Submitted by
Gerald Audet
a Cross Country Rider
from Poultney, VT Date Reviewed: August 28, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Bike Swap
Strengths:
Fairly light for what it is Simple Super Strong CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP
Weaknesses:
Front Shock Not super light
Bike Setup:
Tora U-turn upgraded front, 2.3 tioga tires, everything else original
Bottom Line:
This bike is now going on 9 years old now, and the only thing I have replaced is the tires, fork (didn't need to be replaced, but I wanted too), and cables. Drive train is going to have to be replaced next year, and the rear shock the year after if I still have it.
I love this bike, and it's been very dependable. None of the bushing in the rear are loose, nor are the wheel hubs, or the headset, the rebound adjust still works on the rear shock, even the orginal brake pads are still good! Granted I probably only do about 250-350 miles a year on it (I'm mostly a road biker) but it's been great! I don't ride easy stuff, and like to play a little too, and it's been great for that as well.
Bottom line- it's the best mountain bike I've ever had, and while I've owned it I've had serval others as well (specialized, fuji, diamondback, and trek) and they've all died and this one is still rock solid!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon Flynn
a Downhiller
from Katherine, Northern Territory, Austrlia Date Reviewed: April 27, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Weaknesses:
S#*T, every thing breaks i put marzocchi junior t's and a manitou swinger 6 way and its still crap, so now m getting a norco vps shore
Bike Setup:
stock with marzocchi junior t's and a manitou swinger 6 way coil over air, avid bb5 disc brakes xtr shifters, crosser x-pert rims
Bottom Line:
dont get 1 spend your money on a Norco or a specialized
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles Huchette
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: September 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
don't remember heh
Strengths:
nice design, relatively cheap, tuff, nice first all montain bike
Weaknesses:
the paint scratches easily, noisy bushings, HEAVY!, rims are weak
Similar Products Used:
many.. including kona, cannondale, GT, specialized
Bike Setup:
factory default
Bottom Line:
this bike is tuff and is worth his price.. i've had fun with it, i made over 3000km with it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David R.
a Downhiller
from State College, PA, USA Date Reviewed: October 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Campus ;)
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Saucon Valley Bikes
Strengths:
I haven't broken one thing yet! adjustable rear shock rocks, even if only 4" travel. I just got 4th in Mens-C DH at the Collegiate Easterns!!! And some people say this bike shouldn't be ridden off road?!
Weaknesses:
Shifting is never right. Even with new shifters! A bit heavy for it's main purpose of a XC bike...
Bike Setup:
PsyloRace Fork, 2.5" IRC tires, Avid mech. disc rear brake and Grimeca System 8 front disk. ComfortZone saddle, and stock seatpost for racing.
Bottom Line:
Wicked bike for the money! A bit on the heavy side for XC, but lighter than most DH bikes!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek
a Downhiller
from chandler Date Reviewed: July 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
NATIONAL
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
BICYCLE WHEELERS
Strengths:
IT CAN TAKE A BEATING
Weaknesses:
THE SWING ARE BUSHINGS LOSEN UP ON ME AND I BENT THE STOCK FORKS LIKE A CHOPPER MOTORCYCLE
Bike Setup:
all stock but i got a noleen chubby lt
Bottom Line:
it is a great begginer bike but i got to get somthing new i beat mine to crap
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nikola gasic
a Downhiller
from vancouver b.c. canada Date Reviewed: May 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
nicoles pole
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
bikes pacific
Strengths:
i had this bike for over three years and it hasent had any majore problems.
Weaknesses:
the rear gtm 7 shock on my bike fell apart after clearing a 2.5metre gap.
Similar Products Used:
specilized fsr.
Bike Setup:
dealers package.
Bottom Line:
this bike is great for how much money it costs. and when i blew my rear shock up the dealer got my bike back to me fixed the next morning.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Avaino AB Italy Date Reviewed: March 3, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Weaknesses:
Shifting never in tune! in tune on lowest out on the highset. The chain would often come off, then after tuning wouldn't shift into the closest gear.
Bottom Line:
The shifting would never stay in tune. Also had a chin break within 1mo. of buying the bike. Don't recomend anyone buy his bike for the cost, there are better bikes out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a
from Australia Date Reviewed: September 24, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Strengths:
I found the Giant Warp Ds2 to have great control in tight situations. The rear shock works well, and the front shocks are good value. I think it's the best value full suspension bike you can get for the price. If your looking for a good value bike look no further.
Weaknesses:
The rims seem to bukle easy, and the gears are a bit akwards at times.
