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Submitted by
Snakedriver
a Cross Country Rider
from Bronx,NY
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Streets Of New York City | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bronx Bicycles | | Strengths: | Its An All Around Good Bike When Used For The Intended Purpose Cross Country Racing Not Downhilling, Freeriding, Dirt Jumping. The Things People Try With A Bike Not Made For Those Purposes.Considering It's An Entry level Full Suspension Bike It Excels At What Its Made For And Isnt Bad At Some Of The Above Activities. JUST NOT OFTEN.For The Average Price Of About $500 You Can't Expect The Bike To Be An All Mountain Do Everything Bike. Its Not That Sort Of Bike. | | Weaknesses: | The Weight Of The Bike Is A Bit Much For Being A Cross Country Race Bike. The Front Fork Isn't Good For Much Except Intended Use.Will Probably Upgrade Fork To Something A Lil Plusher Then The RST Omega 4 That's On It Due To Now And Then Having To Jump Sidwalks While Riding In New York City Dodging Marauding Yellow Cabs | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M30. Some Pacific Piece Of Crap That Lasted About 6 Months. | | Bike Setup: | WTB Dual Duty Freeride Wheels, Versatrac 2.0 Kevlar Belt Tires, Slime Tire Liners, Slime Resealable Innertubes,DB4LW Speedometer, Avid BB7 Disc Brakes,Topeak Fenders, Cats Eye Back Light. | | Bottom Line: | Used As Intended The Warp DS2 Is An Excellent Entry Level Bike To Build Skills On If Your Aspiring To Ride More Technical Trails In The Future. Minimal Upgrades Maybe Needed Depending On Where And How You Ride. I'd Definitely Recommend Upgrading To Avid BB7 Disc Brakes If Nothing Else On The Bike. Could Never Have Good Enough Brakes On Your Bike No Matter Where Or How You Ride. I've been Bounced Off City Buses, Yellow Cabs Hit By A Speeding Ambulance Had A Few 5Foot Or Less Drops And In The 4+ Years I've Ridden No Frame Damage. Bike Is Very Very Durable.I Wish Giant Still Sold The Frames. I'd Love To Buy One Then Build My Own Bike from The Ground Up. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wyobiker
a Weekend Warrior
from Laramie, WY
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Any challenge | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheeler Dealer | | Strengths: | Great frame for xc/all mountain biking | | Weaknesses: | All components must go! Wheel set, tires, shifters, derailleurs, brakes, crank, grips, saddle, stem etc...etc... | | Bike Setup: | Marzochhi JR-T, Hayes Hydraulic discs, SUN Ringle MTX 20mm through axle wheelset, Maxxis Minion in front, High Roller in the back, SRAM shifters, shimano xt derailleurs, ODI lock on grips, Wells pedals yadda yadda yadda | | Bottom Line: | To re-iterate what I and has been said plenty times before on the DS2, the frame is great but the components are...well, yeah. I've put a good amount of money into this bike to make it a sweet all-mountain ride. However, if you don't know what you want to pair with this frame nor spend the money and a good amount of time having a half complete bike sitting around, buy something else. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pulidof4i
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Box | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Doctor | | Strengths: | Very good frame, easy to handle, strong XC/All mount. bike. | | Weaknesses: | All the components:
Fork, brakes, cranks, derailleur, shifters, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Azonic 50mm Shorty Stem, Marz Z5, Shimano carbon rear brake booster, Panaracer fire FR 26 x 2.4 frt and bck. | | Bottom Line: | I like the bike. It's a very good beginner bike. I've had it for 7 years and it has done me very well. I've taken it to Tahoe (North Star), Mammoth, and the local San Gabriel mountains. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sal
a Weekend Warrior
from Banff, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | I live in a National Park... can't pick just one! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | my pal | | Strengths: | Handles really well. I feel safe jumping because of the beefy body and fat tires. | | Weaknesses: | Being a female rider, I find the bike a little on the heavy side. Wouldn't mind getting some discs on as well. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | Got a good deal and I'm pleased with every dollar I spent on it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eddie
a Cross Country Rider
from Snohomish, Washington, USA
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Lord hill xc | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Woodinville Bicycle | | Strengths: | Tough as hell! | | Weaknesses: | Stock tread sucks. | | Bike Setup: | Just had drive train redone (Cranks, chain, sprokets, bottom bracket, derailers) changed tires and tread. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike my first mountain bike, has already outlasted all my others by years!!! definatly worth the money. i like to bike alot of XC, and downhill, the bike has lasted me through everything, definatly would suggest to anyone who finds it and is a beginer or interediate, IT IS WORTH THE MONEY! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Dupont | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | $550.00 | | Strengths: | Inexpensive and bomb-proof! | | Weaknesses: | Heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rock Hopper | | Bike Setup: | 18 inch frame w/ Duke SL fork. Only other upgrades are Sun Rhyno Lite wheels with disc hubs and Kenda Nevegal tires. New LX crank/ SRAM chain and rear cassette. Looking to upgrade to some inexpensive disc brakes and new fork. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a blast! By far the most fun you can have with $550.00. It is a little on the heavy side. Well, let's face it, it is heavy. But with a good fork up front and properly set-up, this bike can hang with machines that cost MUCH more. If you can get a hold of one, do it! You can't beat the dollar to fun ratio with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler Kas
a Downhiller
from Byron center, MI, US
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Neihbors house | | Strengths: | great bike | | Weaknesses: | Handlebars are to far ahead. My back kills!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | mongoose mountain bike. my friend broke it. | | Bottom Line: | good bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Downhiller
from Canada
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Pipeline and lots of others | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | BSP | | Strengths: | Price, good parts spec, solid feel, single pivot=little maintenance, strong nice looking frame...no dumb Y design, very upgradeable, perfect bike to learn to freeride and DH on. Hardly scratched after a whole lot of abuse. | | Weaknesses: | uncomfortable...well mine was a size small because it was the last one left on sale. Lots of pedal bobbing on climbs, shocks weren't great but better than the previous models...and anything else in that price range. | | Similar Products Used: | Previous Warp models,Warp DS3, Kona Scrap, some departament store fs pieces of crap... | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to Avid mechanical 8" disks (well worth it...way better than hayes mechs)Nokian 2.6 inch tires | | Bottom Line: | One of the best bikes I ever had. It was an amazingly capable, cheap fs bike I could do almost anything with. I had some issues with the front RS Pilot xc fork a few times but it was on warrenty so got it fixed for free. Other than that it held up really well through lots of abuse on the shore and even in whistler!. I rode it in all weather conditions, through mud and snow, down insanely rocky sections at full speed and almost never cleaned it after rides, but it was ready for more day after day. I finally had to get rid of it as my skills progressed and I concentrated more on DH. The frame was also too small for me to upgrade. I got a Bighit 2 and after a few months riding the new rig (which rides like a bucket of bolts compared to the Warp) I'm actually starting to miss the DS2. Sure I can go big with the Bighit and my skills have progressed more than ever, but it doesn't feel as sturdy as the Warp did...and cost three times as much! All in all if you are a bigginer or even intermediate and can get your hands on any Warp ds models...then do!...just make sure you get disks on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
