Submitted by
cheif
a Cross Country Rider
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: August 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
segong
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Moh Tak
Strengths:
Frame is ok weight. Tough. Cheap.
Weaknesses:
Pivot bushing - has to be reguarly service to make it creak-free.
Similar Products Used:
Specialize fsr enduro. GT I-drive
Bike Setup:
Manitou SXR fr shox, RS Deluxe rr shox, lx crankset, lx fd, xt rd, xt cassette, xt hubs, mavic 517 rims, dt swiss competition db spokes, hucthinson python airlights, lx shifter / lever combo, xtr seatpost, selle san marco arami seat, pmt straight bar, azonic stem, ritchey v-comp spd, etc. - 26.6 lbs.
Bottom Line:
As you can see, I have upgraded this bike extensively over the time I owned it. My real regret is that I was not able to fit a rear air shox such as fox float rc or rs sid, since my budget would not allow it.
My only gripe it that you have to really take care of the pivot bushing especially when foul weather is around. But so far I only have to service the bushing 3 times only and it does not show any sign of wear or noticable flex. On my 3 - 4 times weekly ride, I favour this bike rather that my hardtail.
On the trail / singletrack, this bike can easily outclimb or descend much faster than most of my friends' bikes. They sometimes wants to swap bike with me on the trail since they notice me always looking comfortable and less tired on the rough stuff. Since it gone on a diet (from 34 lbs), I noticed that it is easier to tackle the singletrack and the climbs.
However as I learnt from my experience, it is not the lightest, the up-to-date bike that makes the difference, it's 99.99% of the time it's the rider. What does it matters if you have the best bike in the world when you are not fit or skill enough to ride a bike.
If you're on a budget, buy this bike or just the frame only, later you can upgrade. If you have the money, you would not be reading this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
james mccaan
a Cross Country Rider
from jamestown Date Reviewed: February 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
1. Price 2. Durability 3. Components
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Excellent price - paid $499. I do not understand the comments of those who complain abt this bike. If you are looking for a state-of-the-art custom Klien, it would cost a lost more than the $500 -$700 range so stop kidding yourself. If you are such a serious rider (which many ppl tend to "be" on the internet) you should not be looking for a bike in this range anyway - maybe in the sub $1500 range would be more appopriate for you. This bike is an excellent bike in terms of ridability and performance. And no, I do not work for Univega.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mohd reza
a Cross Country Rider
from kuching, sarawak, malaysia Date Reviewed: January 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
singgai
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
moh tak
Strengths:
comfortable
Weaknesses:
weight
Similar Products Used:
cheap full-suspensions, specialize fsr enduro
Bike Setup:
2000 judy race shox, dnm rear shox, deore hollowtech cranks, bb, cassette & hubs, shifters, 2000 lx front & rear derailers, mavic x221 rims with black spokes, avid arch-rival brakes with dia-compe levers, titec hellbent riser bar, stem & berserker dh seat, vetta kaos theory tires, 31 lbs.
Bottom Line:
I think my bike is a 98 model or previous year with a unified rear triangle, that is why is was cheap as compare to others aluminium full-sus. I use this bike for riding single tracks and training and that is why I don't really mind the weight. I am plesantly surprised last week when my bike can outclimbed much lighter hardtails and the downhills was a blast cause I can go much faster as compare with my hardtail. When I first bought this bike, it came with an rst 381 cl fork and some cheap rear shox but then I decide to upgrade the suspensions and made this bike perform much better. After that I made upgrades to the other parts of the bike.
I think this bike is a good value for your money and definitely upgradeble to make it perform better and much lighter. Anyone short of cash or doesn't want to spend so much on a full-sus should consider this bike.
Value 5 chilis because it is cheap and upgradeble.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex spencer
a Weekend Warrior
from ingland Date Reviewed: May 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
dirt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
cheap/effective good spec for the cash
Weaknesses:
frame
Similar Products Used:
crap full sussers claud buttler hard tail cheap rigids
Bike Setup:
stockish
Bottom Line:
good bike but weak frame (mine might be a defective one) it's snapped at the join between the top tube and the one that extends to the seat tube see my other reviews below for more info | \/ p.s. thats and arrow honest!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas Tan
a Weekend Warrior
from Labuan, Malaysia Date Reviewed: May 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Time Telecom( Terbalik )
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Value To Money. It is a good bike for beginner if you are not concern too much on the weight.
