Just to blow all the theories out of the water, I have a 7000 series US built Zaskar, with a curved top tube end cap! (But it does have GT engraved into it-the Avalanche etc does not) It has not been re stickered, finished in Lacquered billet, with the original painted graphics under the lacquer, not stickers. This is a 2002 model, just pre the Moto, I believe they were made simultaneously in both the US and Taiwan, just to confuse issues. Don't harrass where its made! it'll still ride and look great! Incidently US made Rock shox had a 44.6% failure under guarantee return rate, they moved to Taiwan under Sram, now its sub 4%-- A Taiwanese frame may actually be an improvement over the US one!!!!