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Submitted by
nick chat
a Weekend Warrior
from la ca us
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | lake hughes | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$275.00 | | Purchased At: | craigslist | | Strengths: | great bike it geared up for anything first real mountain and i love | | Weaknesses: | cound have a quick realease fo the seat but thats cool anyway | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky giant Ac2 | | Bike Setup: | rock shox front forks light bike | | Bottom Line: | great bike for begginers and pros. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Edwards
a Weekend Warrior
from Roxbury
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | It is a great bike for the money and excellent for beginners. This bike can take a beating. | | Weaknesses: | The shocks and brakes could be a lot better, but the bike is easily upgradeable. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | If you're a begginner and looking for a decent bike to start with, this is it. The components can always be upgraded as you get more comfortable riding, but even stock this bike can still keep up with the best of them. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cory
a
from Wyoming
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$790.00 | | Purchased At: | EBAY | | Strengths: | Very awsome bike!!! I am very satisfied with it. If you are looking at getting a very good beginers bike, this is the bike. I have had it for a year and it is a very dependible bike. I have put over 7400 miles on it and it is still as strong as a new one!! I have changed gears rapidly while pedaling hard and it does awsome and doesn't break or make any sounds. I am planing on keeping it for life. Very good considering the price. It is fun to go cross country with it or go in muddy places. Only have to do 1 check up a year!! | | Weaknesses: | The ONLY thing is the back shock. It is too bouncy and doesn't do good on jumps. I went off a jump and when i landed then spring bounced back up and i all most went over the handlebars. I am trying to replace it with a Fox shock so if anyone has one for sale please e-mail at Jeep60@wyoming.com | | Similar Products Used: | NONE | | Bike Setup: | Bike setup is awsome any very strong. The best thing is that it is designed in America. | | Bottom Line: | A very great bike!!! i would give it a A++. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ygfh thhx
a Downhiller
from CA
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | colby-dalton | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$911.00 | | Purchased At: | Giant Bikes | | Strengths: | awesome suspension, good price | | Weaknesses: | bouncy rear shock | | Bottom Line: | this bike has good suspension at a good price.It is a good bike if you are looking for a comfortable ride. If you plan to climb very steep hills this is probbably not the bike for you.Buy this bike if you are looking for a good ride at a very good price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Spagnoli
a Downhiller
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Woodland DirtJumps | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | McWhinnies | | Strengths: | The bike is not bad for the price,it needs a little money to make it desent | | Weaknesses: | Tires, Frame, Brakes, Axle, and the ----- wakes the deads it is so loud | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Stinky, 2004 stinky | | Bike Setup: | Stock but changed pedals, added bash guard, changed tires | | Bottom Line: | Not a bad bike for the price, giants warenty saved me because the frame snapped right under me, got an 04 frame so i am not complaning. Good bike to start doing some serious riding but it will need to be replaced after about 2 years if you ride hard. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Provost
a Downhiller
from London
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything that will hurt you! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheels Bike Shop | | Strengths: | This bike has all the features of the more expensive bikes and costs a third of the price. i have hammered on this bike for 1 1/2 years now and had nothing major go wrong. the frame is solid, i weigh about 190 lbs and take this bike everywere. urban riding, trails and big downhills. i raced this bike in a Chico DH race this summer and it still held up. Solid all around bike. Just need to upgrade the forks.
| | Weaknesses: | front forks - get and better fork if you are doing any big downhill.
| | Bottom Line: | great bike for the price. you will never regret buying this bike or have to worry about busting it. plus it looks freak'n wicked! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gharrett n/a
a Racer
from WA
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | schleyer | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | bothell bike and mountain sport | | Strengths: | fork is pretty nice and the hydro brakes arent bad plus i like the rims | | Weaknesses: | the frame and cranks.....my frame broke beneath me and i weigh only aobut 100 pounds so i say that this frame really sucks as does the back shock its like a frigin pogo stick | | Similar Products Used: | giant ac1 its way better | | Bike Setup: | i had this bike with a K-9 bash ring and hayes hydro disks | | Bottom Line: | dont buy this bike if u wanna be hitting anythin bigger then 4 feet because the frame is horrible and will brake on u like it did on me | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jamie
a Downhiller
from Mandurah
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | goat farm | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | really good hydro disc brakes, good crank, strong dh rims,
strong dh handle bars, and the frame is bulky and strong | | Weaknesses: | there are not that many weakness but my forks snapped which was gay but over it;s a joi bike | | Similar Products Used: | ds2, | | Bike Setup: | - | | Bottom Line: | this bike a good bike for it price and i reccomend this bike for average freeriding and some dh not but use as a full dh bike other wise it will not hulk up and brake. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
max
a
from Centennial,wy,U.S
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | The fine edge | | Strengths: | durable, very durable. The Giant warp DS1 is the best bike iv'e ever had. | | Weaknesses: | just a little heavey. | | Bike Setup: | straight out of the shop | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best i've ever owned. I'm twelve and thi 16.5 in fits me. I would recaomend this bike any day | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Downhiller
from Bulington Vermont USA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any thing DH | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | Great shox very strong every thing | | Weaknesses: | Nothing | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Bomber Front shox Hydrolic discs | | Bottom Line: | Good DH or Freeride bike you can bash it and nothing happens to the bike rocksolid frame componants are great i upgraded the derailer because it got hit and broke but great know | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Downhiller
from renton WA
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | secret hehe | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$835.00 | | Purchased At: | center cycle | | Strengths: | great components, real strong cranks plush travel, great price | | Weaknesses: | if ur gona freeride this rig u need a 5in travel fork ( i got a 03 DJ3 on it) and the frame broke at the seat/bottom tube weld on a smallish 5 footer but id like to compliment giant on there warrinty return policys i trashed it and giant had me riding again in 2 weeks. | | Similar Products Used: | kona kauna, k2 attack 1.0 | | Bike Setup: | DJ3 fork, prodigy 100mm, weyless platforms, ea50 post speed v saddle, odi lockons, ringle mamoth rear rim...ect | | Bottom Line: | one heck of a bike i lve this thing with all my heart and im amazed its held up so well!!! basicaly a great bike that with some work can handle a lot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Downhiller
from Lewiston, Idaho, USA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | redwolf | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | Wheels,tire,headset,brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Everything else. | | Bike Setup: | Manitou x-vert tipple clamp fork, kona downhill bars, primo pedals and a bunch of other stuff. I pretty much made it into a downhill bike | | Bottom Line: | DO NOT USE THIS BIKE FOR DOWNHILL/FREERIDE!!!!!!! Because I did and it didnt holed up at all. It was always one thing after an other that was breaking. I pretty much had to replace every part, and just the other day the the frame broke in half.
