Nice buy. That frame has been a GT mainstay for years, but it has been sold with many names and various groupsets. Great frame! And yes, it is easy to upgrade if you want.
The GT Zaskar mountain bike got its name from the Zaskar mountain range in the Zanskar region of the Indian Himalayas. The Zanskar range is known for its rugged, challenging terrain, and GT Bikes wanted to capture that spirit of adventure and resilience with a bike that could handle tough trails and mountainous landscapes. Launched in the early 1990s, the Zaskar became one of GT's most iconic models due to its durability, versatility, and competitive performance.
By upgrade the fork, I know you mean throw a rigid on there! GT has really stepped up its game ever since leaving the big box stores (and they were ok even then for budget bikes).
I bought myself a GT Avalanche Comp for like 550 dollars here in Romania, 2023 model, same geometry as the zaskar i believe. upgraded the fork to a Rockshox Recon for 180 dollars which I converter to 120mm travel, added a Crankbrothers Highline 3 dropper for like 80 dollars, and i made the bike better then many models offered by specialized or giant at the 1000+ dollars budget. I don't mind the QR at all, there is much more power in the clamping system with QR then with the Thru Axle which is threaded.
It's nice, but for just a little more, you can get a Kona Mahuna, which is now retailing for $849, and it's a much better bike (2022 Hardtail of the Year, by MBR). Shimano Deore 1x11, Rockshox Judy (air)....just no dropper post included. (edited to correct the drive as 1x11 on the Mahuna)
Well for ~50$ dollars less you get a dropper, boost spacing, a “better” coil fork and “better” brakes. The GT is a lot more capable for sure. Good pro of the Kona is the Shimano drivetrain, those are bulletproof. Other than that I think most would say this GT is “better”
I love my 2023 Mahuna, but I got it when they were half off making it a no brainer. I’ve upgraded the fork and front wheel and added a dropper. Some of that cost was offset by selling the stock Judy and front wheel.
Thanks for the awesome review. It saved me a huge headache. I bought this bike from Mike's Bikes last night. I saw your video this morning. For me, the coil fork and quick release is a deal breaker. I missed that information while reading the description. After watching your review, I called Mike's Bikes immediately. They canceled the order and refunded my money. They have great customer service. Thanks man. 💪
@donevy9784 I saw the next video where Matty admits to being wrong about the axle, but it's too late. I canceled the order at Mike's Bikes. The coil fork is enough reason for me to pass over the bike. But, it's a huge mistake. Maybe Matty doesn't know anything about bikes?
I ordered this through mikes bikes last week, same size and color. I got it because of the spec sheets said hydraulic brakes, 1x drivetrain (I chewed through so many front derailleurs and bent BB axles in the late 90’s, 2000’s) and thru axles… dropper post is nice feature and handy when I make a coffee shop pistol. Disappointed with the plastic SX derailleurs (destroyed shimano Alivio derailleurs in the 90’s), but I’ll use it as long as I can… I’m too old to do any tricks, just want to get some single tracks and swap in slicks for those 50-100 mile fun rides. Also as a kid, Hans Rey was the man! He was everywhere, trials, stunt work on TV shows… his bike is the Zaskar and it’s been in my bucket list to own.
Where I live in Canada the lowest price for that bike $1439 cad, i bought my Roscoe 7 for $1600 cad. But it does look like a nice ride. I've always liked the GT brand
You got a great deal! I got mine for $1200 in dark blue. As for the coil fork, I like it. At 150lbs I swapped for a lighter spring at it is much better. Stock spring* was too stiff.
Yeah, Zaskars have been around since the 90s. They are at the higher end of GT's offerings. Good frames and specs on those over the years and I think pros used to race with them
As for a budget mtb, I have a Silverback slide sport. Listed at €799. It’s an incredible bike for the price and to my knowledge isn’t that popular of a brand. Tubeless ready tires, 100mm air fork, hydraulic disc breaks, 1x8 drivetrain, quick release front and rear, internal cable routing, dropper post ready (but not included) and several more high end features. I love mine and use it as much as I physically can where I am. After approaching a year it has handled really well and I’d definitely recommend them!
That really is a smoking deal! I bought a 2014 X-Cal new and it was about the same price. I still have it and ride it occasionally (heavily upgraded). The X-Cal rips with stock components back then, but this GT has much better spec. What a great addition to the quiver or an upgrade from XC.
