Old '99 Zasker LE or new carbon Zaskar?

twonks
twonks Posts: 352
edited December 2010 in MTB buying advice
This could well be the quandry I'm in around Christmas time.

Have decided to throw some money at my HT, having decided against a new road bike.

So, assuming I get a half decent bonus I am looking to either upgrade the current (and well liked) ZaskarLE or buy a complete Carbon Team (possibly) Zaskar and distribute my old bits though the families bikes.

What are peoples views on the ride of the new carbon frame with newer forks etc etc compared to the older ZaskarLE frame with 80mm Rebas ?

A bit of an open ended question, but I have 6 months to decide ;)

Or - off at a tangent and another HT that would do a better job of a light yet sturdy and fast HT for UK trail centre XC riding in the most. (And peaks, local woods etc. No jumping but I like going downhill)

Have about 1500 - 2000 to spend hopefully.

Current build at the moment is
99 cosmic Sunrise LE Frameset
RS Tora team air forks (Too heavy)
DT 4.1 rims, Shimano deore Hubs
Shimano LX disks
Truvativ Stylo team crankset
XTR rear mech, XT front
deore level 8 speed shifters
Carbon bars and post

Around 24lbs as is.

Cheers all :)

Comments

  • twonks
    twonks Posts: 352
    No thoughts ??
  • Oberdiah
    Oberdiah Posts: 25
    Sorry, no experience with anything carbon (except a bottle cage, which I trod on)

    However, If I had that amount of spare cash I would buy a new bike and keep the old as trusty spare.

    As an alternative I'd recommend a Trek 8000, I have a similar riding 'style' to you and it does me well.

    Hope that helps?!
    2010 TREK 8000
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Surprised I missed this thread lol

    Having both an old Zaskar LE frame and the Carbon Team, the ride is different. The latter is longer, steeper and about a pound lighter. But at speed is where it comes into its own - while the alu fame would bounce and vibrate more, the carbon smooths the bumps.

    Be aware that for 09 and 10 the frames across the Zaskar carbon range are identical. You can pick up the Expert bike for 1200
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • twonks
    twonks Posts: 352
    Hi SS.

    I was waiting for a reply from thee tbh as you have had a siimilar dilema along the way it seems ;)

    I'm a little tied between what to do.

    Part of me wants to return the LE to its former status as I have a set of XTR V brakes doing nothing and the rest is more or less at a level that would get the weight down to about 23lb.

    However weight isn't my main focus. I just want a HT to fly on.

    Maybe the love for the old school Zaskar is clouding my judgement, as I love the feel and power of a good disk brake and up to date forks. And if I look at it hard enough the old frame is simply not designed with these in mind.

    I have a rear disk on at the mo, but it is somewhat bodges and spoils the lines of the bike. (Works well and is safe, just looks rubbish)

    Then the flip side is am I being daft to look at carbon frames for a mtb ? I tend to ride quite hard and have been known to run out of skill and make an un natural sudden stop ;)

    Do this once too often with a carbon frame and it's goodnight bike. hmm.

    Decisions decisions.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    I still use both - I have the old girl built up nice and light, and the new weapon a tougher build. Both get used for different purposes really, or if I just fancy a change. The LE is great for country lanes, roads and I can always nip off road if I want to. Faster handling too with the shorter fork.

    The Carbon is designed to be tougher than your average race carbon frame, much in the style of the old Zaskars.

    I'll never get rid of the alu frame - a classic that still has a nice feel and ride. While it may shake you about a bit in the rough, it is not a lot of dead thuds like some frames - you feel what is under you. I guess you know what I mean lol.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • twonks
    twonks Posts: 352
    I think you could have just given me another thought.

    The other thing I was considering was a nice road bike as I sold the last decent one I had (Giant TCR) and regretted it almost instantly.

    I have had thoughts about putting the LE to a spec that would allow road and lane riding - so skinny ish (semi slick) tyres, V brakes, with a lightweight possibly rigid fork and the old flat bar with bar ends.

    Could even source a larger ringed (rung?) chainset for more suitable gearing.

    And then buy the newer Zaskar carbon as a true mtb HT.

    hmmm.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Pretty much the way mine is going - have a rigid fork for it in the shed.