justin
a Cross Country Rider
from niagara falls 0n canada
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | bruce trail NF to ham | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | the bike shop | | Strengths: | a vary strong frame and back shock the bike is at a good price and it got replaced by the giant Ac it is hard to find one now | | Weaknesses: | gears brakes bb crank rims fork stem set post are no good | | Similar Products Used: | giant ac | | Bike Setup: | sram 7.0 27-speed, marzzochi bomber front forks Easton seatpost Sun Rims, Avid CPS disc brakes, Shimano XT cranx, Rear der., LX front der., Hutchinson Mosquito Air light tires (2.5 | | Bottom Line: | go get the bike and up grat it it is worth it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a Weekend Warrior
from virginia
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Rockies | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Local distributor | | Strengths: | Super bike. This bike can take abuse. I ride 2-3 times a week mainly local advance trails. I needed a fast bike that could handle rough terrain. This bike is very responsive once you adjust the suspension. You can mess with the rebound set on the fork and the rear shock to your liking. You can also set the travel possition from 4' to 5'. I got mine on 5' and it still climbs good. | | Weaknesses: | Factory breaks are not the best, I upgrated to disc and it's made a world of a difference. I recommend looking into discs for this bike. With a few changes you can have a top line mountain bike. Some one suggested getting better wheel sets, I also ordered some clips. | | Similar Products Used: | There is a few comparable bikes out there, but they are more expensive. | | Bike Setup: | stock except for the discs. | | Bottom Line: | If you can get one at a good price, get it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Neil
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | rio grande | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$780.00 | | Purchased At: | ross bikes | | Strengths: | extreme what a ride!!.. I purchased one a weak later one for my wife. Best of its class on this price range. The 2004 DS2 is one of giants best projects. A well bild and stable frame. | | Weaknesses: | The saddle came loose at first, I re tightened it and its been good since. | | Similar Products Used: | Speacialized FSR Enduro & Epic | | Bike Setup: | stock except for clips, thats all it needed. | | Bottom Line: | Best for the price. I strongly recomend it. I have'nt had any problems with eather bikes. These are good all mauntain bikes, they handle good in any terrain and trail. The stable suspencion add to the handeling. A+++ | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Downhiller
from Califronia
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | meadowbrook | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | RB Cyclery | | Strengths: | The bike is pobably great for a two year old who hasnt even taken off the training wheels. This bike is terrible for any more air than a curb. | | Weaknesses: | I snapped the front forks in half, i sanpped the derailer twice, i bent the back rim, and the brakes are terrible, they stopped working after about a week. I am really disapointed with this bike and my dealer. I thought i was buying something decent but i wasted $550 that could have gone towards a nicer bike. Dont get me wrong this bike is great for fartin around in the street but if like to push your limits and actually jump the beans out of a bike please pass this bike up! | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing because i invested all of my money into this pile. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I probably could have upgraded it but for the money that it would cost to get it up to speed i could have bought a decent bike. If you like jumping and downhilling then do not purchase this bike! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
troy
a
from new york
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | this bike all around is a decent bike it has a good frame, exelent handleing, smooth ride for the most part, and for the average weekend worrior is a great bike. | | Weaknesses: | the forks are to soft and theyt blow easily, recently snaped my swingarm. stock bottom bracket eats the cranks away after alot of riding, and i also snaped a crank off. by fault. | | Similar Products Used: | i dont really ride other bikes but for the price there are some nice specialized bikes | | Bike Setup: | i recently purchased marzacuchie bommers all mountain3 forks witch work like a chame but are a little to big. shamano cranks with a bash gaurd. a redline custum bmx neck and a brand new swingarm. | | Bottom Line: | this bike is great for a begganer or a weekend worrior or anyone who is all about cross-country. but for anyone one who wants to jump or do down hill this is not the bike for you unless u invest some money into making it stronger i dont recomend jumping this bike over 4-5 feet other wise u can cause damage. this bike is great for the buy but like i sais it is a cross country bike. if you are look to jump or do street go with the giant STP model or go to speacailized and pick up a P series their jumping bikes. but all around i would recamend this bike to the average rider expecail for this price you cant beat it. thanks and have fun | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brendan Yohn
a Weekend Warrior
from Darnestown, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Strong Frame, Rims, Cassete | | Weaknesses: | Front Shox, Front and Rear Derauiller | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bottom Line: | Nice Bike for the price.. I plan on adding new derauiilers, disc brakes, and rims. I have already added bar ends, wireless computer, new fire tires... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nitzan Manteka
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | some place in new york | | Strengths: | the frame is strong, for whoever cares, the paint comes off easily and makes the bike look bad. okay front fork, rather have something better. good back shock, easily adjusted. have the bike for 5 years anf the only things that i replaced where the wheels (1 time) and the chain( 1 time). | | Weaknesses: | front shocks are weak, they give a cracking sound when i land hard on them. everything else is ok. | | Bottom Line: | for users who want to get maximum 5 feet without ruining the bike. frame is strong, if the bike had better front shocks the frame would handle 15 feet. i enjoyed it for a really long time, i would recomend this bike to people who want a good bike for a low price and want to ride either in the city or medium terrain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reilly
a Cross Country Rider
from palmer lake, CO
