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Submitted by
Cameron Conquer
a
from Toronto Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Trent University :D | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | IT WILL TAKE A WHOLE LOT OF $**T. I'm a ammy mountain biker, and I have done a whole hell of a lot of stupid things on this bike... and crashed a lot too. It just takes the crap and keeps going. | | Weaknesses: | I bought this bike from someone up in the Thunderbay area, and he upgraded all of the week points. It was used though, so I had to repair and replace a couple parts. | | Similar Products Used: | none. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awsome. It isn't the best bike I've ever riden on, but for sure it isn't the worse. Its great for free ridn', drops, jumps, etc. It is a perfect bike for someone who wants to get into the sport of mountain biking. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
e dawg armdile
a Downhiller
from kingstion, ontario, canada
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | fort henry | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | b and d cycle | | Strengths: | it is sweet dizle.great suspension, liht frame . andybody who wants a great bike for a great price should definetly buy this bike. Warp ds2. peace out | | Weaknesses: | gears are bad!!!
| | Similar Products Used: | a bi pink and yellow bike from super cycle LAWLZ | | Bike Setup: | tir frime tire (>')> KIRBY!!!
| | Bottom Line: | frackin awesome. the best bike evahhhh | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bahamut
a Weekend Warrior
from new york
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | patriots, hartshorne, mahlon | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | Ridonkulous frame...great for tossing the stock components and upgrading (keep the tires tho...they rock!). After beating up, breaking, snapping, and/or bending the components for 2+ years, theres only ever been a few scratches on the frame itself. | | Weaknesses: | Components are ok (tho I'm partial to the numbers actually being shown on the shifters). Toss the Judy ASAP. IT IS CRAP. And like the post below said, whats up with the seatpost? 30.8, wtf. | | Bike Setup: | Black Elite, Bontrager saddle, M545 clipless, Avid mech discs, ODI grips, XT disc w/Rhyno Lites, stock everything else. | | Bottom Line: | Buy it for the frame, its bulletproof. No really, I used it for target practice. (jk) Excellent beginners bike for a really good price. Definitely worthy of upgrading (because some of the stock components are pretty dodgy). I'm finally writing this review because I'll probably be upgrading to a new bike next season...but the bottom line is that the Warps been a damn good ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Downhiller
from Vermont
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Rock Garden | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | Very smooth ride. Giant HV Rear Coil shock exceeds all expectations! Excellent frame with great upgradability, except for ridiculous 30.8 seatpost diam. (show me an aftermarket seatpost in that diameter, i dare u) Very low maintenance full suspension design, minimal pedal bob with proper technique/tuning, Integrated headset made me jittery at first, but after using for 1 year, no problems and very very clean! Oh yeah, cool Orange color too. | | Weaknesses: | Rims have to be trued every ride unless you stick to the pavement. Seatpost diameter seems to be unique to this frame??? Tektro linear brakes lead you to believe you can stop the bike, but good luck if you go downhill for more than a few vertical feet! RS Judy xc air is a poor excuse for a fork. I've done many unplanned otb maneuvers thanx to this piece of incredibly shoddy engineering. | | Similar Products Used: | Iron Horse SGS, Specialized FSR, Jamis Dakar, K2 5500, Proflex Beast! | | Bike Setup: | xtdisc/rhynolite w/Tioga black turtle(2.2) rear, Motoraptor (2.4) front tires, Avid 7" mechanical disc brakes w/full metal jacket cables (no friction, fer real!!!!), 2" Profile Riserbar, Koski 4bolt stem, stock drivetrain/shifters (works ok, upgrading to XT/LX) | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a SWEET buy for the $$$. Easy to upgrade (except for the seatpost.) Comes with pretty crappy parts overall, but well worth it for the frame alone, especially if you are new to mtb. The rear linkage is a single pivot and has absolutely NO side-flex! Very reliable, smooth ride, and begs for more speed on almost any trail. Some people think I'm crazy for regularly riding up 4000 vertical ft on this bike (chairlifts are for wimps), cuz it's definitely not the lightest full suspension out there, but from what I can tell so far Weight = big muscles and reliability. You will want to upgrade the fork and wheelset (unless you have a spoke wrench fetish) almost immediately, but the rest of the parts will work for at least a year under heavy stress. Add upgrades and it only gets better: my friends with their Iron Horses, and Konas, and Specailizeds are starting to ask me to switch bikes for a day... | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Apple Valley, MN
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | The Gladiator | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$425.00 | | Purchased At: | Valley Bike and Ski | | Strengths: | Solid, Light weight, Good Suspension travel | | Weaknesses: | Seat, Water bottle placement | | Similar Products Used: | 1995 Giant F/S Touring, 1998 Stump Jumper, 2002 Rock hopper hardtail, 2000 Trek | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the Serfas RX seat and Cat Eye velo 2 Computer. | | Bottom Line: | I was going on a trip to Glacier National Park and needed a good all around bike. I got an unbelieveable deal on it and am very happy with my purchase so far. Most of my friends are jealous and they have decent bikes. I am not sure about the other peoples problems with it? Jumping it of a 2 story building and expecting not to break, Come on!! Anyways If you are looking for a great overall bike and have a chance to ride this one I am sure you will like it to!! I dare you to find a better F/S bike with the same quality for the price. Thnaks for making a great bike Giant!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Mechanicsville, VA
