GT ZUM

[Captain Stupido]

Trying to decide how to build this up. it was very generously karma'd and I couldn't resist on the basis that it filled quite a niche for me. My collection has been mostly steel and I've fancied a triple-triangle frame as well as something disc braked for a while. So it ticked some boxes, and at the right price.

Seems a lightweight and well constructed frame. GT marketed the ZUM (Zaskar Urban Machine) as a being a classic Zaskar frame built in a more urban-friendly spec. The question is, will it have the Zaskar magic? Does it make sense to de-urbanise it and build it up as a lightweight trail-ready machine to offer an alternative to my blue 98 clockwork, or will it end up being a bit meh?

If so plan B would be a pub bike/commuter build... initially I thought this might be good as I noticed rack bosses on the seat stays. But moving down to the rear dropouts I can't see mudguard/rack eyelets there... am I missing something?

Welcome your thoughts...

 

[ishaw]

I was tempted by this but too small. The plan would have been to make it into a flat bar gravel/commuter ride so it could fulfill a couple of roles.

No idea how different the frame is from an mtb version, but I'd have specced it around mtb parts as that's what I have/know.

 

[Southville Hop]

When I inherited the bike, it had a strange mix of 26" skinny urban semi-slick tyres and boat anchor heavy "suspension" forks. It also had a saddle that was the size of a pub bar stool
Once the forks and saddle were replaced it rode well, but i doubt that it would be on a par "off road" with your Clockwork, it somehow lacked the magic.
As a commuter with 32mm 700c, Alfine hub and carbon forks it wizzed along merrily.
I'd definitely go for plan B

 

[Captain Stupido]

Good info, thanks. I'm surprised it had enough clearance for 700x32. I'm probably going to leave it on the back burner for now, other projects are ahead of it in the queue... will see what parts turn up in the meantime!

 

[Captain Stupido]

Frame is apparently designed to fit the top half of a pannier rack but not the bottom... (or mudguards). Am I missing something here?