|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
Murphy
a Downhiller
from Livingston, MT
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | jackson creek | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | owen house, Bozeman, | | Strengths: | over all very good, strong, stable design. This bike is a hardy, all mountain ride stong enough to last four , going on five hard years of rugged abuse on Montanas and Oregons most rugged back country mountain trails | | Weaknesses: | components that come with the bike are weak such as the Rockshox forks and the Hv rear shock, but over all excelent bike | | Bike Setup: | Manitou sherman 7' front, fox vanila R rear shock, avid mechanical dics, 8' | | Bottom Line: | supper tough rugged bike for the $$$$$ | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joseluisc80
a Downhiller
from San Salvador, El Salvador
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | DH | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | local dealer | | Strengths: | great frame, strong and conftable | | Weaknesses: | rear shock | | Similar Products Used: | treck 70, giant vt | | Bike Setup: | changed read shock, | | Bottom Line: | great ride, i own a 2004 Giant warp DS1(the white),not the best but great bike for that price, i've used it 4 year now, and it still works great, i ride with guys that used santa Cruz, and other bigger and heavier bike to do downhill, and i've have never stayed behind. love this bike, besides i have a Kona,and i rather to used this one because of the weight. the components are really nice, by the way, i've hear than the posterior versions are not that good, i think it's because of the components. beside the white looks a lot better and the black and gray with yellows. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
motoxman.21
a Weekend Warrior
from Weaverville, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | the garage | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop | | Strengths: | Seemed great... at first. | | Weaknesses: | pretty much everything. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Reign (wayyyyyyy better) | | Bike Setup: | stock with upgraded brake pads | | Bottom Line: | The bike was great for a few weeks. Started having minor problems. Within a year the forks were shot, the crank decided it didn't need to stick around, and the rims were bent. It also has a really annoying squeal and squeak. The crank is constantly loose but wont tighten. It's not worth the money. If you want a bike that will last more than a month dont buy this bike. otherwise i guess you'd be fine. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Heath
a Weekend Warrior
from Palm Bay, FL
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Tillman fruit trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Friend | | Strengths: | Price paid, great ergos. The bike was bought off a friend with downgraded componets but thats not what broke. The weld at the pivot joint near the downtube completly snaped at the base of a jump at a local trail. The bike is 7 years old so I give it some credit to last as long as it did. | | Weaknesses: | None for the price. Frame broke but likely do to age and abuse. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300, Trek 4500. | | Bottom Line: | These bikes are a bit heavy but I really got comfortable on mine and I found the ergonomics to be spot on when controling the bike threw the trails. The bike jumps well and with the right componets would make a great all mountain bike. Most people say the frame is strong and I think I may have just had a fluke experience with mine.
I did not get the bike new so I can not begin to imagine what it has been threw over the years. For the year I rode it before it took a dump I loved it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jesse handy
a Weekend Warrior
from Boise, idaho , USA
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Hulls | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Pawn shop | | Strengths: | Good on bumpy downhill | | Weaknesses: | Way to heavy | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | It was Ok at first, but then after about a year started having problems. I just got a Cannondale Rush and it is so much of an improvement there is no comparison. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Eastman
a Weekend Warrior
from Brantford Ont Canada
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | hardly trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | the bike shop brantford | | Strengths: | frame is great holds up to anything | | Weaknesses: | fork rst mag cheap feel nosie and crappy settings | | Similar Products Used: | proflex,khs,huffy,swork,brodie | | Bike Setup: | lx drivetrain alex rims titic hellbent bars egg beaters pedals | | Bottom Line: | for what your spending on this bike it's not a dream bike but it's a dam good start to build on.Every time you ride people stop to check it out. that's worth the money itself everyone I know with a warp loves it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Mannheim
