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Submitted by
Josh Cross
a Weekend Warrior
from Muskegon, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Burchfield | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$275.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Price, style, nice 2.4" wide tires, amazing bike for beginner | | Weaknesses: | It's not a '05 STUMPJUMPER FSR COMP DISC 100, and if it was i'd ride it more | | Similar Products Used: | Royce Union F/S, Motobecane F/S | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I have really enjoyed riding this bike. It has brought back my love for trail ridin' that i had when i was yonger. This bike made me realize the thechnology that has gone into bikes in the past 10 years is tremendous. This bike takes me places I coulod have only dreamed of when I was riding my huffy back in middle school. If I like this bike so much I can only imagine how much more I will enjoy my STUMPJUMPER FSR COMP DISC 100 whenever I get it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Abar
a Cross Country Rider
from Puyallup, Wa
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sun Top | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Tech | | Strengths: | rear shock is impressive for what it is the rebound adj. really works. It's surprisingly fun to ride. | | Weaknesses: | none for the price | | Similar Products Used: | Turner XCE | | Bike Setup: | manitou comp 100/120, LX cranks, spinergy Xcyclone disc wheels, avid mechanical disc brakes, terry fly seat, panaracer fire xc k. tires, (cassette,bar, shifters brake levers are stock)roughly 28 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | I am using this as my winter bike, so i won't thrash my drive train on my Turner. saved some dough by using the same wheelset for both bikes. I rode the giant before and after the upgrades, what a dirrerence 6 pounds makes. This bike is very impressive it loves to be railed around corners and eats up everything in its way. I ride mostly tight rooty singltrack and this bike loves it. I am almost embarrassed to say that this bikes performance comes close to the turner (a $5000.00 bike) WOW!! I will post another review next year to see if the mud has taken a toll on the frames shock and pivots. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cody
a Downhiller
from Boulder City, Nevada
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | bootleg canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$505.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike World | | Strengths: | Rear Shock.Brakes are good. | | Weaknesses: | sr suntour forks suck! wheels suck,I crumpled the rear wheel on a jump and decided to get better rims and go to disk.Saddle hurts my ass.pedals are sh*t. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Sun Rhyno Lite rims with Shimano Deore disc hubs.avid cps disk brakes with 8" rotors.rock shox pilot sl. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is pretty well rounded except for a couple of parts that can easily be changed.I really enjoy this bike and its not to bad going down bootleg.I would definetly recommend this bike if you want a reasonably cheap bike for trail riding or even a little downhilling if you're stupid like me. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Marchetti (mar-ket-ee)
a Weekend Warrior
from Fortuna, CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Carson Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Sport & Cycle | | Strengths: | Frame has held up to my serious abuse. I have maxed out the rear shock many many times but still keeps on truckn'. | | Weaknesses: | Suntour forks suck A$$, had to replace with Marzocchi Dirt Jumper III. Crankset and bottom bracket went bad after sevral months. Replaces with Race Face Prodigy | | Similar Products Used: | Costco boat anchor!
| | Bike Setup: | Dirt Jumper III front shocks(kicks a$$), Race Face Prodigy XC(kicks a$$), Avid discs(kicks a$$,)Mavic rims & Deore hubs(kick a$$ combo) | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the money. I spent less building my bike and getting better components than the DS-1 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Downhiller
from NH
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Attitash | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Tony`s Cyclery | | Strengths: | Decent components and a pretty durable frame | | Weaknesses: | The suspension could be alot better | | Similar Products Used: | Warp Ds1 | | Bike Setup: | Bomber dj3 front suspension, michillen hot s rear tire and a hutchinson python front tire, mavic rims and front disk brakes. | | Bottom Line: | I really like this bike, it i got alot of new parts for it but overall i think this is a really good beginer bike. So far its held up pretty well despite a broken durailer and durailer hanger and a few popped tires. If your just getting into mountain biking i strongley suggest this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Masters
a Weekend Warrior
from Latrobe, PA 15650
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | none yet | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat Laughlintown, PA | | Strengths: | The price, style, ride, ease of pedaling. I think it is a good looking bike. | | Weaknesses: | Forks, the water botle location is nuts but I don't know where else to put it. We will see about the pedals They seem to squeek. | | Similar Products Used: | None only other bike was a 1987 Huffy Mt Storm | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I am 47 years old 6' and weighed 240 lbs last month. My last bike was a huffy 18 speed which sat under my porch untouched for the last 10 years while I sat on the couch and drank beer. So I started riding the huffy and enjoyed riding but that bike sucked. I wanted a comfortable bike so I went with f/s.
