin bone was sticking through my skin. i tried to cry out for help, but due to my punctured lung and my 3 broken ribs, i found this very hard and painful. i then tried to sit my self up right but my broken arm prevented me from doing this. i just lay there like a slug helpless waiting for the grim reaper to come and collect my sorry broken and smashed body. i noticed a something catch my eye and as i turned i saw my bike there....glistening in the sun, it seemed to me as if it was laughing at me, it looked like there wasn't a scratch on it, even the wheels seemed ok ! i lapsed into unconsciousness. when i awaoke i was in hospital, and to cut a long story short, my bike sufferd no damage at all apart from a few scratches from where it smashed off of some rocks, i still ride the bike today. | | Weaknesses: | the bike lacks an early warning system telling its riders that a cliff is up ahead | | Similar Products Used: | this was my first 'good' bike | | Bike Setup: | magura front and rear, xt shifters, xtr group set, race face cranx, pace evo III forks | | Bottom Line: | buy one | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
His Roostmeister Julian Tyo
a Downhiller
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Chutes and Ladders (shhhhh) | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | PUMP swap meet | | Strengths: | -good on singletrack: that "jumpy" feeling
-takes a lickin' and keeps on ticken'
-fast in right situations | | Weaknesses: | I admit, I have missused this bike. It is a '95 and still has old school XC geometry. It wasn't built to accomadate the Judy XLC I have on it. Plus, as stiff as it is, my Maguras flex the $hit out of it. "What else?" you ask. It needs more tire clearance (barely swallows my 2.1). Once agai, though, a representation of my missuse. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Timberline
A friends' Gary Fisher FH2 | | Bike Setup: | Magura HS-22, Judy XLC, Tioga Factory DH treads (2.1 & 2.3), Race Face cranks/ ring, MRP WC2 guide, Azonic Bar, XT shifting, Triple Traps | | Bottom Line: | The Zaskar is a truely solid bike. I'm hoping that once I get enough money for more than one bike, I can hace a Zaskar as a XC bike. I would reccomend this bike to anyone searching for that eutopian, do-all bike, for this is the one. Bottom Line:
thanks GT | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pascal NEPPER
a Weekend Warrior
from Luxembourg (Europe)
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | street trials, freestyle | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Interesting design, Hans Rey Frame, it's a GT, not too heavy. | | Weaknesses: | Broke 2 at the toptube-headtube welding. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | 15" bike, trials/freestyle setup | | Bottom Line: | I admit I do trials/freestyle, and lots of front wheel bounces can lead to fatigue, but lots of hard breakings can lead to the same fatigue.
I know another trialist who broke it at the same place.
2 chillis 'cos I got another one each time, and the product is quite good. Not 5 'cos each time I wait 1-2 month to get the new frame, plus the time to dismount/mount all components. I don't trust it 100% anymore. For nearly 4 lbs (for a 15"), it should stand ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rossco
a Weekend Warrior
from Pertg, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | light frame, strong as a brick sh*t house,
classic, stiff as a frozen banana | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX
Diamondaback
| | Bike Setup: | 18" zaskar
judy XLs
XT brakes
sun mammoth rims on '00 TX hubs
whiteindustry cranks | | Bottom Line: | nuke proof frame, that set up with the right parts can be strong and XC light. awsonme for courier work | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon McEwen
a Cross Country Rider
from Ferndale MI USA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | I have the LE frame its strong and light and does not flex. Its great in the down hills and it cant be stoped on the climbs.. | | Weaknesses: | I cracked my first frame but that was from using a steal seat post. I have not had any problems with the replacement/ | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS | | Bike Setup: | Race Face next cranks, head set, stem. XT shifters and derailleurs, RockShox seat post. | | Bottom Line: | Great frame for the money. I have not hade a problem with it at all.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Powerline/Multiple Orgasm | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | The frame - it's solid. Very rigid. Great climbing bike, and a good stock trials bike. | | Weaknesses: | Mine is so old it has a U-Brake and non-replaceable derailleur hanger. Harsh for really long rides, ripped the threads out of the derailleur hanger years ago - using a framesaver kit now. Major chainsuck since the day I got it - but only late in a ride when the chain is muddy under hard down shifts. Overall, a beefy aluminum frame. | | Similar Products Used: | 89 GT Karakoram, Diamondback Outlook (Outpost??), Trek 8700 | | Bike Setup: | Bought an Intense Tracer this month - so this one's getting all my old parts. Turning it into a stock trials/urban assault bike - rigid fork, flat pedals, etc. Gotta work on those technical tricks ! | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the weekend warrior and those who like to get a 1 - 2 hour ride in after work during the week.