This bike may not be good for freeriding or downhill but if you want a great bike for trails or just riding around the giant ds1 warp is the bike for you. I recommend this bike for beginners. If you want a downhill/freeride bike just save your money and by a Giant AC or Giant DH because those bikes kick A$$.
Oh yeah I forgot to say "don't run a triple clamp fork on any warp because if you jump hard you'll rip the head tube off." | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris P
a Weekend Warrior
from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1580.00 | | Purchased At: | Supercycle | | Strengths: | I've only used the bike for 2 days now but i feel it is AMAZING!! The frame, the disc brakes, the new rapid fire system (i bought a 2003 model), colour, amazing bomber fork and much more!!! | | Weaknesses: | nothing found so far..... :) | | Similar Products Used: | Jeep Comanche Sport | | Bike Setup: | Store bought | | Bottom Line: | I havent been riding it for a while but i feel its INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimmy Riordan
a Weekend Warrior
from Garden Grove, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: December 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | rock -it /laguna | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | two wheels one planet bike shop | | Strengths: | 5 inches of rear wheel travel, y-style frame design,hydraulic disc brakes, beefy frame that can take abuse, wtb 2.40 tires. | | Weaknesses: | a little on the heavy side. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano sram 7.0 27-speed, marzzochi bomber front forks with 4" of travel, giant MPH hydraulic disc brakes, coil rear shock with adjustable rebound control. | | Bottom Line: | overall it is a great bike for the money. Just want a bike that is a little on the lighter side. Actually good bike if your into doing freeriding with moderate downhills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Riggs
a Cross Country Rider
from Bronx, NY
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Saxon Woods, Sprain Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Manhattan Bicycles, NYC | | Strengths: | Good frame geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Too much bobbing at the 5" setting.
Frame cracked after only 5 months of use. I didn't experience this problems w/ other bikes that I owned.
| | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Joshua F4, Jamis Dakar Pro, Gt Avalanche 2.0, Gt XCR4000. | | Bike Setup: | RockShox JUDY fork, Easton seatpost Sun Rims, Avid CPS disc brakes, Shimano XT cranx, Rear der., LX front der., Hutchinson Mosquito Air light tires (2.3), sram7.0 cassette. | | Bottom Line: | This bike was doing fine until the frame cracked on me while I was on the trail. I guess at 250lbs, I was too much weight for the bike. I was shocked though, considering that the Fisher Joshua shared very similar characteristics. Keep in mind also that I did no serious free-riding w/ the bike.... just primaly cross-country riding. So if you're a heavy rider, be careful w/ this bike. I rode it to the fullest and was very disapointed when the frame cracked on me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nicholas
a
from Mountain View, California, USA
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$830.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycle | | Strengths: | Strong Frame, brakes are nice until you screw them up, Overall whole bike, price, fat tires | | Weaknesses: | Fork is doable but I replaced it with a Dirt Jumper 1 for 1 more inch of travel and adjustments, rear derraileur :( i broke mine after 3 months of use, I also screwed up my front disc brake, rear shock, seat post too long but i cut it, Heavy, shifters, cranks but havent broken them yet | | Similar Products Used: | ??? | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Marzocchi Dirt Jumper 1, Power Tools Stem, Deore shifters, deore rear derraileur, MRP, primo pedals, 20mm marzocchi front hub | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for people who want to begin to do more extreme riding than XC | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C R
a Weekend Warrior
from K
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycles intenational | | Strengths: | tires,rear derailer nice, frame, brakes. | | Weaknesses: | cranks getting loose | | Similar Products Used: | canondale jekle 700 | | Bike Setup: | Giant ds 1 shimano shifters & levers, profile maniac riser bars, w/ritchey grips. rest stock | | Bottom Line: | 2003 DS1, wrote a review before, but I have put it to the test for my ability. In two words, love it. the only problem I have now is the cranks are starting to loosen, have not taken them apart to see what the problem is. Destroyed the front shifter in a spectacular wreck in front of a bunch of 10-12yrolds. pretty embarrassing. I got lx shifter, levers to match the rear derailer, also got profile maniac riser bars. Did not have a problem with the stock bars just like how they rise & the looks. I also got ritchey grips, I like them execpt they are narrower than the stock grips & they drive me crazy. Myhands are on the side of the bars & the levers, but I do like the grip of them just wish they were wider. I cut 1" off each side of the bars to get threw narrower trails.