    Been through so many builds lol - I guess they were right all those years ago about it being the first all rounder. Would have liked a 2002 SID, but got a Skareb which is nice and light, 80mm.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    ANd yours has the best paint job ever seen on a bike.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • twonks
    twonks Posts: 352
    I've just been looking at the Carbon Team for £1200 and whilst it certainly looks the part, the kit list is a couple of rungs down from what I have spare and on the current frame.. .doh

    I might just look to buy a frame and build it up as I want, then hang the old frame on the wall :lol:
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    I got my frame for 620, but they aren't really available after market - sometimes Hotwheels sell them off but looking at a grand.

    That makes the 1200 bike seem good value, just sell the bits you don't need.

    This maybe more to your liking though:

    http://s233299868.e-shop.info/shop/arti ... ml?pse=coa

    XTR shifters, mmmm.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • twonks
    twonks Posts: 352
    That is the one that started all the thoughts of a new carbon Zaskar :lol:

    But although I should have that money available, it is an awful lot to spend on what is essentially a second bike.

    I'm just going to price up the bits to get my Zaskar to the same standard and will report back shortly....

    And yes I forgot how nice the cosmic sunrise frame is under the dust and mud. 8)
  • twonks
    twonks Posts: 352
    £400 will get me the bike to the following spec.

    Zaskar LE frameset (Existing)
    RS Tora 318 air forks (Existing)
    DT 4.1 wheels (Existing)
    Shimano LX Disk hubs (Existing)
    Shimano LX brakes (Existing)
    Easton Carbon Monkeylight bars and seatpost (Existing)
    Kore light stem (Existing and love it for some reason)
    XTR 9 sp shifters (New)
    XTR rear mech (Existing)
    XT front mech (Existing)
    Truvativ Noir 3.3 Carbon crankset (new) Or equivalent for around £200 ish. XTR is a daft price.
    XT cassette and chain (new)

    Could spend some more on upgrading the hubs but is it really worth it ?

    Or am I getting silly throwing money at a frame that I was talking about replacing.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    XT cassette is well worth it, but only if the old one is worn.

    Hard to see a better value crank than the XT at 125 quid from merlin or the SLX. In the context if the build I wouldn't spend any more.

    I use Tora 318. I think they are great, but i you want to save some weight, go for a SID or Reba.

    To save weight, wheels and forks are most cost effective I would say.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • gezzza
    gezzza Posts: 324
    TA Twonks

    regarding Truvativ Noir 3.3 Carbon crankset i have one on my new bike and Ive only done 10 hours riding and its looking battered i would avoid.

    Xt is solid BB is shocking get a nice ChrisKing and they will last a life time.

    I personally would go the new bike route carbon is not as weak as you think I'm now regrettably on my third carbon spark ( two have been stolen) and they are solid even when they are ridden hard with flint bouncing off the frame.

    At first you will stop and check the frame as when the rocks hit it sounds bad but after a few times its just the way carbon sounds. Frame build has come on leaps and bounds in the last decade.
  • Pudseyp
    Pudseyp Posts: 3,514
    Errr I will probably get slatted for this but here goes...obviously this thread is for GT lovers and rightly so as the Zasker is a great bike and it seems to been about as long as I have so that is statement enough...what about a Giant XTC carbon frame ? they are beautiful frames that are light and strong and like the Zasker race proven ? not to sure in the weight between to two but you can pick them up on ebay new for what it seems a decent price...

    I say this after years of riding a FS and now I have the XTC it is a great ride, I have the hald carbon alliance which gives the back end a tad of flex....it is great for whipping around the forrest and the geometry is spot on....

    I can here SS loading the gun already
    Tomac Synper 140 Giant XTC Alliance 1
    If the world was flat, I wouldn't be riding !
  • twonks
    twonks Posts: 352
    Not going to slate you Pudsey as I am open to other thoughts as well :)

    I have looked at the Giants but tbh the colour schemes and general look of the bikes does nothing for me I'm afraid.

    Call it shallow, but for me a bike has to look appealing to me before I want it.

    I bought a Giant TCR C2 road bike and the bike itself was stunning yet it looked very bland - it was sold after 6 months.. doh.

    The other bike in consideration is a SC Chameleon, as my main bike is a Superlight. :)
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The Chameleon is a good 1.5 lbs heavier than the Zaskar carbon mind - but will take more of a battering.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • twonks
    twonks Posts: 352
    I know the SC is a fair bit beefier than the Zaskar, but again it is a frame I have always wanted.

