| |
Submitted by
glenn spearing
a Cross Country Rider
from Loughton Essex England
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Epping Forest | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Magic, London | | Strengths: | Durability, strength,good looks, climbs superb and proper xc geometry. | | Weaknesses: | A bit on the stiff side, but its ally and a built to last race bike, what d'ya expect? | | Similar Products Used: | Been thrashing round on this thing since 94!! yes thats 14 years. So memories of other bikes are so hazy they're not worth mentioning. Mind you, friends full sussers feel awful. | | Bike Setup: | All sorts over the years, but currently a mix of xt, xtr, mavic, easton and 'zocchi forks (the old frames only like 80mm travel) running it as singlespeed at mo' | | Bottom Line: | Had this bike or should i say frame for so long it feels like a memmber of the family (1994). Mega tough ( I weigh 105kg) still rides a treat, can still hold its head high on singletrack against modern tackle. A true classic. Superb. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Firth
a Cross Country Rider
from Holmfirth, England
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Holme Valley, Yorkshire | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay.uk | | Strengths: | I bought my 1993 (that's right! USA built) Zaskar LE second hand only a few months ago and I am blown away by how well it climbs. It is so agile and my riding has definitely improved as a result of having this bike. It descends beautifully too, with razor sharp handling as long as you don't mind the kick in the pants the really super stiff ally frame can give you on really rocky stuff. Looks cool too in the original anodized purple (which sounds odd, until you see it). | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found one yet. For a second hand 14 year old frame it is immaculate. No creaks or cracks or bends anywhere. Bomb proof! | | Similar Products Used: | My original 1997 GT Timberline. Triple triangles rule!
Also my wife's Marin Bear Valley SE (has to be said another US classic) | | Bike Setup: | Race Face Evolve XC cranks, XT groupset with Sram chain, Mavic XM117 rims with disc hubs, Shimano XT discs front and back (needs an adaptor on the rear but works just fine), Rock Shox SID Race fork, carbon fibre riser bar, Easton EA50 stem, Cane Creek headset, Shimano DX636 clipless pedals, Panaracer Fire XC Pro tyres. | | Bottom Line: | I've wanted a Zaskar ever since I got my first GT 10 years ago and boy it was worth the wait. Contemplated a full susser but absolutely no need now, the Zaskar LE can do it all, and in most cases better! The best £500GBP I ever spent. If you want a strong but lightweight XC bike that'll outclimb anything and still stay in front going downhill too you must consider a Zaskar, (especially when the new US built ones arrive.) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Racer
from Little Hill, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | B-17 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | do much craigslisting | | Strengths: | Light, stiff, aggro geometry...unique | | Weaknesses: | old as hell so......no disc mounts, company went belly-up besides that, nothing! | | Similar Products Used: | '06 stumpy HT, '06 Yeti ARC, '97 Bonty Ti-Lite | | Bike Setup: | (1996) GT zaskar, skareb, full exx.tee.arr | | Bottom Line: | if you can get your hands on a pre-2000 frame (pre-pacific bike co.)...DO IT!! The geometry has yet to be matched by a modern hardtail for the weight (i'm feathering the scales at 24lbs flat) I race, too, and the bike will outclimb all the carbon epics, full suspensions, and all the pricier hardtails...gem of a frame!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
josh emmons
a Cross Country Rider
from castlerock co.USA
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Any thing that goes bump | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | $1999 | | Strengths: | It is a great climber, ultra stiff, super light. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Thompson stem & seatpost, dean ti handlebar, sram chain & deraller. Race face cranks. | | Bottom Line: | It climbs so well that it feels like there are rockets on it, I love this bike so much. I REALLY love it. Its worth paying for it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a
from Denver, co
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Strengths: | Super light, super fast, unbelievably responsive. Upgrading to this made me feel like I left the stone age. | | Weaknesses: | No disc mounts, squeak where the aluminum frame mets steel. | | Bike Setup: | XTR everything, Rockshox Sid fork, Mavic rims, tubeless Hutchinson tires. | | Bottom Line: | If you're moving up a notch from weekend warrior to suicidal, let's lose as much skin as possible riding, this is the bike. Light as a feather for climbing yet unbelievably strong. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamison
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anywhere in the steel city... | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Dirty Harry's-Verona PA | | Strengths: | Perfect geometry for singletrack. Stiff build, long and lean, scary FAST and light but bombproof. Climbs like a mountain goat and takes technical singletrack/downhills like a dream(for a hardtail). Great classic frame to combine with current components. Beautiful bare aluminum frame with tough handmade welds. Looks MEAN. All your friends will want one! | | Weaknesses: | Dangerously fast. Creates jealousy in other riders. Can blind others from shiny bare aluminum relections flashing past in midday sun. Wish it had a rear disc mount. | | Similar Products Used: | Dean Colonel (SS).