Weaknesses:
Too Heavy.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
This bike needed to be up-grade to reduce the weight and the better brake like XTR or XT and the Rock Shock rear suspension. just not happy with the bike set-up. TOO HEAVY!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
alex spencer
a Weekend Warrior
from england Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything gravity assisted
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
cheap £400,alright weight,front triangle, spec sane as a hardtail the same price
Weaknesses:
rear triangle, forks, rear shock, stem, f/mech
Similar Products Used:
crap full sussers, dirt cheap rigid, claud buttler hard tail
Bike Setup:
new stem, chainset (sugino get one there dead strong), b/b, pedals ( odessey twisted ) other than that stock
Bottom Line:
alright bike just mind the rear triangle if it starts ticking get off and check out the pivot bolts (where mine snapped)
goodish spec its not quite a x/c bike more a freeride/blast throgh the woods type thing
if you got one with sr suntour forks and you bottom them a lot take the top caps off and stick a few washers/ coins in there to increase the pre load
great bike mind the rear triangle
now i'll wait to get a new rear triangle so i can ride this great bike (dont belive anyone who says univegas are crap)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
alex spencer
a
from england Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
crap forks and group set
Similar Products Used:
not many
Bike Setup:
ded
Bottom Line:
great bike or so i thuoght a few days ago it started clicking so i tightend my crank up
got home and cleaned it and found that i had snapped the rear triangle on the bolt near the pivot
do not buy this bike the design is rubbish and weak as a matchstick
if u buy this bike do not ride it off road if you want it to last
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Herrman
a Weekend Warrior
from Cary, N.C., USA Date Reviewed: April 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Back by my friend's house. (Helps alot, huh?)
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Nearly everything. Overall value.
Weaknesses:
Maybe the front suspension. (If you try to downhill or race{too soft})
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR
Bike Setup:
Stock. Beautiful.
Bottom Line:
Even though I am just twelve, I can tell the difference between crap hardware and decent hardware. The DS-900 Qualifies as decent hardware. Good components, easy and smooth ride. There can be problems with the front derailer but that is easily fixed (Or upgraded). You might want to think about replacing the forks with something like a Rock-Shox Judy Racing or a Manitou Magnum, but for the beginner this is ideal. Very upgradable as you get to be a better and more avid biker. Five Flamin' Chilisfor value, four for Rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ely
a Cross Country Rider
from Chattanooga.TN,USA Date Reviewed: March 31, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Price Duarbility
Weaknesses:
Firex crank
Similar Products Used:
HArdtails
Bike Setup:
2,000 Univega ds 900
Bottom Line:
this bike is worth every cent it is great very durable the only problem i've experianced is the TruVativ Crank i've bent both the first and second gear chainrings but the factory replaced the second gear ring thev'e got very good customer service, Alll components on this bike work great i would definitly buy it again, It is also a good bike to upgrade easily
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Mullen
a Weekend Warrior
from Chatfield, Minnesota Date Reviewed: March 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Price Great starter bike frame seems well built
Weaknesses:
Weight, components cant complain too much considering the price
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Its heavy, but at $650 you should know what you are getting.The fork is almost too soft for me and im only 150. The rear end bobbed alot when I first rode it, but if you concentrate on a smooth pedal stroke this problem dissapears.Absolutely no bobbing when climbing out of the saddle. The first upgrades I will be making are a new fork and shock. This should give it a very good ride, and shave about 2-3 pounds off the bike to boot. The rear derailleur works farily well, the front could be better.The brakes arent top of the line, but they do stop very well. All in all, a very good bike for the money. Stops well rides nicely, and for only $650, should leave plenty of cash for upgrading as you see fit. First time full suspension buyers will love this bike, as will those on a budget.If you are a serious rider or racer, look elsewhere.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jode Ashburn
a Cross Country Rider
from Utah, Texas Date Reviewed: February 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything in Moab
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Weaknesses:
Pedal induced bob poor componentry heavy Ugly Rear suspension only good for downhill (if even for that) Travel too small for downhill riding This suspension will only slow you down
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth Dare Jamis El Diablo Diamondback X-Link
Bottom Line:
