XTdrl rear, hubs...LX front drl, brakes, cranks...z2 a bomb..titec hellbent..Ovation Clippless...Ritchy SpeedMax Alpha 2.1WCS tires...Selle Italia Flite Titanium Saddle
Bottom Line:
is that this bike rocks.. I use it for cross county racing.. bobming down chairlift trails as downhill.. what ever you throw at it this bike can handle..to get to the core the bikes better than you are...if you can get it do but steer away from rockshox unless your getting a phsylo or boxxer. This bike deserves better than aracing fork ....bottom line YOU WANT THIS BIKE!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Graham Johnston
a
from Ellensburg Wa USA Date Reviewed: May 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Lookout Mnt.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1599.00
Purchased At:
Re-Cycle Bicycle Shop
Strengths:
The Forks are awsome they are the toughest things. I love this bike because it is so burley. The Disc brakes are great. It is a great cross country bike.
Weaknesses:
It is kind of heavy. I only wiegh 95 lbs. so 25 is alot to me. The srengths and stiffness makes up for it though
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike. It is a good bike for riders that are going to ride hard. It is very tough. I really enjoy riding it the disc brakes make all of the difference. I am only fifteen but this is by far the best bike I have had. I have put alot of money into other bikes butt this comes with it all. The bomber z2 Xfly is the smoothest fork ever. I love this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Macdaddy
a Weekend Warrior
from Devon Date Reviewed: April 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ashcombe
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
secondhand
Strengths:
Harecore, bombproof need I go on?
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
GT Backwoods, Voodoo Hoo doo, Stuntjumper, Team Raleigh, GT LTS, Canondale Killer V + Raven.
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Z2s, LX front - XT Back, Mavic D521 back wheel - Mavic 121 Front, Pace composite racing hub, Kore Stem, Magura Race line Bakes, Tioga Factory XC Tires, Club Roost DH bar and flat BMX pedals.
Bottom Line:
Excellent, flows like liquid over bumps. Fast, responsive, lively and above all bombproof. I would recommend this frame to anyone looking for one bike that can within reason do anything? Drop offs, Jumps, trails and downhills are not a problem. Word of warning - Don't get sold a made in taiwan 2000 zasker going cheap in he uk. Make sure you buy a genuine American one as the quality is not the same. My advice 'buy a zasker today'. Look out for the new GT Ruckus (beefef up zasker according to MBUK magazine???????????)
Note: I have run 2.2 DH tires with out a problem?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Bloomberg
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago Date Reviewed: March 6, 2001
I've taken it to WV, CO, UT and most other fun places and it doesn't break. It hurt when I was getting used to the new pedals. Hmm... 50 words, well living in Chicago now I put slicks on and ride it on the trail by the lake alot. It goes smoothly but not nearly as fast as my road bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
globetrotter
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: February 22, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Excellent handling climbs well
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Other GTs - Avalanche
Bottom Line:
After 10+ years of riding and racing MTN bikes this is the best ride I have had. Great bike and solid value for the $. As for the criticism of the weight of the frame all I have to say is if you are concerned about a pound or two get a grip, lay off the cookies and get your fat @** on the bike and drop a few pounds from your own frame. This bike rocks it is perfect for a serious weekend warrior or as an entry level racing bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carl Morse
a Racer
from Hortonville WI 54944 Date Reviewed: February 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
BMX Track, Baird Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Custom Built
Strengths:
Strong Strong Strong. Efficient energy Transfer. Light enough to pedal without whining.
Weaknesses:
Ah well there is a scatch somewhere.
Similar Products Used:
Gt Rebound, 99' Paragon
Bike Setup:
Full XT except Crank, BG Seat, Mavic X-Link, Bonty Tires, Mars 1, Easton, SRAM, Avid
Bottom Line:
This was built for me. I bought Frame and Fork and ordered everything myself. Only Spent $1,100 and it is light and good. Setup is great and efficient frame rules. 3.8 is a better weight than my other steel frame that was 5.6 lbs. Didn't spend a lot for this and weighs in at 23.4 pounds. And a titanium seatpost is on the way to replace the heavy Kalin Steel post(326 grams).Should way 23 or better afterwards. Every part I have on on it i read reviews and they suckes to the other people. Me and my other 10 or so friends never ever had problems like ones mentioned. Advice for people is go splined. Creak free and Stiff. Mars 1 is a good fork. First day i used it it spit out a tad of excess microlube but that is a good thing. It won't be sluggish that way. Also XT shifters Rule! And you don't need a 34 tooth granny cog. 32 is still easy! Anyway if you want a durable and still leightweight frame a Zaskar is a good frame to start a bike up on. Peace
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Sheppard
a Downhiller
from Huddersfield, UK Date Reviewed: February 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Peak District
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Custom built from various sources
Strengths:
Unbreakable frame to handle heavyweight butt and downhill racing
Weaknesses:
Rear tyre clearance to frame very tight when using Tioga Factory DH 2.1, no disc mounts.