Similar Products Used:
GT, Marin
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox Jett front suspension. Giant GTM rear shock
Bottom Line:
It you want a good strong mountain bike and dont want to pay to much the Giant Warp Ds2 is the best value bike going around, I have thrashed to crap out of mine and it's still standing strong. When mine wears out i think i'll get the same bike but newer model.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe rhee
a Downhiller
from New York Date Reviewed: July 14, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
price
Weaknesses:
weight, components, noise, awkward shifter (it's works opposite direction), looks
Similar Products Used:
Klein Mantra, Specialized Stumpjumper M4
Bike Setup:
Factory default
Bottom Line:
People who buy this bike, in general,are either young kids or first-timers who don't have much references to compare with. And that explains why it has earned some favorable reviews. This bike is NOT suitable for off road. It can be very unstable going downhill. Either you or the bike will break, whichever comes first...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eds - 99 DS2 " warp "
a Weekend Warrior
from Guam Date Reviewed: April 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tank Farm
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
it's " Great for the price $552.00 " F/S Frame " comments: HOLDING UP TO ABUSE I PUT INTO IT! " RST 381DH " comments: I GOT MY MONEYS WORTH!
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Lenexa Kansas Date Reviewed: April 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Clinton State Trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Very very good for the money. I have the 1998 model.. and I have upgraded the shiat outta it. I put a Mantiou SX-Ti on the front, Coda seat and bar ends, and a ritchey seatpost, as well as IRC Mythos tires. A damn good bike for $750. I am trying to buy a Ellsworth Truth though! hehe! I think the new ones are friggin' BUTT UGLY though. the 98' model was the prettiest, royal blue and yellow.
Weaknesses:
the thing's HEAVY! UGH! I shaved off 2 LB's just by ditching the RST 381 DH fork! And I have broken the crank's teeth (SR Suntour... EWW), gone through 2 sets of tires, and shreaded the bushings! All in TWO yrs! what!? Since when don't cranks last 2 years? EXCUSE ME!?
Similar Products Used:
I dunno...
Bike Setup:
Manitou SX-Ti Fork, Ritchey Logic Seatpost & Clipless Pedals, Coda Seat & Bar Ends, IRC Mythos, and set on full plushness. MMM.. I race crosscountry.. so...
Bottom Line:
Good. I wish I wouldn't of gotten it though. It got me through mountain biking, and it's a damn DAMN good first bike! I bought it when I was 13 (not 15) and it's held up until now. I have a $150 repair bill on it right now (waiting for it to get out of the shop... tick tock.. tick tock) I have Broken the chainrings, broken the monster-pivot's bushings, and busted the rear shock spring. It add's up... I am waiting to put new stuff on it.. and then to sell it.. ANYONE WANT IT!? hehe
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a
from Waterbury, CT Date Reviewed: January 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
you know, that one over there
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great for the price, fun full suspension.
Weaknesses:
Rims, crankset, Alivio rear derailleur shifts when it wants to. Kinda heavy.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock, except for new crankset (specialized strongarm, not the son of crap.)Also, new handlebar (profile, black looks a little snazzier.)
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike for the money. You can upgrade and have a $1200 bike for $800. 5 chilis for the bad-ass full suspension.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JUSTIN H.
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: December 9, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
FRAME
Weaknesses:
front suspensions(MG80 fork
Similar Products Used:
GT, TREK
Bike Setup:
XT, ALIVIO, MG80 fork
Bottom Line:
for $ 600.00 ...... its the best !!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a Weekend Warrior
from Hobart Tasmania Date Reviewed: September 9, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Frame Strengh Rear Shock Quality Components for Dollars Havent broken anything yet, probably wont. Good Brakes
Weaknesses:
Front shock (RST381dh) A bit heavy Rims
Similar Products Used:
Diamond back Outlook (1st Bike) Giant Iguana Specialized Stump Jumper FSR XC. Mmm nice$
Bike Setup:
Stock standard RST381 triple clamp F/forks GiantGM7 rear shock(nice)
Bottom Line:
Have done 2000 km in 6 months and put the through hell and havent broken anything. Had a few problems with the rims not being true, will upgrade to some mavic rims eventually. Set of bar ends and Tioga Tyres, stock ones suck, is all I have done to it. Rear shock works really well. Cant get the front one to feel right. Really strong bike, didnt expect it for the dollars. This bike is excellent value for money. Will keep it until I wear it out. 4 stars for the way the bike rides & the 5 th for value.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gavin
a Weekend Warrior
from Hamilton, New Zealand Date Reviewed: September 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Te Miro
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Frame, Weight, Comfort,
Weaknesses:
frame a bit small for me
Similar Products Used:
nil, previous bike was a hard tail GT with cheap front shocks
Even though its my first full suspension bike i am finding it really awesome. May upfrade shocks though.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon DR DAMAGE
a Weekend Warrior
from South Africa Date Reviewed: July 31, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Jonkers Hoek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Perfect for Xcountry RST 381DH fork responds! Easy dampening on rear shock. No biopacing!!