Read Mikes rating down below and listen to every word he has to say....not some stupid dealer who is trying to sell bikes. That is some lowdown *&^&#%. I also work at a bikeshop that stocks Univega, but I'm not going to say one nice word about their full-suspension models. I love Univega and rode one of their hardtails all last season. They are a great value for the money, but Univega needs to reconglomerate. The Full susp. frame design has has to go. All the other bike cos dropped this design years ago. These bikes have all the pedal induced bobbing of a Wal-Mart huffy. Do yourself a favor and buy one of Univegas hardtails or spend some more on another brands FS. Anyone who tells you that their Univega full suspension rides good or even OK must not have ever ridden a real full suspension bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cliff Eaves
a Cross Country Rider
from White Salmon WA Date Reviewed: February 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hospital Hill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
All Frames in the 2000 Series are the same with color being the only differance
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
most All (Bike Shop Owner)
Bike Setup:
Large 1999-DS-900, XTR Group, Sid SL, Crain Creek AD-10, LP composit DH Bars, Syntros 0d x120mm Stem, WTB ti Seat, Tompson 410mm Seat Post, WTB Lazer Rims, DT Ti 14Ga. Spokes, Mitchelin Comp-S Tires, 24.5 Lbs
Bottom Line:
As a Shop Owner I Ride Every Day and Reluctant to try a full supension bike after the Cannondale Super V Faze and all the fuss about pogoing and such. As a person who likes to climb as well as desend it just seemed like I'd wait a few more years. aAs you see the bike I've Described is well equiped, but this bike as well as others are available to rent, so you can see where you are going if you plan to up grade. The DS700 thru the DS950 Have the same Frames with only the components being different. Our best suggestion is to start where you are If you own a bike with good components and want to get into Full Supension Bikes tranfer your components to the new frame, If entry level start with the DS700 ($429) This bike is the best bike I have ever ridden, climbs like a hard tell and desends like a pillow. Steep drops, technical sections no problem, Read mountian bikeing reviews Jan 98, June 98 and Nov 99 and then come ride one of ours
Cycle Spectrum is selling the '99 DS900 for $495 - I got one. Can't be beat at that price. Nope, I don't work for CS.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike I
a Downhiller
from Prov R.I. Date Reviewed: January 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
looks cool,price,nice rims
Weaknesses:
front derailleur,shocks,uncomfortable
Similar Products Used:
Royce Union,moongoose,various used and new bikes
Bike Setup:
stock DS 900
Bottom Line:
duel suspension for $600 pretty good front and rear shocks dont do to much unless your coming off a 2 or 3 foot drop ,front deraileur sucks,before you buy this bike check out the Royce Union 2000 sold at sports athority,save $200 and get better susp.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
garan sink
a Cross-Country Rider
from fincastle, va Date Reviewed: December 22, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
great geometry, for me atleast,veryeasy to control,$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Weaknesses:
front fork, bottoms out like a huffy and I only weigh 105!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bike Setup:
new fork,SX, handlebar,seatpost,brakeset, stem
Bottom Line:
get one
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh Date Reviewed: November 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Atlantic Ave
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Still cheap
Weaknesses:
Still heavy
Bike Setup:
Stock except for new handlebars.
Bottom Line:
This is an update to my 1st review of this bike back in June.I still like the bike (a lot) but I am ready for some serious upgrades. I agree with the posts below about the handle bars being too heavy and awkward. That was the first thing I replaced. Switched them for a nice light set of riser bars. And yes, the front derailure IS crap. That is my next upgrade. (Still very cheap at this point).Mike(below) is right about the suspension being very pogo-y. Especially the rear. So after the front derailure, I'll be saving my pennies for some better AND lighter suspension. Something with dampering. I still say the front shock (RST 281) beats any of the elastomer Rock Shocks out there.For the price, I still say this bike is a great deal for those who want to venture into the world of full suspension and don't want to take a second mortgage on their home to do so. Right off the shelf, it's a good ride... and with an upgrade or two hear and there, it can be made into a damn good ride.Still 4 fatties... mainly for the price, and also for the rock solid frame(so far).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Duncan Date Reviewed: August 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Morris Bridge/Croom Santos trail head
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
It really has no ups except that it comes from a company that has a pretty good reputation for strong frames
1998 Univega DS-900 w/ JUDY XL equipped with Englund Total Air cartridges and a Cane Creek AD-10 in the rear. STX-RC drivetrain and shifters.