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | The only bike shop in Altus OK | | Strengths: | Frame. Good tires and saddle. Rear shock has plenty of travel. When rear shock is set up right, frame feels nice and tight and well balanced. | | Weaknesses: | I bent the rims numerous times on rocky terrain and even warped the rotors. The front fork went out within 1 year. Also, I could hear a horrible creaking noise from stem/headset but it never broke. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 70, Kona Dawg | | Bike Setup: | All Stock | | Bottom Line: | This was my first bike for serious mountain biking, and I abused it. Rode around Altus OK in the most rocky and technical area. Rode it so hard I broke the pedals and really messed up the crank. Then I switch to a Trek Fuel which I love but a year later I pulled out the Giant, threw some new rims and rotors and set back out. This bike is great for average downhill, cross country and urban eviro. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LEE HOFFMAN
a Downhiller
from GRESHAM OREGON
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | EZ DOES IT | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | bike n hike PORTLAND | | Strengths: | I have ridden the 2002 Model I loved the strength and durabily of the Warp.It has flashy good looks | | Weaknesses: | HEAVY!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | BOMBER SHOX,STOCK CRANK AND HAYES HYDRAUALICS | | Bottom Line: | The Warp is a versatile xc rig which I use for urban commute .This bike generates conversation to all who see it,Man I get compliments by cyclist and nons alike Great Bike have ridden mutiple charity rides (Reach The Beach) 106 miles on this bike......Buy it youll love it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Downhiller
from NORCAL
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | 900 | | Strengths: | its good all around | | Weaknesses: | rims bend very easy | | Bike Setup: | stock with e-13 chainguid maxxis hookworms | | Bottom Line: | It is a great entry level downhill/freeride bike and good for urban assult. it is great for people getting started in biking but should have the forks and stem upgraded. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kent
a Weekend Warrior
from hickory, north carolina, USA
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | dirty south | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | clark's | | Strengths: | its good all together | | Weaknesses: | need better front susspension | | Similar Products Used: | lots | | Bottom Line: | its a good downhill/freeride bike but its a bit heavy.i needs a bigger fork.This bike was an extreamly good investment for $550.Everybody go to clarks to buy bikes!They have a good selection on Santa Cruz,Haro,and Giants1 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria, BC,Canada
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Galloping Goose | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | North Park | | Strengths: | Great price and good parts for the money | | Weaknesses: | Heavy bike in general, small stock fork travel, and brakes need constant adjusting. | | Bottom Line: | Made this investment a while ago for a bike to ride to work to everyday and I love it after 6 months! Smooth ride, awesome gearing system, and looks dope! I haven't had any troubles with it and it's taken everything I can throw at it, including me! Bottom line? For the money you can't beat the Warp, just watch what parts your bike comes with. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis
a
from park city
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | gulley | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | cole sport | | Strengths: | Nothing | | Weaknesses: | Everything | | Bike Setup: | stock with a bash gaurd, and 2.3 tires | | Bottom Line: | Bike sucks i blew the fork and the rear shock duing and easy trail, good for xc riding but not for dh and urban riding. Stay away form the warp. and get a good dh/freeride bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Teschke
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Puslinch Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Gears N Grills | | Strengths: | Looks Good. Bomber Fork. Hydraulic Disc Brakes. Lx derailers. | | Weaknesses: | Frame. Assembly. Pedals. Bearings.
| | Similar Products Used: | Giant Rincon | | Bike Setup: | Stock Warp Ds1 (minus frame) | | Bottom Line: | Extremely dissatisfied with Giant Bicycles. Within last three weeks of riding here's a list of broken parts :
Front Axle, upon opening 3 bearings were missing from hub (never been opened before)
Seat - frame rails bent
Wheels - rear wheel spokes kept cracking
Bomber EXR - didn't have oil in one side
Freewheel - locked up
Pedals : bearings wern't put in right (no grease/oil) had to replace all
Lx derailer pulleys had no grease / oil locked up
Frame - Cracked on rear triangle at weld by the front derailer (did a massive bunnyhop onto a curb)
3 weeks ago another Giant Frame broke at a weld (not covered under frame warrenty???)
Welds are supposed to be the strongest point on a frame. This shows that the welds are very shoddy.
