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Submitted by
party starter
a Weekend Warrior
from kamloops,BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | funstuff | | Strengths: | strong bike, agile, pretty good suspension, neatly done, great for downhill. Nice brakes | | Weaknesses: | front shocks,no disc brakes | | Bike Setup: | light frame , beautiful brakes even though not discs | | Bottom Line: | awesome trail riding and downhill mountain bike all around a good bike! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kyle
a Downhiller
from mccall id. U.S.A
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | hiddin vally down hill | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | good frame, really light! rear shock kiks butt. | | Weaknesses: | the derialleur hanger is the only real weakness that causes me truble.the V brakes could be replaced. | | Similar Products Used: | 05 kona stinky, | | Bike Setup: | RST 10" triple crown frunt fork, fly racing 2 gear dh chranck, fly 1/2" aluminum bash gard, mettel pedle, giant dh bottom bracket, mavic weels, tioga yellow kirin 2.30 tires, dirt bike inertoobs, custom shifter triggers, new grips, new handle bars, new 1" neck, 2.5" seat post shock. | | Bottom Line: | i win races on this bike. i'v done lots of work to my bike, but i love it. its fine tuned for me, and the way i ride. if you are looking for a good bike that dosent cost as much as a car, this is the one. i'm getting 2 more, one for the wife and a second (less hard core) one for my self. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Crittermandingo
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale, AZ
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Doesn't matter | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Landis Cyclery | | Strengths: | Solid frame, rims, seat, overall looks | | Weaknesses: | Way too heavy, forks are crappy and bottom out over speed bumps. I have the 18.5" frame and I think the last time I weighed it, came in @ about 40 lbs. You have got to stay in the saddle otherwise it's like a sponge. The tires are a bit much, but good in loose gravel and hardpack. Don't expect to have much fun on asphalt. Components are not all that hot | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher hardtail. Giant Boulder hardtail 1990 | | Bike Setup: | Mainly stock, I have replaced the grips a few times. Replaced the tires twice now. 1st was with Specialized crossroads which were an improvement. Now I have Nimbus Armidillo's ,(26x1.50) Which are a great rolling tire, which I need a less aggressive tire as I now live in Florida. | | Bottom Line: | I have to concur with many of the other reviews on this bike, GREAT bike for entry level bikers with the opportunity to make several upgrades for less than the cost of higher end bikes. Very solid frame which has not failed me yet. I am perhaps a little large for this frame (175 lbs) but dumping the forks and replacing the shock a true mtb for the price. Great value!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richie Acas
a Cross Country Rider
from Philippines
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | mountain's | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | 2nd hand 1 week use, 30k peso | | Strengths: | great and bouncy and well balanced, | | Weaknesses: | forks only nothing else | | Bike Setup: | 1 set of shimano alivio , d-brakes etc, with amoeba barholder and GTS shocks, maxxis tires, with black mavic rims, and mob airshock suspension in below the sit. | | Bottom Line: | i tried it for 6 days now in mountain terrain, i go uphill n downhill with critical way, stones falling, wet mud, difficult terrain! bottom line, balance n control are all here in ds3 warp baby=] | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Muskoka Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | Solid bike. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes - They get too soft too quickly... Upgrading mine to Avid BB7s once they arrive. | | Similar Products Used: | Lots. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except saddle. New brakes coming in the mail too. | | Bottom Line: | A little background...
I ride nearly every day, and fairly hard riding at that. With a bit of freeriding mixed in, so this bike gets a pretty good workout.
Having said that...
I love this bike. My gf rides a 2K5 Kona Dawg Matic, which cost $2000cdn and I wouldn't dream of switching bikes for it.
The only thing I didn't like about the bike, like I said was the brakes. So, I'm upgrading them to Avid BB7 Discs, since the fork is Disc ready anyway. Perhaps some day I'll upgrae the shock too, but so far thats been great for me.