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | lost creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | performance bike shop | | Strengths: | strong fluid-form frame, lifetime warrenty, company backed. good components for the money (shimano, wtb, alex, ect.) great value, fine-tuneable back coil over hv shock, strong brakes for v-brakes, structured rims | | Weaknesses: | rather have seen a better fork for the money. bottom bracket has bent slightly, barely noticable though. grips wear down fairly soon (2-4 months) along with tires (5-6 months) but is easily fixed with little cash loss | | Similar Products Used: | khs dh50, fetish (dont know the model), specialized 230, marin hawk hill, schwinn s30 | | Bike Setup: | stock except for kenda kenetics 2.35 mtb tires, oury sticky grips, and shimano replacement v-brake pads | | Bottom Line: | excelent bike for the money. can take 3-6ft drops easily. like i said, a better fork may become an esential, but an amazing bike for the value. X-country riders should definently atleast test this bike, you wont be disapointed | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Downhiller
from Zelie, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Dapper Bicycle | | Strengths: | Good price, people think it's a good bike when you ride past, strong frame, good tires, comfortable rear suspension. | | Weaknesses: | front fork and rims (I bent both of them doing a stair set but i hate the fork anyway), weight | | Similar Products Used: | Many other bikes | | Bike Setup: | Mavic disk specific wheels w/ Avid mechanical disk brakes (180mm in the back and 203mm in the front), Rock Shox Judy SL U-Turn fork (70-115mm), clipless pedals, cycling speedometer, everything else stock) | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price, it holds up to just about anything, although i wouldn't recommend it for any drops over 8 or 9 feet. The stock fork definetly needs replaced if you plan to do anything other than road riding, also go for the WTB Weirwolf 2.5 inch tires instead of the stock 2.1's. and get disk and clipless. Other than that this bike has held up to everything from stairsets to downhill race courses without too much problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete van der Lugt
a Weekend Warrior
from Lafayette, LA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Local roads | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | Capital Cycles | | Strengths: | Reasonable cost, comfortable ride, recognized parts manufacturers, impressive looks. | | Weaknesses: | None noted yet | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 720 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I have suffered a broken neck and lower back injury. I bought this bike because of its comfortable suspension. The looks were an added bonus, it upgradeability was an added bonus as well. I'm looking forward to riding the bike for excersize. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Clark
a Weekend Warrior
from columbus,oh.
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | gmac1975@wowway.com | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Excellent frame, able to handle large riders, predictable, great price, very upgradeable, great geometry for me. | | Weaknesses: | although not really a weakness considering the value of the bike, the fork is spongy. | | Bike Setup: | stock...for now! | | Bottom Line: | a wonderful rig for a first delve into dual-suspension. though it sacrifices some in the component area the frame is excellent. I am 220 and 6'3" and the stance is perfect for me, the bike acts very consistently and reliably, even the stock hv rear shock holds up wonderfully after a few turns.
Overall I dont think I could have found better bang for the buck, I will ammend this review after I've had it a year and had the chance to add avid discs and a stouter fork | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Mammoth Lakes, Ca
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mammoth! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$890.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Bulletproof Frame, Meaty Stock WTB Weirwolf Tires. Supple Suspension. confidence inspiring handling. Fully adjustable front in rear suspension. Good stock component group. | | Weaknesses: | The fork isnt the greatest. Cranks are strong but heavy. The stock brakes were ok but had to go since I ride through water alot. Replaced with disc. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Bike is basically stock. I also added the hayes disc brakes but will switch to the avid mechanical. They seem alot more durable. I will be adding a beefier fork. Otherwise bone stock | | Bottom Line: | I think this bike goes beyond a begginers bike. This bike allows you to upgrade as you go. Since the frame is so good you dont feel bad hanging good components on it. Just because a bike costs $1800 dosnt make it any more advanced. Some of my friends have really expensive bikes $1800-$2500. and I can hang with them all day. Ive done hard drops of 6 -8 feet no problem. Upgrade the front fork and you are good to go. This bike is an all-around great bike, does everything well. And the value for the money cannot be beat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Downhiller
from Simsbury, conecticut, USA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$830.00 | | Purchased At: | Bloomfield Bike | | Strengths: | Frame, cranks, brakes (i got the hayes disc brakes for it....6 inch rotors mechanical), tires are nice and beefy, rear shock, components....for the price | | Weaknesses: | front fork.....although this fork has handled 5 and a half foot drops it isnt a good fork. most definetly upgrade to a new one. i got the manitou sherman flick and its great | | Similar Products Used: | specialized p1, stinky | | Bike Setup: | stock...with a anitou sherman flick front fork | | Bottom Line: | this is a great bike for the price. i got it when i first started riding about half a year ago and while i can see it has limits, if you upgrade you will blow those out of the water. the components on this bike are very good also. very good beginers bike. i recomend this to anyone who just started riding or who has been riding for a long time......(just as long as you donw plan to take it off of a 10 foot drop) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Gray
a Downhiller
from Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Chocolate Budda - Daisy Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Riders Cyclery | | Strengths: | Good beginner bike, Easy to handle, Cheap dual suspension, Good chunky tyres | | Weaknesses: | FRAME!!!!! 4 in just over 12 months. Also the componets have failed many times. 2 sets of brake pads front and rear, 2 8 speed clusters, 1 chain, 1 bottom braket, 1 rear derailer, 1 middle chain ring. Also suspension is soft. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco Bigfoot, Speacialized FSR Enduro & Epic | | Bike Setup: | HTI peddels, Rav X grips, mongoose seat | | Bottom Line: | Great beginner bike to learn on. I first started with no confidence or skill but quickly gained it on the Warp. Once you have gained some skill, start to get fast, do big jumps and drops. Sell the bike and get something with a strong frame. When you crack the frame the down time is very depressing and you don,t want to ride the bike hard when you get a new frame for fear you'll break the frame again. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bryan
a
from pv, arizona
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | phoenix mountain perserve | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | landis cyclery | | Strengths: | gears n shifters tires pedals seat brakes are ok for shimano v's but i would get hayes or avids | | Weaknesses: | FORK! my fork doesnt move even on 5 to 7 foot drops it only uses like 2 inches n it has no rebound none! | | Similar Products Used: | haro extreme x1 specialized p1 | | Bike Setup: | stock but im gettin avid mech n dirt jummpers | | Bottom Line: | its a good bike for the money but you have to be willin to put alittle money into it, the fork n the brakes n possibly the crank. if ur into urban n dirt jummping then i wont recommed it for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tipsy
