Home | Reviews | Bikes | Full Suspension Bike

Login  |  Register
Univega 2000 DS-950

MSRP $ 979.99
# of Reviews 16
Average Rating 4.06/5
More Products from Univega

Submit a Review









Submitted by Derek a Cross Country Rider from Strafford, NH USA
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:local snowmobile trails
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $425.00
Purchased At:Pawn Shop
Strengths:This bike is a well designed full suspention bike. Its not to heavey and hold up to extream riding. Its a great bike and also has lots of potential to become even better. It also comes with a Cane Creek AD10 wich is a geat rear suspention choice.
Weaknesses:It has mechanical disc brakes and has a low end fork, but with a little bit of money it could have a decent fork and hydrallic disks.
Similar Products Used:I havent used much that really is the same type of bike. I had a Haro escape 8.1 and a Gary Fisher wahoo. The Haro looked good but was terrible. It was always braking down and never seamed to wook very good. It also came with cheep components and never lasted. Stay away from cheep bikes !! The Gary Fisher wasnt bad, although I did was something a little better. It worked almost all the time, If I were to buy a new bike at a bike shop I would be looking at Gary Fishers along with other thing. I wouldnt ever consider a Haro.
Bike Setup:Its a Univega with a manitou magnium for the fork. It has a rear suspention cane creek AD10 which is great. and I am running WTB 2.4 on it and that give it a serious ride. It still has LX components, but I am plaining on upgrading it to XT or XTR.
Bottom Line:This bike is a great bike. I really like it. I have rode many bikes and I seam to like this one the most. Its not very expensive but it still is pretty good quality. It also has lots of room to become better.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Jeff a Cross Country Rider from Snoqualmie, WA USA
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:Tiger Mountain
Duration Product Used:2 Years
Price Paid: $500.00
Purchased At:Supergo
Strengths:Low initial price, full-suspension frame
Weaknesses:HEAVY! Promax Disc Brakes and RST Rear Shock really lame.
Bike Setup:The only thing I left stock on this bike is the frame! Re-tooled with XT cranks, V-brakes, SID XC rear shock, Manitou MARS front shock, new stem, seat post, saddle, bars, grips, levers, shifters, tires, BB, everything.
Bottom Line:First of all, what a bargain! I paid $500 for this unit from Supergo and considered it a great deal, if only for the frame alone. I rode this bike stock for the first season and it felt clunky and heavy. Not much travel in the RST rear shock, poor braking with the Promax discs. Over the winter I put another $1000 into it and it's now a sweet ride. I switched out the Manitou Magnum for a MARS, went back to XT V-brakes and shifters, new XT cranks, and a Rock Shox SID XC rear shock. Now it cruises over the roughest downhill with 4.5 inches of rear travel. The upgrades also dropped 5 pounds. The frame is beefy and gives me more confidence than some of the lighter-weight frames out there. Some might consider it stiff, but I like to let the shocks do the work. Great frame for 200-pound "plus-sized" riders.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Joseph Andrada a Cross Country Rider from W. Covina, CA
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:Aliso Meadows
Duration Product Used:6 months
Price Paid: $500.00
Purchased At:Bicycle Discovery
Strengths:Durability, Looks, Handling
Weaknesses:Pedals, Brakes
Bike Setup:Stock
Bottom Line:For the price, excellent. Replaced the pedals, stem, fork and brakes. This bike can handle anything now. It will keep up with the other bikes! So far I don't have any problems w/ it. Completely satisfied with it.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by john a Weekend Warrior from pissed
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:6 months
Price Paid: $500.00
Purchased At:supergo
Strengths:fork is pretty good, wheels, and the brakes are ok thats it
Weaknesses:where can i start, the rear shock is cheap the inner arm unscrews everytime i ride it and it has broke twice, the shifting is horrible and doesnt shift when you tell it to, it also came unaligned to the cassette, the frame doesnt look that great, and the bike is just fallin apart
Bottom Line:not a good bike, its like a bike you buy from toys r us its just cheap. I laugh at the thought that they actually sold these for $1000 its pathetic. My chain broke on me, the rear shock has broke on me, the shifting skips all the time, the chain falls off i mean come on thats not up to its price. I only bought it for 500 and i think that was ALOT to pay for this. the tires are also to big for the frame and when the fork bottums out it skims up against the tire. I also broke one of the bars inside the wheel and the rear shifter. Its just cheap. i recomend that you dont waste your time looking at this bike. you would be much better getting a sugar 3 or some kind of known brand thats not gonna fall apart
Value Rating:3Overall Rating:2

Submitted by Chris a Weekend Warrior from Staunton, VA
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:Little Levels
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $500.00
Purchased At:Supergo
Strengths:tires, frame, wieght, look, pedals, for, etc.
Weaknesses:front deraileur, rear shock
Similar Products Used:my first fs bike
Bike Setup:stock except RS coupe deluxe instead of the el crappo RST.
Bottom Line:This is a really nice bike. i think that the clamp hitting the tire when the fork is close to bottoming out is sorta like lockout but thats my twisted idea. otherwise i dont think i coulda found a nicer bike at this price. the tires are like crash protection cuz when you fall theyre big enough to bounce you back up. the disc brakes are a nice little addition and i havent experienced any problems yet like some people have (i.e. screeching).i only give it 4 overall because there are many better bikes out there.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by peter a Cross Country Rider from ny
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $475.00
Strengths:Cheap, Durable, Good Looking, Good rims & tires. Disc Brake, Shimano Deore/LX Mixed.