| | Bike Setup: | Original bare aluminum frame, Duke XC fork, Magura Hydralic Brakes, Suntour XC Expert Thumb shift (thats right), Sun rims w/ Ringle hubs, all else Shimano XT & XTR. NO DECALS of course. | | Bottom Line: | Had this Zaskar LE since 95 and upgraded countless times over the years. Held up to all abuse, wrecks and trail types. Great frame for hardtail XC racing. Has beautiful handbuild welds all bare aluminum frame and gets LOTS of compliments. Get one while their still around. If you want a longer, aluminum frame get one of these. You wont be dissapointed. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamison
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anywhere in the steel city... | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Dirty Harry's-Verona PA | | Strengths: | Perfect geometry for singletrack. Stiff build, long and lean, scary FAST and light but bombproof. Climbs like a mountain goat and takes technical singletrack/downhills like a dream(for a hardtail). Great classic frame to combine with current components. Beautiful bare aluminum frame with tough handmade welds. Looks MEAN. All your friends will want one! | | Weaknesses: | Dangerously fast. Creates jealousy in other riders. Can blind others from shiny bare aluminum relections flashing past in midday sun. Wish it had a rear disc mount. | | Similar Products Used: | Dean Colonel (SS).
| | Bike Setup: | Original bare aluminum frame, Duke XC fork, Magura Hydralic Brakes, Suntour XC Expert Thumb shift (thats right), Sun rims w/ Ringle hubs, all else Shimano XT & XTR. NO DECALS of course. | | Bottom Line: | Had this Zaskar LE since 95 and upgraded countless times over the years. Held up to all abuse, wrecks and trail types. Great frame for hardtail XC racing. Has beautiful handbuild welds all bare aluminum frame and gets LOTS of compliments. Get one while their still around. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Racer
from Marin, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Serpentine, Tamarancho | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | craigslist(frame) ebay(comps) | | Strengths: | STIFF! weighs in under 24 lbs, climbs like a beast, and descends right where you tell it to, thanks to the mellower steerer tube. Triple triangle really does held keep the back tire glued in the sketchy climbs. | | Weaknesses: | goofy design with the rear brake bosses...and no disc mounts. In a later life I would run it with a 100/120....the skareb 80 is realllll fast, but doesn't quite eat the big stuff w/ such a stiff frame. | | Similar Products Used: | OLLLD GT timberline CroMo, Spec. Hardrock, RMB element 30, SC Blur 4x...nothing compares though. | | Bike Setup: | FULL XTR, Manitou Skareb 80, Michelin Hot S (can't recommend these tires!) XT crankset w/20ttgranny....not like you need it, the bike is quite the featherweight. | | Bottom Line: | Beats every other bike i've raced. holds pace with the duallys on the sketchy descents, and will climb forever. Snappy in the turns...but stay away from the Hot S's....they suck major. Anyone who dreams of the feel of a CroMo, but the climbability of a Ti r Carbon....here is the (somewhat aged) best of both worlds. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Bradbury
a Cross Country Rider
from Morton, PA USA
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Springfield | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | I bought this off of eBay--the bike was virtually unridden even though it's a 19" 1997 model. So, it's like riding it new. It's superlight--well under 25 pounds, and has great geometry. The geometry makes it really stiff and responsive, and the lightness gets it over all sorts of logs and obstacles no problem. The paint job (frost red) looks great, and the welds are thick on oversized tubing--it feels very strong. I'm on a budget, and want top-of-the-line without having to pay for it. I'll ride this hardtail forever! For what I paid, its components are unbeatable. Triple Triangle frame design is very good--I like it more than I thought I would. | | Weaknesses: | Original Judy XC Fork is now outdated--but it's strong and that's what matters most to me. I get chain suck once in a while. | | Similar Products Used: | 1992 Diamondback Ascent (now vintage) | | Bike Setup: | XT levers, brakes, and shifters, XT crank, chain, deraillers, 8-gear cassette. Kore Stem on Ahead headset, Azonic bar. Actually has nice visual appeal. I added barends, which seems right for the bike. Also, an Odyssey brake booster on the rear. Clipless pedals. Mavic 217 SUP rims on GT original hubs. I like the look of the hubs. I cut and wrapped an innertube around the right chainstay before I ever even rode it, but I imagine I get chain slap. Maxxis Hard Drive Tires off Ebay--work great, keep me right on track. | | Bottom Line: | If you want an AWESOME hardtail and don't want to shell out too much, look for one of these. You can buy it for cheap and it's a great ride! My wife says it looks great, and I agree.
