Yes, another Zaskar. Old one.

[Proto2000]

I picked this a few months ago for nearly nothing. It was in sad shape with many parts that didn't belong on the bike but with bins full of vintage parts I was able to build the bike as well as I could without buying a bunch of stuff. Mostly XT build, DX wheelset and the elusive 2x4 fork that was on the bike when I got it, so happy about that. I did the usual strip completely, clean every part, lube where needed and reassembled with close to spec parts. I did want to purchase a new sticker kit but don't have the heart to take anything away from the battle scars this bike has so I am not gonna resticker. I will tell you that this is a BLEM frame from GT and stamped on the left dropout, from all I have read it usually means a cosmetic issue that prevents the frame from showrooms and issued as replacement frames for warranty problems. A few dings on the right side of the down tube gusset, that's my best guess, went over the whole frame checking alignment everywhere, all good. I have a pic included of the serial number, if I am correct, I think its July 1991 build. If not, please speak up. I have a lot of pics so every detail is there, any more I can add if someone needs a certain view. Oh, 20.5" from BB center to center of TT.

 

[Proto2000]

A few more pics.

 

[dw_uk2000]

Very nice, working on a 1990/91 Zaskar but sadly not a 20" which is my ideal size.

Was unsure that the flipflop steam was correct, as different from others I've seen but is the same as yours.

 

[Proto2000]

Nice find there. The stem was on the bike when I got it but not sure it was original to the build. It is chrome and sprayed black to match the rest of the parts. I did buy a flip flop on eBay but turned out it is 1" steer tube, not 1 1/8" as advertised, I'll hang onto it because it's a complete setup. I notice there is no down tube gusset, maybe gussets were added after first year or maybe a prototype?

 

[slackboy]

I had a 1991 without a downtube gusset

https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/why-yes-it-is-1991-gt-zaskar.465644/

 

[d8mok]

91/92 shared same frame

93-95 same

96-97 same in normal Zaskar

98-99 same in normal Zaskar

97 -98 same in LE

99 LE is on its own

 

[Corduroyboy]

The stems shown on the first two bikes are later Flip-Flop (IV?) stems. The correct stem for a '91 Zaskar is a Flip-Flop I (seen on the 3rd bike down). These used a double wedge insert which was 1" in diameter (the internal diameter of 1 1/8" forks). So @Proto2000 the stem you bought may well be the correct one for your Zaskar, but could also be a Flip-Flop II with an oval (flattened) profile. But could also be a 1" threadless stem. Post up a pic! The Flip-Flop I ('90 & '91) is interchangeable with a Flip-Flop II ('92) but neither are useable without the double wedge insert - there is no clamping mechanism on these stems, which look like they are for threadless but are not.

 

[Proto2000]

Here is the one I bought, do the quill adaptors for 1" and 1 1/8" fit all flip flops or are they specific for steer tube diameter? I've never had one so not sure if I need a different adaptor or a whole stem set for 1 1/8". The one on the bike does do the job but I do like the look of the flattened tube ones.

 

[Corduroyboy]

Here is the one I bought, do the quill adaptors for 1" and 1 1/8" fit all flip flops or are they specific for steer tube diameter? I've never had one so not sure if I need a different adaptor or a whole stem set for 1 1/8". The one on the bike does do the job but I do like the look of the flattened tube ones.

That's the one. Looks like a 1" diameter to me. Paint it gloss black and fit it! There is only one size as far as I am aware - 25.4mm (1") to fit a 1 1/8" threaded steerer. I don't think GT did a 22.2mm to fit 1" but could be wrong.

 

[Corduroyboy]

Oh, and looking at @slackboy 's lovely example more closely (with my glasses on), I see that he has the ovalised Flip-Flop II on there.