a Downhiller
from Pawcatuck CT
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Ray Willis | | Strengths: | Looks nice, pretty good for beginners, simple design, rather strong | | Weaknesses: | Most stock parts | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Dakar, NRS | | Bike Setup: | All stock with DS-2 wheels/XT hubs hayes brakes | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up to a review i did a while ago. I first bought it and i sucked-like any beginner-and anyone can tell you beginners put the most stress on their bikes. After a month or so, i cracked the frame on the bottom of the shock mount (or top of pivot) but i brought back the frame and it was warrantyd quick. Granted, while in the shop I took up trials/got some flow, when i got the bike back i went all out. 6' to flat, downhill riding, dirt jumping, it took it all. The fork blew out very fast, but everything else has stood up to it all-even my 18 foot ladder ramp. If you are a beginner, or even intermediate looking for a worthwile junker, this bike is it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gabriel Michaud
a Downhiller
from Paquetville N.-B.
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Boger's international downhill track hof doom | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Vincent bicycle | | Strengths: | very strong frame and nice shox | | Weaknesses: | rims are not srong | | Similar Products Used: | zellers komodo | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Look, this bike is a mid-range/beginner's full suspension mountain bike. It has not claimed to be anything else. For what it is, it is an AWESOME value. Despite the whiners, the components are actually quite decent. No, they are not top-of-the-line, but they are hardly low-quality! Shimano Deore (or however you spell it) are very decent derailleurs. For my use, which is everyday commuting in the city, and occassional to frequent excursions off-road, this bike is wonderful. If I wanted a top-of-the-line bike to ride around cliffs and jump off of them and be a professional, then I would spend thousands. guess what? I would rather have a very decent, very good bike for a great price. If you want an uber-bike, then go spend the money. But, despite what some have said, this is NOT a low-quality bike. It is an INCREDIBLE value, and for anyone like me (and I suspect MOST of us), in my riding habits, it is the perfect bike. Come on guys, how many of you actually do professional-style riding on a daily basis? Be HONEST. and heck, this is a full suspension bike at the price of most single fsuspensions. I love this bike. If I desire to upgrade in the future to a bike that costs thousands, I will. Until then, this bike MORe than meets my needs. I give it a definite thumbs up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leonard
a Weekend Warrior
from Wahiawa,Hawaii
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Guava Jam/Babooze | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | McCully Bikeshop | | Strengths: | Solid entry level f/s bike. Able to handle Clydesdale +. This bike is able to go into the trail and come out without problems. | | Weaknesses: | Frame size only goes to 20 1/2". Seat is weak (rails self-destructed under my weight). Bike is heavier than most others I have seen. | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Stock set-up with mid-low end Shimano components that work well enough. V-brakes. Rear shock set on 5" travel/front shock Rock shox Pilot. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is that this bike is a good value for a first/entry level bike that will handle most novice to intermediate situations. Buy this bike if you're on a budget or just thinking about getting into riding. I've been riding 2x a week for three months and I'm stoked ! Bike can be easily up-graded if you want. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Lafayette, Louisiana, USA
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | Capitol Cyclery | | Strengths: | Value for the money, dual suspension, frame, quality build, decent components. | | Weaknesses: | For what it is, there are few weaknesses if any. The components are not the best available. So what? Go spend $5,000 if you want the best. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized | | Bike Setup: | All DS2 stock. | | Bottom Line: | Look, this bike is a mid-range/beginner's full suspension mountain bike. It has not claimed to be anything else. For what it is, it is an AWESOME value. Despite the whiners, the components are actually quite decent. No, they are not top-of-the-line, but they are hardly low-quality! Shimano Deore (or however you spell it) are very decent derailleurs. For my use, which is everyday commuting in the city, and occassional to frequent excursions off-road, this bike is wonderful. If I wanted a top-of-the-line bike to ride around cliffs and jump off of them and be a professional, then I would spend thousands. guess what? I would rather have a very decent, very good bike for a great price. If you want an uber-bike, then go spend the money. But, despite what some have said, this is NOT a low-quality bike. It is an INCREDIBLE value, and for anyone like me (and I suspect MOST of us), in my riding habits, it is the perfect bike. Come on guys, how many of you actually do professional-style riding on a daily basis? Be HONEST. and heck, this is a full suspension bike at the price of most single fsuspensions. I love this bike. If I desire to upgrade in the future to a bike that costs thousands, I will. Until then, this bike MORe than meets my needs. I give it a definite thumbs up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Hauser
a Downhiller
from Tamworth,NH,United States
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | tamowrth town trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop | | Strengths: | pretty good forks brakes are sick frame is pretty good ummmmmmm head set mint. | | Weaknesses: | derailer and sprokets could be better frame could be better sliding grips gears kinda dont resond and it skips a little not to much though | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | ummmm yeah i guess | | Bottom Line: | this bike is good for like drops but not to good i say like 7 foot is your max but this bike is deff. not the bike you want if you going cyco over 55 foot cliffs like Josh bender or any cliffs anything over 9 feet. If you want a bike thats good and ok with drops and durable for trails this is the bike you want. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Stalcup
a Weekend Warrior
from Yokosuka, Japan
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Zushi | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Good product for the money, strong | | Weaknesses: | little heavy for a xc bike, but with the right upgrades can be a great bike | | Similar Products Used: | trek, gt, specialized | | Bike Setup: | stock drivetrain, manitou elite 80/100 fork, mavic 3.1 tubeless disc, michellin xl tires, easton stem, handlebar, and seatpost, hayes hmx-1 brakes, xt cassette, wtb speed v saddle | | Bottom Line: | For the price and some pretty hard cross country riding including some decent jumps and drops the bike has held up well so far. I bought this bike so I could upgrade the parts one at a time. some of the parts i've changed already have taken the bike to under 30lbs (which i'm quite happy with) are listed in the bike setup.