Another review talked about "bob" had it at first, rear shock was set real soft, I tightened the adjustment on the shock and its gone. The cables are also rubbing on the frame, got lizard skins, first ride they all came off. Any ideas welcome. I may just rap the frame in those areas with electrical tape. Will review later on the crank, if it turns out to be a problem or operator error.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Kasper
a Racer
from Henniker, NH
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Kingman's farm | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Waites Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | Frame is strong, looks sweet in black. Pretty much everything is good it looks sweet with the setup I had. | | Weaknesses: | I seriously haven't found any yet. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Giant Warp DS1 | | Bike Setup: | 2002 frame, romic rear shock, Shimano XT drivetrain, Race Face North Shores, Sun Ringle Double Wides, Maxxis High Roller/Mobster/Bling-Bling Dual, Marzocchi Z1 Freeride, snafu bmx pedals, and a a SDG saddle that needs to be replaced badly. | | Bottom Line: | Awsome bike, I picked the frame up as a replacement to the 2001 Warp DS1 that I broke in an unfortunate accident. Put on the shock from the 2001 frame which was a Romic. It rides like a dream. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BJB
a Weekend Warrior
from Winter Park, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | Loco Motion | | Strengths: | Frame, Rear Shock (Giant HV), Avid CPS Disc Brakes, Price | | Weaknesses: | Front Shock (Manitou Axel Super), Shimano Alivio Front Derailleur, Cranks, Weight (36 lbs) | | Similar Products Used: | (Recent)2003 Giant Rainier (Old)Kona Fire Mountain, Scott Boulder | | Bike Setup: | Removed the platform pedals that come with the bike for my old reliable Sakae Lowfats with toe clips. All else stock. | | Bottom Line: | Well after alot of research and planning I went with the 2003 Giant Warp DS-1, a great bike for a very good price. I only picked it up this last Friday and went for extended rides on Saturday and Sunday, but I thought I would write the review now so that I can write another review in awhile for comparison.
The frame is great, the swingarm is much beefier than the 2002 version I have seen. Both pivot areas, and dropouts, are forged aluminum for extra strength, and with the newly shaped tubing and gusseting the Warp is reinforced in all the right areas.
The rear shock is very plush and has adjustable rebound and compression damping. There are 3 different springs that can be used on the shock: 650 lb/in (110-154 lb rider), 800 lb/in (154-198 lb rider), and 1000 lb/in (198-242 lb). Make sure your bike shop gives you the right one for your weight!
The brakes are awesome. Very Powerful, but, need a little time to be broke in. Very easy to adjust and removing the wheels is a breeze compared to cantilevers. The Avid AD3 levers are good performers all around and are of course well suited to the Avid brakes.
The Front Shock, 2003 Manitou Axel Super is an oil shock with rebound adjustment and fluid damping. The shock seems to perform fairly well, but always seems to have oil leaking from it.
The Shimano Alivio Front Derailleur has performed well so far in this limited riding, but, I would have liked to have seen a Deore component at least to match the rear derailleur.
The Giant cranks are pretty cheesy looking, big and goofy. Again they have performed well thus far, but a Deore component would have been nice.
The weight of this bike is heavy for anything but downhill or freeriding. 36 lbs stock! It is though not as noticeable as I would have thought... even with the 2.24 WTBs it moved fine on pavement, and the trails. Unless you are used to riding a <25lb bike you are not going to really notice it.
On the cross country trails I took it on it was a little tricky throwing the bike around a switchback, or tree, or over some of the chainring killer logs, but, for the most part it was good. I am probably going to get a narrower handlebar for this type of riding, as the handlebar that it comes with is a bit wide for my taste... most likely spec'd for more control while downhilling.
As time goes on I will probably replace the components with lighter ones anyway so I am not worried about the weight. Plus there are barely any hills in Florida... ;-p
For those of you worried about "bob"... the pogo stick movement of the suspension compressing under powerful pedaling associated with a single pivot bike. There is bob with this bike most noticeably when on a flat hard surface and pedaling out of the seat. I have found though that if you keep your weight back slightly, and do not sway the bike from side to side as is often done this can be reduced quite a bit.
Alot of people seem to be concerned about a rear suspension being active while climbing too but, at least with this bike, it is great climbing a rutted, rooted uphill dirt climb and having the suspension keeping that tire in the dirt.
Overall, I don't think "bob" gives as negative a performance hit as most bike companies would like to admit but I suppose it is a riders preference as well.
The only other small thing I should mention is. Watch out for that front brake cable! It typically ends up getting routed in front of the headset and behind the left leg of the fork. This is a great setup but when the shock depresses the cable pushes up and slides against the frame.
After these two rides the cable has worn away a small area of paint to the bare aluminum! I would suggest getting some kind of routing device for the cable or some kind of lizard skin or something to keep the cable free for movement but away from the frame.