Looks like a solid value for a new bike nowadays, but for me buying well maintained used is still my go to. Just got a carbon air9 with fox suspension, Chris king hubs, XT brakes and carbon bars for $850. Some awesome deals are out there if one looks
The XL is good for people with long legs as the Stack is 652mm. Not many bikes are that high. Plenty of 60mm rise bars available. Some 90mm if you need it (Koof/Lunje)
Cheaper bike are the way to go. I bought a Giodarno intrepid 1x10 drive, tektro hydro brakes, tapered headtube, 2.4 tires, 120mm fork, and 760 wide bars. I’ve put over 300 hard trail miles on it with zero maintenance and it’s still running like the first day I bought it. 410 out the door with tax and shipping best 400 I’ve ever spent in my life
$800 is perfect for this bike. Drivetrain is all SX but those are consumables and once they wear out, upgrade! Rock shox 35 is a decent fork. 130mm is great for a hardtail. 29x2.3 is small for me but I know many like it. I prefer 2.6.
I had a 92 zaskar. Baby blue anodized aluminum. Full xtr. Put 25,000 miles on it. Had a matching baby blue CHRIS KING headset. Ah-Mazing machine back then.
A good coil fork is better than a air fork, that low end coil fork can be adjusted for shure you have the rebound very fast if you feel bouncing go to a lower rebound in the fork, and maybe the fork have a spring rate adjuster, droop some air from the tires and is gona feel better
It always surprises me how often businesses overlook the importance of being nice to their customers. It shouldn't be a surprise when you go into a store and they're chill with you! I hear some comments about some of the parts being "junk" on this bike...we get so easily jaded about things like this. Yep, there are better components out there that can cost more than this whole bike. In the end, it's a capable bike that anyone could take out and ride. It's not a competition grade bike, it's just a good riding bike for the average rider at a price point that makes sense for the average person.
Bikesdirect is not for everyone but some killer deals can be had there. Curious your thoughts on it, though your sponsors might preclude you from pursuing such a video.
I like your video but you mentioned it’s a qr rear, but according to the Mike’s bikes website and GTs website it is a boost rear axle it just has the quick release. I think the way you talk about it people will think it’s a 135qr rear which is an outdated standard when it is in fact a 148 boost rear which is the modern standard.
i picked up this bike getting into MTBing for 100$ CAD( 720 USD) after taxes 2 years ago. was on sale for 1400 and i had a wellness benefit from work which shaved off another 600 bucks. it looks like they changed the looks a bit compared to mine. im 6'5 and got the XL frame and its been fantastic for me. Also last time i talked to GT they said i can do up to 140mm for an aftermarket fork.
I'm going to take a look at this I just bought a 2024 rock hopper sport it's a specialized about 3 months ago however I'm not too happy with the bike so I'm looking at buying a different bike and selling that bike I'm in the Memphis Tennessee area and was looking secondhand but there's garbage around here I may check this bike out
This GT is far superior to the Mongoose from DSG you reviewed a while back. The frame alone is much better quality, because it's a higher tensile strength, even though GT and Mongoose are owned by the same parent company.
I bought a cannondale Habit 1 HT for $1230 out the door. I had an polygon extrada 7 on back order for weeks for about the same price. Im pretty happy with the cannondale but wonder if the bike is actually worth the $1230 I paid
So we had mountain bikes, but then we had Downhill, and then XC, but then we had Trail, and Enduro, and Slopeduro, and, Funduro, and Downmountain and (retch) Gravel, and.....well, you get the picture: We have a lot of group names for bike styles. What you have found there is a Hillcrosser. It can take you around your neighborhood, across town, and up a hill. Hell, maybe even down a hill! Take it from someone who rocked their budget hardtail to senseless levels before going full squish, it's not a mountain bike.
You're not going to tell us this was a mistake in a couple years? As so happened with the Marlin? At 242lbs, I really enjoy my Gen6 with upgraded fork, tires, grips,seat, and pedals. For my type of riding it's great. Next investment will be an e bike.
Hehe! I was just about to comment about how the SX doesn't have a derailleur clutch, which is disappointing. But it's an easy upgrade to throw on an NX or GX and get that clutch.