I will upgrade the fork someday, but not until it breaks, which doesn't feel like it's gonna be anytime soon.
With a bike this old, you probably won't find one in such pristine shape, so pay attention to the components and how old they are--as long as your frame's welds hold, the components are gonna matter a whole lot more to you than the frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
marty mcbates
a Weekend Warrior
from manchester, england
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | a bike shop | | Strengths: | It is a legend. Strong, light, stiff... and a schoolboy dream bike! | | Weaknesses: | err... the geometry is a bit lame- looking... WHY did I buy an 18"??? Very long... would go for a 17" Kona hardtail now for looks alone. Still, I own the bike I used to dream of owning... | | Similar Products Used: | Cheapo Kona | | Bike Setup: | Old Marzocchi Bomber Z3s, mostly XT/ LX (I built it from frame up... | | Bottom Line: | Wouldnt buy one now, but a legend and a classic. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Austin Buehler
a Racer
from Newcastle WY
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Centenial trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr.com | | Strengths: | This is the greatest bike I have ever ridden, purchased, or raced it is way stiff and it climbs like nothing and decends like a rock. It's a little stiff but I love that about it and if you have it set up right it acually plays in your favor.
| | Weaknesses: | there is a new and better one coming out every year that I can't afford | | Similar Products Used: | many that I really don't think even come close to comparing to it | | Bike Setup: | SID XC, full XT, cane creek thudbuster, mavic 517 on a XTR hub on rear and a sun ryno lite on a XT disk hub up front | | Bottom Line: | Have not yet to this day found a better bike and can't see it happening anytime soon. I've had mine for about 4 and a half years adn wouldn't ever go back.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ian
a Cross Country Rider
from greenville, sc
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | issaqueena, clemson, sc | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$375.00 | | Purchased At: | cambria bike | | Strengths: | stiff, stiff, stiff. | | Weaknesses: | stiff, stiff, stiff. not the quickest handler...a little long. | | Similar Products Used: | numerous frames (i've worked at a couple of shops) | | Bike Setup: | xt/xtr, marzocchi z3 light, cane creek WAM wheelset, chris king headset, time ATAC's | | Bottom Line: | she's been my baby for 4 years now and she's never done me wrong...a great frame. as i've gotten out of the racing scene, i've realized that the stiffness may not be my favorite thing, but it is very stiff. that can be good or bad, depending on what you want to get out of it. cheers. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sam aguirre
a Racer
from pasdaena
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | san juan and chatworth | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | wheel world | | Strengths: | this bike likes to play many roles jumping wheeling climbing worls very well for freeriding or hard xc use i love my gt's had to tell my girl its for her but it aint hahah just an excuse so i can have 2 | | Weaknesses: | people hating you cause they cant keep up and there bike doesnt look as tough also so good oyu want to buy 2 like i did one for xc and the other for freeriding | | Similar Products Used: | stumpjumper m2 stumpjumper m4 gt i drive 1500xcr bianci superbee | | Bike Setup: | rock shox pyslo sl with xt everything and xtr brakes gt hubs with mavic 618's michelin hot s tires are great | | Bottom Line: | 99 frame ball burnished size 14.5 ive broke whel,andlebars shocks seatpost but never heard a sqeek out of the frame this frame is the shhhh.ive bought a white one the same size for my girlfriend.the kids on my block have big dirt jumbs and i hit them like no thing i call my bike stiffy(ehehe).i onlt weight 135 pds but i still break alot of things.other bikes i have are the stumjumper m2 which i boiught a year after the gt and cracked it in 2 places so i got the m4 its okay but no gt i gotten pissed and threw my bike down stairs bike still like new i love my gt's | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wozzy g
a Cross Country Rider
from scotland
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | kennoway den | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | read all of the above this frame rules it feels like it will climb anything and very easy to handle tech stuff | | Weaknesses: | none beside the bottom pull cable get a lot on them beside that noting | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale delta v 700 barracoda full sup waste of money | | Bike Setup: | xt xtr set yp judy sl and rock shox post and other trick bits | | Bottom Line: | get the usa made ones keep away from japan models very good welds and good feel frame | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Harold
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Strengths: | With the proper upgrades, this 1994 frame is absolutely Bomb Proof! | | Weaknesses: | None detected. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested numerous comparable hardtails but found no match to this beast. | | Bike Setup: | 1994 frame with XTR/XT componentry. | | Bottom Line: | Since buying it used from a friend that decided to "upgrade" to a Clark Kent (a move since horribly regretted), I've logged countless miles on this bike from the Rocky's to Moab's Poison Spider and it has never let me down! With regular maintenance the Zaskar will provide years of fun and loyal service! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Bertolino
a Cross Country Rider
from Meredith,New Hampshire,(U.S.A.)