Bottom Line:
I worked at a bike shop that was selling these and believe me they are not the shit. They are heavier then the '98 and the pivot position has been changed. The rear triangle is no longer unified with the drivetrain. This could and can lead to miss shifts cause of differences in chain lenght when the rear suspension is active. The rear suspension is a complete waste of time and if changed out, would have a drastic effect on weight and ride performance and comfort. Those who say the fork is good enough have abviously never riden anything better then Elastomers. I have ridden Elastomers, Type-2, Type-3, and air sprung forks and believe me when I say don't settle for anything less then a Type-3 if you want to experience anything better then stiff travel and pogoing. Weight is also a big issue as to what you could use this bike for. A serious rider would know that a bike that weighs 30lbs. or less is a x-country rig, 31-40 is free ride or a reallt light downhill rig,, and anything morew is probably strictly downhill cause of the added material for strenght and the weight of the forks and such. The bike has one up side though...for the price, it could be a viable solution to buying a K-mart ride. I bought my '98 for $650. Sold the fork and traded for a Judy XL the nxt day. Overhauled the drive train and installed an XT bottom bracket cause a kept destroying anything less in 6 months or so. So by now the bike was worth about $1220 but then I upgraded the JUDY XL to air and took out the old coil over and put in a new Cane Creek AD-10 and besides shaving a pound and a half off the bike. it is now forth $1605 and as soon as I change out the rim set, that number will hit $2000. Ifd I were you, I would look for a '98 Univega instead of a '99. Trust me. 2 flaming roadies for the price, none for performance or ride.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roger
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore Date Reviewed: July 5, 1999
Favorite Trail:
BT Nature Reserve
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Responsive after changing handle bar.
Weaknesses:
The front shock can do better. Handle bar is heavy and it sucks.
Bike Setup:
Zokes Pro front RST 22 rear Yeti Easton Bar Rest is standard
Bottom Line:
This bike performs well for its price. Needs a little get used to as the front wheel is too backward. Fell of the bike a couple of times in wierd situation. But overall, performs damm well overall in all conditions. Glad I bought this bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garan Sink
a Cross-Country Rider
from Roanoke, VA Date Reviewed: June 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Exporer Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Awesome deal for the money!!!!!!
Weaknesses:
Cheapo front and rear suspension though rear actually works decently similar to rock shox deluxe
Similar Products Used:
Giant warp
Bike Setup:
switched handlebar, stem, seatpost, saddle, and upgraded to manitou pro
Bottom Line:
Get it if ya don't wanna spend a fortune on a bike, surprisingly light compared to other bikes alike. Upgrade hanlebar, stem, seatpost, saddle, andfront suspension and you will have a light great performing bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Seth Beard
a Cross-Country Rider
from Roscoe,IL Date Reviewed: June 5, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Rock Cut is Neat!
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Price, price, price, brakes are prettygood, shifters are ok weight is ok , bar ends, smooth riding, handles well
Weaknesses:
@ 200 lbs front shock is a little weak, will wear out over time- front derailleur is wrong size
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose , Proflex BEAST
Bike Setup:
RST 281(front) , RST-22(rear), LX all around, aluminum frame :)
Bottom Line:
Good deal for price, front shock will wear out , if your heavy anticipate the purchase of a new front shock!!! OOH YEAAHH- IT LOOKS PHAAT!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: June 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
1st Class
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Cheap Cheap Cheap Did I mention... cheap.
Weaknesses:
Heavy
Similar Products Used:
First FS
Bottom Line:
Bought this bike from LBS for $500. There is no other FS bike that comes close to this price. Fairly good components too. I must say however, do not believe the specs that say this bike is 29 pounds. We weighed it in the shop and it came in just over 32. I removed the reflectors, and put some lighter pedals on, so I may have trimmed close to a half pound, but that's it. I've only ridden it twice since I bought it, and I must say, for my weight (155 lbs.) the RST 281 seems very sufficient. I was riding a full-rigid bike before this, and believe me, it is a dream going off 2-3 foot drops on a full suspension bike. There is no comparison. However... take some time to get used to the ride. This bike has a higher center of gravity, and the front wheel is further back. This changes EVERYTHING. I lost count of how many times I fell, usually doing the simplest things too. Once I went over the handlebars while going up hill. I do notice a loss of power while trying to power uphill. The loss is much less noticeable if you stand up though. So far the bike seems great. I'll have to post another review in a couple months and let you know how it is holding up.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Inspire
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: May 29, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Price!