Well that is all for this review. I will be back again with another after a few more sessions with the bike. Thanks for reading! I hope it helps with your decision making. If you have any more questions, just email me! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Downhiller
from Marin
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Secret Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$780.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bikes | | Strengths: | Front Fork, Rear Shock, Color, Hydrualic disc brakes, fatty tires | | Weaknesses: | seat post(too high, no big deal though), shifters, a little on the heavy side. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized hardrock, Giant rainier, Marin alpine trail, Jamis Dakar Sport | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for entry level freerider/downhiller people. Extremely low price. Good overal bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Keaser
a Weekend Warrior
from Englewood Fl. USA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Int. Bicycles | | Strengths: | brakes, frame, suspension, tires, its awesome. | | Weaknesses: | rear derailler, little heavy, seat was uncomfortable but got use to it, but would not trade it for those reasons. | | Similar Products Used: | P.O.S. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is an 03 DS1, my first bike of this caliber. I Love it, the rear derailler is not very smooth, but compared to what I use to use it is a dream. All in all, I think the bike is great for the price, and ride, for someone who wants to start riding. I also bought a DS3 for my girlfriend to see if she would like to start riding. She thinks its the best thing since sliced bread. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Cominski
a Racer
from Renton WA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything on Tiger Mtn. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Center Cycle Renton, WA | | Strengths: | This bike has many strengths, lightness not being one of them! The Fork and shock are first class don't be put off by the house brand rear shock. Although it isn't a Fox or anything, the rebound adjust is effective and the shock action is smooth as butter. Although they supposedly strengthened the 03 frame even more, I find it hard to believe it was due to any weakness in the design of the 02, this is one beefy frame. The spec'd MPH brakes are excellent stoppers! | | Weaknesses: | Although it's nothing to complain about at this price point, I did end the saddle rails on my way home from the bike shop(no big!) and the cranks are cheesy as everyone says. This doesent mean they probably won't hold up all season anyhow, they're just ugly and taperlock! All other spec on this bike is bombproof from what I can see. This is a TON of bike for the buck, literally as well as figuratively. | | Similar Products Used: | Owned: Kona Manomano, Giant XTC SE-1(hardtail), Iron Horse G-Spot (1999), Redline Dually (hardtail) Kona Stinky, Cannondale Jekyll 500, Specialized FSR xc. | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock except for RF Prodigy stem from my old XTC, and an Airborne saddle pulled from a spare parts bin to replace spec'd saddle. This bike needs nothing for you to go out and start ripping s**t up! Take not, WTB MOTORAPTOR 2.4 tires rock the house! Use these on EVERYTHING you own! I have them on three bikes right now, two fs and one hardtail, and they're the best rolling, smoothest most confidence inspiring shoes my bikes have ever worn. | | Bottom Line: | The 02' warp represents a substantial step up in quality and fit and finish compared to earlier versions of this bike. It has been a hit for Giant from day one, and with good reason. This is a sturdy bike that you can ride in ways that would have you crapping your lycra on your xc bike, and it will come beging for more. The stock spec will hold up for at least one season under almost anyone, or else you really are a freak and should have bought a stinky nine. This is a bike for a couple different riders. Dont expect to xc this thing at high speeds, its NOT an XC bike. That said, it is pedalable, can climb if youre not afraid of a little work at times, and descends like a raped ape, oh, and did I mention that it will drive over or through things that would crack your NRS in half? Either add this to your overgrown bike collection and call it your play bike, or else, as a beginner or budget minded intermediate rider who can't buy two bikes, get one unless you NEED to XC race, then get a Manomano or Dawg instead, they'll hold up, but are light enough to race still. This is a quality rig with a lot of good features at a screamin price- don't be fooled, it's high performance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a
from CA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$770.00 | | Strengths: | Everything | | Weaknesses: | nothing so far, only i blew out the tube in like 2 weeks. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | everything that came on it | | Bottom Line: | ITS THE BEST BIKE I'VE EVER RIDEN, MUCH LESS BOUGHT!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lonnie Elliott
a Weekend Warrior
from Gunnison, CO
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | 401 or upper loop/whetstone vista | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Korner | | Strengths: | whole bike... Still love those discs and the stock rear shock. | | Weaknesses: | not a chance! Well, it is heavier than my friends San Andreas, but I don't have to explain a $4800 bike for a 3 month riding season. | | Similar Products Used: | Mountian Cycles San Adreas, Giant nrs air,Raleigh M7000, Titus racer x. more... | | Bike Setup: | stock with M646 pedals, lx shift pods, front and rear derailleur, wtb sstx ti seat. For a while, I went with a Cane Creek AD-12 for the rear shock, but went back to the stock one until I can get some adjustments made. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up review. Yep, I'm the same guy from Canyon,TX. I still really like this bike. It descends better than it climbs. I can keep up with my friend on the 6" Mountian Cycle. It is a great all around bike-and a great deal. For me, it has more travel than the NRS bikes, and more affordable than the AC bikes. I can't see buying any other brand of bike unless money is no object. BTW the rebound adjustment is also the compression adjustment for the rear shock. It is a wonderful ride and I am going to keep it and upgrade it as stuff wears out. Really good piece of equipment. Same rating as before, with more confidence and experience. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dookie b
a Racer
from riverside, ca usa
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | just let me ride | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | woodcrest bikes | | Strengths: | looks great, rear suspension, avid discs, great ride | | Weaknesses: | if I have to pick, handle bars, only 1 color. | | Similar Products Used: | 98 gt lts, diamondback v10 | | Bike Setup: | stock, but with marzocchi mr t, power tools dh bars, kujo 2.67 front and 2.2 rear tires, large 20 frame size. | | Bottom Line: | First off this review is for the 03 giant warp ds1.
This bike is awsome, much improved over last year. The main frame is all one piece, like all the gussets and supports all formed to the frame instead of being welded on. Makes it look way more cleaner, not sure of the strength benifits yet. The swingarm is massive compared to the 02, and the shock mount is like one huge cncd piece rather than the welded on tabs like previous models. When fitted with the dual crown fork and dh tires this bike looks close to a real dh rig.
As for the ride, nothing but plush. The travel claims to 5 inch, but feels like more. Even at my 200 hundred pound weight I was able to run the minimum amount of preload, and never bottomed.
My very first ride on it I took to snow summit and did dh runs all day, and was able to hang with my friends, and their full blown dh rigs.
Bottom line, if this bike is among one of your choices for a new bike, get it, Im sure it will blow away anything in its price range, and is worthy of upgrading. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Queens
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | greenbelt | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | ADT | | Strengths: | Price,frame,fork,tires, rims | | Weaknesses: | Stock crank and seat. | | Similar Products Used: | My Trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | Titec HellBent handle bars, Titec Knucklehead stem, LX crank w/Race Face bash ring and z5 bomber fork with heavier springs. Heavier spring in the rear as well. Going to swap out rear derailleur for the new X.O. | | Bottom Line: | LOVE IT! Can't go wrong. Never used to like grip shifts before and I know these aren't top of the line, but they work great for me. Going to swap that out for the new X.O instead. Fork is solid, bike is solid. Much better with the crank and handle bar swap. Rear shock works good , but hard to adjust the travel lengths. Never had a problem with the discs either. No squealing or brake fade (I'm 6'3 265). Love it so much, I'm getting one for my wife. BUY ONE!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler French
a Downhiller
from Wappinger Falls, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Killington | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeway | | Strengths: | hydro Disc brakes, very strong frame, Marzocchi bomber fork, rear shock, rebound adjustments, huge 2.4" tires, basically the whole bike! | | Weaknesses: | brilliant seatpost design, if your 9 feet tall!. Not a problem though the bike shop that I got it from cut it down for me. BIKEWAY RULES!