This frame is 8, yes that's 8, years old and going strong. Best investment I ever made. I have thrashed this thing and it can still be happily ridden.
It can be harsh if you like long (4 hour + rides), so buy a suspension post. It can also be creaky - so lube your post, steertube, BB, seat rails, etc
Thank god they got rid of U-brakes and put a replaceable hanger on it. Great Climber, but FS is more fun! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ben
a Cross Country Rider
from edinburgh scotland
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | pentlands hill trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | light, strong, looks smart | | Weaknesses: | syncross seatpost as supplied is seriously noisy with my old specialised saddle | | Similar Products Used: | specialised rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | manitou x-vert, spd, xt groupset | | Bottom Line: | after moving to the zaskar le from a rockhopper i've got to hesitate to call the specialised machine a mountain bike
the gt has got everything - uphill, it climbs like a rocket. on singletrack, it responds as fast as you can tweak it to get you through the rough stuff. on loose, rutted, rocky surfaces the back end just glides through and you'd swear you were riding full suss.
plus you get the sharp as gt blue and yellow colour scheme so what more do you need?
buy this bike now | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sub of Time
a Cross Country Rider
from Norway
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Jegersberg | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Very good in tough downhills, and single tracks. Very stiff frame! | | Weaknesses: | The frame is a bit heavy. Not so good at cornering
(My frame is a little bit too large) | | Similar Products Used: | Nakamura Infinity, Storck Rebel Pro(awesome), Kona Kula | | Bike Setup: | Zaskar, XT/XTR, Z2 X-Fly, KORE Components, 517 rims | | Bottom Line: | The bike is awesome in the downhills but not as good at cornering. Heavy | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Chamberlain
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Steiner segment of Bonneville Shorline | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light, stiff, and strong | | Weaknesses: | Torture on your back | | Bike Setup: | Z2 Superfly, all XTR except XT Mavic X517 wheels, USE SX seatpost | | Bottom Line: | This frame is an incredible climber. It handles well. Unfortunately the ride is rough. I tried to ride the frame with a regular post and it beat me to a pulp. I added a USE SX suspension post to cut down on the bumps.
This frame is the noisiest frame I have ever used. Any noise from any component of you bike will be amplified. The frame itself creaks clicks and creaks in several places, especially the seat tube. I don't see any cracks on the frame. From what I can tell, the seat post wiggles around in the seat tube making a constant creak and click when you pedal or hit bumps. The bike sounds like one of those poorly maintained full suspension bikes that you can hear coming from a mile away. The only way to stop the creak is to remove and reinstall the seat post every mile. It doesn't matter what post you use, they all have the same problem and it is getting worse over time. I hope the frame cracks soon so I can get rid of it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Hanford
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Light, Responsive, very strong. | | Weaknesses: | Very stiff, can beat you up without a suspension seatpost. | | Bike Setup: | XT, Riser bar, USE XCR suspension seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | Still love it after two years (see review 7/16/98). Since then the Judy T2s have died but the frame is still going strong. Also I would say a Zaskar needs a suspension seatpost to be an all day trail bike.
I can't understand how people break them & I'm 235lbs.
Just make sure you get a big enough size & run a sensible length of seatpost.
It would be difficult to get a better hardtail.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chip Von Eiff
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver CO
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hall Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | STIFF STIFF STIFF Great Warrantee | | Weaknesses: | STIFF STIFF STIFF Ouch, my butt hurts | | Similar Products Used: | GT KARAKORAM, GT CORRADO
GOT THE ZASKAR AFTER CRACKING THE CORRADO | | Bike Setup: | FULL XT MARZOCCHI ATOM BOMB | | Bottom Line: | GREAT HANDLING, GREAT PERFORMANCE, BUT DON'T EXPECT TO RIDE ALL DAY ON IT. IT'S BRUTAL, AND YOUR BUTT WILL HURT!!!! I'D BE WILLING TO DROP IT INTO ALMOST ANYTHING, BUT THE FRAME DEVELPOED A FUNKY VIBRATION ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, I HAD IT CHECKED ABOUT 6 TIMES FOR CRACKS, BUT NO CRACKS DETECTED. WOULDN'T BUY A NEW ONE THOUGH. IT'S TO STIFF FOR A LONG DAY ON THE TRAIL (AND I NOW OWN ANOTHER HARDTAIL)
iT'S BECOMING MY NEW TRIALS BIKE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Warwick
a Cross Country Rider
from England, Birmingham
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Karrimor trail, Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Proven race history, refined design, bullet proof, lightweight, mega fast and very good value for money | | Weaknesses: | No disk break mounts on '99 models and older. Ball burnished zaskars look crap and matted if ridden in lots of mud | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized S Works M2, GT Xizang, Dean Oscar Easton Elite | | Bike Setup: | Full '98 XTR, Manitou SX Ti's, Hope Ti Glide hubs, Mavic X517CD Rims, Chris King Headset, Race Face & X-lite finishing kit | | Bottom Line: | In the spring of '98 i decided to build a full on lightweight hardtail trail bike. Originally i purchased a Specialized S Works M2 Frame and hung a Full XTR Group on it. However the weld on the rear dropout of the frame fouled the chain when riding in the bottom cog of the cassete. So i swapped the S Works Frame for a Dean Oscar Easton Elite. That frame also went back due to missing threads in the poorly tapped bottom bracket. Pull your socks up Dean 'Ultimate' bicycles!!