I went for my first ride through the woods with my buddies last night and decided I am not ready for that kind of riding yet so I am mainly going to just ride on back roads till I build up my stanima. So far in the past month I have dropped 22 lbs. My goal is < 200 lbs and I think this bike will help me reach it. It is a dream to ride. I do think I am going to get better forks but I figured that when I bought it. I am a big boy :-) My friend sugested this bike to me and I would recomend it to any one also. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike H.
a Weekend Warrior
from Palm Springs, CA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fullerton Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Buena Park Cyclery | | Strengths: | Rear suspension, grippy tires, fast downhill, decent weight, strong rims. | | Weaknesses: | my frame broke at the shock mounts aftre taking it off a 5 foot drop....a few times. Took 3 weeks for a new frame to come in. Seat is too hard, and shifting constantly has to be tuned. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | SPD pedals, gel seat | | Bottom Line: | good bike, i have lots of fun on it, but easily comes out of tune. Frame could be stronger....but then again, i shouldnt abuse it :-/ cant do better for the price. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ian salsbury
a Cross Country Rider
from spokane WA USA
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | beacon hill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | wheel sport | | Strengths: | very good for cross country and bumpy trails | | Weaknesses: | a little heavy but not that bad. rear shock a little tight. | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz blur | | Bike Setup: | mountain mix | | Bottom Line: | this bike is the best you could get for this price range and if you are a beginner this bike is absolutely perfect.
i would recomend this bike over the giant warp DS3.if you are really a hardcore rider i wouldn't get it because the opponents aren't that spectacular. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tim
a Cross Country Rider
from los angeles
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | malibu state park trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$490.00 | | Purchased At: | nyc bike store when I lived there | | Strengths: | Value and price! Components hold up well, the bike can take a beating. I loved how the bike acted on the downhills. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy. Components are crap (but they work decently for a while), I didn't like the rear suspension. The fork really wasn't as bad as I expected but it still counts as a weakness. Saddle hurt my ass. Stock tires are too big unless you're in serious mud or doing only downhill, in which case they rock. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur, Superlight | | Bike Setup: | Put on SPD pedals, Koobi SI saddle, and Panaracer XC Fire Pro tires. NEW TIRES HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, THEY MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE | | Bottom Line: | This bike is an incredible value, Giant seems to be very good at coming up with economical bikes. Just get new tires for the bike, I put on a pair of Panaracer's and they made an incredible difference, I was suddenly able to do hills that had stopped me before.
The weaknesses I mentioned are totally acceptable for a bike that costs this little. Just the FRAME for my new bike (a superlight, which is considered a more "value" oriented bike) cost more than twice that of the COMPLETE Warp. Ouch.
That said, however, I think if you have serious trails around you and if you really get into mountain biking you'll want something better than the Warp. Especially if you do a lot of climbing and cross-country stuff. Yes I was able to do the same trails as everybody else with my Warp, but with my new bike I'm able to do more and I am less tired at the end. Which makes the whole thing more fun.
5 chilis for value, I can't imagine a better value for a bike. You get more than what you pay for.
3 chilis overall ... not a bad bike at all, just not that great of a bike either. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark shiels
a Cross Country Rider
from kamloops, B.C.
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything fast | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | gears n grills Cambridge, Ont | | Strengths: | good shifters, very ergonomic, sticky tires, great price, I paid about $750 canadian. 20.5 frame is great for big guys like me. Handles everything i can dish out, havn't taken any thing bigger than a 4 ft drop but soon as i get enough nerve. | | Weaknesses: | front fork in cold weather, I'm 6'4",220 lbs and easily bottom out the suspension. | | Similar Products Used: | first full suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | mainly stock, body geometry seat, soon to have platform pedals and lizard skins on the bars, chain protector is a must. | | Bottom Line: | if your just starting out like me, i'ts probably the best bang for the buck. It can be a perfect bike with some small upgrades. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua Picken
a Downhiller
from Adelaide Australia
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | portwillunga to maslins | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Super Elliotts | | Strengths: | Price, Strong Frame, big ass tires, Lightweight | | Weaknesses: | front shox (sun tour) not much chop
Derailurs could be beter, Chain clanks are so bad on down hill runs and starting to do damage im geting a chainstay guard asap. | | Bike Setup: | stock hope to have Manitou Black or Marzocchi bombers very soon.
| | Bottom Line: | This bike is excellent value, its shox could a lote better but for the price who gives a.
My baby flys down the hills its so fun to ride and the girls love it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Hampton, VA - USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$522.00 | | Purchased At: | HDK Schwein, Newport News VA | | Strengths: | Beefy tires
Takes hard hits well
tires get unreal grip (makes it hard it kick the back out in a slide)
the shifters work sweet (you dont have to hold it in the gear just click and go)
Great rear shock (you can make town car smooth, or sports car stiff)
A bit heavy but still light for it components
Climbs hills great | | Weaknesses: | Tires might be a bit to beefy, makes you work more to peddle
Front shock - i read the reviews and it does not begian to discribe how weak it is. I'm 6'3" 200lbs - i constantly bottom out the front shock, also makes it hard to stick in corners because it absorbs the energy to go into the turn
Seat is rock hard. After a few weeks of riding it still makes me sore
| | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900 alpha | | Bike Setup: | Stock yellow 20.5" frame, but will soon upgrade fork to RS Duke race, and disk brakes. | | Bottom Line: | If you adjust the the back shock properly, replace the front fork and get a softer seat, this bike kicks @$$ | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RJ
a Downhiller
from Laguna,California
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything with monster jumps | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$534.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle werks | | Strengths: | frame is tough | | Weaknesses: | Suspension,Front and rear suck really hard. Components stink. wheels bent first ride | | Similar Products Used: | first full suspension but tried trek downhill and gary fisher downhill | | Bike Setup: | psylos xc | | Bottom Line: | This bike sucks. Second day riding I bley out rear shock. third day, front forks. You'd think with 5in of travel it would be able to handle 2ft jumps, but no. if you plan on doing anything more than looking at possies and dandilions. Don't get this bike, but the psylos are awesome | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jordan Harmer
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, California
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | everything dirty | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Black Mountain Bicycles | | Strengths: | Great bike for the price, i love the back shock, it has compression and rebound damping control, looks cool, fork makes a cool pffft sound - not important i know but its cool anyway so dont give me a bunch of crap about it | | Weaknesses: | ok derailleurs you sometimes have to push the shifters a liiitttle farther than the gear that is showing | | Similar Products Used: | first f.s. bike | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | good bike for the money, i live in a place where there's kind of a lot of hills, so not that great for that | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray
a Weekend Warrior
from TAMPA, FL. USA
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | MORRIS BRIDGE | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$425.00 | | Purchased At: | HASKINS | | Strengths: | PRICE IS OUTSTANDING FOR AN ENTRY LEVEL FULL SUSPENSION MTB.