Bottom Line... The bike is good, and it stands up to me (150lbs btw) riding it every day. So it's up to you to ride it and see if it fits. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan Baldwin
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia Beach
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Street or Abandoned Lots | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Freewheelin Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Its very sturdy . I am probably one of the only people ever to have only used this bike for street use. I at first found the weight quite overwhelming at the time i purcased it i was only 12 and now i am just 15 and a good bit smaller than the other guys my age. But once i had ridden it on my regular 4 mile rides to the mall and elseware it has built up my stamina and strength. And now when i use a friends bike i find it incredibly easy to use. | | Weaknesses: | The only problem on this bike is the derailer does get out of tune quite easily but is fixed just as easily. | | Bike Setup: | All stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike good for beginners or he intermideate rider who wants to have a little fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kwaaker poopie head
a Downhiller
from canada
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | crank it up and a-line | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | $2.000 | | Strengths: | It is the bes Bike I have ever riden It has a really strong fram good cranks good fork good bracks every thing is good on this bike i have taken it of a 50 ft drop to slpe and the suspension didnt bodem out!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | absolutly nothing exept i had to buy it | | Similar Products Used: | none I is so good nothing matches up to it | | Bike Setup: | stock with hays hydralic disc 4 poundeg | | Bottom Line: | grate deal for onley 2.000 i love it so much I want to go to bed with it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a Cross Country Rider
from Harker Heights, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Dana Peak Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun Country Cycles | | Strengths: | Great frame and rear shock for the money and disk brake compatable too. Great for high speed flats and down hills and small jumps at speed, after modifying the forks. Good second bike. Wide tires give great traction in corners especially off camber. I am 230 pounds and wear out bikes quickly and usually ride this bike on long slow trail rides. Low stepover height, you can put your feet down any where even on steep trails. | | Weaknesses: | Forks bob too much makes it hard to corner fast especially switchbacks. Heavy for climbing but it builds up the legs. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 930 heavly modified, only the frame is original. Trek 970, Cross country racer with minor modifications. | | Bike Setup: | Replaced fork springs with MCU Elastomer and speed springs, old technology I know but it helps. | | Bottom Line: | If you are new to Mountain Biking and want to try a full suspended bike for cheap then this is a good start. Or you are on a limited fun budget, i.e. married with 4 kids and have the time for maintenance this is a fun bike to pass on to the kids. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
crazy crapper
a Downhiller
from hickville
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | at&t | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$580.00 | | Purchased At: | plaines | | Strengths: | good bike for a starter | | Weaknesses: | fork,cranks,seat,grips | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | pretty much stock | | Bottom Line: | good bike to start with but once you get good go for an Giant A.C because once you really start abusing the bike it falls aprt very fast and is not worth repairing. fork is royal turd if even that. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pete
a Weekend Warrior
from ft lauderdale
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | any where close to a beach | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | lauderdale cycle | | Strengths: | fast and strong, very little maintenance...still glides! best of all i love the bright yellow ...real eye grabber | | Weaknesses: | seems heavy compared to others but very strong
front shocks can bob in a turn | | Similar Products Used: | trek, specialized | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | love the way it looks, feels and rolls and rolls | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports West | | Strengths: | Looks awesome, strong bike that takes all the beatings, seems light to me, rides nicely, back shock works great 5" of travel. | | Weaknesses: | The RST front shocks, I recomend if u have the money upgrade to a better shock | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Pro 26"x2.6" tires, rhyno handlebars, marzocchi bomber 5" forks | | Bottom Line: | The bike is great especially if your just starting out or have a budget, not anywhere could i find a bike this nice for this kinda price. Its good how it fits fatt tires on it. I recommend this bike to anyone who wants to ride | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
t. hanson
a Weekend Warrior
from pueblo, colorado, usa
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | whatever one i'm on | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | bob's | | Strengths: | Great entry level bike that can hold up to most conditions. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy. This bike will either turn you into a super climber or kill you until you get strong enough. | | Similar Products Used: | various bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I recently ugraded to my dream bike, a Yeti Arc. Do these bikes compare, of course not. That said, I am very impressed with my old warp. I had not ridden mountain bikes for a few years and was unsure if I wanted to get back into it. The warp handeld everything and its weakness (weighing a ton) built up the leg strength I needed to ride again. I would and have highly suggest buying this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
crazy crapper
a Weekend Warrior
from hickville
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | ? | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$584.00 | | Purchased At: | plaines | | Strengths: | awesome, can take major beatings, looks pretty hot | | Weaknesses: | after a while stuff wears down and breaks fork isnt to hot is a little heavy and bobs but i dint care | | Similar Products Used: | ? | | Bike Setup: | new grips | | Bottom Line: | i had this bike for since march. since then i ve done 20 foot gap jumps, 5 foot drops, down hill, broken speed limits on a few roads and had a blast doing it all. i love this bike but i have riden it to the edge and it is dead now. i suggest getting 1 it got me started in the right direction for a season. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Castaldo
a Weekend Warrior
from Stormville,NY,USA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$562.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeway | | Strengths: | I love the suspension, it is not heavy at all.