I settled for an 18' Gt Zaskar LE. I have never looked back!! It's stiff, strong, accelerates like a ferrari and it represents excellent value. The design is very well proven among jumpers and XC riders/racers alike so youre guranteed of a well engineered and proven product. The build quality is second to none. Neat and sexy tig welds are some of the best i have seen. Allignment is perfect. CNC BB Shell, headtube, dropouts and stay bridges are a very nice touch on the LE versions. Easton 6061 program tubeset does not dissapoint either. It has excellent strength to weight ratio and once in the shape of the Zaskar it is unbeatable.
My Zaskar LE is now in nice '99 team colours, because my ball burnished '98 LE looked matted and tarnished after a winters riding. Thats my only gripe.
My Zaskar has been every where-even on the top of the 2927ft Cadair Idris in North Wales! An awesome machine. I have ridden the lot and the zaskar still comes out on top every time!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hagar De Verschrikkelijke
a Weekend Warrior
from Antwerp
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | French alps near "Les Arcs" | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | The whole bike is fantastic. It is so stiff and listens to any movement or weight shift immediatly. | | Weaknesses: | No real weaknesses,except for the adjustment of the pump I had to buy a new one that just fits near my pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Muddy Fox, Peaugot and Scott | | Bike Setup: | Full Shimano XT setup ( Brakes, gears pedals etc...) in combination with an RST Zeita suspention, mavic wheels and hutchinson python tires. All in combination with a Restley steer | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike, specially with a large set of wheels and a smaller one for the longer hiking trips. Fantastic goods for the price you pay. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zacky
a Cross Country Rider
from Champlin
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Minnesota River Bottoms | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | This is one of the quickest responding bikes I have ever riddin. It is stiff as all hell...you can hammer this frame like few others. It has the best feel for an Aluminum frame...hands down. Kicks the crap out of every other high-end, commonly produced frame. | | Weaknesses: | The triple triangle provides little room for shouldering on hike a bike adventures and walking through buildings. Also the rear brake cable is ran on the bottom of the top tube creating a painful experiance in the afore mentioned hike-a-bike. I have removed all of the decals from the bike and am sick of everyone asking me what kind of ride it is...cause it looks sooo rad. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 9900 (9.9), Schwinn Homegrown, Paramount PDG, Cannondale CAD4 | | Bike Setup: | Titec Bar, Control Tech Stem, Syncros Post, Race Face Cranks and BB, Chris King Hubs-Sun Sub IV Rims, DT Black TI Spokes, Avid Arch Supreme Brakes, XTR Drive Train and Brake levers, Michelin WG Sprints, Judy SL. And the coolest part ever...Salsa Brake Arch De Trioomphs. | | Bottom Line: | This frame is sweet. There are very few draw backs with this ride. It is the best frame for the price and has a name that I feel secure riding...I know GT will stand behind it if anything ever happens?!. But truely I am confident in the integrity of the Zaskar LE. Custom bikes from small builders are cool and less common but when there is a problem with one your stuck with talking to some one on a phone not a bike shop. There is also some thing to be said about supporting ones local shop. The bottom line I love this bike and don't know a rider that it would be good for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Racer
from Ga
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Stong, great ride, excellant geometry, great look. | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | GT Outpost, plus just about all Giants and Gary Fishers. I work in a shop. | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR, King Headset, Mavic XT Wheel set, Ti bar, stem and post. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line this is a really really nice frame. It gives you a strong yet forgiving ride. Great feel and great look. This is a very light frame and built for the cross country rider/racer who wants the performance they demand. As far as the reports of the seat post tube breaking all frames will break under the wrong conditions. A major posibility is that someone has their seatpost past the max insertion point. This causes toomuch stress on the frame and then..........SNAP!!! But GT's lifetime frame warranty will let you get a new frame even if it does break. And most of the time the shop will switch your stuff over at little or no charge. Finally Having looked at many frames on the market i finally decided the Zaskar LE for what it can do and what i can do with it. Its a great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ivan
a Racer
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Gambrills | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | You get a new frame everytime you break it | | Weaknesses: | Frame breaks at the seat tube, top tube junction | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper M2 | | Bike Setup: | XT, Marzocchi Bomber, Magura Hydraulic Brakes | | Bottom Line: | Ok, this is the 2nd Zaskar LE that's cracked on me in the past 2 years.... both cracked at the seat tube - top tube junction.....