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Tsali in NC | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$480.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike shop | | Strengths: | The frame is unstoppable. I am 230lbs and I like to ride hard and drop 3-5 feet and aside from the fork popping a gasket (I put my old X-vert and have had no problems) the frame is great. No lateral flex at all. If you are haveing lateral flex (side to side) take it back to where you got it and get the frame replaced. Also the tires are great for everything I like and terrible for the long level rides which I hate. | | Weaknesses: | The Judy air fork, the shifters, and the Tektro V-brakes. The stem and cranks are strong but very heavy. I replaced the brakes with my old diacomp parallel push V's (Knock off of XT or XTR) and now it stops on a dime. If you are going to drop get rid of the fork. | | Similar Products Used: | SC heckler, and GT I-drive. Both very nice but cost 3 times as much and not that much more fun. I have a friend with a new Spider VPP and it is great and he kills me up the hills but I still kick his A** on the way down. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock just the addition of a 2000 X-vert fork, Dia Comp Parrallel push brakes, XT shifter/lever set, and Scott clipless pedels. For long level rides (which I Hate and my wife loves) I swap out the tires for WTB semislicks. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike to abuse it takes a beating and with the exception of the fork (can you tell I hate the fork? It really hurts when your shock blows on landing off a 5 foot drop) I have beat the hell out of this bike and it has kept me going. I have had a few pinch flats and the tubes that came with the bike were 1.95 tubes which is strange since it came with 2.4 tires. The dealer replaced the tubes when I brought it to their attention since they know what kind of rider I am. I say if you are a hucker on a budget, just have better things to do with your money, or you are like me and your wife would kill you for buying a $3000 bike, this is the bike for you. Do not buy this bike if you are a weight weenie and want a cross country racer because if you do you will be laughed at. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Toby
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Dirt Good 'nuff | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$670.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Frame and Value. | | Weaknesses: | The component set on this bike is what you'd expect for the price. | | Bike Setup: | I replace the whole drivetrain with LX 9 speed components. I also replaced the brakes with LX V Brakes. | | Bottom Line: | I like this bike. I had a great year with all the stock components. But this past winter I took this thing apart and upgraded nearly everything. With the new LX components this bike rocks. The stock crankset is HEAVY, DAMN HEAVY. This bike felt twice as light once i replaced it. The stock brakes kinda scared me when I really got moving but the new LX stops it cold. But i gotta say this bike never let me down last year. Nothing broke, it stode up to what I threw at it. So, i would recommend this bike to people getting into riding and as you get the cash upgrade the components, you won't be disappointed! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Ram
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque, NM USA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Alququerqur Foolhills | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike City | | Strengths: | The stock tires are fat 2.4 which makes sand easier to ride. Shimmano Deore rear derailer works excellent. The bike is very nimble and easy to manuver through technical areas. | | Weaknesses: | Broke 8th gear on the cassett, brakes could be stronger but work alright. Rear derailler chatters a lot over jumps or rockie areas. Rear suspension sags a lot when pedaling. | | Similar Products Used: | Old Specialized Rockhopper hard nose and tail... fun | | Bike Setup: | stock except Shimmano spd clip-on pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is worth the low price tag and will enable you to keep with more expensive set-ups but, for a little more money you can bur an NRS which is supperior. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Privately | | Strengths: | Fun, cheap, good interim bike while I work out what to get next. | | Weaknesses: | None so far, perhaps the weight and rear suspension bob, but all this means is that I will get fitter due to the extra weight and will need to focus on correct pedalling technique to minimise bob. | | Similar Products Used: | FSR, Kona Sex One, Scott Team Issue, Super V 900, Giant NRS-2, various others . . . | | Bike Setup: | Magura Discs, Judy SL fork, XT componentry, risers etc... | | Bottom Line: | I picked this bike up as a frame, headset, seatpost/clamp, and front derailleur for $100 aussie, around $50US, so didn't expect too much from it. Took it out for a total thrashing last night and it stood up to it beautifully, especially considering I weight around 240lb. Sure, it is a little heavy and bouncy, but it ripped down some wicked hills, down steps, and took 2 - 3 foot drop off's with ease. I'll post again once I have had it for longer - A cheap bike is excellent for testing because you don't really care what happens to it!!