Another thing I like about the Warp DS3 is that if you have enough money for a full-suspension, but don't want disc brakes right now, then this bike is perfect because it is disc ready.
[When I bought my bike new I put an odometer on it before I let it move an inch]I have had my bike for only a year and 2 months & got 840.00 miles on it.
The only major problem I ever had was when the rear hub snapped. | | Weaknesses: | I am not too crazy about the rims at all, I should of thought about getting a truing stand with my bike.
The stock brakes are nothing to brag about either; I was going down a hill so fast when I finallly stopped, my brake pads started to liquify. | | Bottom Line: | If you want full suspension, this bike will fit your buget perfectly.
This bike is also a good idea if you want full suspension with disc brakes, but you are picky about the wheels and brakesets you use.
Just make sure the hubs are maintianed & you will have no problem.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Medina, OH, USA
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Vulture's Knob | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Strengths: | Great Travel, quality parts, will last a long time even with me beating on it as much as I do. | | Weaknesses: | Some say it bounces too much when pedaling because of the type of rear suspension, but I say bollocks to that. It isn't bad once you ride it for a week and realize that is just how this bike feels. I would rather have the travel and response that this bike provides, than to have a stiff almost hard-tail like response of a lot of other types of rear suspensions. | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great. I have had zero problems with it. I have kept up on the maintenance and it definitely shows with how smooth it rides and responds. There is no better bike to start out with in a full suspension setup if you don't have the grand to drop at the time. I am in college right now and I would say this is the second best investment next to my education. I am looking to upgrade to disc brakes now (which the bike is compatible with) but it doesn't have disc compatible hubs, so it is a somewhat expensive upgrade after getting all of the parts (calipers, discs, hubs, hardware). Other than that there are no upgrades that need to be done to this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler
a
from White River Jct. Vt. USA
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$335.00 | | Purchased At: | Woodstock Vt. | | Strengths: | This bike is a great beginner bike. This was my first "real" or good mountian bike. I like that it is strong enough for me because i tend to be a little rough on my bikes. Also, that it can be used for more than one type of bike, inlike most. | | Weaknesses: | I have had a hell of a time with the derailleur. NOt the derailleur itself but the hanger. It keeps snapping right where it attaches to the frame. This is basicaly the only problem i have had with this bike. If anyone could help me with this problem, please contact me. | | Similar Products Used: | LIke i said this is my first real mountian bike. So i dont have much expeirence with any others. | | Bike Setup: | I changed the rims to Mavic 36H, with Shimano Deore Hubs. Also i put on some Hayes Mag hydrolic discs that are 6 inch. Wicked Good. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. If you are new to mtn biking then this bike is best for you. In my one year of using it i have only had that one problem i mentioned. But other than that this bike is great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Twisty McBuddha
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | treasure trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | paper but from Black MTN cycles | | Strengths: | Frame was forged from the same fire that Frodo tossed the ring into, responsive goeometry for sugar handling, bumblebee black and yellow paint job, price and its a bomb proof GIANT | | Weaknesses: | That you aren't riding one and you spent $600 : that your girlfriend didnt come home last night: you still wear Spidey under-roos fork is sucky (RST??) and tires are way slow | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Iguana, GT RTS-3 and a few huffys when i was a runt. The Giant rocked, the rest were rust buckets o doom and I always racked my nutties on the frame!! | | Bike Setup: | stock for now but Im creaming my cotton over what I am gonna upgrade to. Oh i did add a CATEYE Mity 3 for flatland rides (Im a dork huh??) | | Bottom Line: | Picked up this bike for $350 out of the paper just days before X-mas...was a gift for this dudes now X girlfriend (poor bloke) and I could tell it hadnt even been around the block!
Ive been around the block a couple of times by now and this bike rocks out with its **** out. Yeah some of the componets are a little on the cheeseball side but you don't have to sell you soul to the devil (George Bush??) to get your ride on.