The triple triangle may look different or even cool, but it's really poorly designed. The seat tube looks as if it is one piece and runs through the top tube, but it does not! The seat tube is 2 pieces!!!! The top portion being a short section that drops into the top tube and inserts itself into the main section of seat tube. This is not a solid design, the top portion inevitably works its way free, and a crack starts to form along the weld where the seat tube and top tube take the most stress.
For a $700 frame I expect better workmanship and design. This frame is definately NOT indestructible like everyone claims. I have broken 3 Zaskar frames since 95. For a frame that weighs 3.8 pounds, I would expect something that should last a lot more than 1000 miles. This frame is not it.
Well, I just got my FOURTH Zaskar frame and I'm going to break it, oops I mean ride it, this weekend. I'll be calling you GT reps in the fall... have my 2000 Zaskar with disc brake mounts ready in black..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ian wilson
a Racer
from Clemson, SC
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | issaqueena, Clemson, SC | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Stiff and very responsive. triple triangle geometry is great. bulletproof, couldn't run a train through it. | | Weaknesses: | almost too stiff sometimes, but who cares? | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis, Cannondale F900, GT Aggressor | | Bike Setup: | full XT, Judy 100, Cane Creek WAM wheelset (also highly recommended), titec | | Bottom Line: | Excellent ride, if you havn't riden a GT then go try one out. They have the advantage of having a BMX history, so they don't just take some poorly engineered roadie style frame and throw some suspension on it. This is one of the few REAL mountain bikes made by a major production company.
Also not that expenseve compared to some small frame building companies prices. If you want a great do-everything bike, this is it.
go get ya one! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Kerr
a Weekend Warrior
from U.K
Date Reviewed: December 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Woburn Jump Spot | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Strong,
Light,
Great Geometry etc | | Weaknesses: |
Dents Easily | | Similar Products Used: |
Azonic DS-1
Heavy Tools | | Bike Setup: |
Judy Race
Hope DH4s
MiddleBurn Cranks
XT Stuff | | Bottom Line: | You will not be dissapointed | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Woodhouse
a Downhiller
from Chester, UK
Date Reviewed: November 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Light, strong, versitile, can do any thing from trials to cross crountry. | | Weaknesses: |
Sizes are a bit funny (American) | | Similar Products Used: |
Rockshocks | | Bike Setup: |
Rockshocks, dual slalom setup | | Bottom Line: | Recommended | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Sirre
a Racer
from Eindhoven
Date Reviewed: November 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Downtown | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Light & Stiff! | | Weaknesses: |
Seatpost slides too easy inside the frame. | | Similar Products Used: |
(Specialized Stumpjumper) | | Bike Setup: |
Ball Burnished frame
[Rooks] seatpost and stem
Ritchey-Logic Bar
Stronglite fat headset
XT rapidfire shifters
XT 9-speed sprocket (22-11)
Various frontblades (44-34-24)
XT 3 & 9-speed derailleurs
XT-R bracket
Black Forest crancks
Plain SPDs
Fi'zik saddle
Magura HS22 silverline brakes, alu coated cables
Sunn straight fork
Bontrager wheelset
Synchros quickreleases
Ritchey Tomslicks 1.0 (!) | | Bottom Line: | This baby rips the asphalt UP! My setup might be a little bits too stiff though (straight fork, 1.0 tires at 7 Bar) but it's fast!Just as easy it will be set up for the woods, just add a few tractor tires and you're ready to go.I love this pimp-bike! (Shiny+Black) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Natt
a Cross-Country Rider
from Thailand
Date Reviewed: September 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Strong, stiff,Look grate on it's model name
ya! Zaskar! | | Weaknesses: |
none yet | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Ricochet'99,KHS Alite4000 | | Bike Setup: |
XTR full set
SID,Mavic517+King hub+DT Rev,
King headset
Kore elite seatpost&bar | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bike that I 've ever riden.Great climber and very strong frame. Most of rider in my country choose the light frame but i don't think so. Zaskar have a bit more weight than my KHS alite4000 but I love it's geometry.Very stiff and good sprint.Now my bike is 22 lbs. not too bad for the Aluminium frame. Go and buy it! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Racer
from IL
Date Reviewed: September 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Quality, frame geometry | | Weaknesses: |
GT's sizing method | | Similar Products Used: |
Zaskar, LE, Backwood, Cannondale Super V, Xizang, OLD giant carbon tubing | | Bike Setup: |
