2006 GT Zaskar

WHAT: GT Zaskar HOW MUCH: $1,149 WHERE: www.gtbicycles.com

For 2006, GT gave its venerable hardtail a hydroformed makeover. The top- and downtubes are no longer the plain round gals we once knew. They now sport long angular grooves that create a slender, pinched aesthetic—and require some detailed welds at the seat tube.

The subtle design changes should please triple-triangle devotees, as will the sensible parts mix. Along with a Syntace cockpit and Avid Single Digit brakes, Shimano’s new LX parts abound and boast some solid hand-me-down technology from XTR. Paired with WTB Dual Duty rims, the group should prove reliable, if a little on heavy side. Our complete test bike weighed in at a stout 26.4 pounds.

Although the Zaskar is paired with a RockShox Recon fork, which offers adjustable travel between 95 and 135 millimeters, it comes with V-brakes and lacks the decelerating assurance of disc brakes. Still, the bike soldiers on as a solid, do-it-all hardtail at a good value.