First Look | GT Zaskar Carbon Elite, Celebrating 25 Years

02.09.2015
by

US Firm GT may have gone through a bit of turmoil during it’s long history, from being one of the world’s biggest and best known bike manufacturers back in its heyday, to being rescued from the brink of bankruptcy by Mongoose many years later; now GT certainly seem to be back for good and making waves again in the MTB market with the release of lots of fantastic new models. One model synonymous for that distinctive GT seatstay/chainstay triangle now has a 25 year history, also being the only model of bike on the planet to boast world cup wins in XC, DH, Slalom and Trials. So to celebrate these achievements GT have launched several new versions of this iconic model, this the Zaskar Carbon Elite being one of them.

This model features GT's Forced Optimised Carbon Fibre, with the 2.75" wheels and progressive geometry bringing the Zaskar into the modern age.
This model features GT’s Forced Optimised Carbon Fibre, with the 2.75″ wheels and progressive geometry bringing the Zaskar into the modern age.
Trails can be ridden at pace with the Rockshox Rekon Gold 100mm forks with Pop-Loc remote bar-mounted lever.
Trails can be ridden at pace with the Rockshox Rekon Gold 100mm forks with Pop-Loc remote bar-mounted lever.
Braking is taken care of by Shimano's Deore 180mm front 160mm rear, the rear calliper being post mounted with bolts screwing into push through clamps, a nice touch!
Braking is taken care of by Shimano’s Deore 180mm front 160mm rear, the rear calliper being post mounted with bolts screwing into push through clamps, a nice touch!
Wheels are that of WTB ST rims laced to All Terra hubs. A 15 x 100 Maxle keeping things stiff up front.
Wheels are that of WTB ST rims laced to All Terra hubs. A 15 x 100 Maxle keeping things stiff up front.
Shifting and drivetrain is handled by 10 speed SLX shifters, rear mech and 2-by front mech.
Shifting and drivetrain is handled by 10 speed SLX shifters, rear mech and 2-by front mech.
Up front, the cockpit comprises of Kore XCD 710mm bars and Kore stem.
Up front, the cockpit comprises of Kore XCD 710mm bars and Kore stem.
We love the external hose and outer cable routers seen across the range of GT Bikes, simple and very affective!
We love the external hose and outer cable routers seen across the range of GT Bikes, simple and very affective!
That distinctive Zaskar back end, yet given a refreshing new 2015 makeover.
That distinctive Zaskar back end, yet given a refreshing new 2015 makeover.
The term iconic can't be used for many models of bikes any more, but the Zaskar sports the term well!
The term iconic can’t be used for many models of bikes any more, but the Zaskar sports the term well!

Sizes: XS, S, M, L and XL

Colours: Neon red or black.

Price: €1999.00 (£1699.00)

For more information visit: www.gtbicycles.com

Words and photos: Jim Buchanan

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