Also some pedal bob, but no one buys this kind of bike for XCing | | Similar Products Used: | warp DS2(no where near as good as the 1) | | Bike Setup: | stock with a lizard skin | | Bottom Line: | If your kind of new to DHing, this is the bike for you. It takes drops like whoa! It also corners very well and with the discs, you can stop on half a dime(LOL). I recommend this bike to anyone getting into DHing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Banga
a Racer
from Wells
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | urban assult in wells, Play hills York | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | private sale | | Strengths: | Strong frame, rear shock doesnt have the sudden jerk when i bottom out on drops, The color, My rims | | Weaknesses: | None seen | | Similar Products Used: | Gt-Idrive, Kona Stinky Dee Lux | | Bike Setup: | Mavic d521, rock shox psylo, Pig Dh pro headset, Shimano Crankset, raceface bb, Shimano deore disc | | Bottom Line: | This bike is pimpin, A good starter bike for anyone or if your just gonna do 50 ft drops this might not be the bike for you but it is a great bike all around. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rocky Insinger
a Downhiller
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Adam's Gulch | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Formula Sports | | Strengths: | everything on this bike is perfect for me. | | Weaknesses: | everything works fine but it could use better cranks. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Warp DS 3 | | Bike Setup: | everything is stock except for the seat and pedals. | | Bottom Line: | It's a great bike for anyone who has had some biking experience. It's good for the price. The rear and front shock adjustments' are convenient. The only problem are the clip type pedals which can easily be changed to platform pedals for a low price. The frame is nice and solid, but if you go on long rides like I do, you should get a softer seat.It's not as harsh on you but. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Downhiller
from Oakville, Ontario
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Freeride trails | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Brant Cycle | | Strengths: | Price, front derailler, front fork, stock setup, better than ds2, or ds3 | | Weaknesses: | rear fork, rear derailler | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 DS1 | | Bike Setup: | stock: deore rear deoreLX front | | Bottom Line: | Paid CDN funds and found the price good. Recentally road for 3 days at Killington, VT and only had three problems: Blew out rear tire, bent seat (i am only 16, 135 lbs), and rear shock has poor travel. Handled uphills and down with ease. Other rider was on a Schwinn Straight 8 and i was nearly as fast as him, we were the fastest on the mountain. Good Bike. UPGRADE rear fork and rear derailler | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Downhiller
from rapid city, South dakota
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | the edwards property | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$929.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheeler Dealer Rapid City | | Strengths: | everything. the price. brakes. | | Weaknesses: | pedals, rear shock, hand grips, | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock except for pedals | | Bottom Line: | this bike is the best thing for the entry level mtn biker and for the mid level biker as well. the rear shock is not very adjustable just a small rebound knob. i'm upgrading the rear to a cane creek cloud nine. the pedals were clip type and were upgraded to shimano spd platform/clipless. the bike is heavy and meant more for downhill and freeride but also works good with 27 gears to choose from for climbing. i'm slowly converting it to more of downhill. as soon as my marzocchi bomber exr blows out i'm going to either the rock shox boxxer or the marx shivver. but otherwise for the price this is one of the best bikes out there. frame strength, shock travel, shifting, everything. but it now! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C=-=-=D
a Weekend Warrior
from FRESNO, Ca
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Sky Harbor, Millerton L. Ca | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Stevens Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Giant MPH Disk brake, Rear suspension (well...for a light 120 lb. rider like me), frame design works great. | | Weaknesses: | CHEAP shifters-CHEAP crank, and the EXR fork needs to be adjustable | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR 5000 (frame design) | | Bike Setup: | Stock-Switched the Marzocchi EXR 100mm to a Marzocchi Z3 QR20 130mm travel. | | Bottom Line: | This bike works just how it is supposed to...and that is to be tough and to withstand those bumpy trails that get in its way. Good bike for the price. If you arnt so sure about this bike, buy it and just replace some of the components. Through a lil bit of cash into it and you will have a nice inexpensive bike to take care of. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Weekend Warrior
from E. Peoria
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$865.00 | | Purchased At: | Bushwackers | | Strengths: | Price, Tires and Rims Travel on Suspension | | Weaknesses: | Seat sucks kind of like sitting on a Rock. Shifters, Grip shift bites. | | Bike Setup: | All stock, haven't made any changes yet, but will soon | | Bottom Line: | Other than the minor things like the seat, and shifters. I would recommend this bike to any beginner like myself. I am sure that once I make the changes to the shifters, seat, and the rear derailer, and put on some clipless pedals. I will love this bike even more. I have ridden it down hill, and I think on some Advanced trails. Loved the way it handled. Most of the problems was the rider me. I still have a lot to learn. Uphill mostly, downhill I just hold on and let the bike do the work. And this bike does it very well. I would have to say for those that are like myself right at 150 pounds. This bike is perfict | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate D
a Downhiller
from Keene
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Drummer Hill & Mt Snow | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Shop | | Strengths: | Price, Tires and Rims, Brakes, Suspension, Travel, and did I mention price? | | Weaknesses: | The seat, unless you weigh 100 LBs and have a small bum. The deraillers and crank set are where the company saves cost, but haven`t | | Bike Setup: | Titec Knucklehead Stem, Azonic Worldforce 2.5in Bars, Azonic Love Seat KEV/LTH, Wellgo "shin-grators" Pedals, THE Front Fender. | | Bottom Line: | I wanted a bike to ride with the wife and still be able to downhill with the buds all for something less than $2000. I bought the DS1 and modified it and still haven`t spent close to $2000! The problem people seem to have with the seatpost adjustability is simple to solve. Cut the original post down to where you need it for 6ft drops, put a new (bigger,better) saddle on it, then buy a new seatpost for the original seat and BODDA-BING! Switch-um back and forth. I got taller bars and stem to stop the over-the-bars feel from the short(non-8in.)fork. This bike is worthy! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam T
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | La Bufadora, Baja | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Bike Werehouse | | Bottom Line: | This is a three month follow-up:
After upgrading the rear spring to 800lbs, it was still a little too soft for my 230# weight... soo... I went to the 1000# spring... works perfect! Keep in mind that the manual says use no more than 7 rotations of the adjusting ring... stick with that and you'll be happy.