BIKE LOOKS GREAT AND HAS WELL BALANCED COMPONENTS. REAR SHOCK IS OUTSTANDING. | | Weaknesses: | A BIT HEAVY BUT IF YOU ARE IN ANY KIND OF SHAPE IT IS NOT A SIGNIFIGANT PROBLEM. | | Similar Products Used: | GARY FISHER, TREK | | Bike Setup: | STOCK | | Bottom Line: | BOTTOM LINE IS THIS A SUPERB BIKE FROM GIANT. I HAVE READ THE REVIEWS ON THIS BIKE AND COULD ONLY COME TO ONE CONCLUSION. SOME OF YOU ARE IDIOTS. ALL WHO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE WEIGHT, FRONT SHOCK AND COMPONENTS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THE PRICE YOU PAID FOR IT. TRY TO FIND ME A COMPARIBLE BIKE FOR THE PRICE AND YOU WON'T FIND ONE. THIS BIKE CAN BE UPGRADED TO A FIRST CLASS DOWN HILL BIKE WITH EASE. I RECOMEND THIS BIKE TO ANYONE LOOKING TO START OUT IN THE SPORT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff C.
a Cross Country Rider
from Redding, CA
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The Chimney / Ice Box | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Gang Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Excellent suspension and balance! I have only minimally adjusted my front and rear shocks. They take the hits well and under control. The ergonomics are fantastic! Great bike for climbs and downhill. Very tough and reliable. Components are great, shifts smoothly, excellent gearing. The 2.4 MotoRaptor tires seem to handle everything very well. This is an excellent bike for the dollar! | | Weaknesses: | A minor issue, but the bike could be a little lighter (5 -7 lbs. would be nice) The seat IS hard and like sitting on a 2x4 on its edge. Would recommend an upgrade to a gel seat with center cut-out if you value your privates! | | Similar Products Used: | Older GT | | Bike Setup: | Gel seat! Shimano SPD peds. Cat Eye Cyclocomputer and Micro Halogen Headlamp. All else is factory. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is an excellent value for the dollar. If you are a beginner to an upper intermediate rider that enjoys grinding hills, doing some XC, and flying down some technical downhill on a regular basis, then this bike just might be the one for you. Recently, the price has dropped on the 2002's to make room for the 2003's. It's a good time to check out a Giant Warp DS 3 and hit the trails! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G
a Weekend Warrior
from Spokane, WA
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$529.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Butler | | Strengths: | Great bike for the money! I know people who have spent twice as much as I did for a fancy bike (Canondale) and didn't get twice the bike. I'm not saying it is just as good as these more expensive bikes but, I have much better ways to spend an extra $500. | | Weaknesses: | No lock out on the rear shock. Big deal for the price! | | Bottom Line: | I have used it around home in varied situations and love the feel and look. It is a great bike if you want quality, looks, and a dual suspension bike for a very reasonable price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from HAcienda Heights, CA
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Strengths: | ok derailleurs - The Alivios'll give you all you need
decent fork and back shocks
PRICE!!!
durability - ive crashed this thing at least 20 times and its still good | | Weaknesses: | weight
man this thing is HEAVY!!!
wheels dont work too well under sandy conditions
water bottle holder | | Bottom Line: | if you want a reasonable bike at a reasonable price this is it. nothing can beat its price and value. if you want a good bike with good components go get a specialized or something, be prepared to spend a lot more. probably the only thing i didnt like about this bike was that its so damn heavy, not really a hill-climber's bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike H.
a Cross Country Rider
from Palm Springs, Ca
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The Fullerton Loop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$460.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheels One Planet | | Strengths: | The rear shock is awesome, so adjuastable...im drooling right now. smooths out any trail. Its light, resposive, and comfy. For $500, cant beat it. The 24 speed Shimano Alivio give syou all the gears you need. | | Weaknesses: | The seat...I ride many many many hours at a time, and that seat just wont do. If you don ride long rides, the seat it great, but too hard for my tastes. | | Similar Products Used: | None, my first real mountain bike (maybe why i like it so much) | | Bike Setup: | Clipless pedals, gel seat, and 17 function cyclometer(30 bucks at wal-mart, cant beat that, and my tubes are slimed. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line? This bike kicks a**!!! It can take anything i throw at it, tough enough for the trail and light enough for long cross country rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brock
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | My own backyard | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Very plush ride. Fairly well built for the price - nothing else can touch it for less than $500. | | Weaknesses: | Prefer more high name parts but, again, look at the price. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS 2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with exception of Panaracer Fire | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike for my girlfriend to see if she likes to ride. So far, we've racked up about 700+ miles of on and off road use. The bike is holding up very well as I would expect a Giant to. Bike isn't quite what my NRS is but my girl likes it and that is what counts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex L
a Weekend Warrior
from Nazareth, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Gator (MWSR) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | Curts Cyclery Shop | | Strengths: | -This bike is a really good value.