Lowest Value because of broken parts (parts cost lots to replace, too bad parts couldn't refelct prices of bikes)
Lowest overall rating due to failure (time to pull out the ol' 1996 proflex that isn't cracked )
I strongly suggest avoiding Giant Bicycles and sticking with better built frames
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david dobson
a Downhiller
from charlotte, nc. usa
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | international bikes | | Strengths: | great for all round riding | | Weaknesses: | i broke my 02 frame but the 03 is much stronger, heavy but can be built light. | | Similar Products Used: | na | | Bike Setup: | truativ bars and stem, LX drive, flat peds, kenda ust, stock rear shock, marzochi 4 inch fork | | Bottom Line: | great all round trail and urban rider ok on 8 ft drops with better rear shock, the guys at the bike shop laugh but its held up. stock form was heavy at 38 pounds | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
doogie b
a Weekend Warrior
from 909
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | woodcrest bikes | | Strengths: | frame, shock, avid discs | | Weaknesses: | all the stock parts that come on it | | Similar Products Used: | lots | | Bike Setup: | 03 warp ds1 frame, 02 marz z1 fr, mavic 223 on xt disc hubs, avid mechs with speed dial 7 levers, xt all around, pani fire 2.1 rear, weirwolf 2.1 front, easton carbon 1.5 riser, pazzazz stem | | Bottom Line: | If you dont have much to spend, and you want to get into a good dualie then this is the bike for you. The frame is worth keeping around, and upgrading. It is strong, and will stand up to very aggressive trail riding. The rear shock works suprisingly well, and hasnt blown up yet. The way I have it built has made it a perfect all around trail bike. I can take on the long epic rides, and still have fun doing drops, jumps, and downhill. And it is not too heavy.
Knock off a couple of chilis for the stock components, but the frame is a keeper, and its a good value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RonnieDobbs
a Cross Country Rider
from SLO, CA
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Art's Cyclery--Worst shop ever | | Strengths: | Beefy frame, can mash over anything for the most part...taken it off some pretty hairy drops and its none the worse for wear | | Weaknesses: | a little heavy, and the linkage is annoyingly squeaky | | Bike Setup: | DJ 1, Tiogas, XT drivetrain, Hayes hydro in rear, 8" rotor in front w/ Avid mech, WTB saddle, yadda yadda yadda | | Bottom Line: |
It took me a while to get used to, but I really dig on this bike. It's my first dually, and I really didn't know what I was doing when I bought it, for it was all I could afford at the time. Since then, I've ridden the hell out of it, and have upgraded everything on it. I think the only origingal parts are the stem, headset, rear hub, and front brake. It's a solid frame that comes with crappy componentry. Upgrading the cranks shed about 3-5 lbs of the total weight, and it's sitting around 32 now, give or take. All in all, for the price you pay, just as everyone else here has said, you're getting a pretty kickass rig that can mash and take a beating. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rene
a Weekend Warrior
from Veracruz, Mexico
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Chiluca | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Viansi | | Strengths: | Good Specs for the Price | | Weaknesses: | A heavy for XC | | Similar Products Used: | Some cheap Duallies | | Bike Setup: | Full Stock except for Shimano PD-M424 | | Bottom Line: | I can't be other than happy after spending my money on this bike.
It is a good all-around performer but it shines on anything going downhill. Avid brakes stop you on a dime. Drivetrain simply works fine although some Deore Cranks, BB and FD should be desirable. Rest of components are just OK for the average cyclist.
Suspension works well if you tune it well which is no problem. Only "complaint" is the Axel fork that is not a Top Performer but it does its work.
This bike is not for the avid climber as it weighs tons uphill but its rear end sticks to the ground on technical stuff. It does not bob excesively and is active all the time not having much brakejack.
This bike likes to go fast. It feels a bit slow at low speeds but as the speed goes up so does the performance of the bike. It just handles nicely. The frame is stiff and built to last anything but big drops for years.
WTB Motoraptors 2.24 are great all-around tires. Strong performers on almost every tire situation. Only issue is that tire clearance with the Axel fork rear arch is minimal. Even rocks stuck in the tire tread hit the arch. Not to mention mud. Reverse rear tire direction to increase traction on uphills and once you find the sweet pressure spot on these tires, just keep'em there. They suck out of its pressure range (which varies depending your wieght, riding style and surface ridden).
Highly recommendable in this price range. Only real contender in this price is the Jamis Dakar but it has nearly 1.5 inches less in the rear end which for me it just closed the deal in favor of the Warp.