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bear Brook | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Private sale | | Strengths: | the weight of the bike is unmatched and the ablity at which this bike takes accents and decsent is unmatched as well | | Weaknesses: | haven't really found any yet. | | Similar Products Used: | is there any other? | | Bike Setup: | some up grades rocshock sid xc front shock, titainum spokes with carbon fiber rims and mosscettoe tires by hutchinson | | Bottom Line: | All i can say is WOW what a bike, i have ridden this puppy pretty hard and the bike keeps giving and giving. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Melissa
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA USA
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Strengths: | Keeps going and going... | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Tried lots, bought none... | | Bike Setup: | 22.5 lbs of aluminum, titanium and assorted materials -Mostly XTR, a couple XT components, V-brakes, Kore, Titec, Rapid fire, Syncros, Mavic | | Bottom Line: | It's a '95 frame that I bought in the Fall of '96. Since then I've upgraded or swapped lots of components. Today it weighs about 22.5 lbs. Several of my friends have swapped their hardtails for full suspension bikes in the past couple years. I just don't see the need. My Zaskar just keeps going and going...
I'm not small either (at 200 lbs)... I'm not buying the "only for smaller riders" comment from a previous reviewer.
I ride a little of everything.. street and beach bike paths to moderately technical offroad. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eugene Lou
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston,TX, USA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ho Chi Minh | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Houston, TX | | Strengths: | I have had my Zaskar since 1994. I have beaten the sh*t out of it for years and it still polishes back up like new. I had a head-on collision with my friend - each diving into a ravine from opposite ends at full speed - his whole head-tube was ripped off (Stumpjumper M2 frame), broke his jaw, tore open my cheek and cracked my nose, bent my fork - but the Zaskar otherwise was unscathed!! I have been hit by cars, knocked unconscious for 2 hours, yet the bike lives on as new! I ride 3-5 days a week off-road and will probably never get rid of this bike. It doesn't matter how harsh the ride is or how much pounding it delivers, this is the bike I will ride until it breaks, and then I will just get another Zaskar. As tough as it is, it still weighs at just sub-24 lbs. | | Weaknesses: | Indestructible | | Similar Products Used: | many | | Bike Setup: | XT/XTR/crossland wheels/syncros stem and post | | Bottom Line: | Best thing I have ever bought - any category, save my Laborador Retriever. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Timothy(Poor Wheelies) Armatrading
a Downhiller
from Ethnic Rawdon
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | My street with the asian kids | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1210.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bric a Bric Store | | Strengths: | The 32lb frame is the strongest i've ever seen. | | Weaknesses: | £720 a bit steep for something that rides like a bedstead.Pink downhill bars are effeminate, ladies saddle too small for my butt, spongy brakes, too many gears(bring back Sturmey Archer).Complicated gear shift system, forks leak oil constantly. Had a ladies option GT Talula previously which was a much better bike at 10% of the cost - somebody please swap me for another Talula | | Similar Products Used: | SCOTT COMP RACING - TRIED, LOVED IT, COULDN,T AFFORD IT AFTER WASTING MONEY ON MY ZASKAR. | | Bike Setup: | STOCK LADIES OPTION ZASKAR | | Bottom Line: | 'THE BOTTOM LINE'. THAT'S EXACTLY WHERE THIS BIKE SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE OVERALL BIKE RANKING SYSTEM.SAVE YOUR MONEY FOR THE SCOTT COMP RACING.
OVERALL RATING 5 CHILLI PEPPERS FOR TEACHING YOU REGULAR BIKE MAINTENANCE, 1 SLICE OF CUCUMBER FOR IT'S ABILITY TO TRANSFORM YOU INTO THE STEVE PEAT OF TOMORROW. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg D
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, Va
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | GW Forrest | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Great clibing bike, STIFF, light front end. FAST | | Weaknesses: | Poor wheel design. Cheap headset needed to be replaced. The frame cracked around top tube and seat post. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Pulse Comp, StumpJumper, Cannondale 700-900 | | Bike Setup: | XT, Judy SL, Bontranger rise handlebars, Rock Shox seat post | | Bottom Line: | I wanted to add to my sevral month back. I just found a crack in my frame near the seat post and top tube meet. There was another bike in the shop with a crack in the identical spot.