Weaknesses:
Soft front suspension
Bottom Line:
Bought my first full suspension bike at a sale. 599 slashed to 499 is hard to beat. Kinda felt like I was stealing the bike from them :)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott L.
a Weekend Warrior
from Mesquite, TX Date Reviewed: April 15, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
Bike performs great on the trails. Very comfortable and easy to control, even for a novice like myself. I've tackled terrain with this bike that I would never have considered taking on before. The only problem I've had is with the touchy front deraileurs but that's no big deal, I'll be upgrading to LX soon. After exhausting research before buying, I'm certian that this is an excellent bike for the money. Getcha one!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Harrison
a Cross-Country Rider
from Tampa Date Reviewed: April 2, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Flatwoods/MorrisBridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
This is an update to my previous review. I put a '98 Manitou SX with T.P.C. fork, that I bought from SuperGo for $139, on the bike and...well...uh...it just kicks ass. The fork is silver, and matches the bike. I now have a grand total of $689 invested. With the SX, you can adjust preload, compression and rebound dampening. Also, you can change the MCU's (harder or softer) in the fork to accomodate your weight/riding preference. This bike/fork combination is, in my opinion, a match made in heaven for a frugal yet demanding rider.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Harrison
a cross-country rider
from Tampa Date Reviewed: March 12, 1999
Bottom Line:
I own a '99 DS900. I stole the bike for only $550, on sale. I am an aggressive XC rider, former motocross racer. Believe me, this bike is by far, the most bang for the buck!!! If you want a GOOD full suspension bike without having to rob a bank, this is it. In my opinion, the only component that really needs to be upgraded, is the fork. It's too soft for me, and I only weigh 185. It might be O.K. for lighter riders. I did my homework before buying this bike, and it paid off. For the money, 5 1/2 chilis!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KoKo washington
a weekend warrior
from Addison, TX. Date Reviewed: February 13, 1999
Bottom Line:
This is my second update, and after puting in some hard miles the bike is starting to show it true colors:First the cable guids are too close together and cause the rear to shift out of sequence. Second the rear triangle is very flimsy... I thought that my XTR V-brakes where not doing the job. After close examination I notice a great deal of flex under less than white knuckle breaking. even after two different break boosters the flex was still greater than the stopping power. I am no running Maguras and problems steel persist.This bike is a side walk cruizzerr not for an avid weekend warrior at all. If I could trade it in I would.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a weekend warrior
from AZ Date Reviewed: February 4, 1999
Bottom Line:
Well - I have the '97 version. It works GREAT! The only thing that sucks hardcore is the front shock. I have MAYBE 3/4 of travel left. It handles well, climbs well, descends well. I don't like how they have changed the frame to more of a V shape! I never really got any bounce unless I jumped on the freakin' pedals! It's a great bike! Not only good for the money!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tim pratt
a weekend warrior
from tucson arizona Date Reviewed: December 13, 1998
Bottom Line:
this bike is the best full suspension bike for the money. the fork is fairly soft, but the rear suspension is fully adjustable and will fit anyone up to 200 lbs. i recently paid 695 for one incl. tax and a few minor upgrades. pro: seat hight adjustability component combination value per dollar company warranty weight con: pedals non-adjustable fork bounce when hammering hard on pedels caused by placement of pivot point
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KoKo Washington
a weekend warrior
from Addison, TX. Date Reviewed: November 10, 1998
Bottom Line:
Clean lines, comfortable in the saddle, even for a 6'3 body. The groupo is ok and fine (LX/suntour) for the weekend warrior. The RST, supension is abit on the soft side for anyone over 155lb (front and rear). $695 is what the going price. Suggestion: My changes - Z4 forks - LX/XT front derailer(rear came w/LX) - Chain rings - XT/XTR brakes - Spin rims
Overall Rating:
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