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.
Strengths: Frame is very rigid, upright riding position is very comfortable, very nimble and quick due to compact frame, triple crank allows for some serious torque when climbing, braze-ons for a rear rack and 2 water bottle holders
Weaknesses: Stock adjustable stem has play and squeaks when pulling on handlebar, stock derailleur leaves some to be desired, feels kinda unstable at speeds over 30MPH due to compact frame
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike after graduating high school and needed a bike for commuting to campus from my apartment. It is a very comfortable road bike and I really appreciate the added brake levers and the upright riding position. The first thing I did was upgrade the tires with some Panaracer T-Serv Messenger tires. I also upgraded the rear derailleur for a Shimano Tiagra, as the original Shimano Sora started hanging between gears after about 100 miles. It took a while to get used to the seat, but after some adjusting and fine tuning it is actually pretty comfortable for longer rides. I am very satisfied overall with this bike and have ridden 2 centuries on it so far.
Strengths: Flashy
Fun
Very comfortable
Perfect Price
Weaknesses: After 7 years it is a little creaky, but I think it has more than served it's purpose.
Bottom Line:
For an entry level road bike, I couldn't have asked for anything better. This was my first road bike and has lasted me about 7 years. It's time for me to upgrade to full carbon. I did beginner road racing and charity rides in Alaska and long endurance rides through Utah and Pennsylvania over the years. As a commuter it was responsive and I did wear out quickly. Sad to see this bike go.
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.
Bottom Line:
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.
Hello,
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1997 Cannondal Read More »
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I’ve got a size small, Giant OCR 3 circa 2001 that I’m selling locally to a friend of a friend. I don’t want to rip her off, but all the proceeds are going into my new bike fund.
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I have a 2006 giant OCR 3. Is it worth upgrading? If so what parts should I change and what specifically would you think I should use? Eg. I think new wheels would help, but what b Read More »