No big issues other than a chain stay protector is a must to keep it silent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Danny
a Weekend Warrior
from Burke, VA
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | price, frame, brakes, rear brake | | Weaknesses: | shifters, derailleurs, tires are crap in sticky mud, hard to figure out all quirkes on fork | | Similar Products Used: | DS2, old full suspension K2 | | Bike Setup: | downhill pads for disc brakes and campus pedals all else stock | | Bottom Line: | this is probably the best investment i've ever made. i get so much fun out of it and i didn't have to spend over 1K. on the tracks it holds its own against the downhill hill bikes and they spent 4-5K. you get exactly what you paid for thats why its not perfect but it holds up and in porportion to others prices it kicks ass. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Danny
a Weekend Warrior
from Burke, VA
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | price, frame, brakes, rear brake | | Weaknesses: | shifters, derailleurs, tires are crap in sticky mud, hard to figure out all quirkes on fork | | Similar Products Used: | DS2, old full suspension K2 | | Bike Setup: | downhill pads for disc brakes and campus pedals all else stock | | Bottom Line: | this is probably the best investment i've ever made. i get so much fun out of it and i didn't have to spend over 1K. on the tracks it holds its own against the downhill hill bikes and they spent 4-5K. you get exactly what you paid for thats why its not perfect but it holds up and in porportion to others prices it kicks ass. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Hall
a Weekend Warrior
from Olympia, WA
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Whistler Canada's MTB / DH Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeTech | | Strengths: | Durable outstanding bike for the price. Where else can you get full suspension and disc brakes for under 1K? Warp DS/1 can be taken anywhere. It holds up great on the single track trail rides as well as on the downhill parks. This bike made it down "Dirt Merchant" at Whistler, a double black diamond run with huge jumps and drops, without too much effort! | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy for cross country riding and everyday use, and the 4 inch suspension front and rear could be increased without breaking my heart. The brakes worked great however needed to be adjusted each day at the DH Park. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized StumpJumper | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Giant Warp DS/1 full suspension with 6 inch cable actuated disc brakes. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is by far the best deal for the price and is capable of handling almost anything you can dish out from cross county and single track riding to flat out downhill terrain! This is the perfect bike for the weekend warrior who is into all different types of riding! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew Rivard
a Cross Country Rider
from Berlin NH USA
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Loon MT | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | It has very good tires and awsome brakes. The suspension is great for mid-size jumps and drop-offs. | | Weaknesses: | The entire drive system, the seat if you are calorie challenged like me, grip shift | | Similar Products Used: | Gaint Warp DS3 | | Bike Setup: | I got a new drive system with a FSA Alpha Drive crank, Azonic downhill seat, and front and rear fenders. | | Bottom Line: | This is a good bike for medium level riders. It can be a great bike with a little bit of extra money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jamnie
a Downhiller
from Perth
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | the frame, best disc brakes, good crank, gears mint. | | Weaknesses: | nothink ay it fully holds up | | Similar Products Used: | ds2 | | Bottom Line: | the bike is good for all uses but get new forks for it i had this bike for 3months and i snapped my fork :9 get sumthing with about 6inch travel and a good seat and i bet all your money your not going to beat this bike foer the price | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | West Hill Cycle & Sports | | Strengths: | Great suspension, Hydraulic Disc Brakes, Deore LX drivetrain | | Weaknesses: | Rear derailleur hits chainstay on bigger bumps (fix = LizardSkins chainstay protector), water bottle holder location. | | Bike Setup: | Ritchey grips, Bell bar ends, Shockblade front fender, Zefal rear fender, Vaude saddle bag, LizardSkins chainstay protector, rest stock. | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike for the money, I paid $1500 CDN taxes incl. Replacing my beat up 6 year old Maxam Hot Chili Comp. The travel in both front & rear suspension is amazing, very responsive and easily adjustable. The Giant MPH disc brakes are great, they are easily adjustable at the levers, no squeals and they perform well wet or dry and in mud. The Deore LX drivetrain has performed well so far too. The stock WTB MotoRaptor tires are great for off-road, but are a little noisy on-road. I've taken it on many off road trails in the few months that I've owned it, it holds up extremely well, I am very pleased.