Oh, and the frame flex that somebody else mentioned below - HUH? The frame didn't flex at all for me, and I weigh a fair bit!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brad
a
from burbank, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Debell (stough), Burbank Ca. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$560.00 | | Purchased At: | IMartin Imports, Los Angeles | | Strengths: | Strong. Sfifts well. Nice full suspension design, multi-adjustable suspension. some good components. Upgradable. | | Weaknesses: | cheap shifters(cut my finger) Cheap grips slipped the first ride. | | Similar Products Used: | 1997 cannondale super V., raliegh M80 | | Bike Setup: | MTB Grips, Cannondale mini bar ends | | Bottom Line: | Very happy with the bike. I like to ride cross country and take some jumps, drops and down hills and the bike eats it all up. I wiegh 170 and the suspension feels pretty good. excellent entry into full suspension and with some upgrades over time will become pretty good bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr Ripper
a Weekend Warrior
from Palm Springs Fl. USA
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle World | | Strengths: | Price of bike | | Weaknesses: | Has big time frame flex around the seatpost area,heavy,chainstay slap,hard to tune the gears.Hard to put on car rack ,do to odd frame design. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | All OEM but new riser handlebar and WTB seat,PanaracerXC Pro tires. | | Bottom Line: | The main problem with this bike is the frame flex.You can push on side of the seat and move the frame a inch either way, with just light force.I see Giant has a all new frame on 03 DS2.This might fix this frame problem. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George Biddlecombe
a Weekend Warrior
from Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Santa Ana River Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$540.00 | | Purchased At: | Carson Cycles, Carson CA | | Strengths: | Looks, adjustability, balance and strength. | | Weaknesses: | Pringled the rear wheel on my 6th weekend ride on it. Factory spring was 600lbs rated... too light. Had to upgrade. | | Similar Products Used: | none. first real mtn bike | | Bike Setup: | Factory except for 850lb rated rear spring. took care of most of the bob. Oh and the custom pringle shaped rear wheel. Picking up shimano deore / sun rhynolite disk compatable wheelset tomorrow. | | Bottom Line: | I first rode the DS3 at the bottom of a trail ride I had just given up on... the guy riding it had passed me on his way down with the following advice, as I was pushing my 10 year old steel framed P.O.S. up. "It doesnt have a leash, ride it". I liked it right away and was amazed at the value. I have since learned that the judy forks must be run at their max 50psi (for my fat a--) and heard something about heavier oil. I will most likely replace this bike with something lighter in the future but for now I'm enjoying getting into the sport, and exploring my personal limits. "Ride hard, Take Chances" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Gaines
a
from Louisville, KY USA
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Cherokee park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Highland Psycho | | Strengths: | This is an addendum to my previous review. Before this week, I considered the strength of this bike to be in the frame. It was thought to be bomb proof. Well I broke the damn thing the other day. It cracked at the swing arm, broke in half. However, the frame is also week, which I can tell by the paint chips. | | Weaknesses: | Not as strong a frame as I thought. | | Similar Products Used: | Not much like it, in a heavy-duty entry-level full suspension. | | Bottom Line: | Good value for the money. Giant has been nice about the warranty. I believe they will offer a new frame, which they should because it is warranted for 5 years. I will find out soon. Either way, I got my money's worth out of it, since I have riden it for almost 3 years now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wes Burdulis
a Weekend Warrior
from North Bend, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Home-made trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Path | | Strengths: | Duribility,warrenty,adaptible to many parts,price$$ | | Weaknesses: | lack of back travel,not good for hard riding | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | hayes mechanical disks,super T's,red frame, 3 inch tires, 24 speeds, | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that my DS 2 has been great and I recomend it to someone who who wants to have a great time mountin biking some intermediate terain. I do not recomend this bike to a hardcore rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff B.