-It has so-so shocks.
-Its light! | | Weaknesses: | -It has so-so shocks.
-Really crappy Derailurs.
-I mean REALLY CRAPPY. | | Similar Products Used: | DS2. | | Bike Setup: | Stock Setup. 4"Suntours, Regular Back Shocks, Alivio Derailurs. | | Bottom Line: | This is a really good bike for medium difficulty trails, I'm only 13 so i'm light and I don't go on hardcore trails yet. But this bike is really good and fun! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lessdog
a
from Blue Point, NY
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | bike discounters | | Bottom Line: | this is a follow up on my earlier review. I have since then gotten the 800 lb. spring and done some fine tuning. I did shave the handlebars a couple of inches, and upgraded the rear rim. This bike has gotten better with each ride. I am still planning on upgrading to xt drs, but for now all stock. I have noticed that the front shock is gradually getting softer with use, so this may be an upgrade in the not so distant future, but the new spring on the rear made a world of difference(im 200 lbs.) All in all, I can see myself with this bike for a long time, with an upgrade here and there, this bike is an excellent all around user, frame rules. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Downhiller
from Evanston Wyoming USA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | USA | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$532.00 | | Purchased At: | Bingham Cyclery | | Strengths: | The frame, and der.s | | Weaknesses: | Rims and Cranks and, rear shock | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Mesa | | Bike Setup: | Giant DS3 with sun mag 30 rims, easton ea50, hayes XMH-1 disc brakes, Race face prodigy XC crank primo tenderizer pedals specialized short stem. Tioga factory DH 2.5 front and WTB motoraptor 2.4 rear.and black Dice valve caps | | Bottom Line: | The frame kicks ass. If giant wanted to they could do alot with this frame but different parts. The rear shock blew up on me. The company wouldn't do anything about it. So I am going to buy a fox coil over with piggy back shock to replace it. I just love to frame though | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kurt
a Weekend Warrior
from Northern IL
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | the one with no name | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Purchased At: | Amlings Cycle | | Strengths: | $500 price tag . strong frame . rear shock . 5 hundred dollars ! | | Weaknesses: | component group . front shock . weight . | | Similar Products Used: | too many | | Bike Setup: | xt drivetrain , xtr shifters , rolf chain , easton ec70 riser handlebar , sun ringle suv disk wheels , hayes hmx 1 brakes . | | Bottom Line: | this is an update for my original post . first i have to say this bike has some disadvantages . 1: weight 34+lbs . 2: oem drivetrain components low end . 3: front fork . 4: handling on real tight singletrack . secondly i would like to state that this is the only decent (strong framed) bike around for $500 . it was the perfect bike for me to get back into biking . going into this year i was totally uneducated on current mtb technology , maintenance/repair , and what were the best products/components . the problem was i need a bike right then . a little research and a lot of test rides later i decided on the warp . i have to say for a dual suspension to start out on this bike is great . as for all the negative reviewing by hack semipros , what were you thinking when this bike was purchased ? too heavy ...did ya pick it up off the ground ? components suck ... $500 ? wheels big and resistance'o'plenty ... no s#%t retard ! buy something else ... well lets see the caad cannondales like the base model super v ($1000 crap) or the jekel 500 (good bike $1400) . the ony other bike in this price range even close to being as strong and an alright ride is the haro ex1 . im givin her 5 chilis this time . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George Guerette
a Cross Country Rider
from Glammis Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | "rocky road" | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | home Hardware | | Strengths: | light frame, combined with nice suspension, the dampening adjuster is nice but don't abuse it, low price, emazing ability to withstand anything I can throw at it | | Weaknesses: | "v-brakes", low end deraileurs used, grips aren't that great, | | Similar Products Used: | Warp DS2 CCM Revenge (what a piece of poop)! | | Bike Setup: | "THE" chainstay guard, forks at 10 clicks from stock, rear spring at stock, dampening adjustr on rear shok at 5 turns stiffer than stock | | Bottom Line: | best value bike u could get in Canada, too bad they're all sold out for this model year, but I still got mine. they can take anything from anybody up to 250lbs | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lance
a
from Bad News , VA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | The Seat Post and handle bars. | | Weaknesses: | The rest of the bike. The bike is way to heavy the front shock suck. The tires are to big and slow the bike down. the gears and shifter are cheap and do not have good response time. I have had nothing but problems with this bike and do not recomend this bike to anyone. The bike sales for about $500 dollar but I think it is worth $50 dollar Kmart special with a $49 rebate. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is all around piece of crap. I would not give this bike to my worst enemy. I would suggest a Cannondale CAAD series bike. They cost a little bit more then the Giant but is well worth the price. Do not by this piece of crap. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a
from Middleburg, Virginia
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Highroad | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | 520 | | Strengths: | Just about everything! The full suspension is great! -- It makes riding down rocky hills feel like smooth pavement. Full adjustability on the rear shock is a plus. The wide tires took a little getting used to, but they're great! | | Weaknesses: | Some of the components are on the cheaper end of the scale, but so far they are holding up great! Everyone complains about the Suntour forks, but they seem fine to me. The rapid-fire shifters and brake levers are a little different from my old bike, and in my opinion are not as comfortable to use, but I've gotten used to them. The water bottle mounts in a crazy place, but there's no getting around it. | | Similar Products Used: | My '99 Iguana. Tested a couple other full suspensions, like Gary Fisher Sugar 3. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except I added toe clips. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike! The full suspension is greater than I even hoped it would be. The rear can be pretty much locked out for long, smooth climbs. But even under cushy downhill settings, the bike can still climb well. Some complain that the bike is heavy, but I have no trouble pedaling the monster of a bike I bought -- I'm tall, so I bought the largest size, but I only weigh 150. Maybe if you're planning to race...but even then, if you're in good shape, you could race this bike. I bought the f/s bike because I live on a camp where we have many great trails, and the bike handles all them superbly. I'm not a dare devil, at least not yet, so the largest drop I've attempted is about 3 feet, but the bike takes it easily, and I'm sure could handle much rougher treatment. This bike is great for anyone looking for a good, yet inexpensive, f/s for trails, road, and crazy stuff. The only disappointment I've had is that I couldn't get the bike in blue! But the flashy yellow isn't so bad. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Olivier