If you are heavier than 200 lbs get an upgraded spring, otherwise wide wisley young grasshopper.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan Ziegler
a Weekend Warrior
from Hellertown PA USA
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | SauconValley Bike Shop | | Strengths: | The frame is strong | | Weaknesses: | Crank is weak, also had problems with the brakes, front fork is about to snap | | Similar Products Used: | First MTB Bike | | Bike Setup: | Nothing Changed...All Stock | | Bottom Line: | Overall This bike was my first big mountain bike i ever owned. I had so much fun on this bike. It works well for a beginner like i was, if your looking for a cheap bike to begin on this is the bike for you! Now i went from this bike to specalized Big Hit Comp. Hoping to enjoy this bike as much as i did with the warp. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zach Savre
a Downhiller
from Menifee, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | mount widow maker | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun city bicycles | | Strengths: | Very reliable frame, basicaly can handle anything. | | Weaknesses: | cheap parts had to replace alot of stuff like rims forks brakes and grips | | Similar Products Used: | nothing yet first bike | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi mz comp forks, sun ditch witch rims | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that over all it is a very good frame you can really trick it out into something nice. Awesom for a beginer. Just a really good bike for a low price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
javi
a Weekend Warrior
from hickory, nc
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$589.00 | | Purchased At: | clarks bike shop | | Strengths: | very nice frame, it is ready to be upgraded to just about anything. if anything breaks it wont be the frame. | | Weaknesses: | some cheap parts that need to be upgraded. cranks, wheels, fork | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi bomber z4 5 in. , formula hydro disc, rhyno lite wheels w/ shimano deore disc hubs ( 89 bucks at jensonusa.com), and some other goodies | | Bottom Line: | this is a great bike if you want to get something decent to ride. it's definately worth upgrading if you like to do some drops and jumps. it climbs great cause it is pretty light. stuff and cant afford the DS1 right off the bat. it will hold up but the rst is too soft. mine ended up being better than the DS1 and i put just a little bit more in it than what the DS1 cost. the biggest drop i have hit is about six feet and it was butter with the plush 5-in rear travel. mmmmm
get one
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a
from Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$570.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashville Bicycle Company in Murfreesboro | | Strengths: | looks good, rides great, very comfy ride, super strong frame and comfy ride are cofidence inspiring on the down hills, pedals great, the shock is adjustable.
| | Weaknesses: | The grips that came on it wouldn't stay put. I have had problems with the wheel skewers getting loose during rides.(The skewers don't have a lever stop so the lever sort of goes past the sweet spot for them to lock just right.)
| | Similar Products Used: | This is the first dual suspension bike I have owned. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I have ridden this bike pretty hard since I got it last year when the 2003s came out. The suspension is so super plush and comfy that I don't care how heavy the bike is. I can go so much faster down the hills that it is worth the little bit of extra suffering when going up the hills. The components are still working smooth. This bike is just so awesome, it does everything I want it to do. For someone that likes to bomb down every downhill or jump every ledge or just have fun on two wheels this is the bike for you.
Don't get me wrong though the warp does have limitations but don't believe the hype about have to spend $1,500 on a bike to have fun.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Hallowell
a Racer
from Wall
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | i hate them | | Strengths: | sturdy, no sag if set up right, (i also only weigh 130 lbs) very cheap. Excellent on down hill. Good front fork. CHEAP! | | Weaknesses: | brakes could be better, little heavy but light compared to my old bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose swicth back, hell yea! | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | what do you care, you won't read this anyway. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy
a Cross Country Rider
from Winter Haven, Florida
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Carter Road Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeWorks Orlando | | Strengths: | Full Suspension; Great Price/Value | | Weaknesses: | Haven't noticed any yet. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Things might have changed in the last year since I purchased my DS3, but when I started shopping for a full suspension bike, the DS3 was by far the best deal. Since that time, I have abused this bike in sand, mud, rain, and standing water. Maintenance? What's that? I hose it off and lube the chain and have had to replace one tube. I ordered a new chain and cables literally just an hour ago becaue I am getting ready for an adventure race and it seems like the prudent thing to do. I ride it 5 days a week. I ride into trees, rocks, logs, and often leave the saddle head first over the handlebar. You could spend more for a bike that would impress other riders if that's what you're into, but if you want to feel good about a wise purchase, then buy the DS3. I'll let the other riders impress each other; I'm just out there to beat the crap out of that trail and my bike has not failed me in that regard. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Cross Country Rider
