Giant Bicycle Inc. OCR A1

Price Paid:  $1100.00 at Pioneer Cycles, Ham

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Lake Drive, Milwaukee

Bike Setup:
Only after market part are XC 90 equipe SLX carbon fiber handlebars.

Summary:
I've had this bike for two years now and have to say it has treated me very well. I can't say I'm a racer so I'm not completely in tune with what makes it competitive (though I have seen people race the frame at least). The bike is light compared to competitors, Trek Pilot 2.1/1.2 and a decent amount cheaper.

In all I will likely hold on to the frame for some time but the wheels will likely need replacing for people who really want to do performance riding.

Strengths:
The frame is excellent, everyone that rides it cannot believe the comfort from the carbon. The sloping top tube is great for shorter people that can't find a good fit with a straight. Corners like a dream with a low center of gravity.

Weaknesses:
The wheel set is heavy and maybe it's just a fluke but my freewheel hub body is wearing out after about 3000 miles and is not a standard Shimano so it is hard to find a replacement. Stock Michelin tires are a bit slow, but meant for a more recreational rider.

Price Paid:  $1300.00 at mama's board and bik

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
giant ocr a1

Bike Setup:
Stock

Summary:
Used to be a serious runner but had to switch to biking due to injury. This bike has treated me very well. I don't race it or anything but I do put plenty of miles on it and haven't had any trouble yet. Just keep it lubed and take it in a couple times a year for minor adjustments.

Have never had any serious trouble with this bike. I'm going to start getting a little more serious about cycling when I am back stateside so I guess I'll really see how it holds up then.

Strengths:
I don't know. I just do this stuff to stay in shape.

Weaknesses:
See Strengths

Similar Products Used:
Giant OCR1 (got stolen after 2 weeks)

Price Paid:  $500.00 at eBay

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere

Bike Setup:
Mavic Ksyrium SL SCC, Full Ultegra w/Compact grouppo, Specialized Toupe saddle, generic CF seatpost, SPD pedals. About 17.5 lbs and I wasn't even trying. Can easily be sub 17 lbs with a few choice changes.

Summary:
This review is for the 2008 TCR A1 frame/fork. I have no clue what a pre-built TCR A1 rides like. I built one up with full Ultegra taken off my previous Scattante. This frame is very smooth and every pedal puts power directly to the rear wheels. It is smoother on chip seal and other types of roads than my full carbon Scattante. I had doubts going from all carbon to carbon/aluminum. My next bike will surely be another custom Giant! I absolutely love the paint job and understated GIANT logos along with my white saddle and white bar tape. I look at my bike every night before going to bed. Seriously. :sigh:

Strengths:
Stiff frame, great paint job, compact frame means alot of seatpost showing to help make an even smoother ride. RD and FD cablestops on headtube means no cable rubbing the pain off. Why don't all bikes have cable stops like this??

Weaknesses:
Klinky aluminum sounds from RD shifting when hammering uphill. Headset stem cone is rather tall. Spacers are aluminum instead of CF. I prefer expander bolt to star fangled nut inside steerer tube.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 1000 (aluminum) , Scattante CFR (all carbon, full Ultegra)

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