I also put the HD Sping set for the forks... works much better... with no Pre-load, this are just about right for moderate stuff...a few turns of the adjuster will dial-in the forks perfectly for more agresssive stuff. Make sure you get the right fork sping upgrade... the dealer catalog and website info for the spring upgrade are not updated at this date.
Only other problem is the seatpost ajustment range, which is about 2in... not enough range for both street and bombing... cutting the post for bombing resulted in being to short for proper street use. The reviewer below has the right idea.. drill the detent out...DONT cut the post!
Bottem Line, I'd buy this bike again... no regrets! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nibus
a Downhiller
from Marshall, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Snowshoe,WVA or Gambrill,MD | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$770.00 | | Purchased At: | Fat Jimmy's Outfitter's, Breezewood, PA | | Strengths: | You will not find a better bike for the price...period. Tires and rims rock thru anything...disc brakes work great and SRAM twist grips (although I wasn't sold at first) were an easy adjustment. Coil-over rear shock if properly tuned with front fork will land you like a pillow..rear shock is very tunable and can fine tune the hyd. disc brakes with fingertips on the handlebars...very nice feature. | | Weaknesses: | Of course it is heavy...did you really think I bought it to XC with? It runs great on gravity (33-34 lbs.) and really isn't that bad to pedal up some hills and urban assault rides. The cranks and BB and front derailleur could be upgraded but work fine until I break them. Seatpost needs cut and I drilled out the safety plug stop to get the seat down for nuttier stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | FSR Enduro Pro, Spec. Comp Big Hit..way too expensive for me. | | Bike Setup: | Stock until I break stuff....I cut the bead off a second used tire and fit it inside my rear 2.4 tire for urban stuff...keeps the pinch flatting to a minimum but did manage to blow out both tires simultaneously riding up Jefferson Memorial steps one Friday nite in DC... | | Bottom Line: | If you want a sweet, inexpensive, good to very good component, free-ride/DH bike for not a lot of money, buy this today. I have a road bike and a Lefty that complete my arsenal and this Giant is a blast to ride. I have sailed thru air and rocks and left people in the dust while I chill at the bottom of the hill waiting for their asses. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Abraham Altamirano
a Weekend Warrior
from Puebla, Pue. Mexico
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Many different | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Shop in Germany | | Strengths: | Knobby tires, brakes (I have the 2001 with mechanical disc brakes), wheels, strong frame. | | Weaknesses: | Fork needs to be tunable, general weight but here think it´s not an anorexic xc bike but 6 to 8 pounds less were OK. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro FSR, Giant AC series. | | Bike Setup: | I only put computer, pump on frame, bar ends and good Shimano clipless. | | Bottom Line: | I read some negative reviews but I think those buddies are wrong with the bike because they didn´t know what they buy and want. This is a bike for real guys who love strong action on pedals without reaching the downhill and freeride acrobatics to show off. If you want a bike that handles good any kind of terrain go for it, if you look for a hardcore downhill or freeride machine buy a 40 pound panzer and don´t complain and if you look for a light xc bike don´t waste your time with this. Always remember it´s a bike for all kind of terrain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange Park, Fl.
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Champion Cycling | | Strengths: | tires and wheels, brakes, frame, rear shock | | Weaknesses: | front suspension, hubs, bottom bracket, crank | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock, cut 1.5" off seatpost to lower seat a litte for big drops, will be upgrading soon to 50mm riser bars | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike for the money! Better hubs, BB, crankset and front suspension would probably make this bike around $1500. Can't complain though for the money. Personally, I like the SRAM drivetrain, love the rebound control on the rear shock, like the beefy tires and rims.
The only major upgrade I would make is the front suspension.
IT'S JUNK!!! Eventhough it has 100mm of travel, no rebound control, and the preload is sometimes a pain to adjust. Great for freeriding, handles 6ft. drops rather easy. With better forks, probably 10ft. Again, great for the money! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan oh
a Weekend Warrior
from san jose, CA
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all, esp northstar | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | northstar | | Strengths: | came with marzocchi fork | | Weaknesses: | weight (no biggie, but it is alot for what you get and pay), pedal bob, not much rear travel. Poor brakes (broke mine in 1/2 day), looks did not hook me, poor paint, bad tires, the list goes on | | Similar Products Used: | none this bad (i am not kidding) | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | save yourself a pain in the neck and find yourself a good deal on something else. I know this bike is inexpensive so you can't complain much. I personally paid under 700$ total with new shocks a schwinn rocket 88, awsome bike... while shwinn was still their own company, now huffy or someone owns them and they have gone down hill. Find your self a good deal, there are many good bikes out there for a good price. This just is not a good one in my opinion.
btw i rented one of these a few days strait at northstar in tahoe (actually the ds3 at northstar and ds1 at a local bike shop). I was very disapointed because i wanted to do some other rides around the canion and i could not get up some hills as I had incredible gost shifting and huge bob. even going of some of the drops on the 2x black and reg. black diamonds where a pain (3 ft drops). I do not see anything good about this bike at all, xc you can't do because of weight and bob, free ride is a no no because of bob and poor control in air and rough landings, dh because you have nearly no rear shock.
If it works for you i am happy, but this product didn't "float my boat." I would definatly give this one a try (preferably up a hill) before ever considering to buy it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Mojave Desert, CA.
