Submitted by
Gerald Audet
a Cross Country Rider
from Poultney, VT
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2007
Strengths: Fairly light for what it is Simple Super Strong CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP
Weaknesses: Front Shock Not super light
Bottom Line:
This bike is now going on 9 years old now, and the only thing I have replaced is the tires, fork (didn't need to be replaced, but I wanted too), and cables. Drive train is going to have to be replaced next year, and the rear shock the year after if I still have it.
I love this bike, and it's been very dependable. None of the bushing in the rear are loose, nor are the wheel hubs, or the headset, the rebound adjust still works on the rear shock, even the orginal brake pads are still good! Granted I probably only do about 250-350 miles a year on it (I'm mostly a road biker) but it's been great! I don't ride easy stuff, and like to play a little too, and it's been great for that as well.
Bottom line- it's the best mountain bike I've ever had, and while I've owned it I've had serval others as well (specialized, fuji, diamondback, and trek) and they've all died and this one is still rock solid!
Similar Products Used: many.. including kona, cannondale, GT, specialized
Bike Setup: factory default
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
David R.
a Downhiller
from State College, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2001
Strengths: I haven't broken one thing yet! adjustable rear shock rocks, even if only 4" travel. I just got 4th in Mens-C DH at the Collegiate Easterns!!! And some people say this bike shouldn't be ridden off road?!
Weaknesses: Shifting is never right. Even with new shifters! A bit heavy for it's main purpose of a XC bike...
Bottom Line:
Wicked bike for the money! A bit on the heavy side for XC, but lighter than most DH bikes!
Bike Setup: PsyloRace Fork, 2.5" IRC tires, Avid mech. disc rear brake and Grimeca System 8 front disk. ComfortZone saddle, and stock seatpost for racing.
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Avaino AB Italy
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2001
Weaknesses: Shifting never in tune! in tune on lowest out on the highset. The chain would often come off, then after tuning wouldn't shift into the closest gear.
Bottom Line:
The shifting would never stay in tune. Also had a chin break within 1mo. of buying the bike. Don't recomend anyone buy his bike for the cost, there are better bikes out there.
Strengths: I found the Giant Warp Ds2 to have great control in tight situations. The rear shock works well, and the front shocks are good value. I think it's the best value full suspension bike you can get for the price. If your looking for a good value bike look no further.
Weaknesses: The rims seem to bukle easy, and the gears are a bit akwards at times.
Bottom Line:
It you want a good strong mountain bike and dont want to pay to much the Giant Warp Ds2 is the best value bike going around, I have thrashed to crap out of mine and it's still standing strong. When mine wears out i think i'll get the same bike but newer model.
People who buy this bike, in general,are either young kids or first-timers who don't have much references to compare with. And that explains why it has earned some favorable reviews. This bike is NOT suitable for off road. It can be very unstable going downhill. Either you or the bike will break, whichever comes first...
Strengths: it's " Great for the price $552.00 " F/S Frame " comments: HOLDING UP TO ABUSE I PUT INTO IT! " RST 381DH " comments: I GOT MY MONEYS WORTH!
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Lenexa Kansas
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2000
Strengths: Very very good for the money. I have the 1998 model.. and I have upgraded the shiat outta it. I put a Mantiou SX-Ti on the front, Coda seat and bar ends, and a ritchey seatpost, as well as IRC Mythos tires. A damn good bike for $750. I am trying to buy a Ellsworth Truth though! hehe! I think the new ones are friggin' BUTT UGLY though. the 98' model was the prettiest, royal blue and yellow.
Weaknesses: the thing's HEAVY! UGH! I shaved off 2 LB's just by ditching the RST 381 DH fork! And I have broken the crank's teeth (SR Suntour... EWW), gone through 2 sets of tires, and shreaded the bushings! All in TWO yrs! what!? Since when don't cranks last 2 years? EXCUSE ME!?
Bottom Line:
Good. I wish I wouldn't of gotten it though. It got me through mountain biking, and it's a damn DAMN good first bike! I bought it when I was 13 (not 15) and it's held up until now. I have a $150 repair bill on it right now (waiting for it to get out of the shop... tick tock.. tick tock) I have Broken the chainrings, broken the monster-pivot's bushings, and busted the rear shock spring. It add's up... I am waiting to put new stuff on it.. and then to sell it.. ANYONE WANT IT!? hehe
Bike Setup: Manitou SX-Ti Fork, Ritchey Logic Seatpost & Clipless Pedals, Coda Seat & Bar Ends, IRC Mythos, and set on full plushness. MMM.. I race crosscountry.. so...
Submitted by
Luke
a Weekend Warrior
from Hobart Tasmania
Date Reviewed: September 9, 1999
Strengths: Frame Strengh Rear Shock Quality Components for Dollars Havent broken anything yet, probably wont. Good Brakes
Weaknesses: Front shock (RST381dh) A bit heavy Rims
Bottom Line:
Have done 2000 km in 6 months and put the through hell and havent broken anything. Had a few problems with the rims not being true, will upgrade to some mavic rims eventually. Set of bar ends and Tioga Tyres, stock ones suck, is all I have done to it. Rear shock works really well. Cant get the front one to feel right. Really strong bike, didnt expect it for the dollars. This bike is excellent value for money. Will keep it until I wear it out. 4 stars for the way the bike rides & the 5 th for value.