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal,Quebec,Canada
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | N/A | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Sport Anjou | | Strengths: | Strong frame, good rear suspension, really nice fat tires, not so bad climber. | | Weaknesses: | Front suspension, bottom bracket, wheelsets, limited seatpost height. | | Similar Products Used: | My first dual suspension since my transition from the hardtail world. | | Bike Setup: | Custom build with cranks, brake, shifter and derailleurs from Shimano LX, a FSA bottom bracket, RS Psylo sl and wheels with Mavic F519 and Deore Hubs. BMX pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This bike can become a very nice freerider with the good parts on it. It is not made for hardcore riding, but aggresive week-end warrior will appreciated what a WARP can give. I bought the WARP 3 because I liked the yellow collor and wanted to build it the way I like, but the WARP 1 and 2 can be a better choice for people who don't want to spend more money on after market parts. This bike is for everyone because it is so easy to ride with(good control, feel confident). I give him a 5. This bike rule. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lance Lowry
a Cross Country Rider
from Fullerton, California USA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fullerton Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheels One Planet | | Strengths: | Killer strong frame, good rear shock in the HV. Motoraptors really dig in on climbs. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals are crap, Suntour front fork needs to be replaced although it does give a much cushier ride than I have ever had. Deraillurs are ok but should be replaced along with the cheesy stem and handlebars. These things creek, moan, and knock like their about to give out. Definitely change these. | | Similar Products Used: | Cousin's Mongoose P.O.S. | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now, Except lizard skin chainguard to save my frame & some MOSH blue cleated pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This was a great value. Talked the chick at the bike shop down from $500 to $450 but I would have still been satisfied with the bike at $500. Love the thick tough looking frame. Function and looks at an affordable price for those of us who can't afford a bike at the price of a small car. Upgradeable and durable. Bought this bike after reading review on this site. Thanks.
-This is a great all around bike. Climbs suprisingly well for a softail and the Motoraptors really eat up the terrain and keep my skin on me. The only thing bad I would say about this bike is the fork, but what do you expect at this price. No problem though, I'll go find a Marzocchi to throw on and I'm set for some big airs. Suntour bottoms out hard. If you got $500 and no more than that then buy this big. Big Ass value for your money. Even though there are better & more expensive bikes out there this one gets 5 Steamin piles for its low price and durability. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jared Grainger
a Downhiller
from Calgary Alberta Canada
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fernie BC | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath | | Strengths: | The strengths of the giant warp ds3 are for certain the Aluxx aluminum long travel frame and the giant HV, coil over w/ rebound adj, 4.5inches of rear wheel travel! | | Weaknesses: | The main weakness of this bike is the sr suntours (front suspension)! | | Similar Products Used: | This is the first full suspension mtn bike I've used. | | Bike Setup: | It has a fairly simple setup and the frame(bike) is all most maintenance free. | | Bottom Line: | The Giant Warp Ds3 is a great all purpose dual suspension mtn bike. It gives you 4.5 inches of rear wheel travel that works equally as well on climbs as it does on descents. The bottom line is that if you just got into mtn biking and your looking to hit every jump you see and go off every drop you come upon get the GIANT WARP DS3!! (IT will hold up to the tuff stuff) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Hines
a Weekend Warrior
from Oak Harbor,Wa. USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | tons of them | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance bicycles in San Diego | | Strengths: | For me the bike is easy to ride in fairly rough terrain,The shock seems to work well, I wiegh 175 so it might need the heavier spring for heavier riders. | | Weaknesses: | My biggest complaint is the forks, I like to take pretty good drops and jumps and the suntour forks just don't do much for me,I also wish I would have spent the extra few dollars for the ds1 so I could have the disc brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | nothing very similar | | Bike Setup: | stock for now. | | Bottom Line: | looking at investing in a downhill type fork with about 6" travel, and disc brakes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duncan
a Weekend Warrior
from Tamworth, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Tamworth Bicycle | | Strengths: | Solid frame and parts. Right price. Good standover height. | | Weaknesses: | weak seat, limited seat post height movement | | Bike Setup: | Stock + Avid discs, Fox Vanilla Forx | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike because I wanted a full suspension bike and having read the reviews everyone said this one was solid. Loved the rear suspension from day one. mucked around for ages trying to get the thing to steer ok. In the end the change of forks was the only real solution. The stock bars were way too wide for my liking. The motoraptors were great but didn't seem to like rocks that much so I changed to Kenda Kinetics 2.35, great move. I think if I had the money I would upgrade the derailleurs, but they can wait till I smash them one time too many.