GT covered the frame, no problem. I upgraded to the XCR 1000. My days of walking around with a stiff back are over. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephan
a Cross Country Rider
from Germany
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | The Zaskar is very strong and durable yet light. It climbs very well and descends just as good. It is very stylish, too. The Zaskar is definitely worth the money. I believe you won't find a better hardtail out there. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Corractec Grizzly,Cannondale hardtail w/ headshok,Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | stock 98 setup: XT w/ XTR reard., Kore parts, Mavic 517 rims, TIOGA tyres | | Bottom Line: | If you want to buy a hardtail, this one is for you. Never ridden anything better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Veit
a Cross Country Rider
from Rockaway, NJ
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | Galens @ Jim Thorpe | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Excellent package, less then $2000 for a light weight, very durable frame and XT/XTR setup. No serious weaknesses. | | Weaknesses: | Standover height. Be careful in sizing a GT. I'm 6 ft. and had to go to a 16" frame to get the clearance I wanted. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Karakoram, GT Avalanche | | Bike Setup: | Full Xt/XTR, Easton Monkey Lite bar, Easton Carbon post, Michelin Wildgripper Comp. S tires, Mavic 517 Rims, Judy SL being upgraded to a SID SL (2000). | | Bottom Line: | Price was not an object when I purchased this bike in '98. With everything there was to choose, the Zaskar stood out as the best priced package. It goes where I point it and has allowed me to upgrade to some lighter components (i.e. Easton Monkey bar and carbon seatpost, 2000 SID, etc.) Total bike weight for my 16" '98 Zaskar is around 22.5 lbs. This is great considering that I can ride as hard as I want, race occassionally, do some downhill, etc. on a strong, light hardtail. Almost no maintenance problems other then a worn out XT front del. and a bent rim on a downhill crash. I weight over 200 lbs and ride a couple times a week on fairly technical trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Peterson
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: | tsali | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Durability. I've been on this frame since 1992 with no failures. | | Weaknesses: | Have not found any, don't think I will. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback, Canondale. | | Bike Setup: | '92 frame, kore stem, panaracer fire xc tires, easton bar, profile bar ends | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this bike rocks! Like I said, I've been on this frame since 1992 and aside from the expected maintanance, and some choice upgrades,(only when the part to be upgraded wore out) I have not had a single problem. I ride Tsali twice a year, and locally 4-6 days a week. Clean it after a dirty ride, keep it tuned up, and this bike Has gone this distance, and then some. Well worth the $400 yes I said $400 that I picked this 3 month old ride up for in 1992, totaly legit with the reciept from the original sale and all. His loss, my gain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Joyce
a Weekend Warrior
from Yeovil
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Very light and a great hardnut frame for my type of jumping. Good size for jumping (14.5 inch). Colour scheme (ball burnished). IT ROCKS | | Weaknesses: |
NONE | | Similar Products Used: |
Gt Talera, Gt tequesta, Diamond Back Classic, Cannondale m500 | | Bike Setup: |
Judy 100 forks, single ring (42 tooth), magura tomacs, sun mammoth rims, hope fatso front hub, lx rear hub, world force bar, world force copy stem, FSA Pig headset, Tioga 2.1 Factory DH | | Bottom Line: | The dogs Bollox. EVERY ONE SHOULD HAVE ONE !! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Powell
a Cross-Country Rider
from Warwick (UK)
Date Reviewed: November 23, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Cotswolds | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Well, the frame speaks for its self, light, strong and peachy to look at. It doesn't get any better than this. | | Weaknesses: |
The wheel build quality on my 97 was abismal. But after a couple of re-builds i had no problems. | | Bike Setup: |
Full XT, Z2 lites, IRC Methos tyres, Mavic 517s on XT hubs and an assortment Kore and X-lite finishing bits. | | Bottom Line: | Well, if i could I'd probably marry this bike. Its never let me down, and no matter how much i use and abuse it it still begs to be ridden and ridden hard. Even after a seasons racing (and crashing) its still in one peace. The frame is one of the toughest, even after a high speed argument with a tree which resulted in the bending of a pait of Judy XCs the frame still emerged unscathed. If you havent got one get one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg D
a Cross-Country Rider
from Richmond Va
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
GW Forrest | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Stiff, Great climbing bike, | | Weaknesses: |
