Submitted by
Sebastian
a Weekend Warrior
from Germany Date Reviewed: May 18, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
local bike store
Strengths:
strong frame, SRAM 7.0 Rear Derailleur
Weaknesses:
the frame looks bad :-), Suntour Front Shock, Formula Mechanical Disc Brake, most of the other components
Bike Setup:
SRAM 7.0, Mrzocchi Z1 Wedge, Ritchey Parts, Race Face Parts, Giant GMT 7 Rear Shock, Magura Julie Disc Brakes, Sun Rims, Shimano SPD DX 636 Pedals, Magura Hubs
Bottom Line:
The frame don't look good.But it works, I have fun riding it. I replaced most of the componets with better ones because the in stock parts doesn't work very well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Pugh
a Downhiller
from Mission, B.C. Canada Date Reviewed: January 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Bear Mountain
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Bought used off my Uncle
Strengths:
Very Strong Frame!! Great bike if set up right!
Weaknesses:
Comes with cheap parts.
Similar Products Used:
Norco Atomik, Newer models of the Warp
Bike Setup:
Triple Crown RST's, Full XT components, Rhino Lite rims, New Rear Shock
Bottom Line:
I've broken almost everything on this bike except the frame. I can't stress how good this bike can be if set up with good components and nice shocks. I shattered my rear shock jumping a set of stairs but have had no problems with my new shock. A great frame but cheap components that should be upgraded!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yogi
a Weekend Warrior
from South Africa Date Reviewed: December 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Cheap,nice for the offroad stuff and it is a Giant
Weaknesses:
Rear suspension pivot get dry real often and requires a lot of maintenance.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Y3
Bike Setup:
Normal frame,STX rapidfire shifters,ROck Shocks
Bottom Line:
This is the best value for your money.Use mine for very rough conditions and it keeps surprizing me.Might look funny but is fun to ride.Mine put mr in the hospital about two times without having any damage itself.This is a nice bike no matter what the other freeks say.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ralph Saldivar
a Weekend Warrior
from Fresno Date Reviewed: March 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Millerton Lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Cyclopath bikes
Strengths:
That haven't found any weaknesses. My DS1 is a 2001 model though. [You guys could use a reveiw on some bikes that are still for sale in the shops, instead of used on EBay.]Great Spec for the $! Marzocchi forks, Hayes mechanical disc Brakes, for under 1K. Sweet bike, lot's of bang for the buck. You will need to change the pedals, and maybe the seat post, and bars. These items are fine, just a little heavy, and the seat wasn't real comfy.
Weaknesses:
No motor for the ride up the hills! {Bummer} %)
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale, Diamond back, and Bianci, all of the same price range.
For anyone looking for a NEW-FACTORY bike under one thousand bucks, this is the best deal I could find on the market. I've seen it for less on EBay, but not by much. I'de rather buy from a local shop whenever possible. I'm happy, hope you're happy too, Happy Trails!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sloth
a Downhiller
from Tasmania Date Reviewed: February 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Second Hand
Strengths:
Value for money, sick lookin frame
Weaknesses:
Handling, Rims
Bike Setup:
Universal Pro crank/chainrings, STX-RC throughout, RST 461-DH front shock.
Bottom Line:
An excellent bike for the money. I wouldn't have bought a daulie if I hadn't found this thing at a very low price second hand. I've found that with Quick Shift pods the STX RC rear deraileur easy to deal with, though the Zac rims are pathetic, I'm always having to true them after a ride.
The handling is a real problem, my cornering speed is too low and as a result I have to put in twice as much effort as everybody else to maintain speed. I find that the lack of points for drink holders (yes, I drink heaps of water, so this is a problem) to be a bit of a pain.