5 Flamin' Chilis! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from PA
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Freeriding/ Cruisers | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$765.00 | | Strengths: | good frame, disc brakes, | | Weaknesses: | not the best climbing bike | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Black Comp, Clipless pedals, everything else is stock | | Bottom Line: | SWEET!! for the price. It is definately set up more for downhill than uphill. It doesnt climb quite like my old I-Drive. BUT,.....If you are getting bored with XC and want to get into more aggressive XC/freeride at a cheap price...this bike is for you! It may not be the best bike on the market but i think it's the best bike in it's price bracket and so im givin' it 5 Flamin' Chili's! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cameron
a Downhiller
from Park City, Utah
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fireswamp | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cole Sport | | Strengths: | Great Frame, very strong. Awesome tires (2.6). The Hydraulic disc brakes are unbeatable. Nice and heavy for maximum speed (about 30-35lbs)Good amount of travel for doing dropoffs. | | Weaknesses: | None of what i have found yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stab | | Bottom Line: | A great downhill bike, so you can get max speed! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin W
a Downhiller
from Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | DH Youth Park, DH Mt. Erskin | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Cool Frame (2003), Nice Color, Awesome Design. Very Light Frame. Cool For Cross Country and Freeride. Solid Paint | | Weaknesses: | This Frame Have Just Been Claim Back (None Yet). | | Similar Products Used: | Giant DH Team, AC1, NRS, Norco Shore, Atomik, Drop, Ellsworth Dare, Truth, ID, Santa Cruz V10, Bullit, Blur, Super Light. | | Bike Setup: | Cool Stuff | | Bottom Line: | The is awesome, very cool and solid paint, My one is Black and Yellow, I like the color.
The frame very light and easier to carry. It also have cool design.
This bike have adjustable rear travel.
This bike is really light compare with previous 02" frame.
It looks stronger than the previous frame, and I think it won't happen again.
Actually this frame have just been claim back, my previous frame crack near the rear shock.
But I don't think so if this bike use for drop more than 2ft. Because it was semi-freeride bike. short rear travel compare with Fox Vanilla R.
If jump or Drop more than 2ft I don't think so it won't crack.
If any rider use this for Cross Country or Freeride, this is $$ that we can buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Orosz
a
from Calgary,Alberta,Canada
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fish Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | CyclePath | | Strengths: | Good rear suspension, hydraulic brakes | | Weaknesses: | The Frame is white and it gets dirty to easily, and for someone lasy like me thats not a good thing | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur | | Bottom Line: | Its a good bike for the money. Needs a better front suspension. Doing some crazy jumps with it. I bought my bike in Canada so some of the things are different like hydraulics brakes and a Bomber front fork | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike metsker
a Downhiller
from san diego, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | big bear | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | bike pros | | Strengths: | frame is strong, handles very well in hardcore downhill | | Weaknesses: | rims | | Similar Products Used: | haro x2, jamis dakar, specialized rockhopper fsr comp | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | the bottom line is that most of what these other riders here have said is bull crap. yes there are better set ups out there. but for the money this bike is awesome. I especially think the guy who ragged on avid mechanical disk breaks is an idiot. its a bike not a motorcycle, would you prefer hydraulic, then go get a harley davidson. adjustments will always have to be made on any bike especially when you punish it. wake up and smell the trail
go back to school, make your own bikes from scratch. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Ellovich
a Racer
from Zion
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Poison Spider | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Taylor's Bike | | Strengths: | Inexpensive, good handling, suspension(rear). | | Weaknesses: | I had serious problems with Avid at the beginning, but we're okay now. Bottom bracket sucks! Other then that, good | | Similar Products Used: | Warp DS2 2002 model. | | Bike Setup: | Stock frame, Skerab Super fork w/lockout. everything else stock. | | Bottom Line: | Good bike. Takes a serious beating. Parts spec. not as good is some places. Good for 10 foot drops. (except the 3" skerab does not do good on those, I'm upgrading to DJ3.) GET A LONGER TRAVEL FOPRK AS SOON AS YOU CAN! Very good trail bike. Other then the problems I faced. Go have fun. Buy it for a great tigt budget bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mangs Mmkay
a Weekend Warrior
from BC
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Skookum Cycle and Ski | | Strengths: | Frame...Rear Shox | | Weaknesses: | none...sweet bike | | Similar Products Used: | Norco A-line | | Bike Setup: | 2003 DS-1 Frame and everything that comes with it!!! | | Bottom Line: | Sweet Bike, holds it's own. Awesome for weekend riding...can take alot of abuse!!!!!! Workx well for jumping as well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nic Vargas
a Downhiller