I bought mine in Japan so it came with some different components than the US model. I got mine in black with disc brakes and xt drivetrain stock.
after some of the minor upgrades to stronger and lighter parts this bike kicks ass.
If you're looking for a decently priced dual suspension xc bike that can take a beating once in a while this is it. I haven't been disappointed yet!!! Plus the frame just looks cool! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lau Vabis
a
from Macau
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | stairs | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Guess, Macanese | | Strengths: | Solid frame, single pivot design, 5" rear travel from this good shock..........etc. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, and components are not very good so I sold the stock components, the frame inc. headset & seatpost costs $370 | | Similar Products Used: | Cliff Super Stiff DS (full Deore), Specialized Rockhopper Comp disc, MT racing DS1 (alivio, RSTs...) | | Bike Setup: | Warp frame, Marzocchi Z1 Drop-off, Sun Rhyno Lite/XT disc/DT comp/ specialized 2.2 tires, 9.0 mechs, Truvativ Firex SL chainset, UN 72 BB, XTR chain, XT cassette, Deore discs with Jagwire 8" rotor setting front, 1998 Amoeba stem, stock seat post, Tioga bar & Selle Italia ATX saddle, Tioga Pedals | | Bottom Line: | I wrote it...the bike needs to set better, I just ride for a mile, I haven't do any drops & XC on it, stock components are not very good so I sold it when I brought this bike, single pivot is easy to care. Do you think so??? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vince
a Weekend Warrior
from Kauai
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | loop road | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | lakeside bicycle center | | Strengths: | Solidly built. every part is namebrand ex. cranks. if you get this bike for what it's made for... light freeride and some xc you'll be happy. good bike for someone who rides for fun every once and a while, and wants a good quality bike for not too much money...if you get hooked it is easly upgraded. | | Weaknesses: | none, considering what it is built for. don't compare it to a $1200+ bike, like other reviewers do.
| | Similar Products Used: | jamis
marin | | Bike Setup: | easton riser bars and seatpost, raceface stem...xt chain. rest is stock. | | Bottom Line: | if you want a good quality fs bike from a big name company, that is great for the weekend warrior who likes good equipment, then this is your bike. i checked out specialized, schwinn, fuji, and gt. they either aren't as hooked up or don't match the components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a
from Windham, Nh
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Everything. Exceptional design, great quality, easy maintenance! | | Weaknesses: | The stock front fork isnt the best, but you can deal with it if you must.
| | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 4+, I-Drive 4.0 | | Bike Setup: | Shimano CLipless pedals, 2003 Pyslo XC forks, everyithng else stock. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. The ergonomics are amazing, especially for jumping. With a new psylo xc, the bike is perfectly balanced, 5" in front and 5" in back. Anyone who says this bike is no good, or is just entry level should all suck my left nut and burn in hell. It is entry level, but it rides better than some of the leading competitors I've ridden. this bike rocs, buy it or else your gona miss an amazing deal, and an amazing bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al painter
a Cross Country Rider
from Mtn View, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Skyline to Sea Trail, Big Basin with my wife, and Monte Bello Preserve on my own/with buddies! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$619.00 | | Purchased At: | Off Ramp Bicycles | | Strengths: | REALIZING THIS ISN'T A FREERIDE/DH BIKE, and riding it accordingly. This is a followup to my earlier review now that I've got some rides under my belt. FRAME HAS BEEN GREAT. Rode Foresthill Loop in Auburn, CA down to Folsom River over pretty technical singletrack that included a S***load of rocks, and small 1-2' drops. The BIKE HANDLED LIKE A CHARM. The frame felt VERY responsive, and easy to control. The rear shock saved all of my joints, and I felt great the next day after three hours and 16 miles.
The bike works GREAT on single/double track, fireroads, urban assaults, and the light stuff I've taken my wife on. This bike is the perfect fs bike if its your first one, and you want to see what the dual suspension hype is all about.