from Middleboro, MA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Trail C- Gilbert Hills Foxboro! (1st time today) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | P&M Cycles- Bourne, MA | | Strengths: | strong frame construction, effective rear suspension for 175 lbs & under. | | Weaknesses: | the front suspension that comes with the bike is pretty soft, not good for a heavier person. the stock derailleurs are not the smoothest shifters but they do the job. | | Similar Products Used: | Saracen RAW2000 full-suspension | | Bottom Line: | This is my 2nd review...NOW I've gotten a chance to REALLY test this bike on some very hard trails...up some very steep hills, over and around big sharp rocks, through very rough & stumpy territory, deep mud, loose gravel, through the woods w/no trails, and the bottom line is...THIS BIKE PERFORMS. Spend at least a week doing alot of riding, shifting and braking to let the cables stretch out, and then re-tune everything in where you want it...and you'll be pleased with the results. The tires are big and knobby and never loose control on gravel, mud or sand when in the right gear. Stay sitting down when climbing hills and it will never slip. Awesome bike for the money. If you really want a great bike equip it with some better front shocks and better quality derailleurs and it would be flawless. 500 bucks for a true mountain-climber, how can ya go wrong?! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Rosa, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Annadale | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Giant dealer | | Strengths: | Frame design and constrcution. Price of the package. | | Weaknesses: | Need little better front forks. and possibly better waranty program from Giant Corp. | | Similar Products Used: | Craud Butler, Marin, Scott UK & Merlin. | | Bike Setup: | Rockshox Psylo XC 03, LX V-brakes, SDP M646 pedals, Easton 1.5" riser bar, and others are factory standard. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike based on my budget, not the performance based on other people's review. I ride at Annadale in Santa Rosa, CA. And have ridden Tahoe rim trail at Lake Tahoe, NV. In Both places, the bike has proven to me (by racing with a few tail chasers) that it is as good as ones that are twice or three times its price. I killed the front fork on fourth ride whilst racing with some dude on more (lots more) expensive bike. I only weigh 140 lbs. So that said, if you upgrade a few component to your liking such as fork, handlebar, pedals (w/clits) and brakes (for my taste) it would be great for entry level racing bike. Overall, it's the best bike money can buy in the market compared with other bikes in the same price range. If you ride hard and knows how to fix the bike then it's cheap and cheerful option for your enjoyment. If you want to flash off in your bikes and become an obstruction for other bikers then it's not. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from MA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$519.00 | | Strengths: | Comfortable, goes over 3-inch rocks like pebbles, strong construction (judging on look & feel), nice-looking shape/design, GREAT VALUE | | Weaknesses: | Made in Taiwan (but so aren't all the lower-end Treks and Specialized's and they are great quality too), huge & heavy stock tires (but good if you need them), odd-shaped tubing can make attaching accessories (cargo packs, kick-stands, etc) a little difficult or impossible. | | Similar Products Used: | Saracen Raw Full-Suspension (English bike) http://www.saracen.co.uk/raw.html | | Bottom Line: | I've only had it 3 days so far and haven't ridden this bike hard or anything so I can't say for sure that it's super-strong and reliable but from the way it rides over potholes, curbsides, stones and gravel it seems to be built very well and the suspension is very effective. For the quality and features of this bike the price is nearly unbeatable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Acevedo
a Cross Country Rider
from Snellville, GA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | International Horse Park. Conyers | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$579.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal Power (gone) | | Strengths: | Pretty sound bike. It takes the beating well.
the shifter works well. the deraillour is not bad either, i hvan't had to tune it. | | Weaknesses: | the casstte broke after a few weeks of use, but i blame myself for that. I still think an upgrade will do some justice. Heavy | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Shimano clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | You've got to think, for the price you pay you get more than a bargain. If you don't like the stock components, just upgrade at PricePoint and you'll get a top of the line bike for half the price. Seriuously, i have taken some beating and the bike is in great shape ,some of the fall i had, I'd thought the frame would have broken by now.
I love riding this bike. It has a pretty solid frame, that has not bent or broken, but if it did, it has life warranty. I keep it well lubed and tight. I haven't had to replace the shocks neither front nor rear.