Overall a good purchase for all round riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lessdog
a Cross Country Rider
from Blue Point, NY
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | stillwell, or anything off rhinoback in Montauk | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Discounters | | Strengths: | Price, for full suspension, cant be beat. travel long enough to make this a plush ride. pleasantly surprised with the ability to climb, goes against everything I have read, being that this is my first f/s. | | Weaknesses: | I will probably get the 800lb. spring for the rear, weigh about 200lbs. Components are o.k. for now, when they break down i will upgrade. Chain clanks against rear on a fast downhill, but an easy fix. | | Similar Products Used: | tested a number of full suspension bike for two and tree times the money. Have ridden a cannondale rigid for the past ten years. | | Bike Setup: | stock except for the shimano clipless. | | Bottom Line: | definetily worth every penny paid and then some, I am not a racer or a madman who proves himself by the size of my last drop. This bike so far has done evrything I need it to do very well. Friends who have tried it tend to agree with the value factor. The frame and rear shock are the same as the ds1 ds2, so a great platform to start with. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Atacus
a Weekend Warrior
from West Chester, PA USA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | French Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Dunbars | | Strengths: | Value, the ablilty to upgrade easily and relatively inexpensively. | | Weaknesses: | Noise, the chain slapping the frame gets extremely bothersome. All I want to hear is the wind and crying behind me. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4900, Gary Fisher Tassajanra
Just tested but full suspension sold me | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with the exception of minute additions not worth mentioning. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the value and suspension, as with some of the other reviews, front forks and other parts will need to be replaced, but I believe you should kill the components, not just retire them. Don't fix whats not broke, yet, besides it gives a reason to ride harder. Bottom line, if your cash range is around 500 look into this bike. Very few, if any, will give a full suspension for that price. Its a good bike to start with and makes you aware of value and quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clydesdale
a Cross Country Rider
from Carlsbad, CA USA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Amazonbikes.com | | Strengths: | Frame and most important - VALUE! | | Weaknesses: | Most of the components | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Sworks, Trek STP, Specialized FSR Comp, Santa Cruz Superlight, Santa Cruz Bullit, Schwinn Rocket, Iron Horse Hollowpoint (all my friends' rides) | | Bike Setup: | Full LX - Brakes, Front/Rear Derail., Shifters, Cranks, ES-70 BB, Shimano 646 platform pedals, Rock Shox Psylo XC, XT Hubs w/Bontrager Mustang Rims, Panaracer Fire XC tires, 23" Riser bar with Rogue Lock Jaws. | | Bottom Line: | Not exactly stock, although I waited 2 years to upgrade. Frankly, I didn't find any problems with the frame...very solid...after a few years, some of the components started failing. The upgrade to full 9speed LX and the other components was relatively painless...I did most of the work myself and after all is said and done, I've invested about $900 total for the bike. The rear shock is really not that bad once it's dialed in...it's definitely bulletproof. Stratos makes a compatible rear shock for ~$400 if you don't like it. The bike currently as it is rides like a dream. It soaks everything up and yet climbs relatively well. If you're lookin for a hill climber, this isn't it (not light, ~37lbs). If you're interested in all around, Freeride type bike on a budget, then this might be for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chase Johnson
a Downhiller
from Fayetteville NC
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The one in Watertown NY. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | Great frame. Super durable. Pretty light for a DH. The motoraptor tires are wicked. and other stuff I have to find out. | | Weaknesses: | I think the cranks and the fork are going to be the biggest weaknesses. Im probably going to throw on a Rock Shox Psylo Sl or Xl, which ever I can get cheaper. The crank will probably get replaced with a race face along with the BB once it breaks. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 930. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Soon to have new fork, pedals, and crankset.
| | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. Definitely should take a beating.