AS always, the PRICE!!! | | Weaknesses: | The MORONS who buy this bike thinking it is a freeride/DH bike. DO SOME MORE RESEARCH BEFORE MAKING YOUR PURCHASES GENIUSES. | | Similar Products Used: | Haro Extreme X3, Scwhinn Mesa DX, Rockhopper A1FS | | Bike Setup: | 16.5" Frame with the stock HV coil rear shock
Complete LX drivetrain: shifters, fr/rr derailluers
Deore Mechanical Disc Brakes
Rock Shox Pilot SL
Alex TD17 Rims with Deore Disc Hubs
Nokian Gazzoladi Mud tires
RaceFace Prodigy Cranks
KORE GASS pedals | | Bottom Line: | BUY THIS BIKE IF YOU AREN'T looking for a bike worthy of riding the insanity featured in one of the "Chain Reaction" movies, and you are smart enough to know what a GREAT value this is for a comfortable XC ride joint saver time after time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff
a
from connecticut
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | indian ledges ct | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | outdoor sports | | Strengths: | very responsive
cheap for a wannabe freeride bike
good for a first time freerider
can handle a five foot to flat landing
people who don't bike think that it is good
comes in orange | | Weaknesses: | weak frame
crappy parts (drive train lasts a year or so)
shifters lock up
derailers don't listen
seat post is a wierd size
can't raise or lower seat post
painful seat
sliding grips
not plush rear shock | | Similar Products Used: | big hit
bullit
haro xtreme
jeckyll | | Bike Setup: | psylo xc
azonic fusion platform pedals | | Bottom Line: | sucks for a freeride bike
do not buy this bike unless it is your first bike and you are not the one paying for it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lee
a
from Blue Point, NY
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | bkie dicounters, centereach NY | | Strengths: | value | | Weaknesses: | rear spring needs to be upgraded to 800lb. Im 200lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | 02 ds 2 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | a few modifications have been made, clipless, cut handlebars. I would have kept my old one but it was stolen. The guys at bike discounters hooked me up with this bike at a great price. The tuned it to my liking as I waited, great job. This bike is recommended by me for its overall function and value, Im sure I will upgrade here and there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al
a Cross Country Rider
from Mtn View, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Skyline to Sea Trail, Big Basin with my wife, and Monte Bello Preserve on my own/with buddies! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$619.00 | | Purchased At: | Off Ramp Bicycles | | Strengths: | Price (the bike was $750 originally!), easy to upgrade, good for riders who want a FS bike without selling off body parts to be able to afford one. The bike is also in my favorite color, blue! | | Weaknesses: | Other than the rock Giant puts on top of the seatpost, none yet. I had my LBS transfer the '02 27 spd LX drivetrain (shifters, fr/rr derailluers, brake levers), crankset, disc brakes, fork, rims/tires from my hardtail to the Warp. Looking forward to 1st real ride though! I'll probably upgrade the rear shock in the next few months. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Mesa GSX, Haro Extreme X3, Rockhopper FSR | | Bike Setup: | LX Fr/Rr derailluers, shifters and levers. Deore Mechanical disc brakes, Alex TD17 rims with Deore hubs, Nokian Gazzoladi's, RaceFace Prodigy Cranks, K.O.R.E. clip ins, Rock Shox Pilot SL fork and Specialized Body Geometry seat. | | Bottom Line: | My doctor said go full suspension, or become a roadie. I chose to buy a Warp DS2.
For someone who has been riding hardtail for a few years on a budget, whose body needs a little more cushion than his ThudBuster seatpost, this is a great way to go.
Sure, it isn't Santa Cruz, Intense, Seven, or a Sugar+ but this bike is a great buy for someone smart enough to not get sucked in by the ads in the mags for bikes that cost 3-4x as much.
This is my first FS bike, and I couldn't justify spending over $1000 for a bike that I can economically upgrade now with great parts from my other bike, in the future when the birthday roles around, or until the bearded fatman puts them under my tree.
If you like XC riding, want a solid full suspension bike for under a $1000 and are inclined to make sensible upgrades, give serious consideration to the Giant Warp DS series.
If you want to freeride 20' drop offs, get something else that is designed for that. Don't get the Warp, or any other bike that a 200lb fatman would trash, then get on here and rip it a new one because you're a moron who ruined your bike by riding it the wrong way. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed Warner
a Weekend Warrior
from Helena, MT, USA
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ? | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Big Sky Cyclery | | Strengths: | Great price, great build and design, looks great | | Weaknesses: | I guess it is heavy? | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | awesome, my first full suspension bike. my first bike in years actually. My inspiration for buying was for a commuter, and an occassional voyage into the mountains. I can see now that I'll be heading to hills more than I thought because it is so much fun. went over the handlebars for the first time today, and even that was fun....sort of. This seems like a great bike for the entry-level full suspenion seekers like myself. I chose the DS2 over the DS3 because the component upgrades seemed worth it, especially the front shock. The DS1 was better still, but I couldn't justify the price at my level. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a
from Haverhill, MA, US
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Kenoza | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$740.00 | | Purchased At: | Exeter Cycles | | Strengths: | Rear Shock is great, frame is very strong, and its awesome looking! The whole bike is sweet. You Cannot beat the value. | | Weaknesses: | The Fork is OK but will probably be the first thing I will change. | | Similar Products Used: | K2 Beast | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is an excellent bike for the money. The rear shock is so plush. The bike looks so cool that you don't want to use it and get it dirty. But on the trail it RULEZ!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
derek
a Downhiller
from vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | performance | | Strengths: | giant is a big manufacturer so customer service is better than average. Bike is mass produced so getting replacement parts were quite simple. | | Weaknesses: | Biggest gripe is the stock components. To be fair Giant uses them to keep the retail price less than a grand. Overall they should hold up untill your skills get better and then you upgrade. Thats the intention of the Giant Warps | | Similar Products Used: | Norco VPS fluids, Norco VPS Team, KHS FR2000, KHS FXT pro, Rock Mountain Switch, Kona Bear. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Its not fair to compare this bike with the ones mentioned above because it doesn't fall into that category. This bike is an entry level dual suspension bike for the average blue collar joe- pure and simple. We should approach these review as such.
