Bicycle Mechanics - Frame ID and Derailers?

Hi all,
A tenant moved out of one of our apartments some time ago, and among the usual assortment of discards, was this bike (http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/9403/bikevq8.jpg).
Its not currently ridable, as it's missing a rear derailer (http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/6905/bikecloseupvx8.jpg), and like its paint, the front derailer appears somewhat cheezy to be original.
It has a Giant emblem on the head tube, but I couldn't find anything with this frame, listed on the site going all the way back to 2001.
If anyone knows what kind, or model bike this is, considering I may be looking at a new drive train, would it be a worthwhile candidate to invest any money on?

I'd like to get back into riding again, but my other bike is an age old dinosaur, and arguably heavier.

Thanks for any information on this.

Looks kinda low end mtb to me. Giant makes a whole range of bikes from big box stores to pro level. You can use pretty much any lower-end mtb rear derailer with a long cage, maybe something like Shimano Alivio or Acera. They are a pretty "dumb" part in that they just do what the shifter tells them too. Shouldn't take too much to get it rideable. Enjoy your freebie score!

I was going to suggest finding another donor bike to salvage a rear derailleur but, on second thought, I think that this might have been the donor bike for some other project.

You can't lose any money on this bike until you start to fix it.

I'm not sure of the year, but that's a Giant Warp...also nicknamed a "Warpendale" due to the fact that it's a near direct copy of an older Cannondale design.

The Warp is a low end rig, usually specced with the lowest quality parts possible to fit full suspension into a certain price point. The shocks are cheap knockoffs and have little to no damping ability other than friction. The end result is a heavy pig of a bike that rides like a bucking bronco and makes one wonder why they'd design a full suspension bike for flat ground.

If the Warp is lighter than you dinosaur, fix it up and ride it.

Get a Shimano Deore rear der. at Nashbar for ~$20.

I'm not sure of the year, but that's a Giant Warp...also nicknamed a "Warpendale" due to the fact that it's a near direct copy of an older Cannondale design.

The Warp is a low end rig, usually specced with the lowest quality parts possible to fit full suspension into a certain price point. The shocks are cheap knockoffs and have little to no damping ability other than friction. The end result is a heavy pig of a bike that rides like a bucking bronco and makes one wonder why they'd design a full suspension bike for flat ground.

If the Warp is lighter than you dinosaur, fix it up and ride it.

Hmmm, a heavy pig that bucks like a bronco, vs a heavy dinosaur that lumbers like a brick, I'd have to say is a push, but considering a resemblance to a Cannondale, even an older one, at least is a bump in aesthetics, therefore, "advantage Warpendale".

I appreciate all the helpful input! This appears to be an outstanding forum, that I'm certain will be a great help in my return to the sport. A special thanks to tellyho for the tip, as I ordered the derailer today, and hope to have this bike on a trail by next week.
Was considering a front derailer as well, wasn't sure which one best suited this setup.
I'll find out soon enough whether the current one will suffice. ;)

Well, the deraileur (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=600083&subcategory=60001039&brand=&sku=20855&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Su)arrived, and unfortunately it doesn't work with this frame.
Can anyone ascertain the proper derailer for this bike?

If its any easier, I'll buy a matched set, to avoid any compatibility issues, in case I need a front one as well. I measured the diameter of the (seat) tube at 1 1/8", a front one would need to clamp around.

I just wanna ride this thing , which is now collecting dust on MY porch.

Thanks.

take a high res, close-up shot of the rear hanger so we can see what the fitting looks like please?

Thats a Magna I got one out of the river.....best place for them

Toys R Us sells them in the UK

You can get a Claw a part to fit on the top bolt of the mech.
They come in the low end Shimano mechs like Tourney.
Scrounge one from a bike shop they might have spare claws as there not needed on some bikes.

Oh geezes,

It would be an injustice to all the existing merchandise currently housed in the LA river basin, and besides, given its significant weight, would probably serve better use as a boat anchor.

Many thanks for the heads up alecw35, and my appreciation to GlassWolf for extending the help, but it looks like a deraileur won't be necessary...

just a longer chain. :o

if ya get it workin and looking normal, you could sell it to some kid getting into cycling. sell it cheap and you'll make some lunch money and he'll think he got a steal.
:)

if ya get it workin and looking normal, you could sell it to some kid getting into cycling. sell it cheap and you'll make some lunch money and he'll think he got a steal.
:)


That could be tough on the conscience.

Some kid riding this around may eventually be in for some harsh ridicule, when some perceptive young bloke happens to point out in front of peers, the bike is actually a 95% chunk of steel magma (http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/9238/51n6rwb5calss400sx3.jpg).

Frame: Steel frame
Handlebar: Steel, MTB-29
Stem: Steel, MTB Type, Ext 110mm
Hubs: Steel, 14G x 36H
Kickstand: Steel
Brake: Front and rear steel cantilever brakes and alloy levers
Crank and Sprocket: Steel, three-piece crank
Seatpost: Steel with alloy quick release

I'll have my lunch money, and he'll likely get beat up for his.

eh I was thinking some "ride it to school and who cares if it gets destroyed" sort of deal.
something he knows is of little value to begin with.

i like cheap bikes

the Magna I got from the river is a 24" wheel one so is different with a 1 peice crank

my 26" wheel bike I was given by a bike shop.
Its different from your bike a bit
I liked the green wheels.
Sold it to a local kid
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c296/Alecw35/chameleon.jpg