Weaknesses:Cheap Rear Shock.
Similar Products Used:Voodoo Hoodoo AL, Jamis Dakar Expert.
Bike Setup:Stock, With Rear Shock Upgrade to Fox Vanilla R
Bottom Line:The Best bike you can get for under 500 dollar......period. However, Derby USA have decide to cancel the Univega line. hopefully they will still fullfill the warranty on this bike
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Andy a Weekend Warrior from Barrington
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:I Like jumps and mud
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $500.00
Purchased At:Super Go
Strengths:Manitous are pretty nice, tires, look
Weaknesses:Peddles suck and the rear shock is no good
Bottom Line:Great bike. you cant expect much better for something only $500 especially sense its dual suspension. It can use some upgrading if you hit any drops or jumps. Im getting a new rear shock and pedals on the bike. The fork is kinda messed up and whenever i come close to bottuming it out it skims my tire. I would get a new fork it i had the cash because im 125 lbs and i bottum it out on jumps when i get 5 feet of air or so. Good bike though. If you are looking to buy this for $1000 i would look more into the Trek Fuel 80 or something. IF you like to just ride out with your friends and have some fun its a great bike.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by greg a Racer from alton,il.
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:shawnee national forest
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $475.00
Purchased At:supergolove the
Strengths:love the sedona 2.25 tires.can anyone really tell the difference between LX and XT.this bike has not missed a shift.a very cool looking bike.
Weaknesses:i've heard alot about the discs screeching.haven't experienced it.i honestly haven't had a bit of trouble.
Similar Products Used:first dual suspension bike ridden,so i might not know better.what i don't know won't hurt me.
Bike Setup:LX drivetrain.avid brakes.discs.wtb extras.what do you want for the money?
Bottom Line:i guess i wasn't the only one to pick up on that supergo deal.quite simply the deal of a lifetime.i'm a sport class racer and would not be scared to race this bike.i find myself spending more time on this bike than my trek,and i love my trek.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Sam a Weekend Warrior from Tampa, Fl US
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $500.00
Purchased At:supergo
Strengths:Cost decent components for the $
Seems pretty well built and durable...for 500 bucks probably the best you'll can get for that price range.
Nice wide tires, full suspension...name brand components.
Much better than any Dept. store deal.!
Weaknesses:A little heavy but hey..what you want for $500 bucks.
Mech disc brakes are not the best... but not too too bad.
Similar Products Used:Trek y11, GF sugar 4
Bike Setup:stock
Bottom Line:if you looking to get into a FS mountain bike.. and can only spend $500 this is it.. havnt seen a better deal for $500 unless its used or something. Probably not the best of XC long hauls due to its weight but probably do fine for a few hours of fun.
I use it as a back up bike for when my bikes in the shop or when a buddy with no bike wants to ride.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Lou a Weekend Warrior from Hopewell Junction ,NY
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:Fawnstock State Park
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $475.00
Purchased At:SUPERGO.COM
Strengths:Lightweight frame, Massive tires, Disc brakes
Weaknesses:Front and rear shocks
Bike Setup:Manitou Magnum fork, RST-22 rear,Promax Disc brakes, Deore drivetrain
Bottom Line:I spent two Months researching different bikes online and in the stores. I test rode and had a deposit on a Schwin Rocket 88 stage II but took a chance on this bike because of the value and boy am I glad I did. First, this bike climbs like a Goat. I was able to climb hills that my last bike (mongoose dr40) couldn't. Second, there is no other bike on the market for under $1000.00 with all the "stuff" that this bike comes with. Third, I can upgrade the things that I need to without breaking the bank. If you can still find one buy it and if you don't like it email me I have five jealous friends who want one.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:3