Weaknesses:
Creaky frame, Rear shock works better when seated. A tad heavy
Similar Products Used:
Way too many to list in this cramped space...
Bike Setup:
RST 381 DH triple clampRear:Giant ATM shock(nice)
Bottom Line:
A whole lot of bike for a lot less in the price. This baby rides like one of them expensive machines and takes on Down Hill X-country and dual slalom fearlessly......
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Davis
a Downhiller
from Liberty Lake, WA Date Reviewed: July 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Silver Mountain in ID.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Frame
Weaknesses:
components
Similar Products Used:
Trek
Bike Setup:
Will upgrade shocks, but no real hurry.
Bottom Line:
Paid $600 for a bike that equals many $700 bikes. Full suspension has already saved my butt many times. I feel I got the most bike for the money
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stix
a Cross-Country Rider
from s.d. ca. Date Reviewed: July 5, 1999
fork IS heavy ,replace with boat anchor and save a pound!I used a 98 rs judy XL what a difference!!! saved half a lb. going to triple clamps.better front tire and a softer rear spring ...bike rocks..big bear bound!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Hardy
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, ont., Can. Date Reviewed: July 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Hull Hills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
smooth ride, handles well. the factory parts take most punishment.
Weaknesses:
a bit heavy
Similar Products Used:
velo-blast,mongoose- manitou
Bike Setup:
factory
Bottom Line:
the factory part for the most part, take all sorts of punch.i had some problem with the front rim, but it was a one in a million sort of situation. all in all this bike, for the price is great, for all types of riders.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gabriel Scully
a Weekend Warrior
from Mexico City Date Reviewed: June 29, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Chilucs Mexico
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Frame
Weaknesses:
Little bit heavy
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
I changed all the group for LX XT, and a down hill rock shok judy, I could say now is great!
Bottom Line:
I am complete happy with my warp
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leroy
a Weekend Warrior
from Houson, Tx Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Ho Chi Min (Memorial Park)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Excellent frame design and good looks
Weaknesses:
Grips, Clips and straps instead of clipless
Similar Products Used:
Looked at Haro-EX0, Trek Y3, Iron Horse G-8, GT XCR 4000.
Bike Setup:
Everything still stock, MG-80 front, Rock Shox rear, Shimano Alivio mix
Bottom Line:
After years of riding a rigid bike, I opted for full suspension. Best choice I ever made. Looked at several different brands but couldn't beat the price to performance ratio of the Giant. Handles everything that I throw at it. Highly recommended.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Ogden , NY Date Reviewed: June 18, 1999
My first experience with technical riding was on the Lake Minewaska State Park trails. Going back down Cardiac Hill at almost 30 mph on a rigid frame bike sure gives a heck of a beating. Right then and there I decided (between bumps and swears) that I want a full suspended bike. BTW, Lake Minewaska is south of Albany, NY. Got to go check the place out! Will not be dissapointed, great trails!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brian murray
a Downhiller
from danvers ma Date Reviewed: June 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
dont have one
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
frame was cheep and has held up threw alot of torture
I have spilled very hard a number of times and my giant has held up threw it all!! I would highly recomend this bike to anyone who is either first starting out,or if your going to go big and put some serious time and money into your riding.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Downhiller
from Burlington, Ontario Date Reviewed: June 5, 1999
Favorite Trail:
North shore
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
bike is the best
Weaknesses:
no weaknesses at all
Similar Products Used:
nothing
Bike Setup:
RST 461 double crowns
Bottom Line:
the bike kicks ass ok!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert G
a Weekend Warrior
from Misawa AB, Japn Date Reviewed: May 30, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
Cheap, bought two , one for me and my wife. $400.00 coz dollar is strong vs. Yen. Nice looking bike
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pete
a Downhiller
from rochester new york Date Reviewed: May 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
ragged MT
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
price good frame desighn and well everything else
Weaknesses:
weight
Similar Products Used:
specialized fsr ground control
Bike Setup:
well i upgraded all to xt and xtr components from my old bike with 98 judy xc shox
Bottom Line:
great bike for money and quality
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester MN Date Reviewed: May 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
my back woods
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good tires. Nice frame design. V-brakes stop you pretty fast. Good on rocky parts. Really inexpensive.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, it's pretty hard to do a bunny hop over about 20 in.