1998 Poor design on wheel set. | | Similar Products Used: |
Stumpjumper, Klein Pulse Comp | | Bike Setup: |
Judy SL, Mostly XT w/XTR rear derailer. | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike, the frame is light and a great climber. I got a great deal on a 98 closeout $1,200 and feel like I got a great value. I have 2 real beefs. I needed to replace my headset after 90 days (GT covered it) and the wheel design SUCKS. In 9 months I had to get my wheels trued 6 times. I finally decided to get the wheel rebuilt. I have talked to several other 98 Zaskar owners and they have had the same problem. Two upgrades that I have made that I would recommend to all Zaskar owners include rise handlebars and a suspension seatpost.I've had 5 chili's worth of fun on this ride, but I am real dissapointed in some of the very basic design flaws. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fatlarry
a Cross-Country Rider
from Springfield Mo
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Berryman Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Responsive frame that is absolutely unbreakable. I weigh 225 lbs and ride very hard and do lots of jumps and bunnyhops and it never fails. | | Weaknesses: |
Factory bar-ends sucked. | | Similar Products Used: |
Zaskar LE and Ricochet | | Bike Setup: |
Judy SL, XT CRANK, XTR BRAKES, HUBS, DERAILLERS, AND MAVIC 521 WHEELS WITH IRC MYTHOS TIRES. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike that will take all you can give it. (98 model) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Slickrock (still awesome!) | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Strength - you never question if your frame will fail. Steers great in singletrack. | | Weaknesses: |
Bone jarring, butt bashing ride that is typical of aluminum frames. Heavy frame. | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Backwoods, GT Avalanche LE | | Bike Setup: |
Judy XC with Speed Springs, World Force Risers, Mavic Crosslands | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike only if you're heavy or trash the bike a lot, because for xc, its going to be overkill for light weight guys. The Zaskar LE is a different animal, light, strong, but still a bone jarring ride. A suspension seatpost would be a nice addition. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scoop
a Weekend Warrior
from Pomona
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Marshall Canyon | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Nice ball-burnished finish, you can shine it to a brilliant luster. This is a superstong frame. My fell off a roof rack on the freeway at 65 mph, and the frame was not damaged (the saddle and barends were gone, though). Great climber, and good on S-track. | | Weaknesses: |
Unforgiving on the stutter bumps. Your behind is talking to you on long rides. You feel every little pebble. | | Similar Products Used: |
Diamond Back Apex | | Bike Setup: |
Judy XC, XT drivetrain, wheels, and brakes. | | Bottom Line: | If you like aluminum, this is a good bike. I rode the hell out of it for 4 years, and the frame is still in good shape. I love that ball-burnished finish. Mine was 27 pounds, a little on the hefty side. Don't buy a bike any heavier that that, or you'll regret it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gip Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Buffalo,NY
Date Reviewed: August 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
This thing is just unbelievable ... I've got the 95 model ... total XT ... it's definitely the best bike I've ever been on ... eats hills for breakfast and loves the down side ... total control with the Manitou Mach 5 up front ... to all you whiners out there ... you can just eat my dirt! | | Weaknesses: |
No kick stand ... HA! | | Bottom Line: | I just checked out a 99 today ... real fine ride but I'm just as happy with the one I've got | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Ball
a Cross-Country Rider
from Shrewsbury (UK)
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Strength!
lightweight | | Weaknesses: |
havnt found any | | Similar Products Used: |
most other alloy hardtails | | Bike Setup: |
Completely custom stuff,
mostly british parts, like USE, HOPE, Middleburn
also XT XTR, Judy XC, VERY light, (20lbs with Judy XC's) | | Bottom Line: | This bike was a 95' frame (LE) but built up with the best of british. the frame rules. the 95 frame was renowned for toughness, after that the design at the headtube changed, and i havnt ridden a newer model. Still there isnt a mass made bike around that doesnt fail on the odd occasion, and people love to gripe about failiures. So i enjoy telling people that mine wont break after years of abuse. Ive been in hospital with head injuries (yes i had a helmet on too) and ridden off 15 ledges, broken all kinds of bits, and the frame stayed true. Simply awesome, no wonder Hans Rey rides one, never seen anything so light AND so strong. If it breaks, you either got a duff one, or you crashed WAY BIG, id love to see someone break one! | | Overall Rating: |
|
$ 2165.00