Submitted by dave kolceski a Weekend Warrior from syracuse, ny
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:don't have a fav
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $475.00
Purchased At:supergo.com
Strengths:decent geometry & weight, good tires/rims, disc brakes, good shimano throughout
Weaknesses:crappy rear shock, front derailer cable frame mounted @ angle...cable rubs/catches
Similar Products Used:schwinn s-10
Bike Setup:stock but ditched the clipless pedals for some flats...
Bottom Line:For the price, you can't beat this bike with a stick, and they're pushing the ds-900!
I dont care what others say about the brakes, I think they are great...good modulation & stopping power-who wants to mess with hydraulics??!!
Front fork could use an upgrade, rear shock is crap.
If you want into this sport for under $500 and dont want your bike to fall apart under you as the others laugh and laugh, this is the bike to get.
Thank God for the recall last year on those diacomp's that were crapping out...now you can get a great bike for real cheap!
I give it 5 piles of stew for value, and 4 mounds of poo overall
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Zach Richards a Cross Country Rider from Anacortes, WA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:anything
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $475.00
Purchased At:Supergo
Strengths:Components-tires, rims, shimano parts
lighter than previous bike
Weaknesses:chain kept chatching on little pins in the cranks, but were smoothed over with dremel
cheap rear shock
brakes often squeak
Similar Products Used:FSR Sport
Bike Setup:stock
Bottom Line:excellent bike for price with very nice perfomance and agility
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Joe a Weekend Warrior from Englewood
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $472.00
Purchased At:Supergo.com
Strengths:Weight / Price / Disc Brakes / Tires
Weaknesses:I haven't experienced any yet.
Bike Setup:Stock with the exception of the pedals.
Bottom Line:I'm a climber/mountaineer by trade and wanted to get a reasonably priced bike to stay in shape instead of running. I did my homework and for the price you can't beat this bike. The components aren't top of the line but are more than satisfactory and do a great job.

As for people who trash a lot of the products listed on this website, here's some reality:

If you spend $300 - $700 on bike don't expect the thing to perform anywhere near that of a $2000 bike. Would you climb Denali or Aconcagua with a Walmart tent and Coleman boots? You get what you pay for!

As for this product, I am new to the sport and think this is a great deal for someone starting out and not entirely sure of how far you plan on going into MTBing. The admission price is low and if you don't like it, hell, you spent less than $500 that you could probably get back selling it. Great price, Great bike!
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Aaron a from CA
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:anny place around carlsbad
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $500.00
Purchased At:supergo.com
Strengths:suspension is active and most of the componets are good. Great deal for the price, cant beat it.
Weaknesses:first time i went hard up a hill the chain snaped.
the breaks, Promax somthing are useless. every time you stop they sound worse than fingernails skraping a chalk board, i tried lubing them up but that dint do anything.
Similar Products Used:Raligh, Fisher, C-dale.
Bike Setup:stock
Bottom Line:I think this is one of if not the best bike out thair you can get new for the $$$. It is light as far as FS's go and the suspension definetaly works. If you have the $$$ get somthing good, but if your like most of us Poor than thain you should look in to it. I do a lot of jumping and drop offs, bottmed out the shock easely ganna be the first thing i upgrade, next to the crappy breaks.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Don Scroggins a Cross Country Rider from Seminole, TX USA
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:Caprock Caynons and San Angelo State Parks in Texas
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Purchased At:Bikeshop.com
Strengths:Great ride, excellent components, and superb acceleration in rough terrain. For the trails that I ride in West Texas, I could not have made a better choice.
Weaknesses:I have not found any.
Similar Products Used:Schwinn MOAB 3
Bike Setup:Full suspension, DeoreLX all around, disc brakes, 2.25" Sedons tires
Bottom Line:I am certain that I can take this bike on any trail in nearly any condition. Here in West Texas we have some of the rockiest single track around and I was continually losing my line and traction. On my first ride on the Univega 950 I found myself screaming along trails that I had previously struggled.
If you are interested in racing or just having a great single track experience, I recommend this bike!
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Bart Rickter a Weekend Warrior from Montana
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:Anything with down
Duration Product Used:6 months
Strengths:Disc brakes and fork
Weaknesses:Pedals and rear derailluer
Similar Products Used:first full suspension mtb
Bike Setup:factory setup, with time atac pedals, and xt rear.
Bottom Line:I got this bike for $980 which is a steal if you ask me. I'm just getting into the Dh scene and I wanted an affordable bike (if there is such a thing). I found it in the univega. Since I'm not a big shot pro or a north shore sicko I don't need 9 plus inches of travel so I settled for a modest 3 to 4 inches. I haven't had a problem with this bike yet. My only complaint was the pedals. They sucked so I swapped them out. Other then that the suspension is active and plush and I can't complain for the price, plus disc brakes are a real perk!
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5






What's New
» BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
» LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
» INTERBIKE - See all the latest 2010 bikes, parts, and gear in our extensive Tradeshow Coverage»
Latest Articles and Reviews:


Quick Poll
(sponsored by Moots)
Do you own a GPS?

  yes, dedicated GPS
  yes, smart phone w/GPS
  not yet, but looking to buy
  no

Photo Caption Contest

(sponsored by Maxxis)

Enter here

Contact Us  •   About Us  •   Terms of Use  •   Privacy Policy  •   Advertising
 MtbREVIEW.com  RoadbikeREVIEW.com  OutdoorREVIEW.com
 PhotographyREVIEW.com  VideogameREVIEW.com  ComputingREVIEW.com
 AudioREVIEW.com  CarREVIEW.com  GolfREVIEW.com
Copyright ©1996-2009 All Rights Reserved.ConsumerREVIEW.com, a business unit of Invenda      RSS Feed