Giant Bicycle Inc. OCR 2

Price Paid:  $950.00 at Taylor's Bike Shop

Favorite Ride:
Alpine Loop or Utah Lake Loop

Summary:
Excellent starter bike. The frame is light compared to most cheap road bikes, and the carbon fork helps smooth the ride (a bit!). The gear ratios provide ample range for steep grades either up or downhill. The handling is great, even at high speeds. The Compact Road design makes this bike easier to fit in a car's trunk or van.

One weakness is in the brake pads--they tend to bite the rim if they get dirty at all, and start taking metal out of it. Getting them replaced is cheap, and there isn't much trouble after.

This bike is more conducive to an upright, non-racing body position---a tight tuck can be fatiguing. That said, I've raced this bike and passed and challenged racers with bikes over twice the price of mine, and it wasn't just me. It's great for long rides; I've done 5+ hour rides on this with only a few breaks. Overall: excellent value.

Strengths:
Value
Climbing
Weight
Handling

Weaknesses:
Brake Pads
Squeaky Headset or seat (if they get at all loose)

Similar Products Used:
2000 Lemond Tet de Course

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere

Bike Setup:
Apparently the Canadian version of the 08 OCR2 is better it has tiagra components instead of the sora, and it has a 105 derailleur in the back instead of the tiagra.

Summary:
The day after I got this bike I rode 100km. It was a vast improvement over my old bike. Climbs hills nicely.

Strengths:
Fast, light, good price, best components for the price on a bike.

Weaknesses:
Brakes, when taking off a tire, you have to deflate it, to pass the brakes.

Similar Products Used:
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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