Similar Products Used:
My first dual suspension bike.
Bike Setup:
Suntour shocks
Bottom Line:
It's a really good bike for the money, but you have to make a few adjustements.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tris
a Downhiller
from Aldgate Date Reviewed: April 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Mt Lofty
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Cheap, good specs for the price
Weaknesses:
Heavy
Bike Setup:
RST 380DH
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for the price. I am going to buy one in the near future.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dean
a Weekend Warrior
from Mesa, AZ Date Reviewed: March 22, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
I picked up a '99 model after my Trek 7000 hardtail was stolen >:( I thought I'd try a fully suspended bike - and for $650, why not?I like the frame gemetry - it is more comfortable than my laid-out Trek. The rear suspension design (BB behind the swingarm pivot) means you don't use the rear shock unless you are in the saddle. Stand up and you have a hardtail. The bike's heavy, but what should I expect for $650?The bike is good for rocky trails and seems to work well on steep, bumpy descents. The WTB TyrannoRaptor tires have good grip. The Alivio derailleur doesn't shift as well as my old STX-RC setup, but not bad really. The Dia-Compe 733 V-brakes stop very well, so far. The Suntour MAG 80 front shock seems quite soft to me, and I don't seem to be able to stiffen it up much. I swapped the saddle for a Specialized Body-Geometry model which is very plush. I would highly recommend it. The bike comes with riser bars and no bar ends. I swapped for a straght bar and some ends. Overall, a very good deal for $650, but I miss my fast, light hardtail Trek. If I had it to do over, I might have spent a little more for a Specialized FSR (lighter, better rear design) or the like. Normally, this would be a 3-pepper bike, but I'll give it an extra chile for bang-for-the-buck.Check it out here: http://www.giant-bicycle.com/usabikes/warpds2.htm
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john mcman
a downhiller
from australia Date Reviewed: February 22, 1999
Bottom Line:
Giant warp ds2 The ds2 is a very good bike for the price. Its got preety good weight fairly easy to do a desent bunyhop. Picks up and holds speed preety well. Good bike for fun and professional racing. Great bike. Good to start with.But bad grips.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
M. HERSH
a weekend warrior
from FLORIDA Date Reviewed: February 5, 1999
Bottom Line:
HERE IS THE LOW DOWN. 2 WEEKS OF TRAIL RIDING.UPGRADED TO XT-CRANK , BB-UN72, ESP 9.0 REAR DER.&GP SHFT. ESP 9.0 BRK LEVERS, XT V-BRAKES F&R. NOW ONE AWESOME RIDE.BABY FLYS OFF A RAD 4 FT. DROP ON OUR LOCAL COURSE. THE STOCK EQUIP. WAS SHIM. ALIVO AND DIA-CMP. 737 BRAKES AND SINGUINO CRANK WAS NOT BAD BUT XT & ESP IS REALLY SMOOOOOOOTH.............. BEST FRAME DESIGN I HAVE SEEN. SOLID. WEIGHS IN AT 23 LBS. NOT BAD FOR FS. THIS ONE IS A KEEPER........
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marc hersh
a weekend warrior
from florida Date Reviewed: January 20, 1999
Bottom Line:
my first susp. bike. awesome................. spent two weeks going to 12 different bike shops in my area. tested em all. this one had the looks alum. frame and rear frame. dia-comp brakes the works. rides smoooooth. trail ride coming soon . i`ll keep you posted. old bike was a specialized hardrock fs. comp. chose this one over haro exo, ironhorse g-8, mongoose 6.7 and 8.1. giant came highly recommended. they do build the frames for 90% of the bike mfgs. they must be doing something right.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig Vuccola
a weekend warrior
from Central PA Date Reviewed: November 5, 1998
Bottom Line:
As good an entry-level, full suspension bike as you can get for any money. Tooling over railroad ties or jumping off or over rails/curbs/logs, etc., this bike is easy to handle at any speed. Shifts smooth no matter the bumps it's taking. Cons?: A RockShox Super Deluxe,(with damping) would be nice. It will pogo stick when really pumped off the seat. Grips kinda suck. But hey, it's entry level! 650 bucks retail! This adult finds it a winner.
Overall Rating:
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