SID, XTR, race face, easton, thomson, onza... | | Bottom Line: | You have to see the frame (new models) yourself to appreciate the beauty of it. What a piece of art! I'm an engineer and when I saw it I wanted to hang it on the wall. The frame is a bit on the heavy side due to the triple triangle, but thats what GT's famous for: Instant power transfer with no seat stay flex. But at the same time its stiffness makes it harder to stay on the saddle during long rides so I'd recommand a carbon or Ti seat post to dampen the vibration. I've upgraded to Xizang now, which is even better. For those who are looking for a stiff, light weight, and forgiving frame, Xizang is the way to go. Regardless, there is nothing compared to the good old Zaskar. One more thing, the 2000 model will have rear disk brake mount!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rut Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: September 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Sharp handling, stiff & responsive. Very strong frame. | | Weaknesses: |
None, although frame may not be light enough for gram-counters but it's still no heavyweight. | | Similar Products Used: |
Coyote Ultralight, Cannondale, Giant & Orange. | | Bike Setup: |
Pace evo II's, Use SX shokpost, Kore stem (90mm), rises bars. | | Bottom Line: | I use this bike for eveything - messin about, all day rides, short hacks, jump sessions and it the best I've ever had. The kind of frame it is allows you to have a comfortable 'all-day' setup yet still be sharp enough for hacking around and downhilling (as well as you can on a HT anyway). I race it XC although to be really competitive I'd alter my 'strength over weight' componentry choice. But this bike is really about having fun - and it does it well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross-Country Rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Preston RR (Tiger Summit) | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
stiff, responsive, light, looks great | | Weaknesses: |
none yet | | Similar Products Used: |
C-dale Beast of the East, Specialized Rockhopper, C-dale CAAD3 | | Bike Setup: |
Manitou SX fork, USE suspension seatpost, LX/XT/XTR | | Bottom Line: | This is the greatest ride I've ever taken out. It really listens to your legs when you want to accelerate or climb. I really dig the triple triangle geometry. After being a Cannondale junkie for several years I've moved all my chips over to GT (C-dale a great bike but this Zaskar goes takes it to the next level). Some have mentioned that because its so stiff, it punishes your back. But with a suspension seatpost, I've had no trouble. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
smack
a Cross-Country Rider
from larry, ks
Date Reviewed: August 12, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
quick and light.
the bike hauls | | Weaknesses: |
customer service | | Bottom Line: | hey its quick, jumps like a pogo stick.
had the 98 le, and had some trouble with the seat post tube / top tube connection. saw some other reviews with the same problem. design flaw. but gt gave me the waranty and replaced the frame...but it took a couple of months. once they sent the wrong frame.ive always ridden gt. like the way they feel. hell, mine climbs walls.
5 dukes for the ride
one off for making me miss last ridin season. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie
a Weekend Warrior
from Copenhagen, Denmark
Date Reviewed: July 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bike Setup: |
RST mozo pro 3,5, XTR,XT,Syncros .... | | Bottom Line: | My opinion is not the most objektive, I´m a GTfreak- I owm 4 GTs - Zaz99,Zaz97 spare frame(got it cheap),Edge Aero,Transit express. And I`m probably too old (42) to realy count in.But anyway, living in a country with no mountains (riding in a wood/lake area N.Cph. - mostly a mudbath), the Zaz99 is giving me a lot of good ass vibration, the tail is just as hard as it shout be. Only got one small problem - the seatpost talks in the tube (maybe the saddletube is too soft) - tryed severel posts and grease grease grease. Solution - 4-5 inch rimtape inside the tube - hope it will last...To me - it`s the best ever bike, I will never ride anything else than GT.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamjar
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bristol (UK)
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Strong, stiff and light | | Weaknesses: |
None (although poss upgrade to susp s/post) | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale CAAD3 | | Bike Setup: |
XTR-Chainset,rear mech, shifters, brakes, hubs BB etc. LX Front mech. Syncros stem + s/post, Litespeed Ti bars, onza CWA's, Velocity rims, Tioga pro semi-slicks, Judy SL's with SID lowers, GT SPD's. | | Bottom Line: | Purchased this week, first real ride yesterday. Quality. This thing climbs like a mountain spider, front end is plush, rear is supastiff. Tight singletrack is awesome, this bike flys. Accelerates like a startled hare. Looks great, ball-burnished with black decals, Ti and black accesories (incl spokes). A proper racing sled for a racing snake. Wicked.