@@joppek77 my old Roscoe has SX and I’ve been waiting for it to kick the bucket but the damn things have been actually pretty solid. I did replace the chain as it was ready. If you asked me when I got it, I would have said, I’ll break the SX soon and upgrade. Welp, it’s been a few years now and the SX is still kicking. I can’t shit on this drive train anymore. I do rotate bikes so that also saves on the wear and tear. TBH
@@dennisfloyd8514 My 2020 Roscoe 7 SX drivetrain became bad quickly - skipping cogs at either end of the cassette (depending on which way you biased the tuning) and the crank nearly fell off while on a remote bike tour. Back-pedaling would result in the chain derailing at the cassette. I've replaced the derailleur and shifter with 12 speed Deore - so much better. Hopefully I'll get some more wear out of the cranks and chainring before they're removed for Shimano. Leaving only the NX cassette and chain - which are ok.
Nice buy. That frame has been a GT mainstay for years, but it has been sold with many names and various groupsets. Great frame! And yes, it is easy to upgrade if you want.
The GT Zaskar is a legendary bike and has been around forever
Good find. Just Purchased from Mike’s Bikes an hour ago for my daughter. Thanks for your review.
Did you order online or in store ?
The GT Zaskar mountain bike got its name from the Zaskar mountain range in the Zanskar region of the Indian Himalayas. The Zanskar range is known for its rugged, challenging terrain, and GT Bikes wanted to capture that spirit of adventure and resilience with a bike that could handle tough trails and mountainous landscapes. Launched in the early 1990s, the Zaskar became one of GT's most iconic models due to its durability, versatility, and competitive performance.
Hans Rey rode his GT Zaskar LE to world fame for years. It was the reason my first mtn bike was a GT Tequesta back in '91.
Currently Got a GT RTS3, Avalanche Comp and just ordered a sensor comp.
Also had a Zaskar, LTS and first mountain bike was a steel GT.
Big GT fan. :-)
This guy makes it look easy. One thing i want to add, that would be nothing. This man knows exactly what he's talking about.
Incredible deal-love the forest green.
By upgrade the fork, I know you mean throw a rigid on there! GT has really stepped up its game ever since leaving the big box stores (and they were ok even then for budget bikes).
i have a 1994 GT catalog with the Zaskar in it....still have my 1st GT from 1994
A friend just got one of these in the UK. The tyres are not tubeless ready and the rear is thru axle but with a qr handle
I bought myself a GT Avalanche Comp for like 550 dollars here in Romania, 2023 model, same geometry as the zaskar i believe. upgraded the fork to a Rockshox Recon for 180 dollars which I converter to 120mm travel, added a Crankbrothers Highline 3 dropper for like 80 dollars, and i made the bike better then many models offered by specialized or giant at the 1000+ dollars budget. I don't mind the QR at all, there is much more power in the clamping system with QR then with the Thru Axle which is threaded.
The Zaskar does not have a quick release rear. It’s a boost 148 through axle.
Here it says 15x110 QR not sure what that’s about. mikesbikes.com/products/gt-zaskar-lt-elite
It's nice, but for just a little more, you can get a Kona Mahuna, which is now retailing for $849, and it's a much better bike (2022 Hardtail of the Year, by MBR).
Shimano Deore 1x11, Rockshox Judy (air)....just no dropper post included.
(edited to correct the drive as 1x11 on the Mahuna)
Better is subjective, they both have their tradeoffs
Well for ~50$ dollars less you get a dropper, boost spacing, a “better” coil fork and “better” brakes. The GT is a lot more capable for sure. Good pro of the Kona is the Shimano drivetrain, those are bulletproof. Other than that I think most would say this GT is “better”
Man it’s okay if people buy other brands and other bikes
@@josuemedina58 $848 is MSRP, meaning you can get it for less.
I got my Mahuna for $899 when MSRP was $1200.
I love my 2023 Mahuna, but I got it when they were half off making it a no brainer. I’ve upgraded the fork and front wheel and added a dropper. Some of that cost was offset by selling the stock Judy and front wheel.
I upgraded my wheelset to DTswiss. My fork to a rockshox yari 140mm. Derailleur to GX. and handlebars
Zaskar at this price is a steal. Great find Matty! 😎 GT Zaskar has boost thru rear axle. 💡 It's GT Avalanche that has 141 QR at the rear.
