GT noveltiesZaskar Carbon

Stefan Frey

 · 30.06.2015

GT novelties: Zaskar CarbonPhoto: Georg Grieshaber
GT novelties: Zaskar Carbon
GT is relaunching the legendary Zaskar for its 25th anniversary. From 2016, the long-running favourite will be available with a newly developed carbon frame and 27.5-inch wheels.

25 years the GT Zaskar already on the hump. This means it is only one year younger than BIKE magazine and has already experienced and survived a lot during its career. It is the only bike to have won world championship titles in downhill, cross country and trials. This should be clear from the outset: The Zaskar can hardly be pigeonholed. And this is also likely to be the case with the latest evolutionary stage.

  Beautifully designed transition from the top tube to the seat stays.Photo: Georg Grieshaber Beautifully designed transition from the top tube to the seat stays.

When you think of the GT Zaskar, the characteristic triple triangle design is usually the first thing that comes to mind. This has of course been retained for the new model. A Zaskar without the three triangles in the frame would probably not be a real Zaskar. As with its predecessor, GT has also opted for carbon fibre for the new frame. It weighs 1200 grams and is therefore not really the ultimate in lightness. But that wasn't the aim, explains Marketing Manager Philipp Martin. Rather, the focus is on durability and all-round capabilities. The Zaskar wants to be a do-it-all bike and, in addition to racing, also shine in everyday use.

The top model of the Zaskar rolls onto the trails with Rock Shox Reba and Shimano XTR/XT components.
Photo: GT Bicycles

New GT Zaskar only in 27.5 inches

Geometry, equipment and wheel size. GT has worked on every corner. The new Zaskar 2016 will roll through the terrain exclusively on 27.5-inch wheels, no longer on 29-inch wheels as before. The top tube and wheelbase have been stretched slightly, while shorter stems have been fitted to give the bike a playful character. All Zaskar models will in future be equipped with double cranks and Rock Shox Reba or Revelation forks with 100 millimetres of suspension travel and will be available at prices between 2000 and around 4000 euros.

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  Maxle thru-axle on the rear triangle and direct mount for the brakes integrated in the rear triangle.Photo: Georg Grieshaber Maxle thru-axle on the rear triangle and direct mount for the brakes integrated in the rear triangle.

Trail hardtail GT Zaskar Limited

The GT Zaskar Limited is an exception. This was designed for a somewhat tougher pace and should score points on technical terrain in particular. A Rock Shox Pike reduced to 120 millimetres is fitted at the front. A dropper seat post increases control on descents. Thru axles at the front and rear are not only available on the Limited, but on all Zaskar models. Externally routed cables are no longer necessarily state of the art. However, those who do their own servicing at home will be pleased with the much easier handling during maintenance.

  Telescopic seatpost, 120 mm fork and chain guide: the limited version of the GT Zaskar was designed for tougher trail use.Photo: GT Bicycles,Hersteller Telescopic seatpost, 120 mm fork and chain guide: the limited version of the GT Zaskar was designed for tougher trail use.

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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