I'll tell you next week when I take it through the brakedown test course. I saved for a long time to get me a freeride bike and Im going to have fun with it til stuff starts breakin.
buy this bike if you ride downhill, urban assault, freeride.
great deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gizmo
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia Beach, VA, US
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | My cousins bike shop in Connecticut ( thats where the discount came from ) | | Strengths: | Strong frame, great shocks ( like using the front shocks and brakes for nose stalls ) brakes are good, and the huge rims and tires are great for loose terrain | | Weaknesses: | derailers are a little noisy but i can get those re-alligned antime and the seat if you dont watch out might probe you | | Similar Products Used: | Magna Pressure point, it was a great bike but its time to move on to the Warp | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | SOLID bike, great huge tires/rims, and amazing suspension system. This is the first dual suspension system I've ever used so my jump up from my old Magna 15 speed is great. Taking it to the mountains in upstate New York for some serious riding and I'll see how things go up there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn
a Downhiller
from Adairsville
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any DH | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Plum Crazy | | Strengths: | Definitley the frame. Unless you probably haven't noticed this Bike is 98% a Downhill bike. Very Lightweight for a Downhill bike. | | Weaknesses: | Cranks. | | Similar Products Used: | Gt I-Drive 5.0 | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox Boxxer Suspension, Azonic DH Stem, Profile Tomac DH Handlebar, SUN DH Rims, Hadley DH Front Hub Etc....... | | Bottom Line: | Abosolutley fantastic for a DH Bike. Took second a few weeks ago at a DH Event here in the South above all places. Only prob is the cranks other than that my set up is A.O.K. Again I can't say enough about the Frame as a DownHill or Dual Slalom. Wonder why GIANT called it DS-3? can you say DUAL SLALOM 3 or DOWNHILL SLALOM 3? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Farrell
a Cross Country Rider
from Andover, CT
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The one that leads to the pasture where I make love with my girl. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Country Sports | | Strengths: | Suspension/Design/fit/Tires | | Weaknesses: | cluster/derailleur/what's with the bottle mounts on the down tube? | | Similar Products Used: | Trek | | Bottom Line: | For me, super plush ride-Suspension feels like I'm in a Caddy-Tires hold well-easy accessability to shifters-needs component upgrade, but what the hell for 500 bills!!!-Great bike for middle level riders-overall top notch product-Cheers to Giant-good work boys!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kurt
a
from Northern IL
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere in B.C. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Purchased At: | Amlings Cycles | | Strengths: | price is damm good for a dual boinger with ok components . rear shock w/ rebound adj. surprisingly good . nice and stiff for a single pivot . | | Weaknesses: | intergrated headset . rear arm / suspension makes a loud clank when hitting even moderate obstacles (breaking in still?). piviot area on rear arm can load up with a ton of mud . front fork is a joke , but thats a given for a bike under $500 . | | Similar Products Used: | tested a plethora of other rides . first bike w/ any suspension . | | Bike Setup: | stock , but for monkeylite carbon riser bar and azonic shorty stem (2 awesome pieces). | | Bottom Line: | some shortcummings , but a hell of a value for what you get . the front fork is unacceptable for hard freeriding as i expected . if the clanking of the rear suspension dissapates w/ break in i will posthumously give another chili . handles the trails nimbily for its weight , but is not for the long haul . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Seaside, CA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trail at Ft. Ord public lands/Laguna Seca | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Center Bicycles Seaside, CA | | Strengths: | I love the big MotoRaptor tires, they glide through the sandy areas that plague the areas (Ft Ord public lands) I ride. Great suspension, very comfortable ride. | | Weaknesses: | I don't care for the Shimano Alivio derauliers, especially the front deraulier which has been problematic, and I'm getting an annoying noise in the crankset, which I'm sure I can get fixed. This has been mentioned in previous reviews and I can verify the fact that the seat can get uncomfortable on long rides. | | Similar Products Used: | none, this is my first full suspension. | | Bike Setup: | All stock for now but may swap out the derauliers. | | Bottom Line: | I shopped around quite a bit before settling on the Warp DS3. This is my first full suspension bike and it has been well worth the money. It handles great and the suspension has no problem smoothing out some of the rougher trails I ride. I've had minor problems climbing steeper hills with it, but it's mostly my fault since I need to tighten the rear shock. If you're a beginner mountain biker looking for a good "bang for the buck" full suspension MTB, I can't imagine finding a better deal than this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Sparta, MI USA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikers High, Dubois PA | | Strengths: | Everything, beat the crap out it in the mountains of PA and WY, and its still working the same as when it was new | | Weaknesses: | Seat you will have a sore butt after a couple of hours of sitting on it. Rear cassette, one of the sprockets I bent trying to climb this hill couldnt handle the torque, the crank chain rings just the look of the metal makes me wonder how long before a tooth breaks off. | | Similar Products Used: | old 18 speed schwin which doesnt even compare | | Bike Setup: | all stock execpt specialized body geometery grips | | Bottom Line: | so far the best bike that I have ridin. definitly recommend it to anybody wanting to start out with a full suspension bike.