I jumped on the Mikes bikes site right away. You’ve got a great bike shop nearby. Cheers to that
Thanks for the awesome review. It saved me a huge headache. I bought this bike from Mike's Bikes last night. I saw your video this morning. For me, the coil fork and quick release is a deal breaker. I missed that information while reading the description. After watching your review, I called Mike's Bikes immediately. They canceled the order and refunded my money. They have great customer service. Thanks man. 💪
It’s a thru axle rear
@donevy9784 I saw the next video where Matty admits to being wrong about the axle, but it's too late. I canceled the order at Mike's Bikes. The coil fork is enough reason for me to pass over the bike. But, it's a huge mistake. Maybe Matty doesn't know anything about bikes?
@@ArizonaJake He should know what trash SX Eagle is.
@danielcobb8886 I don't know that either. ✌️
I ordered this through mikes bikes last week, same size and color. I got it because of the spec sheets said hydraulic brakes, 1x drivetrain (I chewed through so many front derailleurs and bent BB axles in the late 90’s, 2000’s) and thru axles… dropper post is nice feature and handy when I make a coffee shop pistol. Disappointed with the plastic SX derailleurs (destroyed shimano Alivio derailleurs in the 90’s), but I’ll use it as long as I can… I’m too old to do any tricks, just want to get some single tracks and swap in slicks for those 50-100 mile fun rides.
Also as a kid, Hans Rey was the man! He was everywhere, trials, stunt work on TV shows… his bike is the Zaskar and it’s been in my bucket list to own.
Raced on GT’s back in the 90’s, loved them!
Where I live in Canada the lowest price for that bike $1439 cad, i bought my Roscoe 7 for $1600 cad. But it does look like a nice ride. I've always liked the GT brand
According to Mike's Bikes website that bike has 148 thru axle on rear.
You got a great deal! I got mine for $1200 in dark blue.
As for the coil fork, I like it. At 150lbs I swapped for a lighter spring at it is much better. Stock spring* was too stiff.
Definitely one of the sickest looking hard tail frames on the mainstream market!
Yeah, Zaskars have been around since the 90s. They are at the higher end of GT's offerings. Good frames and specs on those over the years and I think pros used to race with them
Just bought it, can't wait.
Nice! As I get older I no longer want to spend more than $1200 on a new bike. Most of the bikes in the price range are totally capable.
Right there with you. It’s all I need and want.
Totally agree.
As for a budget mtb, I have a Silverback slide sport. Listed at €799. It’s an incredible bike for the price and to my knowledge isn’t that popular of a brand.
Tubeless ready tires, 100mm air fork, hydraulic disc breaks, 1x8 drivetrain, quick release front and rear, internal cable routing, dropper post ready (but not included) and several more high end features.
I love mine and use it as much as I physically can where I am. After approaching a year it has handled really well and I’d definitely recommend them!
That really is a smoking deal! I bought a 2014 X-Cal new and it was about the same price. I still have it and ride it occasionally (heavily upgraded). The X-Cal rips with stock components back then, but this GT has much better spec. What a great addition to the quiver or an upgrade from XC.
Nice review. Nowadays, you can get a quality hardtail with rocshox air fork and dropper post for around $1000
The GT stays that blend into the top tube should make a pretty compliant ride. Like to build one up.
that is an air fork....!!!!!!!!!!! come on Matty
sadly it's a coil version of the rs 35.
Good luck, Australia mtb prices are still through the roof.
No matter the brand
Looks like a solid value for a new bike nowadays, but for me buying well maintained used is still my go to. Just got a carbon air9 with fox suspension, Chris king hubs, XT brakes and carbon bars for $850. Some awesome deals are out there if one looks
I just checked it out it's got a 148 boost through axle with a quick release handle on the rear but they're both through axles
I got this bike a couple months ago at mikes bikes and I couldn't be happier for 799$
You could stick a rigid carbon fork in their it make it allot lighter.
The XL is good for people with long legs as the Stack is 652mm. Not many bikes are that high. Plenty of 60mm rise bars available. Some 90mm if you need it (Koof/Lunje)
it is a air fork great bike overall nice colour as well
Mikes Bikes also carries a GT full suspension called the Sensor Sport for like 1200. Another great deal.
