Zaskar LE - '93 Edition - Build thread

SFP

Retro Guru
Back in 1993 while working at Western Cycle in Edmonton AB, I put down a deposit and was working on making payments on a late 1992 build GT Zaskar 18" frame.

As will happen, life got in the way, and I had to cash out my funds for the frame for "adult stuff". Honestly I can't remember even what it was, but I always regretted letting it slip through my hands.

Over the years I kept an eye for one of the 91-94 frames but they never came up in my size.

16", sure.... 21" no problem.... 20" for days.... but never a 18" locally and online sales were always more than I could afford.

Today that all changed.

I went over to look at a buddy's whom he told me was 20" and wanted help with selling it. Told him before I got there if it's an 18" and we can work a price I'll take it myself.

Well 32 years later I finally purchased one that is mine all mine.

She is rough. She needs work. She needs decals. But she is the real deal in a size 18" frame - Serial: 08930061

No cracks, almost zero chain suck marks and no dents.

Yes the chain is fubar and so is the rear derailleur. It did come with a used XT Long cage to replace the broken one. Forks are fubar. Tires and grips are shot.

Rear wheel may be salvageable, front I would say no (but the rim is good). Has the OG GT seatpost. Would like to find a black OG GT seat collar.

A cold forged Oryx stem.... XT cranks and front derailleur. XT above-bar thumb shifters (happy dance). Onza bar-ends. Funn brake levers (need some new hardware). XT rear hub laced to a Wobler rim, and Shimano V-Brakes. Seat, no idea. BB will probably need a rebuild/replace. Headset looks and feels good, so just regrease.

This will be an over the winter build.

Currently thinking of powder-coating the frame "nuclear yellow" which was the factory BMX race team colour, and not something one sees everywhere.

Forks... no idea, but either period correct Rock Shox, Manitous or Zokes.

Gotta say I feel like a kid on Christmas morning right now. :)
 

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Spent the whole night thinking the bike....

Part of me this morning is of the mindset to rob my Hammer Race for parts to build it up so I can get riding time on it.

Still seriously considering the yellow power coating for the frame (attached images for example). My concerns are - I'll need to face the BB and headtube (not that big huge deal, moreso can I locate a local shop with the tools required). Will the serial number and frame size stamping be lost due to the thickness of said power coating? Will I need to ream the seat tube to clean it up? Anyone have exeperince with powercoating a AL frame and wanna chim in?

Forks - Thinking Rock Shox - I should be able to locate some Mag 21's and I can do a rebuild on them.
 

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Awesome, the wait makes everything more meaningful. So glad you’ve found it!

Always concerned with heat treated alu and the heat involved in the baking process of powder coating. Interested to see what other people think?

Looking forward to this build.
 
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Awesome, the wait makes everything more meaningful. So glad you’ve found it!

Always concerned with heat treated alu and the heat involved in the baking process of powder coating. Interested to see what other people think?

Looking forward to this build.

Exactly eh. Paint may be the best solution. Like yourself, will gladly listen to the experts on this one.

Worst case if it stays as is, it's not the worst thing in the world. Decal sets seem to be pretty easy to get so next month will order a set (or two).
 
Powdercoat is baked at 180c which is hot but has no consequences to the welds.
Why not bead blast it, looks amazing on Ti but also on aluminum.
Mostly because I'd like something different.... and I have always liked the 80's BMX team Yellow colours.

But we shall see. Suspect it is going to go through a few different builds before I finalize. Hell have already decided I think Judy SLs instead of Mag21s.
 
Thinking for forks a pair of these....

Rockshox Judys
 

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Judy Sl's are from the mid late 90's, 96 and up?
So you're going for a mishmash of gear (which is fine) or try for period correct.
 
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