Everything else about the bike is pretty plush (though my forks suck).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe p
a Downhiller
from victoria, australia Date Reviewed: November 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
thredbo
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Shop
Strengths:
people think i am cool when i ride it around the streets because of the madd ass frame. the frame is extremely strong even though i don't ride overly fast
Weaknesses:
handling charcteristics at anything over 20km/h Get laughed at, at local and national downhill events. always putting to many useless upgrades on it
Similar Products Used:
this is my first proper mtb bike
Bike Setup:
rock shox judy xlc, fox vanilla r rear shock, cheapo cranks and chain device, xt v brakes, xt derailler
Bottom Line:
i love the bike, but i need to ride faster to find out the limits of the bike. i am not getting a new bike till i get into top three at a decent event but i think this bike will take me all the way to world cup. it is more of a recreational bike but the bike i bouth it off said i shouldn't use it offraod because i am mildly overwieght, but i think it will be safe for me now because of all the good extras i have put on it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jimmy
a Weekend Warrior
from Oklahoam City Date Reviewed: June 4, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
very plush suspension
Weaknesses:
STX-RC rear derailleur is a little rough
Similar Products Used:
This is my first real mountain bike
Bike Setup:
completely stock
Bottom Line:
I weigh 240 pounds and this bike absorbs all of the punishment that i can give it. I was experiencing some pain related to the saddle, if you know what I mean, and was blaming the saddle. I talked to someone with a lot more expertise in this area and found out how to adjust the saddle. Now it rides like a Cadillac. I paid $625.00, end of model year clearance, and I don't think you can get anything like it for that price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Lu
a Cross Country Rider
from Taipei Date Reviewed: February 14, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
low-price but high-performance frame
Weaknesses:
Finish is not as good and beautiful as Cannondale, of course
When everyone focus on the ground-breaking FSR XC, and it s following-up competitors (Sugar, STP, Rocket88, NRS...), in 2000 there comes one more surprise worthy more attention: Giant's new Warp series. Unlike its former URT version, '00 Warp is a single swingarm design, almost an exact copy of Cannondale's SuperV (I don't want to insult Cannodale here, as a.m. that the finish on these two bikes are "quite different"). But for Warp is an entry-level bike with "average" spec, few people care about its performance, even Giant itself. However, if you spec it right, Warp could be upgraded to a "poor man's Cannodale" very easily!! Never met an entry-level (cheap) frame could be so light, solid, and responsive. Seldom met a Y-bike at this price could perform like this, even big C. With air shock front and rear (most thanks to DNM's new dual-air shock), the under-26-lbs Warp performs so amazingly!! You could just enjoy the double performance than you really pay for. Wow... Uphill, downhill, everywhere!! I am sorry, Cannondale... If you are a budget rider, maybe try this. The frame is absolutely worthy your future upgrade. Even an experience could enjoy such low-price-high-performance bike more freely and easily. Of course, you have to spec it right first. If necessary, remove the Giant sticker and place some name you want. High-performance is not necessarily costly.
BTW, the new SRAM 9.0 rocks!! All doubts were swept out when you got on dirt.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
murf the surf
a Weekend Warrior
from vancouver,wa.98682 Date Reviewed: February 3, 2000
I got the frame for 125.00 and installed good parts,for what i've got into it,it is a tuff bullet proof bike that can handle anything i throw at it from North shore style trails to whatever.For what ever the price is $900.00 or below you got to remember you get what you pay for.lets see cannondale put out a full suspender for that price.for your money you can't beat it,also check out the 2000 warps,four and a half inches front & rear plus disc brakes for $850. or w/o for $650.how can you compare the warps to anything?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc Lagesse
a Downhiller
from Cape Town, SA Date Reviewed: December 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Anythink crazy
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Price Value for Money
Weaknesses:
Bit heavy
Similar Products Used:
Old Bike was Trek 930 with RST mozo's and RST seat post.
Bike Setup:
RST 381dh shocks on front, upgraded the derailer otherwise standard.