from Anaheim, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Peters Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$830.00 | | Purchased At: | orange Cycle | | Strengths: | Disc Brakes, Frame | | Weaknesses: | Front Shocks, Weak front gears | | Similar Products Used: | Giant DS3, Specialized Big Hit Expert, GT I-Drive | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Its a great bike for under 1000. The rear shock works great i have dont 10 foot drop offs and its like jumping off a curb. I have been mountain biking for 2 years and have never rode a bike as nice as this for the cost. I'm just a weekend warrior and i like it a lot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dookie b
a Cross Country Rider
from riverside ca usa
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | on the dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | lbc | | Strengths: | frame, avid brakes, rear shock | | Weaknesses: | color | | Similar Products Used: | gt lts1000, nrs2, diamond xwhatever (cant remember, it was a long time ago. | | Bike Setup: | 99 boxxer 151, sun rino lites, maxxis 2.3 rear, kufo 2.6 fr,race face crank, lx rear, azonic 2.5 rise bars, avid dics 8in fr, 6in rear. | | Bottom Line: | I basicly picked this up as a frame,and built it up with stuff that I was able to aquire rather cheaply. I weigh in at about 200 and ride this bike hard. I have reaptedly dropped off this 7 ft drop to flat without any problems, I use for dirt jumps, and Ive raced dh on it, and took 2nd in the sport category. I dont know why people are in here reviewing older models, as the 03 is redesined and problems of the past were addressed. The fluid form frame is awsome looking, and adds strength. The shock mount at the swingarm is far better than previous models. The rear shock works well. Its not a fox or romic, but it does what it should and has some adjustability. I can only speak for the frame, but if youre on a budget and want a bike that can be upgraded as you go, I would say this bike is for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jerry
a Downhiller
from seattle wa
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$225.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Sport | | Strengths: | 5 inches of plush rear wheel travel with adjustable rebound. It seems strong, seeing that I've put that frame through more abuse in 3 months, than most people would in an entire year. | | Weaknesses: | a tad on the heavy side, but for what I'm using it for it can be delt with. plus i don't have the lightest compontents. | | Similar Products Used: | NRStwo and air, VTtwo, stinky delux, stinky, super 8, ACone | | Bike Setup: | '02 warp ds1 frame, truvativ firex single speed with chainguide, shimano deore rear der, stock rear wheel. bombshell betty 6" travel, hayes hmx9 8", custom built front wheel | | Bottom Line: | this is a prety good bike. take it from me. If you want a freeride/trail bike, and you can't aford to spend 1500 or more, get the warp ds1, switch out the fork to something with 5" of travel, and get some wider better tires. Go to Bike Sport in ballard, they can hook you up. '03 Warp DS1 goes for 900, there is a psylo xc fork on sale right now too. If you want to spend a little bit more, go for a VTtwo, that's a sweet bike too, and its only 1800 right now at Bike Sport | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
D
a
from Canada
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Cheap | | Weaknesses: | Frame cracks. Very cheap rims, hubs, spokes and nipples = wheels that need to be trued every ride. | | Bottom Line: | I bought a 2001 DS1. The weld near the shock cracked. I recieved a 2003 frame for warranty. It looks like they made the area that cracked a bit stronger.
The bottom line: This is a cheap full suspension bike. Heavy but not particularly strong, and Giant cut lots of corners to get into the budget niche. By the time you fix all the cut corners, you end up spending the equivalent $ for a more expensive bike.
E.g. The Giant brand rear hub has one less "click" than standard hubs. That means that when you pedal the gears won't catch when you expect them to. On the lower gears it is especially noticable when you are trying to keep momentum up a steep incline, and you pedal, the freewheel doesn't catch and drive the wheel when you want. I dont know how much money they save by machining one less click on the hub but it sure is annoying.
Also the spokes and wheels are very weak. They use the cheapest aluminum spoke nipples that strip when you try and true the wheels, which are weak to start with and need constant truing till they pretzel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stevan
a Cross Country Rider
from Atascocita, TX
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Ho Chi Min | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$675.00 | | Strengths: | Fair components. Easy to tune in. Forgiving to ride. Marcheschi fork. Excelent brakes. WTB Tires. | | Weaknesses: | HEAVY. Ride from rear feels inadequatley damped. Water bottle placement. | | Bike Setup: | '02 Year model bike, Shimano 515 SPD pedals, custom mud deflector for rear shock/front derailur, cygolite, Schwinn Seat | | Bottom Line: | It's a good trail bike. Can definatley take a hit, but it is on the heavy side. Also the single pivot rear suspension's geometry tends to try and pull the front wheel off the ground while pedaling uphill. The fork only has a preload adjustment but it can so outperform the rear suspension that the bike feels a little unbalanced, or mushy, depending on settings. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Downhiller
from Ont
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Welding, gussets. | | Weaknesses: | Frame can twist from torque, stock components. | | Similar Products Used: | First dualie | | Bike Setup: | Jr.T's, Profile FR riser, temp DH stem, FSA bb/cranks, snafu pedals (bmx, wicked!), 8" Avid rotor & mount adapter, LX levers & R.D., ODI Ruffin grips. | | Bottom Line: | Stock, this bike is meant for a weekend warrior; or someone getting into more aggressive riding. Lots of potentional with the frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stoney
a
from North Port, FL.
