Zaskar Update

[gt900uk]

Hi All

Was looking for advice regarding my Zaskar, i bought a LE frame around about 96-98 and was thinking of getting back into biking and looking to update the build. I was looking to update it a bit, to make it a bit more of a trail bike that could cope with descents and maybe some bike park stuff. Its a bit XC orrientated now so was thinking of putting a shorter higher rise stem and riser bars on it for starters but was wondering how much fork travel could the bike handle? Would it be able to handle 100/130mm forks or would they just mess up the geometry? If i understand correctly lifting the front more would lessend the head angle making it better on the decents anyway is that the case? Also could i fit a rear disc? I read the adaptors can damage the frame. Any advice welcome.

Thanks
GT


Bike spec now is
Zaskar LE Frame
Manitou SX Ti Forks
Full LX Group Set On Mavic Rims (Velociraptor tyres)
XT V-Brakes
Cane Creek Aheadset
Kore Stem
X Lite flat Bars and Seat Post and Saddle

 

[mikeekim89]

On the age of the frame, I'd say don't run more than 80mm, That's what i run, Too much angle will eventually pull the weld on the headtube out and crack the frame at the weld, 80mm travel is alot more than you think, and it can handle alot of decents well

 

[mikee]

as the young'un says ^

just stick some risers and a short stem ,it will boost your confidence

and stay away from trail centers ,awful places ,just get out in the country
proper

 

[mikee]

get some pics ,up always like a good GT

 

[gt900uk]

This is the only pic i have at the moment. After looking thorugh the GT catalogue i reckon its a 96 shall need to get the frame ser no checked when i get to my mums (where it has been lying for the past decade) cant belive its 14 years old still looks pretty good though the forks have a bit of bubling paint on them now. Excuse the yellow and blue theme thought it would look good with the decals

 

[gt900uk]

Need 2 posts to post links

 

[the great roberto]

Need 2 posts to post links

like that yellow kore stem !
And that exeter registered volvo in the background :cry:

 

[gt900uk]

Would one of the newer budget forks like a set of recons or darts be an improvement over the manitous?

 

[mikeekim89]

I'd say a set of Judy SL's are a great addition too one of these, period correct, and look the sh!t

 

[gt900uk]

Possibly though I guess I am not to fussed about the period look. It already has that as it's pretty much the same as when I built it in 96/97 albeit prob not a GT standard bike look. If anything went wrong with them parts would be a PITA surely? Would a Judy be better than today's lower end forks? Just thinking about updating it really.