Five cheeky little fiery ones from me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dale
a Cross-Country Rider
from Austin, Texas
Date Reviewed: May 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Rocky Hill Ranch | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Very stiff
Beautiful Bike | | Weaknesses: |
What I paid for it!! | | Bike Setup: |
CrossMax Wheels
Full XTR or Race Face
Manitou SX TPC | | Bottom Line: | A beautiful bike that the women love to stop and pet!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Flagstaff, AZ
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Little Bear | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
light, stiff yet forgiving, bitchin colour scheme | | Weaknesses: |
yet to find one | | Similar Products Used: |
Klien Pulse, GT Ricochet, '95 GT Zaskar LE | | Bike Setup: |
Judy XC, XTR/XT/LX mix. Totally custom build up | | Bottom Line: | Had a '95 Zaskar LE, discovered a crack at the down and head tube weld, waranteed it. Got the '99 LE frame and love it even more than before. Butted tubes rule. Climbs like a beast, descends as quick. You will love this frame, it rides beautifully, like no other hard tail I've ridden. The '99 frame is a solid 1/2 pound lighter than the '95. Always good to take a 1/2 pound of your bike for no cost. :) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
frank jordheim
a Cross-Country Rider
from twin cities Mn.
Date Reviewed: April 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
anything not paved. | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
craftmanship is excellent. strong, perfect welds. SUPER stiff. Built to last, and take abuse. | | Weaknesses: |
a little heavy for a race frame. ZASKAR LE ball burnished 18 frame only >>> 3.5 lbs. On my shops honest scale. | | Similar Products Used: |
Homegrown Factory, C-dale F-700 | | Bike Setup: |
Full ESP SL
hugi hubs
mustang asym. rims
raceface cranks & BB
profile stiffy stem
Easton Bar
Z2 bam polished 1999
rockshox seat post
avid cables / arch rival
50 brakes | | Bottom Line: | The focus here is the frame > it is built to be Stiff, and to last. My homegrown factory frame is lighter but does not give me alot of confidence as far as longevity and strength.
my set up for the Zakar Le weighs in at 23.4 lbs.
not bad for a RS. seatpost and a bomber fork.One tough frame>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin
a Cross-Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: March 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
any trail is good | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
handling,build,it's mine! the frames ability to do anything better than i can. | | Weaknesses: |
colour(mine is the purple anodised LE '95 which has faded) | | Similar Products Used: |
Orange O2,E4,M-Trax. | | Bike Setup: |
Zaskar LE(95),Pace RC 36evo,USE rigid post,machine tech levers,sachs shifters+XT. | | Bottom Line: | The Zaskar LE is a bike which always impresses me.I am the only limit to what this frame can do. It climbs like nothing else i have ridden.It really is the dogs wotsits! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LoLo
a cross-country rider
from East Coast, USA
Date Reviewed: February 26, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Believe it or not I broke a 96 GT Backwoods. GT had me mail it back 2 them 2 inspect it. Soon after I rcvd a 98 Zaskar frame for FREE. I've rode it 4 about a month & can report it's plenty stiff w/no detectable BB flex.
