93 Zaskar, should I powdercoat it?

[99sf]

I have a 1993 Zaskar, 18", U-brake in the ball burnished aluminum finish. There are no dents or cracks. I was planning on restoring it, but am having my doubts. I bought a replacement decal kit for it, and started polishing it. In my opinion, it looks worse now than when I started. There are many small scratches and chainslap marks that stand out more now on the near mirror polished aluminum.

I'm having some other frames powdercoated and can have this one done for about $50. Would powdercoat kill the value? Should I just leave it raw?

 

[Drencrom]

Welcome!

I guess it all depends on what you intend to do with your Zaskar - if you want to ride it and use it as it was intended (giving it a good thrashing) then a few marks won't be a problem. If you're after a full restoration to catalgoue or period spec, then it might be more of an issue, but sometimes a few marks on a bike can show it's been used and cherished. Or just abused.

Powdercoating is always an option, and a fair few Zaskar's have been painted, but again, it's your choice - Zaskar's aren't the rarest bike out there after all. I have a couple myself.

Incidentally, your's would be a '92 or earlier - GT dropped the U-brake for '93. Get a few more potsts under your belt, then get a picture posted up.

Above all, enjoy it!

 

[merckx]

they look better slightly tarnished as opposed to mirror finish i think. leave it ball burnished, put a 91 or 92 era sticker kit on it. painted early zaskars just dont look right imho...

 

[Radoslaw]

Should I just leave it raw?

Yes.

GT dropped the U-brake for '93

Unless it's a rare small Zaskar frame which GT run with U-brake for 93'

 

[totti]

No, the Zaskar looks so much better raw...

As it happens, I am on the lookout for one to start as my next retro build... :idea:

 

[Drencrom]

What size/year are you after Totti?

 

[stewlewis]

Leave it naked, powder coating would probably hide the dodgy yet hand done welds.

I have a 16" 1997, would prefer and 18" so my frame may be up for grabs soon if a swap doesn't come my way.

 

[totti]

Hi guys - apologies to the OP for a mini thread hijack

Not too sure about frame sizes with GT's - never owned one, but always thought they looked a little on the small size?
Probably not in reality though!

I am 5'8" so reckon I would go for a 16", What do you reckon?
Interested in a raw zaskar, depending on price / pics /etc

Cheers,

 

[Drencrom]

Yeah, a 16" would be about right. They can be a little large, if anything. 'Gate-like' is one description I sometimes see.

 

[totti]

Umm... yeah i meant large!!

Hated them BITD really, my best mate who I trained with loved them...
But I would love to get a Zaskar now, they've grown on me - think they look pretty cool now.

My next (2nd ever) retro build WILL be a Zaskar.