Bottom Line:
For the sort of riding that I do, single track on rock and rocky fast downhills I think it is superb value for the price...No regrets.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RYAN
a Weekend Warrior
from WINSTON SALEM, NC Date Reviewed: November 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
ANYTHING CRAZY
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
SOLID FRAME, MUSTARD COLOURED, GOOD STOCK COMPONENTS, PRICE
Weaknesses:
A BIT HEAVY, NEEDS BETTER BRAKE PADS
Similar Products Used:
MANTRA, FSR, KHS
Bike Setup:
JUDY C, ROCK SHOX DELUXE, DIA COMPE V BRAKES, STOCK SET-UP
Bottom Line:
THE BIKE IS A TANK, $700 ON CLOSE OUT, I HAVN'T HAD ANY TROUBLE WITH IT OTHER THAN WITH THE BRAKE PADS BEING SQUEEKEY, ITS NOT A $2000 BIKE PERFORMS GREAT, AND I RIDE IT PRETTY HARD. GREAT DEAL. AND WHO ELSE MAKES A MUSTARD COLOURED BIKE?
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Francis
a Racer
from Toronto Date Reviewed: October 11, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
I own a Warp DS1. The main frame is yellow in colour and the rear is black; very beautiful bike. Overall: sturdy bike, confidential v-brakes, grippy tires.
Weaknesses:
Grip shift gears sux, need to adjust the cables often. Rear shox has very little travel.
Similar Products Used:
Giant hard tail bike.
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox
Bottom Line:
The colour of the bike, black and yellow really outstands it from the rest. Pretty comfortable landing when speeding and springing the bike off a curb. V-brakes are very basic, however they work fine: flipped one time on the road when trying to avoid a turning car...awch
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross-Country Rider
from Petaluma, Ca. Date Reviewed: September 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Anabelle Park
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
I bought one of the first Warp DS1s for $600.00. So Cost is one strength. I have logged over 6500 miles on my DS1 and it is still going strong. So durablility is another strength.
Weaknesses:
I eventually switched from Grip Shifts, to Rapid Fire shifters. The Grip Shifts needed more adjusting.
Bike Setup:
Avocet 30 Gel seat Rox Shocks VP33 Wide Clipless Pedals
Bottom Line:
For the price, you can't go wrong. Many of the criticisms of the DS1 are generated by riders who do not want to spend $2,000 for a mountain bike, but try to squeeze the same result out of a sub $1,000 bike. I have put over 6500 miles on my DS1, which includes Norba races, weekend trails and occasional Centuries with great satisfaction.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill James
a Weekend Warrior
from Moundsville, WV Date Reviewed: September 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Grand view
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
The frame is very strong. great for the money.
Weaknesses:
Components, could be better. If they had a full XT or XTR version I would have bought that instead.
Similar Products Used:
looked at and tested GT, DBR, Gary Fisher, Cannondale, and Trek.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I really bought this bike because I was just etting into MTBing and the the frame is the best of the ones I tested. I figured I could update the components If I really got into it. This bike has taken a beating. I weight 260lbs. and I have had no trouble with this bike. I wish Giant would of had a full XT/XTR version of this bike. For the money you could not go wrong. Like I said the frame is awsome. The other brands I tested where a lot more money and the frame was cheaper. For example the $1200 Trek I tested had a few better components but the the A-arm was Chromoly not Aluminum.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ace
a Downhiller
from west australia Date Reviewed: September 2, 1999
Favorite Trail:
jarrahdale
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
great 461 fork, super plush...
