Updating my 2003 Giant Warp DS2 in 2021

I decided to give my completely stock 2003 Giant Warp DS2 a modern upgrade to fully air suspension with lockouts. Fork is RockShox Recon Silver TK and the shock is a DNM (AOY-36RC) from Amazon which works really well for a Chinese knock-off product (looks and works a lot like a Fox wink wink). Replaced pretty much everything that I touch or that moves :-) The end result is a super plush ride and FINALLY I can lock out the suspension and ride up hills! Far better than the original setup.
This video is not intended to impress mountain bike people - I just made it to show a couple of friends my progress on this project. I bought this bike in my 40's and I'm turning 60 this year and I decided to restore this bike and get back on the trails. It was sitting in the corner of the garage, dirty and forgotten, two flat tires. All original equipment so it was in vintage condition. :-) Then I realized a new MTB is $1500+ and thought, I bet I can just give that old bike a new life.
New: Seat and pedals from Giant, Kenda tires (26 x 2.10), Shimano Deore v-brakes, locking grips, aluminum bar ends, AHeadset, chain.

[@Jordan-wp8xi]

I have a DS3 that I bought in the year 2000 from Poison Spider Bicycles in Ottawa. I was 18 when I bought it, now I'm 40!!! OH God lol. At the time my Mom was like "Why are you spending 1000 dollars on a bicycle? (which I earned at McDonald's), You're never gonna ride that thing!". And every time she visits me I point it out to her and say "See Mom? See? I still have it! And it is why I am in such good shape and I am able to keep up with my toddler and be a great father. It gave me my health!!". I would have paid 10 000 dollars for it. DS3 FOR LIFE.

[@ArtFalcon]

Just started to bring my DS2 back to life...thanks for the inspiration!

[@nathanaeljspurg]

I just picked up one of these off FB market place for $20. I wanna upgrade this bad boy and ride.

[@re6_vlogz]

I just found one of these on Offer Up for 100$ stock in good condition about to pick it up in a few hours hope everything works out🤞

[@steved479]

I did the same thing a few years back, I still love my Warp! I've got the same fork, its been great; but, be sure to wipe down the stanchons whenever they get wet. Mine started rusting/putting almost immediately. How's that rear air shock? I almost put the same one on; but, the stock one has held up very well.

[@ryanwilber2255]

I have the same bike that is stock minus some new tires and grips. How much was it to upgrade just the suspension?

[@livingon2wheels]

The Rock Shox front fork was about $250 and the DNM shock was around $80. I'm very pleased with both!

[@jeremyboyle5695]

Dropper post?

[@ThunderRaya]

Hi! Any insights why your rear suspension is mounted on the 2nd slot instead of the 1st above?

[@jeremyboyle5695]

4 hole gives more upright angles to climb and steer better. 5 is more slack angles, better downhill. Or lets you balance suspension some for a little longer fork

[@Jordan-wp8xi]

Do you have a list of those parts or a link?

[@jacobvillanueva7885]

What kind of dropout do you have

[@jacobvillanueva7885]

RD Hanger

[@Vidgomd]

I threw my ds2 out last year, I dumped it in the trash and walked away, probably wouldn’t have ridden it anyway but I regret it

[@italktherapywithwordman3197]

Hey where did you get your upgrade parts ?

[@livingon2wheels]

Hey Dontae - sorry for the delayed response - mostly from Amazon!

[@cinelli07]

Anybody have a ds2 with 27.5 wheels

[@livingon2wheels]

Just replaced the cockpit and all the cables - it's pretty much done! Check out the finished product here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKezqYuqnbOekKc

[@juhundh527]

You should have just buy new bike, you still need new drivetrain if you want to make that trail worthy.