Similar Products Used:
1999 GT Zaskar LE
Bike Setup:
Judy SL 2001 forks, XT except for LX hubs + LX rear mech + front chainrings, Tioga Factory DH 2.1's, Power Pro cranks, Planet X stem + bar + seatpost, Crane Creek headset
Bottom Line:
Started out riding this bike at 220lb bodyweight, and nothing broke going downhill at speed over big rocks so it really must be an indestructable frame if my weighty butt couldn't break it. Good rigid frame when turning those cranks hard as well, no discernable twisting or flexing whatsoever.
My only whinge is the clearance with my preferred choice of tyre, not GT's fault, but found a mud spattered Tioga 2.1 at around 40psi was starting to rub the frame, used araldite to protect the frame at the offending points to stop this progressing any further.
Overall, excellent choice for downhilling and large people, frame perhaps a bit heavy for pure XC, need to be aware of tight frame clearance when using larger knobbly tyres.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Armitage
a Weekend Warrior
from Leeds England Date Reviewed: January 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Esholt Woods
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
GT ZASKAR
Strengths:
STRENGH,LOOKS (POLISHED), ABILITY TO DO ANY MOUNTAIN BIKE SPORT, GOOD REPUTATION.
Weaknesses:
TYRE/MUD CLEARANCE
Similar Products Used:
PANTERA,TEMPEST, ARROWHEAD,TALERA,( OK I LIKE GT'S)
Bike Setup:
EVERYTHING LX WITH Z2 LIGHT AND PLANT X IN THE STEERING DEPARTMENT.
Bottom Line:
THIS BIKE RULES, IT STILL LOOKS GOOD AFTER 2 YEARS ABUSE (JUMPS AT BMX TRACK, THE ULTIMATE MTB CHALLENGE AND CRASHING ALOT). I WOULD EVENTUALLY LIKE TO TRY A FULL SUSPENSION TO PROTECT MY AGING BUTT, BUT I AM STILL VERY HAPPY WITH MY ZASKAR AND WILL PROBABLY NEVER SELL HER.IF YOU NEED A VERSATILE BIKE FOR EVERY OCCASSION THEN LOOK NO FURTHER THIS IS THE BIKE FOR YOU.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay T.
a Racer
from East Lansing, MI Date Reviewed: September 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Strengths:
bomb-proof frame, light, nimble on the trail
Weaknesses:
a little uncomfortable on long rides (but comfort isn't the point)
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Homegrown
Bike Setup:
Kore bar, stem and seatpost, XT/XTR components, mavic, Judy Race
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this bike is indestructable. It's been ridden in countless races and even more rough trails and it is still in good condotion (relatively). This bike has shifted like a gem from the moment I got it and handles like no other bike I've ridden.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Unknown
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: August 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Snow Summit
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Action Cyclery
Strengths:
Great Components and Strong Frame.
Weaknesses:
No rear suspension. (which is not the bikes fault)
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000, Cannondale F-700, GT-XCR-2000, and Cannondale Supr V-300
Bike Setup:
Shimano XT/XTR, Marzocchi Z.2 Atom Bomb, WTB SST Ti saddle, and Time Pedals.
Bottom Line:
This Bike is great for cross country.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
T Smith
a Racer
from Mc Lean Date Reviewed: August 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Breakdown Boulevard (whitetail)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Takes hits like cheech. Killer fork, frame fits like a glove, fast as lightning. Rode it in the 24hours of Snowshoe Race (2000) and didn't miss a beat. (Hail 'Taint Hard!)
Weaknesses:
could be lighter. had a bad experience with the seat-tube not being able to clamp tight enough to keep the seat in place. Brought it to the bike shop and they hacksawed metal off the frame. Upset, I called GT. They're sending me out a 2000 frame. Looking forward to the frame, but I can't stand the paint job. I'll miss my silver Zaskar.
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper, hoo koo e koo
Bike Setup:
straight out' the box
Bottom Line:
Zaskar's a meaty bike that won't let you down in a bind. You'll be riding for days before you blow anything out on this jimmy.