5 Fat Chili's 2 GT's customer service! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dale
a cross-country rider
from Austin, Texas
Date Reviewed: January 27, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I am having a 99 Zasker Le (Ball Burnished) shipped to me as we speak!!! It is totaly customized with full XTR, King Headset, Race Face Stem, Bar, post, with handbuilt Mavic 517 wheels, and a Manitou Sx Ti Tpc shock. I just spent $2200 so the %$#@ better be good. I'll let ya know. 5 Chilli's cuz I'm optimistic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JIMBO
a weekend warrior
from ENGLAND
Date Reviewed: January 8, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have just swapped my trusty GT Pantera frame for a 98 Ball Burnished Zaskar. It feels so completly different. Much stiffer, the power goes straight to the back wheel, better than on any bike I've ever ridden. A truly excellent bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SAMANTHA M
a racer
from KINGSTON,PA
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Zaskar's are the best! I love zaskar's! Especially my dad's i am only 9 nine years old but i already have my mountain bike picked for when i am older i want the same kind as my dad he has a (((((ZASKAR LE))))) the color of it is cool in the light it changes all different colors it is very neat! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis G
a weekend warrior
from Oceanside,CA
Date Reviewed: January 5, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Love it!!! built mine up w/ shimano setup & indy w/englund air. It does get brutal on the trail due to it's stiffness...agile handing or at least it gives you confidence to stretch your limits...ouch!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Watts
a weekend warrior
from Oxford, England
Date Reviewed: January 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Just upgraded from Zaskar to Zaskar LE. WOW! The Zaskar was great (very stiff), but the LE is even better. On rocky technical climbs it feels is if the back end is thinking for you, looking for the best line and finding the traction. I cleared stuff on the LE that would have me dabbing on the Zazza'. At 5' 11 I too would like a 17inch version. FOR SALE Black GT Zasker. Email me for details. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Arthur
a weekend warrior
from Devon, England
Date Reviewed: December 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This must be the best frame you can possibly buy. It's light, strong, doesn't flex at all, and most importantly, looks great. It is also amazing value for money. Don't hesitate' buy yourself one now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Hyde
a
from Birmingham, England
Date Reviewed: December 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have Zaskar LE with U brakes, XT groupset, Answer Stem, Manitou forks, Campag wheels, Hope hubs etc. I bought it second hand in '97 but I believe it's a good deal older. Beautiful machine, well balanced and rides superbly - I don't use it as much off road as I would like. I commute on it daily but my spare time tends to be used at my main sport, which is running. When I get a chance off road I'm impressed, although as an over 50 (M50 in running parlance)I'm more used to my Claud Butler lightweight tourer - having said that, the GT is lighter than the 531 CB. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joël Vingrling
a weekend warrior
from netherlands
Date Reviewed: November 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i think the zaskar is very good because it's very stiff.
and it looks also very good especially the tripple triangel.
it's a real fast bike.
I have never cracked a Zaskar and that's good because other bikes always cracked by me,so i give it 5 chilleis | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a weekend warrior
from Boise, ID
Date Reviewed: October 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I like light riding and playing around. My 1997 Zaskar is good for that. I just think it is a LOT bit harsh. My ass is grass after a good ride. I am going for steel now. Like a custom 1 1/8 headtubed, True-Temper tubed, Rock Lobster built Bontrager (w/ olde skool decals). --STEEL IS REAL-WORSHIP IT ALWAYS-- | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles E. Smith
a cross-country rider
from Carbondale, Illinois
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a 1997 ZASKAR with all whistles and bells. My rig rips into unsespecting trails like a ground hog on crack. What about the ZASKAR'S climbing ability, forget about it!!! The triple triangal climbs like a Grand Canyon pack mule on ,you guessed it, crack!!! What about durability, forget about it!!! One of the trails I ride is littered with partially burried and loose limestone. The other day I flipped the bicycle end over end. When it was all done I could hear the triple triangal resinating like a tunning fork. I must of whacked on some limestone. Well I'm hear to say all I have to show for my troubles was little itty bitty scrath. I have two women in my life that I love and care for one named Jennifer and the other is Zaskar!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Norman
a racer
from Vancouver, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Update from yesterday: Ok.. I finally got to ride the bike today. It is one sweet ride! I was just flying through everything and with teh rigid fork, it just went where I wanted it to go. THe frame is somewhat harsh, but thats not a problem. Its also stiff as hell and it felt like I had direct drive on the bike. The welds held up to my abuse and I am impressed. I am also impressed with the lifetime warrenty on the frame so if I ever break it.. new one from GT! But I highly doubt that I will break this frame, its built too well, not as nice as my Alibi, but nevertheless very nice!! :-) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Norman
a racer
from Vancouver, Canada!!