FRAME- simple single pivot, low maintenance, and low standover: perfect for beginners.
SHOCK SETUP- coil over with no preload or rebound, rides extremely plush : suitable for beginers. Expect to upgrade when skills improve and leran the overall feel for bike handling skills.
COMPONENTS-entry to mid level specs. Fork is the best trail for (in 2000). Shifters are undesireable, fingers dont bend that way: OK for beginner who need to learn how to use gears at proper terrain.
RIDE: super ultra plus. Curbs and potholes dont exist. Riding on rocky terrain is smooth. The bike is heavy, but that only develops the leg strength for new riders. Tell you the truth I like this plus setup: Excellent for beginers.
OVERALL: If I had to rate this bike as an entry level dualy which it should be categorized it gets a solid B to B+ (Jamis Dakar would get an A). Plush ride and basically a fun playbike to try anything and go anywhere.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
crazy
a Downhiller
from hemet
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | big hits | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | frame, rear shock, seat, | | Weaknesses: | components are kinda weak but i knew that when i bought it | | Similar Products Used: | warp ds 3 | | Bottom Line: | great bike for the price. i have yet to see a better deal than this. for the amount of stuff that you get with the bike you wont find a better deal | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allen Horn
a Weekend Warrior
from Southlake, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Grapevine Bike Center | | Strengths: | Very attractive and modern design with hydroformed aluminum alloy frame. Very solid components at the price point for this bike - Shimano Deore drivetrain works flawless on mine, RockShox Pilot XC fork is decent entry level fork. Very well engineered single-pivot rear end should stay nice and stiff compared to alot of the fancy expensive multi-link frames. This bike has the quality you would expect from Giant and no one makes a better total package at this price. | | Weaknesses: | Shock is OK but may be the first thing I'll replace; definitely need to upgrade the spring if you weigh more than 150 lbs. Yeah, it's a bit heavier than a $4,000 bike but who cares. If you are a serious weight geek racer you're not in the market for this bike anyway. | | Bike Setup: | Stock - 2003 setup in Dream Silver | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike; quality of components, construction, and ride is great at this price point. Sure, there are plenty of bikes that have better parts and are lighter, but not anywhere near this price. And I am totally confused with the reviewers here that think this is a freeride bike - Giant doesn't pretend that's what it is and neither should you. Want a great entry level dual suspension XC bike? You should check this one out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Branden Kunicki
a Cross Country Rider
from st. george, utah, usa
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | gooseberry | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | cedar cycle | | Strengths: | the frame is the high quality of the more expensive giants, but for a lesser price. wheels are great and strong. I upgraded components when I bought mine because I could afford it since the bikes price started so reasonable. the bike for a full suspension is farely light, mine weighs about 32 pounds and I put beefier tires on it. I recommend buying this bike because of its all around quality. believe me I ride very hard! I weigh about 190 and its held up well! | | Weaknesses: | the bike is so good looking you dont want to get it dirty! | | Similar Products Used: | rocky mountain fanatic, cannondale jekyl 1000 | | Bike Setup: | xt all around, michelon hot s tires | | Bottom Line: | buy this bike, its worth it you wont be disappointed | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edward
a
from Pleasanton, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | El Corte de Madera | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Customer service is great. LBS detected crack in 2001 DS3 frame and Giant quickly shipped 2003 DS2 frame. Overall, the price is right for someone new to the sport and working on a limited budget. At the price I paid, it was a low investment. But if you’re like me and eventually grow to love the sport of mountain biking, you will find the need to upgrade most if not all of the components. It has been a blast having this bike. I plan to ride this bike for 1 more season and then I plan to buy a lighter bike with quality components. Of course I will have to increase my bike budget. So, until then, I will keep riding and racing on this bike. As Lance would say, it’s not about the bike. | | Weaknesses: | Weight. Long climbs are tough on this bike due to the weight. That’s another reason to swap out the low-end components. I’ve been able to drop the bike weight by replacing many of the heavy components such as the fork, rims, stem, crank, etc. | | Similar Products Used: | My buddies ride Trek, Klein, Gary Fisher, Specialized, Santa Cruz, Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Most of the components were replaced when they failed or showed signs of excessive wear. This worked out okay for me as it allowed me to spread the cost over time. My LBS was great as they provided excellent advice and service all along the way. Here’s my current setup: Mavic x517 rims with XT hubs, Ritchey Speedmax Tires – Front/Rear, Shimano XTR Cassette, Shimano XT Rear Derailleur, Shimano XT Brakes – Front/Rear, Shimano XT Crank, Shimano XT Bottom Bracket, SRAM Chain, Shimano PD-M515 Pedals, Thomson Stem, Manitou Six Deluxe, Performance Forte Carbon Stix Bar Ends and Vetta RT88 Computer | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for me. Now that I have had this experience, I am ready to start configuring my next bike. Until then, I’ll continue to rock & roll with my Warp DS2. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tgaines
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, KY USA
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Ft. Duffield | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Highland Cycle | | Strengths: | Giant was awesome about the warranty. They shipped a frame to the bike shop site unseen. The frame was replaced within two weeks.
| | Weaknesses: | However, upon further inspection of the frame I noticed how cheaply made their frame was, along with the parts and assembly of the bike. The head tube on the new frame, and old, was OVALIZED. The cranks and headset were shimmed into the frame. I never realized what a low-end bike I had until I saw the whole bike unassembled. I will never buy a Giant frame again after looking at the ovalized head tube. That is dangerous because the frame weakens tremendously because of that.