My original plan was to let all the stock components go bad and replace them for top of the line, I'll still do that, but not just yet. Because of the price and quality I give it a 5, but overall, because of the competition with higher end bikes i give it a 4 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike D
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Beach, Ca
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | You pick, I'll see you at the top! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Jones Bikes | | Strengths: | PRICE | | Weaknesses: | weight (but look at the price) | | Similar Products Used: | This is a basic U-RT design, there are about a million out there now | | Bike Setup: | Nothing stock | | Bottom Line: | I read someone who was ripping up a friends bike so I need to balance things out here... I have a buddy who works at a bike shop, he LOVES his bouncy WARP. The only problem with this bike is the old U-RT stlye of rear suspension. But it does not try to be anything but what it was made for. A very comfy fully active fun bike. Fun being a relative term... to me fun is climbing to the top of the biggest mountain, then come screaming down. My NRS is much more suited to that, therefore I would not own a WARP. However, as far as U-RT (unified rear triangle) bikes go, you get great bang for buck with the WARP. #1, you will never see a "GIANT" bike at Toys-r-us. #2, Giant has some of the best processes for welding strong Alum frames, and when something goes wrong I have yet to see a company as responsive as Giant for replacement frames ect. #3, its a good way to get someone who is not wanting to spend $1000 on a full suspension bike... but I agree with the other guy, WARP 1 is lame, if you are going to spend that kinda dough its time to look at the NRS, or build up a WARP the way you want. MUCH BETTER THAN ANY DEPT STORE BIKE EVER! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brian
a Weekend Warrior
from san diego, ca
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | lake poway- short,sweet | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$469.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Comfort is King! - no bike (regardless price) can beat the comfy ride.
Looks! - black/yellow is pretty awesome.
Solid feel. | | Weaknesses: | Mine weighs 33 lbs.
Severe damping riding out of saddle. | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to SRAM 5.0 shifters/r.derailleur at time of purchase.
Just bought Time Attack Z pedals, can't wait to try em. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. The guys I know who ride $1000+ bikes like it too.
This bike seems to handle everything on the trail. The more technical the section, the better it performs.
On downhill technicals it's superior-Confidence inspiring. I constantly brake to not hit the guys in front of me.
WTB Tires-very very sticky and inefficient, GREAT on rocks(which is where I need it). I won't replace them for now.
The SRAM 5.0 shifter/r.derailleur are great. The shifters can use slight adjusting every now and then.
Climbing - Don't mind the weight(stable,solid). Don't feel ANY damping while climbing, as I stay in the saddle. But out of the saddle it is SO mushy. So depends on your climbing style.
Some others complained about the construction. I guess that must depend totally on the bike shop.
DS1, DS2 - Noone should buy the DS1, nor DS2. As others mentioned. It's the same frame. So save your $500 extra from the DS1 and upgrade the DS3 with YOUR choice of components. Besides, for $1000, you'd probably buy a different (lighter,more efficient) bike.
This bike is definitely not for strict cross country enthusiasts, no matter how much you upgrade it. I'd say it's more of a cross-freeride bike... So only 4 chili's. I'd say 5 chili's if that's what you want.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Veitnam | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Toy's "R" us | | Strengths: | Pretty much none, other then that its cheap | | Weaknesses: | Horrible Craftsmenship, horrible Welds. extremely heavy, horrible, twist and snap parts that will need to be overhauled if this bike is actually used on a trail, except for the fact that the parts on this bike are specced so low that they are unservicable and usually just sand and grit collecting junk that is easier to replace. Weak, chinese sweatshop constructed frame that is a complete joke. They sell this bike at department stores and this bike should not be ridden on trails!! this bike is ok for a street cruiser or something to get you around but in no way is a serious mountain bike. Rear suspension is a joke, and is just for aesthetics. This bike is stupid because for the same price you could get a hardtail with better parts and a better frame, but this bike is for loosers who think that a full suspension bike is cool looking therefore must "mountain bike" with it. | | Similar Products Used: | thankfully none like it | | Bike Setup: | its not mine, its a friends, but i have ridden it on numerous occasions. | | Bottom Line: | Dont buy this bike if you want to actually do some mounatin biking. this bike is a complete joke. the only reason why no one has said anything bad is because they dont use it for mountain biking or anything demanding, so they are unaware of the crack and fail frame and parts. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Big Wheel Cycles | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is that it is a great deal for a beginner rider or weekend warrior. All the componets are well put together and work well. GIANT, RST, SHIMANO AND OTHER COMPONETS MADE THIS A GREAT BIKE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johnathen
