GT Zaskar, for some people brings back memories of a go anywhere, do anything bike. Elastermer forks, anodized purple extras and brakes of questionable ability. An all terrain bike.
The newest version of Zaskar is still has the well built frame, I whipped off all the parts to check it out. The frame is not an ultra light carbon either. There seems to be plenty of carbon thickness and alloy inserts in the right places.
With parts fitted I have put the bike through its paces, XC races, enduro, marathon and trail riding. First it was my body copping a flogging as I slowly adapted to riding a hard-tail. But I challenged myself and the bike to challenging conditions, riding up to six hours straight over varied terrain. On smooth trails and under heavy acceleration the frame feels stiff, responsive and light. When it turns rough, the flex is not felt through the frame but the components fitted.
Sure the components have changed, air sprung forks, light alloy parts and hydraulic disc brakes. The Carbon Pro came with reliable XT just about everything. For me the GT Zaskar fits squarely in the all terrain box, like old times.
Been dragged to go shopping at Rouse Hill? Well take your favorite set of fat rubber with you next time and tell the partner to take as long as they want. 'Couse there are trails just five minutes from the red/green light parking based shopping village. I check some of the trails out recently and was presently surprised with the amount of single-track available to ride on. Many of these trails can be linked by the cycleway that rings the suburb. Rouse Hill single-track, hours of fun without the retail stigma.
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