I looked at many different bikes for 3 months before I picked this one up, for the price and the components its perfect. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
al painter
a Cross Country Rider
from mountain view, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Connection, PA, CA | | Strengths: | price, comfortable ride, smooth shifting initially, climbs well, allows you to stay in the seat while you head north, pedals. | | Weaknesses: | HANDLEBARS AND FRONT TIRE GOING IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS AFTER ENTIRE HEADSEAT CAME LOOSE after the first fifteen minutes of MY FIRST RIDE. Purchased day of this review. Chain rubbed against front derailer, BENT the damn rim somehow WALKING THE BIKE BACK DOWN THE DAMN HILL. Front wheel squeeked, front brakes locked up after I tightened headset SO I WOULDN'T DIE THE NEXT TIME I RIDE. This place BETTER give me a full refund. Shifters/derailers same as lower end cheaper bikes (Shimano Alivio). | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Palisades, Specialized Rockhopper, Trek 4500 | | Bottom Line: | Bad components, full suspension at this price not worth it. Spend a few extra bucks and get something else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derrick
a Racer
from Dalton , Georgia
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Berry House of dreams | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Plum Crazy Rome , Ga | | Strengths: | Everything from the Incredibly Strong Frame, To the Deluxe comfy suspension. This ride has all you wanted plus more! | | Weaknesses: | Cranks have a little dud sound that is bearly hearable. i can take it and get it worked out probably for free no biggie. | | Similar Products Used: | I-Drive 5.0 and 6.0. Trek Full suspension. And guys none of these bikes compare to the DS3. | | Bike Setup: | STock 4 now. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is the bottom line. This bike has everything I have ever wanted already on the bike. Sure I will upgrade it in the new future just because of wear and tear. This bike was sent from hell just to spoil me. If the DS3 is as a sweet ride as now I cannot imagine what the DS2 and DS1 feels like! Absolutley fantastic and I will match it up to any top of the line as far as cross country racing. My Santa Cruz Bullit is making me sick staring at me from the corner because I paid too much for the name which not saying the DS3 was cheap by all means as amatter of fact its kinda steep. But what the hey! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nicholas silva
a Downhiller
from claremont C.A L.A
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | web | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | coates | | Strengths: | grait tires and derailleurs good in tight corners an steep desents | | Weaknesses: | sr suntour shock cranks frame could be stifer (I broke my first one which giant happly replaced) | | Similar Products Used: | giant ac 1 | | Bike Setup: | shimono clip less pedals mavic rims deoro hubs | | Bottom Line: | grait for all around mt bikeing for its 34 pounds it climbs better than you think but you have to set the preloud up and i advise you a 800 pound sping if your 200+ pounds its wourth your 500$ a bike like this whould have coast 1000$ three years ago. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Evanston, Wyoming, USA
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | bear river | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | bingham Cyclery | | Strengths: | It has a great rear shock. Pedals are very strong, great parts. Very Very good Tires they ROCK | | Weaknesses: | Front Shock and rims | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Mesa | | Bike Setup: | stock exept rims. They are now Mavic X221(very very good rims)and THE front and rear fenders | | Bottom Line: | Very strong, It is very quiet so you can enjoy your surroundings. I love the rapid fire shifters. I love the tires good cornering and won't slide out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimi
a Weekend Warrior
from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Tredlies | | Strengths: | Strong frame, good rear shock | | Weaknesses: | The seat hurts your ass after a long ride, the front suspension is fairly sloshy, tires arent good for cornering on the loose stuff | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Intense front tire | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome. The only thing that lets it down are the front forks, they can be good, but constantly top-out with a shluck noise. The rest of the bike is great though. I highly recommend it for cross-country riders as it is fairly light and durable to a bashing day after day. A great bike for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Talent, OR, U.S.A
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | White Rabbit | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Sims Cycle and Fitness | | Strengths: | WTB Moto Raptor 2.4" tires, Solid frame, Strong Brakes, 4 or 5 inch selectable rear travel, Great handling, Bunnyhoppable. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals suck. The Sr Suntour xcp-75 fork is pretty squishy but works. Seat hurts your butt after awhile. Front and rear alivio derailer. | | Similar Products Used: | Crappy Department store f/s bikes | | Bike Setup: | All stock except chainstay guard | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike for the price. No other f/s bikes in this price range can compete with its value.Fork works. Overall this bike is awesome for beginner freeriders or downhillers on a budget. still light enough for trail riding and climbing.The first thing I plan on upgrading is the derailers and shifters and then the fork. Overall the bike is an awesome value and I highly reccomend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from West Hartford, CT
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shop - Manchester, CT | | Strengths: | The dealer was great. Bike is smooth, comfy, great value, good looks, | | Weaknesses: | Can't get used to those huge 2.4 Moto-Raptors - still unused on the stock wheels. | | Similar Products Used: | My firs f/s so - previous hardtails, Univega (can't remember the model) Klien pulse comp. | | Bike Setup: | XT cranks, deraileurs, shifters & brakes, Richie hubsw/Bontrager Valients, Specialized low rise bar, Icon stem, Easton post, Conti tires, Manitou Six Deluxe fork | | Bottom Line: | Ya I know it's not stock but I had all these great extra parts so I wanted a good frame to work with. Quite honestly the stock stuff seams pretty good as i was taking it off - I was really surprized at the the fork (Suntour SM8040) thought it would be junk but I was failry impressed. As I have it now this bike is just plain beautiful. Rides like a dream, climbs better than i thought a f/s bike would (don't believe all you read), turns great and soaks up all the nasty stuff with grace. I would have liked to ride it stock, but didn't want to have another pile of used parts (anyone looking for a full group cheap) even the stock seat is nice. If you want the best f/s value out there this is it! Responds well to upgrades, nice bike stock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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