a Weekend Warrior
from Gilbert, AZ. USA
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hawes Trail (Red Mountain) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Source | | Strengths: | The Judy Rock Shox are good as well as the the Deore components are every bit as good as your XT. It shifts smoothly and on the fly. The tires totally KICK ASS. | | Weaknesses: | The seat Sucks!! Too hard! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale/Specialized/Trek | | Bottom Line: | This bike has avery strong frame, good shifting and is worthy of any downhill based upon strength that you can throw at it. The shifters could be upgraded beyond the standard Alivio (Shimano) but they shift just fine. If you are extreme, then there is some component upgrade potential. For those of you complaining about the weight...Get over it! Didn't you lift up the bike when you bought it or did you just figure out that your legs aren't capable of supporting the extra 7lbs that you get from the cannondale. For the price.... This is a GREAT buy! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Lambie
a Downhiller
from Ashford, Kent, UK
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | North Downs | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Trev's Cycles | | Strengths: | The frame is very good for the money! | | Weaknesses: | I purchased this bike with the intention of putting all my jump bike parts onto it. So I'd have to say that pretty much all the components that come with at as stock (not the frame), are a bit pants, and wont survive any extreme riding (especially not the front fork!!!) | | Similar Products Used: | Sunn D/H bike, Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock frame and rear suspension unit, seatpost, b/bracket, headset. Tioga DH Stem and Bar. Rockshox Judy SL 2002 forks (100mm travel), FSA Cranks with 44t ring, chain device, Deore discs front and rear, Tioga saddle, Gripshift ESP 7.0 8sp set-up, Mavic D521 CD's on Deore hubs, Tioga Factory tyres. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent frame for the money. Have popped it down a few dual slalom courses, and had a very cushy ride! Prolly needs a longer travel fork at the front (poss Jr.T's). Very good frame to build up a race bike on a budget! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Gaines
a Weekend Warrior
from Louisville, KY USA
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Cherokee to Wilderness loop | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Highland Psycho | | Strengths: | Although this is an entry level bike, I have found it's full suspension to be well designed. The frame fits me well, and it's strength will allow the frame to last several years.
| | Weaknesses: | The components supplied lasted through the breaking in period, but now that I am riding harder, more often and better I have begun to upgrade. I added a new fork, the Rock Shox Duke, SL and a new crankset, Shimano Deore XL. I have added new Specialized dirt climbing tires and I will add new wheel set as needed. | | Bottom Line: | I would recomend this bike to those looking to get into the sport. The full suspension design offers a quality bike, while the components make it affordable. Also, if you uprade as your skills develop, you can build a nice bike. Based on the value to price ratio, I give this bike a 4 star! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JImmy Ross
a Cross Country Rider
from London, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Thames Valley | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Strengths: | I have just begun riding some really narrow paths and this bike been ideal. It has taken some hard hits (tree trunks, rocks, BAILS!!) and has scored perfect marks as far as being ready to go when i am. I love the full suspension, it has taken a lot of shock from my wrists and lower back. I have been especially happy about how the full suspension handls the many roots and logs on my trails, it make for a real challenging and rewarding ride every time. | | Weaknesses: | The factory chain busted practically the first time i leaned into this sucker! It is a bit heavy when popping logs and roots. | | Bike Setup: | factory at the moment. | | Bottom Line: | I wanted to get going through the trails and lead myself into some rugged riding. I feel i couldn't have made a better buy for the money. I would suggest the bike for beginners aswell as most people here have, and i think i will hold on to it for sentimental reasons aswell. SUCKA | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jay c
a
from brampton