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | North Port | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikesandjava | | Strengths: | Price, rear shock, frame | | Weaknesses: | Cranks, forks, Avid brakes | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Raceface crankset/BB and Magura hydraulic brakes | | Bottom Line: | For the money it is an excellent bike. The forks constantly leak and the stock cranks creek and come loose. I'm not a big fan of mechanical disks. Too much cable stretch, always squeal and need constant adjustment. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CRK
a Weekend Warrior
from port charlotte fl
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | santose | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Strengths: | frame, seat, tires, brakes, rear shock, derailers | | Weaknesses: | bottom bracket, | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for profile maniac riser bars w/yeti grips, race face prodigy xc cranks, race face bottom bracket, LX brake levers, & shifters | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding for about 6 months, this bike is awesome, I have had a problem with the bottom bracket getting loose so I put a race face in it, with cranks. The front shock is great, although it does leak oil out of the top boot. The frame is exceptional in my opinion, at 200 lbs it holds up great, not a problem at all. If I was to buy another bike it would be the DS1. I recomend it to anyone. I would give it 5 chilies but the fork leaking & the bottom bracket sucks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bik
a Downhiller
from Oak Park, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | A-line, Whistler | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Michaels Bicycles | | Strengths: | Rear Shock, headset, cranks, cassette, seat | | Weaknesses: | stock: frame, wheels, derailurs, shifters, fork, bars/stem, seatpost, brakes | | Similar Products Used: | 2001, Giant Rincon SE, Diamondback T24 Cruisr | | Bike Setup: | 2001 model medium frame: Azonic 'O' stem, Azonic Double wall 2.5 inch rise bar, shimano xt hydrolic brakes, rear intense mag 20 laced 36 hole to a shimano xt hub, stock front wheel *for now, 2003 Marzocchi DJ3, Evil (E.thirteen) single ring guide,black spire 36 tooth DH ring, primo meat tenderizer pedals, generic post and mongoose plastic sided seat, ODI Ruffian lock on grips, Shimano Xt rear derailur and LX shifter (I Run a 9 speed system) Lizard Skin; after I replace the cranks and front wheel I will have a completely different bike | | Bottom Line: | I am a freerider, I downhill, street, dirt jump, and ocassionly I do a little cross country. Curretly I am on my third DS1 frame because my riding style is not accomodated in its design,the frame has broken cler in half 2 times (I cant complain, the frame wasnt meant to take he abuse). As you can see I have switched out nearly all the componentry with burly, overwight, freeride parts so that I can appreciate the fell of the bike. I recently snapped the stock Z-5 in half off of a large BMX jump so Marzocchi sent out a 2003 Five inch DJ3 for about $130 on fork replacement. I like the nimble feel of the bike though, its very maneuverable and it responds well to subtle movements. Aside from that, if you dont mind sending the frame out for warantee every couple of months and replacing most if not all of the components it is a decent bike. Buy this bike if you are a smooth freerder and are planning to go bigger bike wise later and need a bike to build onto in the mean time.