a Weekend Warrior
from China
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | my ass crack | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1.00 | | Purchased At: | chinatown, china bikeshop | | Strengths: | none | | Weaknesses: | This bike is the worst bike, i was riding and it fell apart on me and now im in the hospital, the giant warp ds3 is the WORST bike i have ever owned, i want people to know this cause it sucks. | | Similar Products Used: | Pootie Tang | | Bike Setup: | None, it fell apart | | Bottom Line: | the bottom line is THIS BIKE SUCKS NUTS!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad Acker
a Downhiller
from Halifax, NS, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Downhill/Dirt Jump | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes by Dave | | Strengths: | Bike has strong frame, fairly light, good rear and front supension and it has very nice tires. | | Weaknesses: | Bikes chain hits on frame during a big drop. | | Similar Products Used: | CCM riot- Do not buy "C-heap C-hina M-etal" this bike is horrible and my warp puts it to shame. | | Bike Setup: | This bike has a strong frame, amazing suspension for price and geometry is set up so your tires won't spin during a hill climb. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike it is the best I have ever owned and will ever own, it needs of few upgrades like a new fork and some discs but overall I think it deserves a 4/5. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Gallant
a Weekend Warrior
from Normal, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$472.00 | | Purchased At: | Viteese Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | The bike has got a working dual suspension... and you can change parts out if you don't like what it's got in it. I can go down stairs pretty smoothly, I've jumped off lots of little walls up to 4-5 feet, and landings are about as smooth as could be expected. The bike feels light to me- I ride motorcycles and dirt bikes and I don't understand the $5000 price difference between this frame and a frame that is 5 pounds lighter. It's retarted. Much easier and cheaper for ME to loose 5 pounds! | | Weaknesses: | I'm waiting for a new front fork springs, because at nearly 200 pounds, the one on there now just bounces up and down no matter what's going on. Also, during really hard pedaling over bumps, the chain will jump causing... a painful half-fall. I'm hoping the shop can find where the problem is and fix it. | | Similar Products Used: | I tried some $2000 and $3000 bikes out before I bought this one. They were giant or trek full suspension bikes... pretty close to top of the line. I tried jumping curbs and wheelies and bouncing up and down... cause I didn't own them to really thrash them around. Turns out that I couldn't feel enough of a difference between the expensive bikes and this Giant... so I bought the Giant on the spot being so pleased with it. | | Bike Setup: | Totally stock... still learning bike lingo, I definatlely want to get some better parts just to learn and have fun with it. | | Bottom Line: | All the reviews I read on the DS1, DS2, and DS3 bikes were from people who bought the bikes, then changed out most of the parts. Must not have been very bright people who were changing all the parts out on the DS1 and DS2... those models have the same frame and cost up to twice as much! Go grab the DS3- it's cheap and the frame is delicious.
My 20.5 frame feels a little big because I came from a trek 18.5 inch with no suspension that had short handlebars and was generally really small. I'm adjusting to the frame and I really appreciate the graceful way it takes any rediculous thing I throw at it.
I'm giving it 5 for value. You're not going to get more bike for your money with any other brand or model, as far as I'm concerned.
Overall rating is a 4, becuase duh... there are better bikes out there than this one! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from La Jolla
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Rose Canyon(only one I've been on) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | Black Mountain in San Diego | | Strengths: | F/S bike under $500. I've even seen them on ebay new for $380. Low standover so even the shortest of guys/gals can ride it. I'm 5'8 and have the 20.5 and fits. Its put together well. | | Weaknesses: | The darn thing is heavy. The Stock RST fork is weird. Its sad but I had a zoom fork that felt better then this one. The crank is ok but I'm betting there's alot of weight on that one. Also the tires are too heavy and wide for most people that bought this bike. | | Similar Products Used: | trek, pacific, royce union | | Bike Setup: | Stock execpt for Grimeca Disc brakes and Alex TD17 wheels. | | Bottom Line: | For the price, i doubt if there is too many bikes that can match it's bang for buck. Its just like riding my Suzuki SVS :) BTW try turning the stem upside down or getting a 0 degree stem. It may the bike much more stable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle & Fitness Store | | Strengths: | Frame, Tires, Handleing. | | Weaknesses: | The shifting is a bit off out of the box. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Switch, Giant Iguana, 2002 Warp DS3 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money. It pedals well for a single pivot full suspension and can climb anything if you stay in the saddle. It is a bit weighty, which can be felt on the climbs, but you'll be glad the weight is there on the way back down. It's derailers required some adjusting before they were shifting right, but that's to be expected. It's confidence inspiring on jumps up to six feet and can take anything the average weekend trail ride can throw at it. It's narrower tires make it faster rolling than last years version, but don't affect downhil performance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
