Giant OCR 1 2003 Road Bike Reviews

Price Paid:  $200.00 at friend

Favorite Ride:
giant ocr 1 2003

Summary:
super lite, quick well built ideal as its 8 yrs old

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Natchez Trace

Bike Setup:
105 components, Easton Carbon Seatpost, Rolf Prima Vigor wheels, Shimano SPD pedals

Summary:
Well, I am about to sell my '03 Giant OCR1 to some lucky person. It has served me well for 5 faithful years. I am upgrading to a Cannondale CAAD9 1 Optimo. But before I sell it, I could not help but write a final review in this bike's honor. This bike has been awesome! I put around 6,000 miles on it and it has served me well. Yes, the wheels are a bit heavy but it a solid ride. I put Prima Vigor wheels on it which fixed the heavy wheel problem. I've never replaced anything on the bike (besides the wheels and upgraded to carbon seatpost). The chain and most all parts are stock. I had it serviced every season and it has been like a Timex - it has never failed me. I would recommend this bike to any beginning rider or even to an intermediate rider (with a few upgrades - this is a great bike). I recently bought my husband a Trek 1000 and I'm a bit disappointed with the quality of the bike. Giant gives you some much more for the money. For people shopping bikes right now, I've ridden the new Giant Avail - it's a great ride as well - still has all 105 components.

Strengths:
Solid, Stable, Reliable, and Fast. High Quality components for the money. Giant does not stinge on the drivetrain. Bike also came with stock SPD pedals.

Weaknesses:
A tad heavier than other road bikes in it's class but an upgrade of wheels and seatpost can easily remedy this.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 1000, Cannondale CAAD9 1 Optimo, Giant Avail

Price Paid:  $825.00 at Newbury Park Bicycle

Favorite Ride:
Ventura to Ojai and beyond

Summary:
Like many others, I am a veteran of 12 years of mountain biking. I grew tired of being dropped badly on my occasional road ride by road bikes, so I decided to try a road bike. I went to my LBS expecting to end up with another Cannondale (I own 3 Cannondale mtb's). I didn't want to spend too much, because I wasn't sure how much road riding I'd be doing. Well, now I truly prefer the road. Luckily the salesman had me try the OCR 1 (2003 model) and explained the advantages of the compact design (relaxed geometry/upright seating position). I immediately felt comfortable, moreso than on anything else I'd tried. Also, the bike seemed to ride better than the others.
The full Shimano 105 group was far better than what was fitted to the low end Cannondales as well. Since the bike was left over from 2003 I got a pretty good deal. Long story short... I love the bike, and I've become a true roadie. Of course I crave a higher end bike whose name ends in a vowel, but honestly, the Giant is a super solid ride. The addition of Michelin pro race tires on front and Michelin Carbon rear helped the responsiveness. I hated the stock seat, though it was attractive. I replaced it with a WTB Laser V pro gel. This really improved my comfort level and I'm up to 55 mile rides. I also added Specialized Gel Phat bar tape system, which ended my hand pain immediately and extended my range. I believe that with the possible exception of some of the Supergo Scattante models, this is the most bike for the money. Plus, it's really raised my fitness level.

Strengths:
I'm 6'1" and weigh 230 lbs. Strength is important and this bike is strong. It rides surprisingly smoothly. the Shimano 105 group works at least as well as the XTR and XT components on my MTB. Lots of miles, little maintenance. Smooth ride. Quality everywhere.

Weaknesses:
A bit on the heavy side, but that's probably why it feels so indestructable. The Mavic wheels could be lighter. the stock seat sucks as do the Michelin Dynamic tires. I suspect that there are better climbing bikes out there, but with the wide range gearing, it's no big deal. Oh yeah, I've had repeated problems with the steering head bearings loosening up. And the seatpost that came with the bike slipped. Apparently the bike shop assembled it wrong. My shop gave me a much higher quality seatpost for free on warranty.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale R 400-600- and 2000. Specialized road bikes, and ritchey models.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
It is standard OCR1 2003 setup - nothing less (except the tires) nothing more.

Summary:
Well, what should I say - I have started Road Riding after powerlifting (beeing 95 kg) and int he meantime dropped to 82. The frame holds quite well. So taking into account my body weight it is of decent quality.
However, there is a problem with the sattle, and wheels and obiously with tires . The first two I will change very soon. The tires one have to change right away, if you want to enjoy the riding

Strengths:
Frame and the overall quality

Weaknesses:
Tires, wheels and sattle

Similar Products Used:
It is my first road bike

Price Paid:  $1431.00 at Primera, Bournemouth

Favorite Ride:
Giant OCR 1T

Bike Setup:
Stock with Shimano SL Ultegra pedals.

Summary:
To do the price on the review I had to convert from pounds to dollars, so when looking at the price, bear in mind the current exchange rate.
Overall a good bike - was impressed by the good price and aero fork and downtube. Also, was looking for a bike with a good price and with Shimano 105 - couldn't stand anything less. I didn't pay the retail price - I thought that the MSRP was a bit much for that bike - I also had a budget! The colour scheme was also okay. It seems they comprimised with the wheels, bars, frame, seatpost etc, so that they could give it 105 with the same MSRP. The frame material seems not to change right across the range which isn't that great. Overall though, it's a good bike to start competitive racing on - good spec generally, and a reasonable price. I'm going to change the bars, saddle, and when the budget allows, the wheels, but none of these except the saddle are immediately necessary. The saddle gave a horrendous ride - it's too soft, yet incredibly uncomfortable - saddles are personal, but this has to get the biscuit for the worst stock saddle.

Strengths:
-aero downtube
-carbon aero fork
-price
-groupset

Weaknesses:
-The ITM Super 330 bars snapped while I was riding - for no reason! Also they're not the highest quality.
-Squeeky headset
-Poor wheels
-Poor saddle

Similar Products Used:
None