Weaknesses:
a bit heavy
Similar Products Used:
apollo axiom marin alpine trail
Bottom Line:
excellent value 4 money. Get a front disc and xt deraillers and you have a bulletproof bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Bergman
a Weekend Warrior
from Olympia, WA Date Reviewed: August 18, 1999
I've been in two cross-country races and this bike has taken plenty of abuse and has not complained once. The stock seat is uncomfortable. Keep the pivot point lubed and tightened. Very plush suspension. Very good bike for the money.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
greg
a Cross-Country Rider
from mesa, az Date Reviewed: August 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
awesome ride from the LBS great price lifetime warranty great looks rear shock rocks great tires great saddle great color
Weaknesses:
compnents could be a little nicer, but the price is awesome
Similar Products Used:
gt xcr 4000
Bike Setup:
bontrageer race lite handle bar kore lite 3d stem chris king headset shimano 515 pedals xt front der. 9.0 esp rear der. avid arch 40 brakes mavic 138/lx wheelsets xtr bb xtr crankset sid front shock bike weighs 27.5 pounds! not to shabby
Bottom Line:
great bike for the price awesome frame and the components are decent let's be honest most people upgrade anyway, right? good strong frame and it takes lots of abuse great to look also!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tres Pless
a Racer
from Carlisle,Pa Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
big bear
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
the color
Weaknesses:
everything,besides the treads
Similar Products Used:
cannondale f1000,superv400, supervraven, dbr and someother stuff
Bike Setup:
the average old tank I didnt add a thing
Bottom Line:
please please dont buy this bike buy a cannondale ive been racing for cannondale for a while so i know what im spoutin And if you just gotta have a Giant which are nice bikes get the ds2 which has good parts and works a lot better! I GIVE THIS UNWORTHY BIKE A....
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BIKE MAN
a Cross-Country Rider
from BAY AREA Date Reviewed: August 5, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
NONE
Weaknesses:
A LOT
Similar Products Used:
NONE
Bike Setup:
THIS BIKE REALLY IS REALLY NOT GOOD DONT BUY IT SAVE YOU MONEY FOR A GOOD BIKE
Bottom Line:
THIS BIKE REALLY REALLY IS NOT GOOD BIG TIME
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JimBo
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ Date Reviewed: August 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Everything.
Weaknesses:
Nothing.
Similar Products Used:
Only friends bikes.
Bike Setup:
Oh man:Manitou SX '98 Fork GTM R.Shock w/rebound SPiN Wheelset. Tioga Physcho Edge Tires XT brakes. XT Derailluers. XT Cassette LX BB/Crankset/Shifters. DX Pedals. Yeti Grips. Low Rise Bars. Low Ride stem. Chris King Headset. Lizard Skins every where
Bottom Line:
Great Bike. I put lots in and got lots out. Replaced lower end stuff with higher end. No Need for XTR. XT is great for me. I don't do much racing, but I ride forever everyday till sunset. Awesome bike. White Fork, Blue Frame, Yellow Swingarm. Might not match, but who cares? Upgraded everything except rear shock cause I love it and can't get one that good for cheap. Wish it had replacable derailluer hanger, but someone invented break-a-way bolts that are great. Wish I had them though. Awesome bike and VERY strong.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross-Country Rider
from NJ Date Reviewed: August 4, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
some name componets,nice ride,better than last bike,survived many races so far with little work
Weaknesses:
bike shop i bought it from,stock rims
Similar Products Used:
Y-glide,Y-22,98 DS-1
Bike Setup:
I own a 99 DS-1
Bottom Line:
I took my anger out on it and it asked for more,all you need is shorter bars for control,nice bike
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dick hurtz
a Weekend Warrior
from bangor,maine Date Reviewed: July 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
krusty krag
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
rubber tires are recyclable I found a use for my chain(which ,incidentally broke on the second ride) as jewelry
Weaknesses:
corners like a mack truck. components are fragile and highly breakable(trust me). price is ridiculous,particularly considering that comparable bike is the HUFFY Mountaneer
Similar Products Used:
Trek Y22 Schwinn Sting Ray(most similar,although I haven't ridden in years) Cannondale Raven
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
There has got to be a more economical way to purchase scrap metal than buying this bike! Although I am required to rate this product at least one hot chili, I would much prefer to rate it as ONE STEAMING TURD!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross-Country Rider