anthony
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn, NY
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | riverside from dyckman to battery park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Arc de Triomphe in Queens | | Strengths: | Strong well-built frame, decent components(Alivio), double-wall alex rims, a$$-friendly seat, Giant quality. The fork is ok too, although travel is 3 and a half inches, not 4 | | Weaknesses: | The little pocket on the rear swingarm where the shock mounts tends to collect mud and water and other crap too easily, also around the pivot point. Tektro brakes are so-so. WTB rubber is slow and heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Joshua, Trek Fuel 80, Spec Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now except Swapped WTB's for Michelin Semi-slicks for quickazz handling in city traffic. Will upgrade as funds allow. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike for the price-point. Great for someone who is getting into the sport who isn't related to Rockefeller or Gates. Replace the tires and maybe the brakes and you'll have a kickazz bike that looks like it costs a grip to the layman. Ride hard or stay home and babysit!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Raine Sleete
a Downhiller
from Rancho Santa Fe, CA, US
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | A-Line, B.C. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Warehouse | | Strengths: | This bike is one of the best deals for your money. The frame is well-built with a low standover hieght, so cornering is easier. This is by far the best bike for beginner-to-intermediate-class bikers. With a few upgrades, you're ready to race amatures. I probably ride this bike a little too hard, but it seems to me that if you are not pro, and under a budget, then this is the bike for you. | | Weaknesses: | The stock forks are a little too flexy, and the caps pop right off, but it's nothing a few well-placed strips of duct tape can't fix. The forks are disc-compatible, but you need new hubs for superior stopping power. Every once in a while, the forks whine, but it goes away with no harm done. The warranty on the bike is void if you put triple-crown forks on (but I did anyway). The decals rip off, and look like crap, but hey, if you cared about looks, you'd be a beautician, not a biker. | | Similar Products Used: | None at this level. I have ridden the Santa Cruz V10 and KHS Dominatrax, but those are $5100 and $2400, respectively. | | Bike Setup: | Giant DS3; Hayes HFX Comp brakes; Marzocchi Jr. T forks; Evil DRS Chainguide; Shimano STS crank; Shimano Deore rear deraillieur; Shimano Deore shifters. | | Bottom Line: | If you are willing to do a few upgrades, and put a little money into a project, then I can't imagine a better bike to start on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SandMan
a Weekend Warrior
from Pompano
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | BJ Bikes | | Strengths: | Price, smooth ride, strong frame | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, WTB tires, | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ranier & NRS3, Schwinn Moab | | Bike Setup: | stock except for tires Hutcinson mosquito fr/python rear | | Bottom Line: | First things First....This is an "Entry Level" DS bike. I bought it for my wife but she isnt really into it. Rather than see it just sit, I rode it while my Ranier was bieng fixed. I grew to really like it. Now I ride it 50% of the time. I am impressed with the quality of the frame as well as how well the bike works after broken in. No its not a full on big drop huckster & Its WAY too heavy to race. The thing pogos like crazy.... But it WORKS! I have rode it from Mild to Wild and It just WORKS! I did change the Tires as the stock rubber was slow and too wide. The change made a big improvement. I plan on upgrades as parts wear out.
My advice on this one is try one for yourself. Dont listen to narrow minded fools suffering from premature opinionulation!
Im giving it 4 for value due to the low price and 3 for overall due to the weight and the Tires | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad Spencer
a Weekend Warrior
from SLC, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Bingham Cyclery | | Strengths: | Budget full suspension MTB, 4"/5" adjustable rear travel, 4" front. Good looking bike (black/yellow/silver). | | Weaknesses: | Weak components - Shimano Alivio (not bad, but not real good). I've read its a little heavy, but I dont have anything to compare it to. | | Similar Products Used: | hard-tail mtb | | Bike Setup: | standard Giant setup - RST 4" shock, 4/5" adjustable rear shock, WTB moto-raptor tires, Alex rims, shimano 8-speed alivio components, Giant stem & bars & seat post & seat. see www.giant-bicycles.com | | Bottom Line: | I was shopping for a good hard-tail when I found the DS-3. All other full-suspension bikes were $800+, so it looked good. I'm a beginner rider, so I dont push any bike to its limits, but the DS-3 seems great. No problems yet. Fun to ride and makes me want to ride more. Rear shock has adjustable compression (?) & rebound and the front has adjustable pre-load. Brakes are good, shifting ok, seat is comfy (about like WTB Speed-V).
I'm 6' 4" and the large (20.5") is well-sized for me. 5 chilis all around. (: | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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