Description The ALUXX Butted Aluminum frame makes the OCR series affordable and ersatile enough for touring, charity rides, serious commuting, and spirited enough for entry level racing.
Summary: My OCR3 is a 2008 model w/a fixed stem replacing the adjustable stem, 23c Bontrager Racelite Hardcase tires, and Shimano M520 pedals.
This is my second road bike in the last year. I purchased a Dawes Lightning Sport on ebay in March 08 and road that for over 3000 miles. It didn't have a third chain ring, which I need for climbing. That started the search for a better bike, and my wife signed on after seeing I was going to be committed to riding.
It is a faster bike with good acceleration from standing. Also, it took a little getting used to being lower to the ground during my first ride on the bike.
Strengths: Lighter weight than my Dawes. Good acceleration and enough gears so that I don't spin out when riding downhill. The top brake levers have greater mechanical advantage than the break/shift levers.
Weaknesses: Adjustable stem. I think that its only purpose is to allow a rider to find their most comfortable riding position. I had the stem replaced once after the original stem developed a "give" when pulling on the bars during climbs. The dealer replaced it with another for free, but about a month later I requested a fixed stem be installed and had no further problems.
Until the saddle began squeaking. Took a while to determine it was the saddle. While trying to find the culprit, the dealership's mechanic discovered my bottom bracket needed work. Awesome shop, they fixed it for free. Now, I just have to spray silicone where the rails join the saddle. A new saddle is the next purchase.
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Bike Setup: Stock set-up with stem and tires eventually replaced. Brakes will be next on that list as well as an attempted tune up at REI for the shifter.
Summary: Purchased bikes after reading reviews. I'm a casual rider/commute rider when the weather allows. The comments seemed, to me, to be by people who were extremely picky in regards to the bike. Complaints I read involved issues with the brakes, the tires, the stem, and the seat.
Brakes: They suck. Flat out suck. Stopping distance is horrendous. I don't know if the gradual as opposed to immediate stop is due to the bike and is supposed to be that way for racing, but I personally, for my use, hate them.
Tires: I popped my tire the first time out after 10 miles. I ended up switching to gators and slime filled tubes and haven't had an issue since. Others had issues, and it's extremely valid.
Stem: Was creaky and i had replaced. Another valid concern from others.
Seat: it was uncomfortable for me, but really, it's about personal taste and honestly I'm sure riding it more it'd be fine.
In addition, i didn't like the shifter. The bike is set-up so you're always in the upright position to shift. To me this makes no sense, but maybe I'm just not aware as to why it's set-up that way and thus using it wrong.
The shifter is also off even after a tune up to fix it. It seems to grab the chain and not quite move over so I have to up and down shift to get the chain on and not have any ugly noises. This could just be a bad tune up. I don't know enough about bikes to know if it's the bike or the lack of placement and skill/follow through of my bike shop. (not impressed with them and can't remember the name. I'll be going to REI from now on as they tend to listen and explain well but it'll be a while till my next tune up.)
Lastly, for novices like me. Something to be aware of is that bikes like these lose air pressure daily and constantly need to be pumped up. I wasn't aware of this when I purchased as that would have influenced my purchase.
Overall, a decent bike but the brakes were and are a major buzz kill. I just can't believe how bad the brakes are when the cheapo 100-150 bikes i've had have ALWAYS been able to stop on a dime.
The tires, I didn't appreciate needing to replace off the bat, but I'm sold on gators or gator like tires and suggest upgrading tires regardless.
I wouldn't purchase this model again, but I do like my bike. Once I eventually fix the brakes, I'm sure I'll love it.
Strengths: Light weight. By far the lightest bike I've ridden. Taking it up 3 sets of stairs is easy.
Fastest bike I've ever owned.
I like the look. (red model)
Weaknesses: Tires, stem, and brakes. Change the tires right off the bat. Budget that.
I haven't done anything with the brakes, but if I'd known how bad they were, i wouldn't have purchased.
I'm rather critical in this review because the things that bother me REALLY bother me.
Similar Products Used: First of this style. Had a ten speed way back when. Schwin and Perot (from early 1980's). Mostly cheap mountain bikes after those (no suspension 100-150 special).
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Summary: I've ridden 4 centurys in a year on this bike and it never failed me. The only things I upgraded were the tires and the seat. It was a great entry level bike and a work horse. I outgrew it as my riding improved. My husband commutes on it now and loves it.
Strengths: Reliable and great for getting me into the cycling world. I got a great deal on it!
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