Newbie looking for advice on GT Zaskars

[Nick911]

Hi, recently joined and really interested in GT Zaskars. Afraid I’m a roadie at heart (I know, sorry about that!) have built plenty of old and new bikes and can’t get away from the retro look of the Zaskar when polished up I think they look superb. I’m thinking I want a later one not the very first and not disc brakes, just after some pointers, pit falls, faults to look out for, any advice would be appreciated.
Also I’m 5’11” what size frame should I be looking for?

Thanks guys

 

[ishaw]

Re:

The main thing to watch out for is people passing off other GT models as a zaskar. The main identifying features are the serial numbers stamped on the drop out, and in a format that starts with a year/month, then the production number I.e. 12981234 would give December 1998 and the production number of 1234.

Size is also stamped on the opposite drop out.

Flat end cap for most, though I believe (and could be wrong) some later ones had a curved top tube end cap for a brief period.

Made in usa and 6061 aluminium.

Size wise, it depends on you really, but being 5, 11 myself, if I were buying one I'd aim for an 18 inch version.

What to look out for? They are tough frames but aside from the usual cracks, dents etc you'd look for on any frame, check that the bb threads are ok, and the mech hanger is ok.

I'm sure other zaskar aficionados will chip in, but that's what I'd be looking out for.

 

[konacarl]

I've got a 1996 Zaskar 18inch. I'm 6ft tall so 18 should be the one to go for. Its my best riding bike, will climb anything and is virtually indestructible.
Get one, you won'y be disappointed.

 

[@dalbyinthe90s]

Re:

Hi, I agree with what the others have said - 18inch should be your size. I'm also 5'11" and my 1996 zaskar was an 18.

The gt catalogues are in the archive section so you could take a real close look at them because gt did make some minor detail changes to the zaskar over the years. That should help you identify what you're looking at until you can check by frame number.

Solvol autosol is probably the best metal polish to restore the shine on a non anodized zaskar, but if the decals are in nice condition then be very careful not to polish them with this kind of stuff, especially the edges, or their colour will be gone!

Good luck

 

[Nick911]

Re:

Hey really appreciate all your advice so far, thank you

 

[d8mok]

Re:

I’m a bit of a Zaskar lover. Had probably 20 now and always looking for another.

As above , just make sure it’s actually a Zaskar.

Ones without damage of some sort are rare. As these were used for what they were intended and are such good bikes.

I’m 5.11 and have a 16 which fits kind of , but 18 is better. However 18’s don’t look as cool.

I’m still looking for a mint purple one after many years. BB ones are easy to come by though

 

[Nick911]

Apologies if this isn’t allowed, wondered what those of you in the know thought of this frame?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GT-ZASKAR-18 ... 4346644798

Cheers

 

[d8mok]

Re:

For context last 4 Zaskars I’ve sold have been around £125 and in much better condition.

 

[Nick911]

Re:

Thanks d8mok

Can any of you tell me the difference between the Zaskar model and the Avalanche? Seen some really nice looking Avalanches really cheap in comparison yet they look pretty much identical!!

 

[d8mok]

Re:

Yeh there is a few differences , but main one is that Zaskars are cool and the avalanche will always wish it was a Zaskar