But take heed... this bike is a little on the heavy side. Ask your buddy who's toting a Rock Hopper to trade with you for a minute and you'll see...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Cornwall, England Date Reviewed: June 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Cornwalls finest !!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great frame geometry and build, LX components value for money, Light, GT backup.
Weaknesses:
Mavic 221's are weak - bent both in less than 200km. Under BB cables. No disc mount on frame.
Similar Products Used:
Raleigh, Kona, GT Arrowhead FS
Bike Setup:
Straight outa the box, but fitted rear brake booster and RS susp. seatpost
Bottom Line:
Great XC bike, climbs like a goat, but jeez is it hard on your butt after a long day! If you're an old gimmer like me, fit a suspesion post. Needs boosters too. Shame about the weak rims but I'll change 'em when they're finally trashed. '99 Zaskar's are cheap in UK now so snap 'em up quick. Still the best bike I've owned (so far).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Anaheim, CA Date Reviewed: March 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Strong, built well and GT supports their products.
Weaknesses:
Could be lighter but then it wouldn't be a GT
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale, Raleigh, Diamond Back
Bike Setup:
Full XT
Bottom Line:
I liked this bike so much I bought another one! I wanted a 16" frame for the local mountains. I have an 18" Zaskar, XT thumbshifters, XT drivetrain, Grafton cranks and brakes. White Industries Ti BB, Low mileage. No suspension. Selling it, all it needs is a shock. Anyone interested locally?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Hickory, NC Date Reviewed: January 28, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light weight Great for climbing stiff frame
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
GT LTS 1000 and the Mongoose Hilltopper
Bike Setup:
XT/LX
Bottom Line:
It took me about a year to save for this bike, and it was worth every penny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Jeffery
a Weekend Warrior
from Castro Valley, CA USA Date Reviewed: January 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Lake Chabot Loop
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great frame geometry. Quick handling, light and looks like the stealth fighter.
Weaknesses:
None found yet.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Kaitai
Bike Setup:
Judy Race forks that work great for a 200 lbs. fatboy like me. Disc brakes will stop you with one finger.
Bottom Line:
The bike mechanic at my local shop said this is what he is gonna get for his next bike. The 2000 Zaskar X was priced at about 2k and worth every dime. Downhills that scared this 45 year old fart on my Fisher were a piece of cake on the Zaskar. If I can get this bike to work, so can you. Go get one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Holland
a Racer
from somewhere Date Reviewed: January 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Kamicaze
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Bomb Proof Frame Good component selection for the price
Weaknesses:
The frame is heavy at 4.0 pounds
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F200sl Y2k
Bike Setup:
Factory settings
Bottom Line:
The bike handels like it is on rails. I just have one problem with G.T they have heavy frames. Give me a break everyone who said that it has a light frame. You know the reason why the frame is bombproof it is because of that extra pound people. A lot of other bicycle companys make lighter frames than these. These frames should be used for dual slalom were that extra strength come in handy not in cross country were every gram counts. If you want light frames look toward schwinn 2.9 pound and trek 3.0 pound frames.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Claude Sims
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte, NC Date Reviewed: December 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Catawba Riverfront
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light Frame Shimano XT/XTR Components
Weaknesses:
None if you own one!
Similar Products Used:
GT Agressor
Bike Setup:
Stock Setup Marzocchi Z.2 Atom Bomb Michelin Wild Gripper
Bottom Line:
This bike kicks butt!!! Great bike to ride and not to bad on the price if you get one on sale.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross-Country Rider
from C'town, IN Date Reviewed: November 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Waverly Park in Louisville, KY
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Unbreakable Frame Light
Weaknesses:
None yet
Bike Setup:
2000 XT, King Headset, Mavic Crosslinks,Time Atac Carbons,IRC Mythos XC,ICON Stem,Bontrager Crowbar, Odi Grips, Manitou SX R
Bottom Line:
At 25.5 lbs (20 inch) this bike kicks. I wrecked it pretty bad on some bmx jumps and bent my crowbar pretty good (no damage to the frame, just the crowbar had to be replaced). Unbelievable going uphills. Smooth on the downhills. This bike was definately worth $1500 it cost me to put together.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Army Dude
a Cross-Country Rider
from Tacoma, WA Date Reviewed: September 22, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Bombproof frame Marzochhi Z2s Shimano XT/XTR Drivetrain and Components Time ATAC Alium Pedals EVERYTHING!!!
Weaknesses:
Absolutely NONE!