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Upper Sawmill, (See LA area review). | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$975.00 | | Purchased At: | Gil's Bike Shop; Lancaster, CA. | | Strengths: | "big boned" feel, with a light ride. Seems very nimble when you get it dialed in right. | | Weaknesses: | Rear spring is for light riders. Having a difficult time finding replacement brake pads. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Enduro, Ironhorse, and Specialized hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Switched the rear deraileur with an XT 9 SPD. Threw on a 800# Mountain Speed spring (Go eibach!) | | Bottom Line: | I was not going to buy this bike because it was a little heavy for even me, (6-01, 245.) I test rode it at the shop, and it road like a pogo stick; but I liked the general feel, and felt that it would hold up better than my other choice, (Schwinn Rocket 88 disc.) I decided to go for it, and they switched out the rear spring with a Mountain Speed #800 (Blue.) I can assure you that if you are my size and ride like an animal, this bike will take it. I can't believe how plush the rear end is. For such a "husky" bike, it climbs better than my Specialized lightweight hardtail. I was going to have a hardtail and a full suspension, but I just decided after the first ride to sell the hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Mullen
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, Ga.
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Unicoi State Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Champion Cycling | | Strengths: | brakes,wheels,tires,frame,rear shock | | Weaknesses: | front suspension | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This is probably the best dual-suspension bike on the market
for under $1000. I like the beefy wheels and tires. I love
those hyd-disc brakes! This bike has handled drops up to
6ft. and can probably handle a 10 footer with a better front
suspension and setup. The only component I would upgrade is
the front suspension. It has no rebound control, which
does it no justice. When I upgrade, I'll probably switch to
the RockShox Psylo. I bought this bike out of the catalog.
I was hoping it would be everything I was hoping it would be
for a dual-suspension bike under $1000. IT WAS,AND THEN SOME!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere at Neale Road | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Westshore Bike Shop | | Strengths: | The price was the best part.You get disc brakes,Great rear shock,great front fork and it hands well in any kind of conditions. | | Weaknesses: | The saddle and post were to weak, cheap upgrade. Pedals had no grip but also a cheap fix. | | Bike Setup: | almost stock. | | Bottom Line: | You can't find anything this good for the price. It is by far the best bang for your buck. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam T
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | La Bufadora, Baja | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Bike Werehouse | | Strengths: | Shocks,Hydro-Disks,Tires | | Weaknesses: | SRAM Gear,Cranks | | Similar Products Used: | 10 year old Hard Nose/Tail w/XT Gear. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano Clips,800lb Rear Spring | | Bottom Line: | Did the reseach, couldn't find anything close in value. Swapped out the Rear Spring @ purchase to 800lbs for $15.(stock is 650lbs on the 18.5" frame) in order to adjust for my 230lb riding weight. I Think ill be going with the heavier fork spring ($30) after I break it in as well. Next paycheck Ill be upgrading all the SRAM stuff to XT. SRAM works OK (the gripshift is tolerable) but I like the Shimano Rapidfire layout better. Stock (with spring upgd), this thing works great for my moderate/heavy XC use at 220lbs ("I'm not fat, I'm big boned!!!")... take note, big boys... It is worthy of our girth!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lonnie Elliott
a Cross Country Rider
from Canyon, TX USA
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Upper juniper and Upper sunflower | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Korner | | Strengths: | nice rear shock and adjustable travel, shifts well, small firm seat, front tracks well. Take a look at the brakes. They look like a cross between 2000 Hopes and Magura Louise(sp?). The on the fly pad adjustment rocks! Who else has that? | | Weaknesses: | WHAT? Look, it's a $900 bike with hydraulic discs, adjustable travel and rebound for the rear shock and a 4" spec Marzocchi front that is actually about 5mm short of 5" travel. For non tinkerers, mine had some bolts I thought needed tightned and the front caliper needed re-aligned. It took .050 on the top bolt and .010 on the bottom. I am going to blame that on the shock mounts. But everyone should check the bolts on anything they buy. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper fsrxc. 2001 Raleigh M7000. | | Bike Setup: | All stock except LX shift pods and rear D, Summit gel grips and gross old ritchy clip-in pedals from my Iguana. | | Bottom Line: | First off I have to say I am just a trail rider. No racing, or drops bigger than 4' yet. I take the family out and we go riding almost every evening and on sat and sun. So buying this bike was pretty easy for me, I could handle the weight and the price and components all were great for me. I might try downhilling it a few times it is so nice to drop with. I did switch out the sram 7.0 rear D and shifters, but not because of performance, just preference. If you can get used to sram, by all means keep it. It does a good job. I just am used to rapid fire. I can even ride this thing without hands. I don't even notice the bob from being a single pivot unless I look down. Nice fat tires, corners fast. It handles sand super well. feels slow at speed, I guess that is a sign of stability. On this one slight downhill I had to try hard to break 24mph on this one twisty section. I just lazily hit 24 on the warp without trying, maybe it doesn't need those discs . Overall I have to say it is really good for just getting out and having fun. Tuff enough to drop off stuff and worth upgrading but only when stuff wears out or you have extra change, which you will since this bike is pretty inexpensive. It is a little heavy for XC racing. An ad-12, sid, crossrocs and xt stuff would probably be all it needs to go racing. Ok maybe slap some snooty seatpost and stem on it too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Pritchett
a Cross Country Rider
from redding, ca
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere in whiskeytown | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Gang | | Strengths: | Marzoochi front shock, tires, hydraulic brakes | | Weaknesses: | seat, cranks, overall weight | | Similar Products Used: | test drove many bikes, previously rode a trek 6000 with many upgrades | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is not for everyone; but if you're greater than 200 pounds, are an aggressive rider, and ride rocky/rough terrain- this is a great bike! I looked extensively for a bike with disc breaks, a marzoochi front shock, 4-5 inches of rear travel, with a durable frame and overall weight between 30-40 pounds and this is by far the best bike for the money. It handles very well at high speeds over rough terrain, is a super-fun bike to ride, and actually climbs better than I thought it would. I will eventually replace the cranks, BB, seat/post, and stem-but it comes very ride-able. Only had the bike a few weeks and do not have it tuned in all the way, but I am very pleased with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Downhiller
from Los Altos, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fremont Older | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Bicycle | | Strengths: | Rear shock, strong frame | | Weaknesses: | SRAM gripshifts and cranks, the right cranks is flared out and i have to tighten them every other day | | Bike Setup: | Psylo xc xtr shifters, and im gonna get new cranks | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for downhill and jumping off stuff, i have jumped of a twelve stair and other stairs, they are about five to six feet high and this bike is great for that, if you like urban assualt this is the bike for you | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David R.
