GT Zaskar -- how to tell the different models? And sizing?

[DaveC]

Is there a code in the serial or other way to differentiate between a Zaskar,
a Zaskar LE, a Zaskar Expert, etc. (leaving out the carbon$). Or is it only a
decal thing?

With a non-traditional (ie, slanting) top tube, what is considered medium,
large, etc. I've heard that an 18 inch seat tube (measured from c. BB to c.
TT) is large. True?

Thanks.

[DaveC]

Another Q:

Are the Zaskars front-suspension bikes? I've read many reviews (mostly at
mtbr) but most of these owners say they've modded them, so it's hard to know
what was on them when they were new.

Did/does the Zaskar come with front suspension?

Visited the GT Bikes web site but they're pretty slim on history of early
models.

Is there a web site of photos of GT Z's?

Thanks.

[RonSonic]

On Sun, 9 Aug 2009 21:23:16 -0700, DaveC <inv...@invalid.net> wrote:

>Is there a code in the serial or other way to differentiate between a Zaskar,
>a Zaskar LE, a Zaskar Expert, etc. (leaving out the carbon$). Or is it only a
>decal thing?

A lot of different bikes over a lot of years. Are you asking about current
production? Those I'll admit to knowing nothing about. The classic Zaskar I can
say a few things about but for specific model info check bikepedia and such.
What made it a Zaskar was the frame the variations in component level and and
fork give you the different sub-models.

There are a lot of bogus Zaskars for sale on ebay and Craig's List, mostly just
Zaskar decals on another GT frame. The real ones were steel, then 6061 aluminum,
not the 7000 series alloy of most GTs. The end of the top tube that extends
beyond the seat tube is cut off flat, not curved.

>With a non-traditional (ie, slanting) top tube, what is considered medium,
>large, etc. I've heard that an 18 inch seat tube (measured from c. BB to c.
>TT) is large. True?

I'd consider that a medium, Large is more like 20". The more important dimension
is effective top tube length, 24" is large 22 medium.

--

Oh damn. There's that annoying blog. Again. http://dumbbikeblog.blogspot.com

[RonSonic]

As far as I know they were all front suspension bikes. I couldn't say there
wasn't a rigid version back in the steel frame days.

So why the interest? Is there a bike you're looking at buying?

The Zaskar is a bit of a legend you'll probably find info searching places like
MTBR.com in the retro forum.

[DaveC]

On Sun, 9 Aug 2009 23:14:46 -0700, RonSonic wrote
(in article <rldv75hajjiioglhc...@4ax.com>):

> I'd consider that a medium, Large is more like 20". The more important
> dimension is effective top tube length, 24" is large 22 medium.

Thanks. That's helpful.

I looked at the GT site (shows current models) but sizing (ie, what would fit
me) was ... well, difficult to determine.

Yes, this is a used bike being offered. I'd heard of bogus GTZ's and now I
can identify them (thanks for the tip about the TT cap).

Thanks again.