Similar Products Used:
GT Agressor, Avalanche Trek 7000,8000 Specialized Stumpjumper Kona Muni-Mula
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Absolutely the best investment I ever made. I got a sweet deal on a 99 Zaskar with lifetime tune-ups for $1195. Up to now, I've never usesd clipless pedals. The Zaskar came with Time ATACs (Which are also awesome) with the result of me doing some really numerous and spectacular crashes. The Zaskar proved to be bombproof. In addition in climbs like mountain goat and the Z2s soak up anything I throw at it. Although the frame is a little stiff, it's a great performer on technicals and single track although. Bottom line I was looking for a bike that would handle my abuse and the Zaskar hasn't let me down. Pick one up now while they're clearing the inventory for the new 2000s. You won't regret it. Definitely 5 flaming turds!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore Date Reviewed: June 25, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
I need some help here . I'm interested in a Zaskar 96' frame . It is in 16' form , and I'm 1.77m , I wonder would it fit me . I cant test ride it , because it is only avail as a frame . Would some pple help me please , thanx .
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Powell
a Weekend Warrior
from Sheffield, England Date Reviewed: June 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Wharncliffe Craggs, Sheffield
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Excellent handbuilt hardtail frame with Pace MXCD front suspension - with a custom built groupset.
Weaknesses:
never going to bend it so will not be able to try something else (if that is a bad thing)
Similar Products Used:
Kona, Scott, KHS
Bike Setup:
Bottom Line:
An excellent package at a fairly reasonable price (£1300.00 in 1997) considering that it was a custom built bike. Handles extremely smoothly in the gnarly sections and fairly flies down the steep bits.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lee
a Cross-Country Rider
from london, england Date Reviewed: May 5, 1999
Favorite Trail:
new forest (dorset)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Similar Products Used:
owned other GT's Kona's
Bike Setup:
marzoochi z3's mavic + xt kore + hope
Bottom Line:
I own a 16 inch zaskar which for me is ideal for crosscountry, trials, dual slalom and downhill riding (ok, not professionally). I would not ride this bike for all types of riding if i had lots of money (in this case i'd certaintly have a few) but this bike is versatile and is very competent as well for different types of riding. Performance is good with a lightweight yet strong frame which always begs for more!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan The Great Dismukes
a Weekend Warrior
from LaVerne (a.k.a. Bored Town USA) California Date Reviewed: May 4, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
This bike looks like it could kick some serious @#%!!!! Although I didn't test it or ride it, I think I'll buy it for the heck of it. And so should you!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
#$%^$%^$%$%&%^
a Weekend Warrior
from SG Date Reviewed: April 25, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
First look at it and i fell in love with it!!! a second look at the price.....argh!!!!!i can't afford it!!!! aniway the Zaskar is nice!!if i have the money i would buy it!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TUPAC SHAKUR
a downhiller
from CALIFORNIA Date Reviewed: March 3, 1999
Bottom Line:
I HAVE A LOBO AS WELL AS A ZASKAR BUT I THINK THIS BIKE IS BETTER. THE FRAME KICKS ASS IT'S GOT TO BE THE BEST BIKE I HAVE EVER HAD AND IT BEATS MY LOBO WITH EASE.A MUST BUY A TRURLEY AMAZZING BIKE KEEP IT UP GT
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris maida
a downhiller
from missouri Date Reviewed: January 29, 1999
Bottom Line:
For thhe riding I do this fram kicks ass. Even though I have this bike set up for DH, slalm, Ido a lot of trials with it and it holds up fine. Even though I did snap the rear hanger doing a drop off one to many times. Its much of A DH bike, but its a kick slalm, trials bike. Its also hard to do trials riding with one chain ring, but the chain never comes off. AC chain guids kick ass!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a cross-country rider
from USA Date Reviewed: January 25, 1999
Bottom Line:
This bike kicks A^& with a Judy 100 and all the extras you need to buy this one! With Crossmax rims and Hayes disc brakes how can you go wrong. EVERYONE ONE NEEDS TO TRY THIS BIKE OUT FOR THEMSELVES!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
NOLAN
a cross-country rider
from SOUTH AFRICA Date Reviewed: January 6, 1999
Bottom Line:
THIS BIKE KICK'S ASS. IT HAS THE BEST FRAME GEOMETERY. THE ZASKAR LE FRAME IS NEEDED BY ALL WHO TAKE THERE RACING SERCISELY .IT'S ULTRA LIGHT, BOMBPROOF BIKE FOR ALL OCCASIONS.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonny Webb
a cross-country rider
from australia Date Reviewed: December 30, 1998
Bottom Line:
this bike is a sick hardtail, GT build the best frames aroung and this bike works like a charm, the chicks dig the red colour and the guys dig the perfect bike
Overall Rating:
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