Bought a Sensor Comp in 2019, have replaced everything except the headset, and I still love riding the bike......
I saw that! Forget to mention it the video, maybe I’ll do a video on that one next. Really great deal
A flat front tire when all we do is wheelies. That was good Matty
Cheaper bike are the way to go. I bought a Giodarno intrepid 1x10 drive, tektro hydro brakes, tapered headtube, 2.4 tires, 120mm fork, and 760 wide bars. I’ve put over 300 hard trail miles on it with zero maintenance and it’s still running like the first day I bought it. 410 out the door with tax and shipping best 400 I’ve ever spent in my life
One up! I remember when I wanted to be able to make it to the end of the block.. Then around the block…
$800 is perfect for this bike. Drivetrain is all SX but those are consumables and once they wear out, upgrade! Rock shox 35 is a decent fork. 130mm is great for a hardtail. 29x2.3 is small for me but I know many like it. I prefer 2.6.
GT are underated bikes no doubt!
The best value for money bike I know is the Carver Strict 170, but its only in the european market as far as I know
I had a 92 zaskar. Baby blue anodized aluminum. Full xtr. Put 25,000 miles on it. Had a matching baby blue CHRIS KING headset. Ah-Mazing machine back then.
GT has them for $1170 on their website. That price is a steal. $800 is an absolute gift. 😮
Ballin on a budget 🎉
I bought Eastern mtb 27.5 for 450 it's 9 speed ,internal cable routing and Hydralic disc brakes
A good coil fork is better than a air fork, that low end coil fork can be adjusted for shure you have the rebound very fast if you feel bouncing go to a lower rebound in the fork, and maybe the fork have a spring rate adjuster, droop some air from the tires and is gona feel better
It always surprises me how often businesses overlook the importance of being nice to their customers. It shouldn't be a surprise when you go into a store and they're chill with you! I hear some comments about some of the parts being "junk" on this bike...we get so easily jaded about things like this. Yep, there are better components out there that can cost more than this whole bike. In the end, it's a capable bike that anyone could take out and ride. It's not a competition grade bike, it's just a good riding bike for the average rider at a price point that makes sense for the average person.
Just got me 26 kink bmx bike wheelies in the way.
Bikesdirect is not for everyone but some killer deals can be had there. Curious your thoughts on it, though your sponsors might preclude you from pursuing such a video.
I like your video but you mentioned it’s a qr rear, but according to the Mike’s bikes website and GTs website it is a boost rear axle it just has the quick release. I think the way you talk about it people will think it’s a 135qr rear which is an outdated standard when it is in fact a 148 boost rear which is the modern standard.
Nice color though!
You did good, cheapest I can find online is around $1150...
That bike is Trek Roscoe pricing in Canada
The geo on the Marib Bobcat Trail is (a little) better, but the spec on that Zaskar is just crazy.
What do you prefer? The GT Zaskar or the Mongoose Switchback that you reviewed a few months ago? Thanks.
Nothing wrong with coil forks, just needs to have the right spring for your weight.
i picked up this bike getting into MTBing for 100$ CAD( 720 USD) after taxes 2 years ago. was on sale for 1400 and i had a wellness benefit from work which shaved off another 600 bucks. it looks like they changed the looks a bit compared to mine. im 6'5 and got the XL frame and its been fantastic for me. Also last time i talked to GT they said i can do up to 140mm for an aftermarket fork.
Great deal man! Not sure what it costs in Canada.
Looks cool too
I'm going to take a look at this I just bought a 2024 rock hopper sport it's a specialized about 3 months ago however I'm not too happy with the bike so I'm looking at buying a different bike and selling that bike I'm in the Memphis Tennessee area and was looking secondhand but there's garbage around here I may check this bike out
Thanks Matty, 🤝🏾🇺🇸💪🏾🫡
This GT is far superior to the Mongoose from DSG you reviewed a while back. The frame alone is much better quality, because it's a higher tensile strength, even though GT and Mongoose are owned by the same parent company.
Is it a PNW Coast Dropper with 40mm of air suspension?
