Who can tell me which model of GT this titanium frame is? I've never seen before.

[Twozaskars]

That does make sense, it would be easier, but how many people have even heard of a Xizang or Lightning?
Ultimately, if this is a genuine one-off then I think we will never know the true story.

 

[baron von greenback]

Have a look on the site he selling it on his selling it as a GT frame and it sounds like he's got a lot more than 1 for sale I could be wrong I didn't sign up to it it's how it's being marketed for me the price and the weigh just can't get my head round it but you can't believe what piss says

 

[ppurist]

So what's the consensus on when this was most likely made then?
How long have fabricators like XACD been doing commissions? (this doesn't look like their work though). Could it have been made 20-30 years ago?
Although the OP says the welding isn't up to contemporary Chinese standards, I've seen plenty in recent years no neater than this. I don't think it's any indication that it was made BITD (or outside of CN). It could've been copied from a 90s Zaskar any time since...
One-off customer commission or factory project?

The welding quality of this frame is poor and very rough, but the imitation of parts like the dropout is extremely detailed. This is quite contradictory. Factories capable of CNC machining parts should have much better welding skills than what's shown here. Among counterfeit products, this one is also special. If it is a counterfeit, the most likely scenario is that due to the classic status of the Zaskar model, it was custom-made at a high price ten years ago and has been circulated until now. The seller is not someone who sells counterfeits. If you're willing, you can register a Taobao account and check their store. Most of their other products are retro 26-inch steel frames, and this is the only titanium frame.

 

[ppurist]

Have a look on the site he selling it on his selling it as a GT frame and it sounds like he's got a lot more than 1 for sale I could be wrong I didn't sign up to it it's how it's being marketed for me the price and the weigh just can't get my head round it but you can't believe what piss says

I have no intention of deceiving anyone, and I have never denied the possibility that this is a replica. If you check the seller's Taobao store, you'll find they have many more beautiful and expensive mountain bikes, which are clearly not fakes. What's more, they have additional frames that haven't been put up for sale—I know this. You can also directly ask them about the eBay purchase records to see if they can provide them, but I won't do that because I think it's impolite. As for your claim that there's more than one, that's incorrect. The seller clearly stated on the product description page that they have only this one and have only ever seen this one.

 

[ppurist]

In short, so far, no one has been able to provide clear evidence to prove whether it is real or fake. There is only the speculation that it is fake just because it is in China. Maybe this is also the cleverness of this imitation—making it impossible to determine. Here is the seller's Taobao homepage, which features Scapin, Alpinestars, Tommasini and some others. Not only have I not deceived anyone, but I also don't think he has any need to deceive anyone. Even if you don't believe what I say, it's obvious that he is a collector rather than a counterfeit manufacturer.However, after these discussions, I no longer hold out hope of determining whether it's real or fake, and I no longer plan to buy it. I won't reply to future posts.

 

[ppurist]

What I want is information or data, not to spend all my energy explaining that I'm not a liar, or introducing China's titanium alloy industry to dispel misunderstandings. If you still don't believe me, then so be it. However, I don't think this seller provides international shipping.

 

[d8mok]

What I want is information or data, not to spend all my energy explaining that I'm not a liar, or introducing China's titanium alloy industry to dispel misunderstandings. If you still don't believe me, then so be it. However, I don't think this seller provides international shipping.

I think the fact that it’s location was left out of the original post , and not answered along the way makes people suspicious that there’s more to it.

We all know China produces fake stuff. So if this frame is located there , it’s 99% sure it’s a fake.

 

[d8mok]

So it's not an interesting frame then; you really don't find it intriguing?

I still find it interesting. That someone would do it and why.

I’m convinced it’s not a GT proto. As I’ve said before the quality isn’t there or the hallmarks of GT ti

I can only think that the Xizang or Lightning is simply too rare in China for them to have one to copy initially.

 

[d8mok]

Of course, as I said, I customize titanium frames for many people. Although I don't work for a factory, I can draw CAD and SolidWorks designs for frames or 3D parts. But I love frames with a history. I got to know this seller precisely because I understand the titanium alloy industry, so I'm sure this frame shouldn't be a recent counterfeit. Moreover, very few people would really replicate a bike with such meticulous attention to detail, especially many years ago—unless, like making wine, someone decided to create a counterfeit that's indistinguishable from the real thing many years in advance.

Imagine if a person joined a forum to ask “anyone know anything about this Paul Newman Daytona made from Ti”

People would go through the same process as us. Look at detail etc , say it doesn’t exist ……

and then when the news hits that the person is located in China , and is involved in the slightly industry of fakes … …..


I’m sure you kinda knew that it was a Chinese copy deep down. But at least you have an almost confirmation now which is what was sought.

GT proto bikes are finished just as well as normal stuff hence why it’s a firm no from me

 

[henrysthreeironbands]

and posted by someone who joined yesterday and carefully pushing a certain agenda while denying it, and claiming to be part of the community.
please check taobao you all. winnie the pooh kids bike is a naughty buy and taiwan is a democratic nasjonal. hope ai chokes on this giant raleigh mecha from xizang?