from NJ Date Reviewed: June 10, 1999
Great Bike. 100 miles a week since August. Wish had replacable derailleur hanger(bent it) New swingarm for free. Upgrade as needed. Got thousands of off road, muddy abused miles from my BB. Great Bike at a 900 prioce. I have the 98 model. Great looks,
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Costello
a Downhiller
from Anchorage, Alaska Date Reviewed: June 9, 1999
This innocent looking bike is really just a death trap. I bought it for $900 at the Bike Shop, a local dealer of bikes. After training for several weeks, I decided to take the Suicide Peak trail, a long, steep, technical climb and decent of about 10 miles. The ride started out innocently enough, and it was only at the decent when things started to go wrong. First, while cornering a steep section, the back brake somehow disengaged from the frame and tangled up in the wheel. The only way to stop the bike was to thrust my foot into the chainrings, which soon became bloody. I finally crashed at the bottom of the hill. My foot was torn up and I suffered two broken fingers. I decided only to use the front brake from now on, since the back was destroyed. I started off again with my hands bandaged up in a splint. My real troubles began when I tried to decend a 30 foot cliff. As I neared midway, the front wheel hit a bump and sandwiched. The spokes flew at me like spears, piercing my midsection in several places. I don't know the reason for the wheel failure, but later inspection revealed that the spokes were made of a cardboard/plastic alloy. Anyway, at the bottom of the decent, I hit the ground hard. The seat ripped and the seatpost pierced right through it. Ouch. You don't know what it feels like until it happens to you. Yowch. So I'm lying at the bottom of the cliff, bloody and mangled, and trying to clean my wounds. I use the only paper possible, the warranty papers still taped on the downtube. After using the gritty papers, a terrible rash developed on my rear end. I had to endure this, along with two broken arms, a broken leg, many sprains and injuries, and a broken neck.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Downhiller
from Toronto Date Reviewed: May 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
--------------
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
this bike is a very good bike to start downhilling on even one of the best i have riding.
Weaknesses:
the bikes weaknesses are that is a very tall bike.
Similar Products Used:
nothing at all!
Bike Setup:
i used the shock that was on it a double crowed rst 461
Bottom Line:
its a pretty nice bike so buy it !!!!!!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ubuy-Ifly
a Cross-Country Rider
from Rapid City, SD Date Reviewed: April 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Everything, the bike is incredible
Weaknesses:
Not a Dang Thang
Similar Products Used:
Intense Uzzi SL Santa Cruz Heckler GT XCR1000
Bottom Line:
This bike ROCKS!!! Very strong and sturdy. Incredible ride. Plush suspension. The works...Give me two to go. I would buy another one in a heart beat..............NOT!!!! $800 paperweight.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anti warp ds1 boy
a Racer
from ? Date Reviewed: April 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
?
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
SORRY NO STRENGTH at ALL
Weaknesses:
EVERY LITTLE THING!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse G-8,G-Out,
Bottom Line:
Ladies and gentledudes do not buy this some they it will BREAK.. Believe me it will BREAK..
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
anthony white
a cross-country rider
from quantico va. Date Reviewed: January 24, 1999
Bottom Line:
I to bought the 98 model and have had to replase every thang but the frame. for the money i have had to but into it I could have but a new bike 10 times better. every thang but the frame on this bike is so low end it is not funny. save your money and buy a better bike it will be cheaper in the long run.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris H
a downhiller
from Richmond, Va. Date Reviewed: December 19, 1998
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike (the 98) back in March thinking it would be a good starter bike and boy was I dissapointed. A friend that I ride with Bought a Trek Y for 3 times the price and in the 10 months we have ridden together he has had his bike in the shop about 2 times, i on the other hand because my components were so low end had to get so many things replaced and fixed, have practically replaced everything but the frame. I am only a beginner rider but i really wish i had dug a little deeper and gotten a better bike.
Overall Rating:
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