    I've spent a bit of time looking at bikes and it seems there is a huge difference in spec between the £1200 - £1500 bracket and the £2000+

    Looking at sub £2000 complete bikes (carbon frame) and the kit list is all SLX with a smattering of XT and the odd XTR rear mech, where as £2000+ gets you full XT at least.

    Spose it is simply the way costs have risen over the last few years, although it is some time since I bought anything of any significance mtb wise and am some what out of touch.

    As I won't be in a position to buy for at least 6 months I'll keep looking and gauging opinions.

    I do like that £2200 Zaskar though ;)
  • Pudseyp
    Pudseyp Posts: 3,514
    Ok point taken...I love my XTC Alliance as I paid £700 for it on C2W....how about a Whyte 19 Carbon then...they are very very nice...if your a large there is one on ebay which is a 2010 model for £1,900....a £500 saving...you cannot deny it is a stunning looking kit at 22lbs..the kit is also slightly better than the Expert...also not sure of the weight of the Zasker....also has a look at some reviews...the Whyte pips the Zasker
    Tomac Synper 140 Giant XTC Alliance 1
    If the world was flat, I wouldn't be riding !
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The Expert can be got for 700 less than the Whtye though lol.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • twonks
    twonks Posts: 352
    Thanks again.

    I do like the look of the 19 as well so will look closer.

    Not going to buy from ebay though, unless it is a decent bike shop getting rid of new 'old' stock etc.

    If I buy a complete bike I'd like to visit the shop in question (if in the uk) to look and test etc.

    I really don't agree with looking at store bikes and taking staffs time, only to buy £50 cheaper online.
  • twonks
    twonks Posts: 352
    Small update.

    The LE is now sat at the back of the garage minus a few bits.

    We bought the youngest a Giant Yukon FX3 from Pauls as the deal was too good to turn away from, and she 'needed' a full suss to be like mum and dad :D

    It came yesterday, although as suspected it is a heavy beast at 36lbs

    So after a bit of fettling, it now has my bits on.

    The forks I don't mind losing as I could put some older and very light RST XMO forks on the Zaskar, but her brakes didn't easily fit the Tora (Post vs ISO mount).

    So ultimately she ended up with my wheels, brakes and forks.

    Took her bike down to 30lbs on the nose and she now loves it as it flies in her words. :lol:

    Best thing is I can tune the suspension into her weight - which was never going to happen with the Darts without a £20 spring change.

    The upshot of all this is that I will be buying a complete new bike should I get the funds to do so come Christmas time :D
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Wow, that is a big weight saving.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • twonks
    twonks Posts: 352
    supersonic wrote:
    Wow, that is a big weight saving.

    Yes surprised me somewhat, but you can definitely feel the difference on and off the bike.

    The fork accounts for around 1.3 lbs difference I believe, but the main saving is in tyres as the OE things weighed a tonne.

    It has now got Hutchinson Piranha Kevlar beaded tyres on which are a hell of a lot lighter.

    Maybe the scales were having a bad day, but I certainly ain't putting it back to standard to make sure :lol:
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Yeah, RS Darts are very lardy.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • twonks
    twonks Posts: 352
    It must be great being a sprog.

    Here I am pondering over what to do with my bike, and starting the conversation off many months in advance to make sure I get a bit of advice and feedback first.

    Then along comes a problem with the kids bike and I demolish my pride and joy in 15 minutes... doh.

    The look on her face when she came back after the first ride was worth it though. :P
  • gezzza
    gezzza Posts: 324
    If your not buying for 6 months then the 2011 bikes will be out and the 2010 bike will be discounted and if you have £2k to spend you should be looking at a £3k 2010 bike :D
  • twonks
    twonks Posts: 352
    Hello thread :)

    The time is nearly upon us and I am now deciding if I want to spend a bit on my FS or come back to the HT buy / build decisions.

    Will be looking to see what deals are around as I think a complete new bike is the way to go if any.

    The poor old Zaskar needs disk brakes to be what I need out of a XC bike, and it simply isn't going to happen :(

    So, if I decide to look at a new bike, it will be in the £1000 to £1200 price range.

    Sorry for ignoring you Gezza. I didn't notice the TA reference earlier in the thread. Yes tis Twonks from TA, and car audio is also chomping at the bit for some money ;)

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