Info wanted: GT Pantera VS Zaskar

[sto...@ncr.disa.mil]

Anyone out there have a GT Pantera?? I'm contemplating buying one, but I'm wondering what some of the differences are
between the Pantera and the Zaskar.

Any advice/info appreciated!!

Thanks,

Jim Stoll
sto...@ncr.disa.mil

ps, please e-mail, if possible, as my news connectivity is sketchy at times.

[James Carroll]

I had a Pantera, I've since upgraded to an RTS and soon LTS.
The Pantera is made out of 7000 series alluminum (probably
7005) and is made overseas (probably Taiwan) The frame is
double-butted and the 96 bike will have the double-oval
downtube and be available in the polished frame. The Zaskar is
made in the US out of 6061 T-6 alluminum and is also double
butted. The frame should be a little lighter than the Pantera
and it also gets the double-oval downtube. The differences
between the frames really isn't much. Some people would claim
that the Zaskar is stronger or that the 6061 alluminum rides
better, but you probably wouldn't notice the difference. The
components are obviously better on the Zaskar, so I won't
bother with that.
I was very happy with my Pantera, my only complaint was that
the paint wasn't very durable, and I wished that it had been
available with the ball-burnished finish. As far as ride and
performance go, it was great, it was also super durable
considering that I weigh 185lbs and tended to beat the hell out
of it. The only reason I got rid of it was because I went full
suspension. I highly recommend the Pantera, it handles great
and will last forever.

--
James Carroll | Live to ride,
jjc...@electro.bpainc.com | Ride to live.

[Jeff Meunier]

The only difference I am aware of frame-wise is the aluminum used. The Zaskar
is 6061-T6, where the Pantera is 7004 (?, forgot what the common 7k series
tubing is). The difference (correct me if I'm wrong here metallurgy experts) is
that the 6061 undergoes an additional heat treating step for additional strength.
I also believe that the Zaskar is the only frame that goes through GT's "Ball
Burnishing" process, which also supposedly strengthens the frame (not quite sure
I buy this one, though). Otherwise, the geometry of the two frames is identical.

Spec parts is another story. A stock Pantera will come with LX or XT, and the Zaskar
comes with XT (vanilla) or XTR (LE).

I have the Zaskar. Since I weigh 200+ pounds, I needed something bulletproof.
If you are a heavier rider, ride agressively, and have the money for it, get
the Zaskar. IF you are a lighter rider or ride less aggressively, and are
looking for something a little less pricey, go with the Pantera. Either way you
will get a great frame (IMHO).

-- Jeff

[sto...@ncr.disa.mil]

Jeff,

Thanks again for the info. I didn't know anything about aluminum before I read your post, most helpful!

I went with the Zaskar. I'm a lightweight (130 lbs), but I'm pretty rough on frames & forks. As I'm building this up as a trials
bike, I'd like all the beefiness I can get.

Thanks for the help/info,

Jim

....................................

> The only difference I am aware of frame-wise is the aluminum used. The Zaskar
> is 6061-T6, where the Pantera is 7004 (?, forgot what the common 7k series
> tubing is). The difference (correct me if I'm wrong here metallurgy experts) is
> that the 6061 undergoes an additional heat treating step for additional strength.
> I also believe that the Zaskar is the only frame that goes through GT's "Ball
> Burnishing" process, which also supposedly strengthens the frame (not quite sure
> I buy this one, though). Otherwise, the geometry of the two frames is identical.

> If you are a heavier rider, ride agressively, and have the money for it, get

[James Carroll]

All Zaskars are 6061 and made in the US. All Avalanche's are
7000 series and made overseas. They both have the same
geometry and the outward differneces in the frames are only
minor cosmetic ones. The Zaskar top tube has a flat end while
the Avalanche's is rounded.

[Kenneth Hwang]

Jeff Meunier wrote:

> The only difference I am aware of frame-wise is the aluminum
used. The Zaskar
> is 6061-T6, where the Pantera is 7004

I always thought the Avalanche was the 7005 version of the
Zaskar (same geometry)...

As for the Zaskar, one of my friends told me that the non-LE
version was 7005, but every bike shop rep I talked to said the
only difference was component group...any info on that?

-Kenneth