I also realized how important the bike shop who builds the bike is to the integrity of the bike. The bike shop is responsible for the extremely low quality construction. But I know that a certain level of responsibility is Giant's for the low quality parts spec. The short cuts taken were maddening. I was riding an unsafe bike!
| | Bottom Line: | I will not buy a Giant bike again, much less I will never shop at a low end bike shop, such as Highland Cycle, in Louisville, KY. Anyone wanting further details on the shortcuts taken by this unqualified bike shop, please feel free to email me. You might as well shop at Wal-Mart for a bike, than Highland Cycle.
Further, they lied to me about product quality! And were generaly uniformed on industry knowledge. They cater towards the crowd that want a cheap bike, that do not recognize performance as a value. That crowd may as well shop at Wal-Mart. I hate Wal-Mart for more reasons than their low end bike department. The whole store is low end and cheapens the entire neighborhood by putting local business out because of their undercutting pricing. Low prices is not always the benifit it seems to be. Service, knowledge and quality are all worth paying for, especially with a bike. But that argument is for another page.
Anyone looking for a high-end bike in Louisville or world wide, contact my friend Terry at www.bikehell.com or jesus@bikehell.com or 502-599-4448. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bezal
a Weekend Warrior
from Petal, MS, USA
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Ruston, LA. Lincoln Parish Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | Price. For the money you get what you paid for. | | Weaknesses: | After only months of use. Due to the amount of useless gears the chain is smaller than usual and because of this I have broke the it twice. Rear break cable broke on the second ride. Rear shock has gone out.Rear derailleaur has been a consisted problem. Last but not least is the weight. I did ride it before I bought it but little did I know that once I got it to the trails it would be such a pain to pedal. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Have had the dealer tune three times. 30, 60 and 90 days. | | Bottom Line: | First let me explain that I am not an extream rider. 38 years old. I ride trails that have no more than 3' drops but I ride a lot of them. I have read the bije's "how to" on all components as well as surfed the net for additional info, plus I am kinda anal about following reommendations. I have brought the bike to the dearler four times for repairs/tuning and contacted Giant once for advice (Big mistake, repeated comment was that only do warrenty replacement and have no one to give tech advice. Be a better consumer and shop around. A little more money for an made in the US bike in the beginning and I would have gotten a lot less worry and grief later. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tipsy Russell
a Downhiller
from Pawcatuck
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | FR trail in Bluff Point | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Ray Willis | | Strengths: | Fluid Form, pretty big gussets and braces. Lightweight, agile. | | Weaknesses: | Most of the stock parts. (Crank, Bars, Fork, Rims) | | Bike Setup: | All stock- Deore Deraileurs, Pilot XC fork, Alex rims, WTB tires. | | Bottom Line: | A good entry level bike, but not meant for the heavier, big hit riders. If you were like me, and you needed to upgrade from your Walmart special hardtail, but didnt have the experience to buy a true FR bike, this will probably work. It isnt meant for the big, 10' to flats, but if you treat it nice and upgrade some of the parts, you can save it till you can afford a "Real" bike. The biggest ive done is a 6' to flat, but its still running strong. If you really take care of it and dont thrash the crap out of it, you can take it places. The generic pieces on it - Cranks, bars, seatpoast, stem,- probably wont cut it, but thats not that big of a deal, im still riding them right now. If your going to use it as a FR bike, you should probably get new rims too, i wasted my Alex's real quick. Also, the Pilot air fork got popped real quick. But, overall, I think it was worth the buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Emilio
a Cross Country Rider
from Hartford CT
Date Reviewed: December 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | bluff point | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | country sports | | Strengths: | price, for who their intending to sell this bike to it has good components | | Weaknesses: | generic handle bars, seat post, and a few other componets feeling luckey? it's also to heavy | | Similar Products Used: | 92' proflex proV 555 | | Bike Setup: | judyTT old mavic 220's lx crank and xt front and rear d panaracer fire XC rest is stock | | Bottom Line: | I'M an old racer who stoped raceing in 93 when I tore my mcl. I just got back into bikeing but didn't have much to spend so I picked this thing up. I like to push it But I nor this bike were ever intened to take 7' drops. I did break the crank, the rear set, the rear d which warented the component up grades. But this bike is a entry level duely and anyone looking for a cheap freerider this is not the bike. it weighs in at around 32 pounds so it can be a pig on climbs. I wish I could find a rear shock that I could lock out to help on the climbs. if anyone knows of any that will fit please let me know. if you do get this bike the first thing you should do is upgrade the drivetrain. Overall I am pleased. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike brasco
a Downhiller
from moreno valley california
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | snow summit | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$256.00 | | Purchased At: | woodcreast bicycle center | | Strengths: | frame is nice. not to strong i cracked last years doin a 7 foot drop new fluid form its stronger | | Weaknesses: | cracks if you do big enough hits | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi jr. t all shimano xtr no stock parts cause i just bought the frame panaracer dh pro tires sun rhyno lites. team blue | | Bottom Line: | ok for the price but if u are into big drops get the ac or sumthin bigger cause the 5 and a half inches of travel seems to bottom out | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ROBERT HOPKINS
a Downhiller
from BETHESDA
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | CRESENT/NORTH SHORE | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | PERFORMANCE | | Strengths: | THE SEAT! | | Weaknesses: | EVERYTHING ELSE | | Bottom Line: | THIS BIKE REALLY SUCKS! TERRIBLE STOCK COMPONENTS. SPEND AN ADDITIONAL $300 TO GET YOURSELF A REAL BIKE OR GET A KIDDY BIKE FOR $300.
FOR THE MONEY GIANT SHOULD HAVE PUT MORE TIME INTO CHOOSING THE COMPONENTS FOR THIS BIKE. I FEEL RIPPED OFF!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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