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
OK, I;ll admit it.. the only riding I've done on this frame is in my garage... I just got the frame today adn when I finally built it up, it was dark outside. I put some pretty nice stuff on it, Race face cranks, XT/LX gruppo and final wieght was 27 lbs with a rigid fork. Not lighhtweight, but I can attribute much of the weight to my stem/handlebar combo.. they are solid peices of aluminum, I swear to god. The welds on the frame are VERY nice, and hopefully, this frame will stand up to my abuse better then te POS trek 800 I use to have. I ripped out the star nut out of my fork, but its not the frame's fault, stupid POS star nut.. anyways, back to the frame, its nice, its light ( 5 lbs lighter than the 8 lb trek!!!Ok.. 4.5... same thing..Yeah, thats right, the frame weighs in at 2.5 lbs for a 16 and this is one beefy looking frame. I will post reviews about its actual ride characteristics when I fix the bloody POS star nut. For now, 5 chilis for looking pretty. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eboos
a racer
from Santiago, Chile
Date Reviewed: October 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 98 Zaskar LE and it is awesome. It is super stiff and fast. I can't think of anything I would change about it.For the guy below: TU HABLAS INGLES? YO HABLO POQUETO ESPANIOL. YO VEVO IN SANTIAGO UNO ANO. Did I spell any of this right? Anyway, I will be here for two more months. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patricio Mora Q.
a weekend warrior
from Curico,CHILE
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
HACE TRES AÑOS QUE TENGO ESTA MAGNIFICA BICICLETA. TENGO EL ORGULLO A MIS 37 AÑOS DE HABER CRUZADO CON ELLA TRES VECES LA CORDILLERA DE LOS ANDES DESDE SAN RAFAEL (ARGENTINA) A CURICO (CHILE) CON UN GRUPO DE MEDICOS ARGENTINOS, CON UN PEDALEO DE 12 HORAS DIARIAS DURANTE CUATRO DIAS HASTA CON 11 GRADOS BAJO CERO. CRUZANDO SENDEROS POR DONDE NUNCA JAMAS ALGUIEN CRUZO. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patricio Mora Q.
a weekend warrior
from Curico,CHILE
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
HACE TRES AÑOS QUE TENGO ESTA MAGNIFICA BICICLETA. TENGO EL ORGULLO A MIS 37 AÑOS DE HABER CRUZADO CON ELLA TRES VECES LA CORDILLERA DE LOS ANDES DESDE SAN RAFAEL (ARGENTINA) A CURICO (CHILE) CON UN GRUPO DE MEDICOS ARGENTINOS, CON UN PEDALEO DE 12 HORAS DIARIAS DURANTE CUATRO DIAS HASTA CON 11 GRADOS BAJO CERO. CRUZANDO SENDEROS POR DONDE NUNCA JAMAS ALGUIEN CRUZO. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a weekend warrior
from Singapore/Yishun
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the 97 black colour, 14.5 Zaskar for about six months and have
been doing trashing and trials. The frame still going on very strong
dispite the abuses. The bike enables quick handling, climbing, and it
loves to jump in the air. The frame is so stiff and look so unquie.
Weldings is so neat and aggressive looking. Putting XT & XTR components
makes the whole bike come alive. However the only downside of it is the
weight, it is as light as what I expected but only slightly heavier.
It's fine with me, compare to the fun I had, it's worth the few pounds!
Anyone looking for a fun and long-lasting bike, search no more,
GO AND GET THE GT ZASKAR! And you will know what I meant... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jon wallace
a cross-country rider
from MD. Balt.
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i dont really care about the zaskar. i've had a gt lts 3(97) and its the best mtb bike i've ever had. i'm on my fourth piece of junk deluxe rear shock, but as far as the bike goes...tough as i wish my balls were. doesnt bob. is fully active all the time...ahh there is one thing...the acetyle bushings wear out. and when they wear out, dirt gets into the cracks and then the metal that the bushings ride on(aluminum) wears out. then you have a major hassle. the stx rc components have been fine. wonderful bike!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a racer
from louisiana
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I haven't got my hands on a zaskar yet, but I do have some experience with the avalanche. I love the way it rides and every thing about it. The only problem is that I have cracked two of them; a 95' in may and a 98' less than two months later. No I am not a wipeout freak; I am a 130 lb jr racer that goes to the extreme. Other than that my only complaint is that GT wants $300 extra to upgrade the warranted frame to a zaskar. I guess they will just be hearing from me in a few months. If you or someone you know has broken a GT please e-mail me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a cross-country rider
from Pittsburgh
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Another season on my 94 Zaskar and no real problems! The frame is awesome, and the components last forever (almost) - after 4 years of riding I just replaced the drive train and upgraded to v-brakes. I also am using a thudbuster quadrapivot, shimano 636 DH pedals, a WTB SST kevlar saddle, and a Marzocchi Bomber z2 fork. I strongly recommend this setup! Also, I stuck with XT components since they are durable and work very well. 10 chilis!!! | | Overall Rating: |
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