*Note I am buying an Orange 222 frame and transfering the parts over to it, so the DS1 frame will be out soon | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taylor
a Weekend Warrior
from Placerville,CA,USA
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Granetbay | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific bicycles | | Strengths: | rear shock,rims,bars,stem,and brakes | | Weaknesses: | cranks,shifting,bottom bracket,and seat post | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 2001 rockshox psylo,9.0 shifting,rhynolit front rim,wellgo platforms,koski seat,WTB laser tires.The reat is stock | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding this bike for a year now.It's the best for my age group(14)It was my first mountain bike.I've used it for 6+ foot drops,2 DH trips,2 trips to Downieville,and XC,it's taken it all.I have never once bottomed out the shock,even fully at it's softest.The only things I woulc change from stock are the bottom braket and fork(I have the 2001 model)mine came with a Z.5,but the new psylo with 5' makes it handle and ride awesome.My friend has the same bike and he changed the fork out to a psylo and he loves it too.Overall an awesome bike for anything. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Acworth, Georgia USA
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything wet and wild! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Roswell Bicycles | | Strengths: | Frame, Brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Haro Extreme 2 - Demo. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for DK Iron Cross pedals,Topeak Alien front fender. | | Bottom Line: | The bike has been everything I hoped it would be. It came down to the Giant or a Haro Extreme for me. After much comparison, I went with the Giant. The frame on this bike is bombproof,and that is what sold me. I had heard to many horror stories about broken frames on the Haro to risk it. Rear shock is excellent. Brakes are the best of any bike I`ve owned. The Avid mechanical discs rock! I`m still experimenting with the set up on the Axxel front fork. No complaints on the suspension though. Pedals were cheap platforms and I changed them out first chance I got. Seatpost was way too long for the type of riding I do, so it had to be cut down to size. The only problem with this bike is that it will make you overconfident. I got a little crazy on it and paid with a broken collarbone coming off a 5` drop. The bike came through the wipeout unscathed. Buy it if you don`t wanna go broke believing the bike mag hype and buying something just for the name on it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BJB
a Weekend Warrior
from Winter Park, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: November 28, 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 I am back after almost a month of riding the bike to report that it is still riding well and I am still completely happy. These last 4 weekends of riding have certainly been taking more of a toll on the bike and I will try to detail in this latest review all that I have encountered.
The frame is doing just as well, no creaks, solid feeling, no complaints.
The rear shock has been wonderful and is still sucking up the bumps wonderfully. I have been experimenting with different setups for the preload and rebound adjustments and have found that they can certainly make a big difference and that it is very advantageous to set them according to the terrain.
The small rebound adjustment knob can be tricky to get your finger around to turn at times, but is not impossible, although you really have to stop and get off the bike to adjust it. The preload can take quite a grip to turn the retaining washer, but, again it is not impossible. A little lubricant on the threads should make it easier.
Brakes are still really great... I have had to compensate for cable stretch and minimal pad wear, but it is all so easy to adjust that it takes no time to dial it in. I do find that the long stretch of housing for the rear brake cable and the sand here in Florida will tend to slow down the return of the rear brake making it not spring back as strong so a thorough cleaning between every ride is a must to keep this return reaction at its strongest.
The front shock has really been doing its job nicely. Although I still have the problem with the top of the right fork being wet with oil from time to time it has not taken away from the fork at all. I am just wondering when I will need to refill the oil.
Like the rear shock I have been trying different adjustments for the preload and fluid damping... and I have had the same success as with the rear shock after dialing it in for the terrain.
The front derailleur is still doing it's job admirably with no problems, as are the cranks.
I did have one incident where as I was riding the chain got caught up on the chainrings and didn't sit properly and the pedaling bent a link back from one of the sections of the chain. This link then proceeded through the drivetrain until it reached the rear derailleur where it promptly binded up in the pulleys...
I was still pedaling so it broke off the rear derailleur hanger and pulled the whole derailleur into the wheel where it got all bound up. A big mess. I walked the bike back to the car luckily only 15 mins away.
I took the bike back to Loco Motion and they did a quick repair to the chain (new link), hooked me up with a new hanger, bent back the rear derailleur into shape, and I was back up and running no problem. If anything this says alot about the rear derailleur and it's durability, good stuff.
The drivetrain on the other hand i am not all that impressed with. The 27 speed drivetrain seems more of a gimmick than anything else... I use about 5-6 gears out of all of them and when pedaling in some it just seems like the chain is being too diagonally contorted... and if I try to spin the freewheel backwards the chain will get all caught up or start coming off the chainrings.
The drivetrain will most likely be the first components I upgrade starting with the chain/cranks/chainrings.
Regarding the paint wear I mentioned in the previous review I was able to alleviate the problem by wrapping a piece of construction foam around the cable with some cable ties. I have found another cable that is wearing away paint as well just under the swingarm pivot and I will probably use the same method there. I am also thinking of adding section of the foam on the right chainstay to reduce the clacking of the chain when hitting those hard landings.
Well that is all for this review. I will be back again with another review after some more time has passed, or something major happens. Until then, see ya! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BJB
a Weekend Warrior
from Winter Park, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: November 6, 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: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$ 1000.00