a Downhiller
from State Colelge, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Platekill | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Saucon Valley Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Super plush at 5" setting, great strength, and a top bike for begining racers, both downhillers and crazy XCers. The rear shock with adj. rebound works wonders!! | | Weaknesses: | Heavy. After mods, my DS-1 is now 37lbs. Pedaling is a bit bouncey, and I when sprinting, most power is robbed. Shifting is a bit.....weird. | | Similar Products Used: | Actually....none :( | | Bike Setup: | Psylo Race fork, Avid disc on rear (Avid SL2 lever), Gimeca System 8 disc on front, Titec hellbent bar, Azonic shorty stem, stock front tire, XT front hub, Ringle Rim, IRC Kojo DH rear tire, Deore rear hub, Manvic rear rim, XT crankset and BB, and Truativ 32ring bashguard, Ringle platforms.
Stock chain, Aheadset, and rear shock | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. Minus cracking the frame once doing some Urban, I have finished 4th in Eastern Collegiate DH race at Platekill. How can you go wrong? Yeah, major bobbing when pedaling, but what do you expect from a mono-point frame? This bike is strong for the cost, and basiclly kicks butt for an all around, DH, and Urban bike!
If you want to start out racing, get this bike. Otherwise, you will have to shell out $1000 MORE for a bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rob raucci
a
from lake worth, fl
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | was k mart. now camp murphy or markham | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycle world | | Strengths: | hydraulic disc brakes, wide tires, marzoochi bomber 4" forks. light 6061 aluminum frame. | | Weaknesses: | sram grip shifters and sram derailer. i didn't care for the handle bars it came with. | | Bike Setup: | i pitched the sram grip shifts, sram derailer and handle bars at time of purchase. i had the dealer install shimano deore rapid fires and deore derailer. also got the profile design "maniac" handle bars installed. the upgrades raised the price of the bike from $900 to $1100 | | Bottom Line: | good over jumps, good for climbing, good in tight technical areas, feels pretty smooth on bumpy downhills, excellent log climber, good in sandy areas. i haven't had a chance to ride in mud yet so i don't know how it handles there. when i first rode the bike at the shop i knew it was a good bike but the sram grip shifts had to go. after replacing the shifters, derailer and handle bars it made the bike feel like it was built for me. i would have paid more for the bike than $1100. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve __
a
from canada
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | vedder | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | sdf | | Strengths: | didnt come with grip shift, nice fork, looks good, handles nice, good on decents and up hill. Low Frame, less chance of nailing your balls. Came with better parts the the DS1 in the picter | | Weaknesses: | stiff rear, felt like a hard tail at first. Had to cut a piece of the seat post so i could lower seat for doing jumps, drops and going down hill, only 4.5 iches travel in rear, cranks blow | | Similar Products Used: | ------------- | | Bike Setup: | Z-5 bombers, deore derailer, Avid machanic disc brakes,Moto Raptor tires, double walled rims, ect... | | Bottom Line: | perty good once the rear shock losens up. To do this just jump your bike for a day(big jumps!) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Lovell, Wyoming
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | none | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Fork, rear shock, tires, disk brakes, and the rest of the bike. | | Weaknesses: | Rear shock is a little stiff for a fifteen year old like me. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I researched almost every model in this price range. This one is by far the best deal. The bike is fun on downhills, but also climbs well. The tires float well in soft conditions. And I love the disk brakes. The bike is the best use of mowing money I have ever found. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nate
a
from iowa
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | timberline trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | bike world | | Strengths: | the strengths of the bike gotta be the tires i love them, there worth having them even on the climbs, and the adjustable travel is great for everything | | Weaknesses: | its just my preference but i didn't like the sram gripshifts. | | Bike Setup: | right when i bought the bike i swapped the shifters with trusty lx set up along with the rear derailer, other then that shes stock. | | Bottom Line: | the bike is an excellent value, you get the most bang for your bike that i have ever seen! for being under $1000 its a steal. so if your a freerider that just wants a great value bike its for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bighait
a Weekend Warrior
from Queens
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | cunningham, so far. Haven't ridden greenbelt or bethpage yet. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Arc De Triomphe (114th st. Jamaica Ave) | | Strengths: | Suspension, tires, rear derailleur, brakes | | Weaknesses: | Crankset, seat, post | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC 2(2001) | | Bike Setup: | Bomber Z.5 fork, giant coilover rear (work pretty good actually) Sram 7.0 drivetrain. Shimano LX crankset(splinned) withe raceface bashguard. Sun Ringle ZuZu pedals with a THE rear fender. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is tight as hell! I hated the gripshifts at first, but got used to them. The BB is garbage(inexpensive swap), rode the bike like four times and the biggest jump I did was clearing two or three steps at a school and that was it for the BB. The bottom of the seat is plastic at the nose so you hear it creak (mad annoying) from time to time(again, inexpensive swap Took it from my other bike :)). The tires are beefy but you start to appreciate them on the trails a lot. Four or five inches of adjustable travel and the damper works great too. You can't get a better bike for the money! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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$ 900.00
