GT Zaskar
How to ID a genuine Zaskar
Firstly, all 1991-1999 Zaskars have a Flat end cap, 6061 stamp and serial number in number format on the dropout only (not under the BB)
If the serial is elsewhere or contains letters its not a Zaskar.
Zaskars serial numbers contain the date of production 1096***** would denote a October 1996 frame. The last numbers are simply the frame number.
The 1992 Pantera has a flat end cap so resembles a 1991/2 Zaskar. But it does not have the 6061 stamp or serial with numbers only. If you have both frames to hand the differences are subtle but noticeable.
The 1997/98 Avalanche was available in 6061 and I’ve come across examples with a flat end cap. This could suggest that maybe GT ran out of Avalanche frames and simply used some 1997 Zaskar frames.
Additional Notes
Model year changes seem to occur anywhere from September to November ready for the following year.
BLEM stamped frames have factory faults.
Even though the above rules are what 99% of frames follow several inconsistent frames do exist.
GT Zaskar seat post sizes
• 91/92 are 26.8
• 93-95 are 26.8 – 27.0 with no relationship to build month/year
• 96-97 vary from 27.0 to 27.2 with no relationship to build month/year
• 98-99 are 27.2
GT Zaskar head set sizes
All Zaskar headset sizes are 1 1/8″
• Fixed mech hanger
• Double bolt replacement hanger
• Cantilever rather than U brake
• Early 93 frames had riveted on cable guides under the triple triangle moving to welded later
• Seat stay bridge has 3 slots
• Flat end cap is very slightly angled
• Welded cable guides are standard buta changed design to separate tabs on downtube
• Frame is butted
• Rear dropouts machined on the inner surface
• Single bolt hanger
• New frame design with fatter downtube, round seat tube and different seat stay/chain stay junction
• Seat stay bridge has 2 slots
• Flat end cap is now straight
• Apart from colours and decals standard Zaskar remains unchanged
• First time LE frame differs- CNC dropouts & seat stay bridge, butted headtube, integrated seat clamp
• Integrated seat clamp
• Externally Butted headtube
• Canti routing deleted
• Easton stamp on top tube
• LE is unchanged
• Normal Zaskar is unchanged apart from colours/decals
• LE has CNC chainstay bridge
Our thanks to Dom Kerry for the above guide. Dom is one of our Vintage GT group experts.