GT zaskar or Manitou HT

[SEANSTEPHENS]

I just wondered which you guys would rather have/think is the better frame and why?

Cheers

 

[dirttorpedo]

I've never heard of the Manitou frame so can't really comment. Zaskar is one of those iconic bikes from BITD so it has that going for it. Since I'm not familiar with it, I suspect the Manitou probably has the rarity factor going for it.

 

[SEANSTEPHENS]

I've never heard of the Manitou frame so can't really comment. Zaskar is one of those iconic bikes from BITD so it has that going for it. Since I'm not familiar with it, I suspect the Manitou probably has the rarity factor going for it.

It has, that said there are two for sale on the forum at the moment and I've been looking for a zaskar the last 3 weeks and I can't find one :s

I guess a big question is, which is the stronger frame? because I've read that the HT's were prone to cracking... Maybe that's what makes them rarer... I don't know

 

[dirttorpedo]

What size Zaskar are you looking for - there are a couple on sale on eBay US / CAN sites. The Manitou is a very nice clean looking frame. Do the frames come with the matching fork? If so that would be a nice retro ride. Of course if they have a reputation for being fragile maybe best to stay away. Opinion on Zaskars is that they tend to be bomproof as a result of their development to support Hans Rey.

 

[SEANSTEPHENS]

What size Zaskar are you looking for - there are a couple on sale on eBay US / CAN sites. The Manitou is a very nice clean looking frame. Do the frames come with the matching fork? If so that would be a nice retro ride. Of course if they have a reputation for being fragile maybe best to stay away. Opinion on Zaskars is that they tend to be bomproof as a result of their development to support Hans Rey.

I'm after a 16" in gt sizes, but in the uk

 

[Mike Muz]

Tough one this ,
I like the look of the Manitou more , but if they're prone to cracking , the Zaskar has to be the better option , despite its' relative commonness . Is that a word :? And one of the reasons it may be so popular is that it doesn't have a reputation for breaking .

 

[legrandefromage]

Depends on your shape too. Zaskars are short but big. 16 is more like 17. My 18 is more like 19. They can be picky on fork length. Tramlining if not right. Too long a suspension fork can cause issues on both frames.

Common doesn't mean bad either. Zaskars are tough and even the earliest can still be found despite entering their 3rd decade. They are very strong and can be built up very light. My standard bike comes in at a sub 24 lb without bling.

Whatever you go for check carefully for cracking and overly dented tubes. Wrongly fitted seatposts and other poorly fitted parts can cause damage and stripped threads.

 

[lewisfoto]

It may have already been said but if you plan on RIDING the bike then the GT is much more reliable as the Manitous seem to all develop cracked head tubes. Also since there were vastly more Zaskars made there should be more choices.


Steven

 

[SEANSTEPHENS]

It may have already been said but if you plan on RIDING the bike then the GT is much more reliable as the Manitous seem to all develop cracked head tubes. Also since there were vastly more Zaskars made there should be more choices.


Steven

That reputation has definately put me off. I'm not looking for a garage queen, and I want something that's gonna last.

And you woulda thought so wouldn't you but I can't find a zaskar anywhere! been keeping a close eye on the forum and ebay but there's nothing worth looking at. I thought there were quite a few about but that doesn't seem to be the case at the moment

Sean

 

[SEANSTEPHENS]

Depends on your shape too. Zaskars are short but big. 16 is more like 17. My 18 is more like 19. They can be picky on fork length. Tramlining if not right. Too long a suspension fork can cause issues on both frames.

Common doesn't mean bad either. Zaskars are tough and even the earliest can still be found despite entering their 3rd decade. They are very strong and can be built up very light. My standard bike comes in at a sub 24 lb without bling.

Whatever you go for check carefully for cracking and overly dented tubes. Wrongly fitted seatposts and other poorly fitted parts can cause damage and stripped threads.

The short top tube is what I like about em really. I had an xizang and it had a really nice riding position and I liked the geometry of the frame. I'm about 5'8" or 5'9" so I don't want a long reach. 21" top tube c-c at the most really.