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | horseshoe dwnhill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclepath | | Strengths: | FRAME is bullet proof!,good all around full suspension bike. | | Weaknesses: | this bike is a bit heavy. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a awsome for the price!, Even though the suspention isnt the best but it still can handle the 5 foot drops I throw at it!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew B
a Cross Country Rider
from Ojai, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Gridley | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$625.00 | | Purchased At: | Ray's Bikes | | Strengths: | The price is one of the few strengths of this bike. This is a good bike for a beginner. I've used it for a year. It is heavy and there is a lot of side flex in the rear (not good). | | Weaknesses: | The crankset worked poorly and I had to replace it with an xt set which shifts much more smoothly. The Judy that this bike came with was the lowest judy in the line and I upgraded to a plusher 100 mm manitou. This bike is heavy, it doesn't corner very well. It has acually been a good beginner bike for me, but if you are serious about the sport spend the bucks for a better bike. I just rode and then ordered an intense tracer which is an incredible bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense tracer, trek fuel, santa cruz superlight | | Bike Setup: | xt crankset, manitou x vert, panaracer fire xc | | Bottom Line: | This is a decent beginner bike, but if you're a serious rider spend the $ and get a better bike. It's heavy, clunky and has a fairly cheap part spec. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan Hornby
a Racer
from Milton Keynes
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | brickhill woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | bonthronebikes | | Strengths: | Great frame that can adapt to anything | | Weaknesses: | front fork. It would be nice to have a triple clamp/double crown model, would be willing to pay extra. The v-brake on the rear means that as soon as you buckle the wheel it hinders your braking. | | Similar Products Used: | sarecen havok (no where near as good) | | Bike Setup: | 4 inch rear, 4 inch front, 24 gear, in the wine red/silver finnished. I have only added a new stem, and am planning to buy new forks. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, value for money. Shame about the buckle on the rear wheel | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jas
a Weekend Warrior
from London, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | EVERYWHERE | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | To Wheels | | Strengths: | Frame is near bullet proof like it's bigger brother the AC1, 2, 3, lite, and air
the HV shock hasn't bottomed out yet and I weigh in at 200 pounds standing at 6 foot 3..
Compnents are Deare and Alivio, they shift, they stop the wheels, what more could you ask for?!...they do the same job as the over-priced LX, XT and XTR junk | | Weaknesses: | the biggest weakness is in the fork...drop the stock 5wt oil and gor for 10, up the psi to 25-30 and it should work out...haven't tested that out yet since I would rather ride and beat the fork silly...I am on warranty still...hahaha
but another weakness in the fork is that there is no rebound adjustment...the Judy SL does tho...GIANT! Why not put an SL on the DS2?! watch, they'll put a Judy SL on it next year!....Bottom bracket isn't a Race Face...but good news! you can put one in!......that's no prob | | Similar Products Used: | The Warp rides so similarly to my buddy's 2001 AC2...only the fork bottoms out right now... | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock except for a THE fender (doesn't do much to performance other than cool looks) and AXIOM 2 inch rise freeride bars...soon to sprot race face jewels...oh and it's the 20.5 inch frame...the large...it's pretty huge... | | Bottom Line: | Giant has it going on...They know how to make a good bike..With Giant, you get more bike for your buck in that they cut the price of the DS2 by sporting it with Deore and Alivio shifters, and Deore brakes...these are definately not bad at all...they basically look a little different than XT's, LX's and XTR's and cost less...the cranck isn't any of the XT, LX or XTR commercial junk either...just straight strong enough for starting Shimanos...The frame is virtually indestructable, the shock, although a Giant in house component, is pretty good...and here's a tip...I was cleaning the shock and figured out that the rebound adjuster not only adjusts the rebound...it also adjusts ....THE COMPRESSION!!...at least my HV does...
The fork is the only thing that could have been traded for something else...like the JUDY SL...but meh...I'm gonna get a Marzocchi next year...so I couldn't care less...
