Malt 4 08 or Zazker Expert

BlackSpy

Afternoon. I had decided on the Zasker Expert 08 as a new bike, but now I've noticed the Malt 4 08 and the always positive views of it's 07 varient. Is it worth sinking four hours in a round trip to Preston to try it out? I'm looking for an all round bike (leaning to XC) with a longish top tube.

supersonic

It will pay to test them out. Both are excellent bikes with good components, the MALT the better value. Zaskar has the pedigree and tougher frame I'd say, and longer steeper XC oriented geometry. MALTs seem to come up quite short in the top tube in my experience.

The 2007 Zaskar Pro can be got for about 1k in some places - full XT, Rebas and only 24lbs.

BlackSpy

I tried the Zasker and liked it, I'd cheerfully buy it. But thought I'd have a cast around for opinions on other bikes that would be worth giving a shot on and in particular the Malt.

The terms of my ride to work thing means that I can't take advantage of the discounts on the 07 bikes, alas.

supersonic

Ah thats a pity. If you like it, then I'd go for it. It is a different beastie to the Merlin though, which is more relaxed and upright.

I am slightly biased towards Zaskars lol, legendary frame, all that get one never go back to anything else!

artillerydave

Just to add my opinion, I would go for the Malt myself, they are really great bikes, i'm on my third Merlin frame over the years and all have been excellent also worth checking the rock lobster range too, I now have a Rock Lobster B52 and it is one hell of a bike. The guys in the shop are dead helpfull too, it is well worth the trip.

teacherman

I've always thought of the Zaskar as a hardcore racer's bike. Having only ridden a mates I'd say it was fast as you like but not something i would want to spend more than a couple of hours on IMHO. Just depends what you want it for i 'spose.

supersonic

The older Zaskars were a little more 'playbike' like, hence were often used for jumping and DH. Then after 2000 they went very XC again, now the new carbon ones are like the originals.

The Spiderman

Tough choice.These are the 2 I would be looking at,if I was in the market for a bike in this price range.There's a review of the Malt 4 in this month's MBUK that migt help.Definitely need to try both for size.

That new carbon Zaskar is thing of beauty.Sonic's enthusiam for all things Zaskar,has begun to affect me...........

dunker

gt zaskar, spesh stump ht, giant xtc, trek 8000, malt 4 were on my shortlist last spring and i went for the malt which turned out luckily to be a great fit for my 5'9" size but if i was over 6' i think i might have regretted it but then with larger frame sizes i'd guess the tt on the malt frame increases also so maybe not?

try them first if you can.

BlackSpy

dunker wrote:

gt zaskar, spesh stump ht, giant xtc, trek 8000, malt 4 were on my shortlist last spring and i went for the malt which turned out luckily to be a great fit for my 5'9" size but if i was over 6' i think i might have regretted it but then with larger frame sizes i'd guess the tt on the malt frame increases also so maybe not?

try them first if you can.

That's my concern, I'm 6'3" and long limbed with it.

dunker

definetly try first then, or ask merlin for geometry specs on their larger sizes then you can compare tt with the others?