96 Zaskar - at last!

Hi all,

I was asked earlier this year by the Mrs what I would like for my 40th, my reply of a Zaskar frame didn’t go down too well considering at the time I had half a dozen bikes in the garage.
Anyway, after explaining that I always wanted one when younger but could never afford one, it just seemed an ideal time to scratch the itch.
So in May this year I received the frame which just brought so many memories flooding back from my early years, I was ecstatic!

Unfortunately I had other “projects” that I was in the middle of and I was still trying to source parts while ensuring it was a “self financing” build, which, so far other than the frame itself, it is. I don’t know how long that will last for though to be honest!

So, this is the frame. Overall good condition and polished quite well. It’s a 96, the decals are rough which I’m not bothered about as I’m changing them for new ones.

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I had a un71 bottom bracket in great condition which is buttery smooth and the right size. Also an FSA orbit headset. The saddle was sourced off another GT as was the seatpost - the post will be changed at some point.

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Also as part of this “self financing” the wheels are mavic 317 rims on xt 737 hubs that have come up really well.
Really lucked out coming across a few pairs of nos megabites and finally get to put them on a build.
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Now, I’m at a stage of the build which I understand will be controversial. I have some Rockshox Recon forks that are in good shape and are real plush. I have wound them up to the lowest setting of 85mm travel to keep them similar to other forks of late 90’s. I know that the axle to crown measurement will be longer than normal but I quite like the look.
I am in a dilemma though and want opinions, do I stick with these or go with a set of mag 21’s which are in great shape?
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Opinions please….even if they are harsh!

thanks!
 
So, many months later some progress has been made, hoping to get this finished this month ready for Easter and get out and ride it.

Changed the recons for some mint Mozo pros.
Xtr v brakes have gone on and new pads fitted.

Cabling is done although I’m probably going to end up changing the shifters for xt ones if I can get some at the right price.

Next on the list is to polish up the white industries crank and get the new decals on.
 

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Great stuff love it, I'm on with a 98 at the moment. just ordered decals from gil, got some xt brifters getting delivered within the hour, and the posty dropped off a lovely condition xt chainset this morning, happy days. similar to you, I always wanted one way back when, the wife let me buy this frame for valentines day as she got me nowt and felt guilty🤣🤣 20220309_184731.webp
 
Great stuff love it, I'm on with a 98 at the moment. just ordered decals from gil, got some xt brifters getting delivered within the hour, and the posty dropped off a lovely condition xt chainset this morning, happy days. similar to you, I always wanted one way back when, the wife let me buy this frame for valentines day as she got me nowt and felt guilty🤣🤣View attachment 610418
Nice! Definitely something about the Zaskars which is special.
I contemplated bombers myself. I’m off into the garage now to get polishing the crank ready to go on.
I get as much if not more enjoyment from sourcing parts and the build as much as I do riding them.
Look forward to seeing your progress!
 
Managed to get a couple of hours this afternoon to polish the crank. It’s come up really nice, chuffed with it to be honest. Not too much effort either, couple of runs over with the dremel and some autosol after a good clean. I know I could keep going to get the water marks removed and deeper scratches but it’s good enough for me.

Couple of pics of how it stands right now.

Next in the list is to remove what’s left of the decals and get the new set on. Hopefully next weekend!
 

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