All in all, this bike is not really an Entry Level bike...it's only called "entry level" for it's lower shelf Deore/Alivio parts (not xtr...whoopie doo...it still shifts for pete's sakes), the lack of disc brakes, and lower end suspension....but to any performance biker head who loves working and tweaking their bikes (like me) this bike is the best platform to build a wicked sick bike...And don't be fooled by the weight of 32 pounds...all those weight junkies will only get weaker and weaker by riding ultra light 23 pounders...I am proud to ride a heavy TOUGH bike!!
KEEP CRANKING! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Blue Mountains anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Value for money, handles and rides fairly well for an entry level full suspension bike. | | Weaknesses: | Rear suspension (bob), factory/default upright seating position. | | Similar Products Used: | First full susp bike apart from my old rigid Raleigh.
My new bike is a Giant XTC NRS2. | | Bike Setup: | JudyXC 100mm setting, Avid Mechanical disc brakes, XT hubs, Rhyno Lite rims, Shimano 545 pedals, Hutchinson Alligator gold tires | | Bottom Line: | After much research I bought this bike based on its value for money, and bought it as my first decent bike to really get into MTB'ing. Its a good bike to get you started, its good value for money. Only downside is the bob on climbs, but you get this with the rear suspension design so its unavoidable.
The bottom line - save up the extra $$$ and buy the Warp DS1 with disc brakes and better componentry. Keep in mind the Warp is really an entry level bike (classed recreational), so its not designed to be World Cup XC or Downhill champion, ride it as its designed and you'll enjoy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stan
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, Tx. U.S.A
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | Walnut creek, G-Belt, Balora | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | T&C | | Strengths: | tough, upgradeable, adjustable rear, handles nice. minimal bob on the climbs...if adjusted right. and the price.
| | Weaknesses: | rear derailer...well pretty much the whole drive train. tune constantly. to move up to xt, you have to change it all... could use a lock out on the rear shock...little heavy | | Similar Products Used: | my first full susp. my hard tail is a Raleigh m80 | | Bike Setup: | stock. execpt all xt drive and shifters, race face bottem bracket, welgo pedels,and a few scratches! | | Bottom Line: | good starter bike...good price. Just got the x.t goodies on...let ya know soon how much beter she rides! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Reyes
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio,texas
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | McCallister park&Austin G.belt | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun&Ski Sports | | Strengths: | Adjustability,Upgradable,suspension options,tires,seat&headset. | | Weaknesses: | 8 speed,no clipless pedals,cranks. | | Similar Products Used: | khs st team,trek fuel,gt I-drive | | Bike Setup: | 2001 judy xc 100mm travel xfirm springs w/15wt oil,lxhubs on rhinolyte rims,xt fr&rr derailler,lx shifters&levers,xt bb,lx hollowtech cranks,time pedals,800 pd.coil spring(rear)xtr v-brakes(fr&rr) | | Bottom Line: | For the money I beleive this is a great deal.This is my first long travel(over 2 in.)suspension bike,and I am not really used to the way it bobs on climbs.I lowered the rear to 4 in. travel and have almost entirely eliminated that problem.I weigh a good 235lb. and am an x football player.My body fat % is at 17%,so Im really big and solid.A "clydesdale" to be exact,but this bike has no trouble with me.I like to bomb some pretty gnarly downhills with some 10-12 foot drops and Ive heard no complaints from her(my bike).I will update this reveiw on march 1,exactly 3 months from now.Until till then,remeber-RIDE HARD and take "calculated risks".Peace ,hapiness & trail! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from New Milford CT USA
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | Nepaug St. Forest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | Bomb-proof frame, GIANT Quality and Reputation,Looks Red/silver, upgradible, Great ride and handling | | Weaknesses: | Second color choice is halloweeny orange and black, | | Similar Products Used: | K2 Attack 3.0, Gary Fisher Joshua, | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden a Raleigh M80 for the past year. It's a great bike but can't compare with the ride of a full- suspension.
My wife and a close friend both ride older Warp DS2's and their bikes have held up to all kinds of abuse. I hung on to the hard-tail for as long as I could but am glad I made the change.
Giant puts out a great bike that won't put you near the $1,000.00 mark and offers great quality and performance. With 4" up front and 4/5" in the rear, there is not much you can't tackle. I wanted adjustability on the front end, Shimano trigger shifters, and didn't want or need disc brakes. The WARP DS2 is perfect for me. Check one out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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$ 700.00
