Price Paid:  $550.00 at Private

Favorite Ride:
Commuter

Summary:
I started commuting to work and needed a road bike rather than my hybrid. I commute 20 miles one way and bought an OCR2. It is a fast bike with great shifting. I run in the hihest gears because I have to get to work - 50 minutes! It is fun passing the "dressed up" cyclists. I wear a bathing suit, reflective vest and old tennis shoes.

Strengths:
Rack compatible, fast and smooth shifting.

Weaknesses:
Not fender compatible and tires are poor. I have had many flats until I put the armadillo's on.

Similar Products Used:
CAAD 9, Synapse 3

Price Paid:  $850.00 at JT's Bike Shop

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere New

Bike Setup:
Stock for the moment

Summary:
Absolutely love this bike. I was between the LeMond Estage and the Trek but finally settled with the OCR2. This bike is dream on wheels for a beginner. It is a touch hevy and the saddle blows balls but that is easily fixed.

I have only had the bike for a couple rides but so far no problems to speak of. Real smooth ride and easy to use. Sounds stupid that a bike is easy to use but for beginner it makes a difference.

I highly recommend this bike to all beginners.

Strengths:
Great bike to start with.

Weaknesses:
It is a beginner bike and the saddle sucks among other stock parts. With a little upgrading the bike should be perfect.

Similar Products Used:
Never really had a road bike, just mountain.

Price Paid:  $720.00 at Village Bike Shop

Favorite Ride:
Giant ocr2

Summary:
My wife and I were looking to make the switch into road bikes and wanted to buy two so we bought two OCR2s.
During riding season (we live in Michigan) we ride 100 +/- a week. These bikes have been great for us! The only thing we changed out so far is the seats. Next we'll put new tires on them (thinner racing tires).

Strengths:
Great bike for the price! Even though its considered a "entry level" road bike we spend most our time passing the "die hard" racing bikes.

Weaknesses:
the seat was very uncomfortable on rides over 1 1/2 hours.

Similar Products Used:
Jamis Satellite, Schwinn Fastback, Diamond Back

Price Paid:  $800.00 at Bicycle Warehouse, S

Favorite Ride:
Giant OCR2

Bike Setup:
Shimano 105/Ultegra mix.

Summary:
This is a great bike. Sprints and reacts quick! I have been racing on this bike for two years now, and I pass people on much more expensive rides all the time.

Strengths:
Stiff bottom bracket. Relatively light. Good response, and great value.

Weaknesses:
The breaks are bad, but if you upgrade to some durace pads for $20, it will totally solve the problem. I also upgraded the tires to some Michelin race tires.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Trek.

Price Paid:  $800.00 at Bike N Hike

Favorite Ride:
Giant OCR 2

Summary:
What a great bike! This bike has great balance, speed, rigidity but flexibility and excellent responsivness. Very good components for the money and what a deal it was. You will not find a better bike for the money, I tried. I looked for 6 months before I bought and nothing comes close.

Strengths:
Great composition and geometry, excellent value, very good components, easy to upgrade, looks good and is made very well.

Weaknesses:
Brakes are kind of squishy, just upgrade to some good Shimano pads.