Giant Bicycle Inc. OCR 2

Price Paid:  $850.00 at Taylors Bike Shop

Model Year:
2005

Bike Setup:
The bike is no longer stock has the following changes:
Dura Ace Shifters/Brakes
FSA K-WING Bar
FSA Stem
LOOK keo pedals
Maxxis Xenith Hors Categorie for racing
Maxxis Detonator for commuting / training
Planet Bike Hardcore Freddy Fenders
Toppeak Explorer MTX Rack
Dinotte 200lumen head lamp and 140 tail light

Summary:
This review is for a 2004 Giant OCR2. I purchased it new in 3/2004 from the LBS, tested a few other bikes an '03 Raleigh, 04 specialized allez, trek 1200. Of this group the OCR felt the best. The OCR felt more responsive in steering, braking, and accelerating. I have used this bike for many local centuries, hill climbs, fun runs with friends, pub crawls, commuting, amateur racing, and grocery getting.
One of the greatest things about the frame is it has bosses on the back of the triangle for a Rack, and fenders so it can be ridden in all types of weather.
Short of taking a hard spill and damaging the right side shifter the bike is a great value and a perfect introduction into the world of road biking. I would highly recommend this bike to anyone looking for there first road bike or to a person who is looking for a dedicated commuter, with the giant ocr series you can't go wrong!

Strengths:
105 Rear Derailleur
Rear bosses for attachment of rack/fenders
great entry level bike for commuting/touring
decent 'stock' brake pads
My bike when stock had brake levers on the bars (similar to cyclocross) nice feature when your coming from 11years of mountain riding

Weaknesses:
Saddle (selle royal viper) this was the most uncomfortable seat i have ever used - quickly upgraded to selle san marco.
Stock Michelin Tires - very prone to flats
Tiagra Shifters - after i took a hard spill the right side shifter wouldn't shift properly (no shift and ghost shift on accelerating)

Similar Products Used:
first road bike but demoed the above bikes before purchasing this one

Price Paid:  $999.00 at Spin City, Mooloolab

Favorite Ride:
Montville Hill

Bike Setup:
stock apart from tyres and a mavic aksium back wheel because I am 90kg and tear up back tyres and wheels.

Summary:
Have so far ridden 9000Kms on this 2008 ocr2 stock model I got from new. I think its a great bike for the money and would definatley recommend one. The ally frame seems stiff - the only flex seems to come from the wheels. Its stable and corners well downhill and at speed. I've been up to 85km/h on a smooth downhill road and the bike felt secure and safe with no vibration at all. On the other hand at 60km/h on a rough county road surface the bike vibrated so much I thought it was going to fall apart (but it didn't). But that is probably as much to do with the road surface as the frame. The combo carbon ally forks do a good job in reducing road vibration and you can see them twitching away over rough surfaces. Also there is a carbon seat post which must also go some way to take the harshness out of an ally frame. I actually found the stock saddle the most comfortable one I have had and get no numbness or chafing. I have had to have the shimano bottom bracket replaced every 4000kms but believe this is normal wear and tear? I will aslo need to replace the chain and cassette within the next 1000kms but again I think this is normal wear and tear. I have no problems with the triple chain ring - Sometimes I adjust it every 1000kms or so when the cable has stretched and it seems fairly straightforward. Although the 3rd ring won't get used much it is useful on big hill climbs when you want to stay seated and keep your cadence up, although now I am cycling fit I would go with 2 rings. There are even lugs on the back for my rack and pannier for commuting. Spoils the look a bit but I still overtake other people on "racing" road bikes. Even the brakes work well and progressivley.

Strengths:
Well specced for the money. Stiff frame. Has done a lot of kms on country roads. Comfortable ride and still fast.

Weaknesses:
Stock Alex rims. The back only lasted for about a 1000ks. I took it back to the shop so many times they got fed up with me and gave me a near new mavic Aksium which was a big improvement. Would have prefered a one tone paint job. The battleship grey makes it look a little dull.

Price Paid:  $800.00 at University Cyclery -

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Giant OCR2

Summary:
This is my first road bike and has been great overall. The triple setup has been really helpful with climbing on the hills around here in the Texas Hill Country. The compact frame also has provided great handling. I ended up on the OCR2 because it fit me so well after looking at a couple other bikes.

The main drawback of the bike has been the original tires: they suck. The roads around here are not that bad (though there are a lot of chip seal surfaces). I've had frequent problems with punctured tubes as they've worn and ended up getting new Vittoria Diamante Pro tires after putting about 2000 miles on the original Kendas. If you want more wear out of the original tires, I highly recommend getting a kevlar insert like a Mr. Tuffy if you don't like fixing flats on a regular basis.

I definitely recommend the bike as a starter bike if you're looking to start riding a road bike. I'll definitely consider another Giant for my next ride.

Strengths:
Compact Road frame fits & handles well
Triple set up helps with climbing

Weaknesses:
Tires

Price Paid:  $500.00 at friend

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
climbing

Summary:
Good entry level bike for the money,Its a nice starter

Strengths:
Seams to keep up with carbon friends,I like the smoothness of the road

Weaknesses:
there is a squeak in the stem or seat post but just started doing it i will find it. 3 rings is overkill for sure but i never use small one anyways

Similar Products Used:
Fuji discovery 3,Redline other bikes

Price Paid:  $250.00 at friend

Model Year:
2005

Summary:
Bought this bike in 2008 as a beginner ride. Works well to get the basics completed. aluminum frame and carbon forks with some 105 components. My bike had been down on one side and still rode just fine.

Strengths:
OCR 2 GIANT Bikes have a steering stem that is adjustable so that riding can be easier for someone who might have shorter arms.

Weaknesses:
This bike has a steering stem squeak, seat that comes with this bike hurts to ride for long peroids of time. Tires for this bike also have to be aired up daily.