At that 799.99 that seems legit 🤙🏾 that's a lot of adventure for the price 💪🏾
I bought a cannondale Habit 1 HT for $1230 out the door. I had an polygon extrada 7 on back order for weeks for about the same price. Im pretty happy with the cannondale but wonder if the bike is actually worth the $1230 I paid
I own the 2021 model! LT mossgreen
That's a good deal for sure, a dropper post 😮
I had no idea they made a 35 coil spring fork.
Got Canyon Stoic 2 for 679€ plus shipping for 750€
How do you think it compares to the trek marlin?
Honestly for the price I think it’s way better. Trek marlin is way overpriced at the moment
@@MattyActive Trek Marlin 7 Gen 2 is $749ish right now. That marigold to radioactive red fade is an awesome color...
@@MattyActivethank you!
Wow dropper at that price. NICE! Does it have through axle or quick release? Ohh i see, I would rather have through axle all around.
It has a 148 boost thru axle
@@MTB_FANATIC99 He said on the video only front through axle.
@@MTB_FANATIC99 Ok, sorry i see. Thanks, that's an awesome deal for anyone!
What is the wheelie bike?
SE bikes fast ripper
Glad to be early!
coach prime!
same fork as on the Trek Roskoe *....
So we had mountain bikes, but then we had Downhill, and then XC, but then we had Trail, and Enduro, and Slopeduro, and, Funduro, and Downmountain and (retch) Gravel, and.....well, you get the picture: We have a lot of group names for bike styles. What you have found there is a Hillcrosser. It can take you around your neighborhood, across town, and up a hill. Hell, maybe even down a hill! Take it from someone who rocked their budget hardtail to senseless levels before going full squish, it's not a mountain bike.
How do you ride bikes and not know how to fix a flat?
You're not going to tell us this was a mistake in a couple years? As so happened with the Marlin?
At 242lbs, I really enjoy my Gen6 with upgraded fork, tires, grips,seat, and pedals. For my type of riding it's great. Next investment will be an e bike.
Their is nothing wrong whit qr in the back my oldest xc hardtail has one not really that much diffrence whit a true axle .
In my humble opinion the new Marin bobcat trail3 is a better value for the price even though it doesn't have a dropper, just my opinion thats all.
coil fork gotta go
That’s an air fork, the 35 is definitely an air, one came with my Roscoe 8.
They make a 35 coil spring on their website it says dual coil spring
Any who wants a rock shock RECON 32. 200$. Off a specialized fuse. 130mm would be nice on this bike. Has lockout. No Scratches. Like new
Looked good until I saw the Sram SX - hell no, it's junk.
Why didn't they spec Deore 10 or 11 speed?
Guessing SX is still really cheap to bulk buy.
* Opens video *
* SRAM SX *
* Closes video *
Hehe! I was just about to comment about how the SX doesn't have a derailleur clutch, which is disappointing. But it's an easy upgrade to throw on an NX or GX and get that clutch.
@@joppek77 my old Roscoe has SX and I’ve been waiting for it to kick the bucket but the damn things have been actually pretty solid. I did replace the chain as it was ready. If you asked me when I got it, I would have said, I’ll break the SX soon and upgrade. Welp, it’s been a few years now and the SX is still kicking. I can’t shit on this drive train anymore. I do rotate bikes so that also saves on the wear and tear. TBH
@@dennisfloyd8514 My 2020 Roscoe 7 SX drivetrain became bad quickly - skipping cogs at either end of the cassette (depending on which way you biased the tuning) and the crank nearly fell off while on a remote bike tour.
Back-pedaling would result in the chain derailing at the cassette.
I've replaced the derailleur and shifter with 12 speed Deore - so much better.
Hopefully I'll get some more wear out of the cranks and chainring before they're removed for Shimano. Leaving only the NX cassette and chain - which are ok.
@@danielcobb8886crazy. Maybe I just got the one SX that works haha
If only there was something that describes all the specs and features.....
68th!
GT is a good brand, but I probably wouldn't buy
it only has 9 speeds whereas a polygon Xtrada 7 has 12 and the same fork, the same brakes and costs less. Polygon is superior to GT in every way.
fork and brakes are junk but the rest is solid for the price
Thats pretty neat. Because of the way it is
Wait, you really can’t change a flat tire?
You're better off spending $400 more for a Roscoe 6. Fantastic entry bike.
First
fak im second