Giant Bicycle Inc. OCR 1

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at Kokomo Cycling and F

Favorite Ride:
New England Classic

Bike Setup:
Stock except changed the stem(make sure you grease the new one), added Syntace C2 Aerobars, Trek Fusion C computer

Summary:
I recieved this bike when I out grew my old Schwinn and it has exceded my expectations. The fact that I was able to get the nearly full 105 group suprised me at first thinking that Giant made something else cheap. But I was wrong. I have already put almost 2000 miles on it and not had a single problem minus some simple fixes. I was getting some creaking from my after-market stem until I realized it hadn't been greased before instalation.
Theres been some problems with the right(rear) shifter though. Sometimes when I'm in the thrid smallest cog and trying to shift to the fourth, the lever just swings and doesn't shift. When I let it return to its normal position and try again, it works. Not a major problem just an annoyance. I've had problems with different computers but thats another review.
BUt over all, it is a great bike for the money. I couldn't wish for anything more but a dedicated TT bike.

Strengths:
weight
105 grouppo
carbon fork
nice frame(i like to be able to feel the road)

Weaknesses:
stem
Lack of sizes
Wacko shifter

Similar Products Used:
Just a Sora-equipped Schwinn Super Sport

Price Paid:  $950.00 at East Ridge Bike Shop

Favorite Ride:
Any road

Bike Setup:
105 Group

Summary:
Great first bike if you are looking into doing some serious riding.

Strengths:
105 Group, quality bike overall. Adjustable stem great for first time riders who dont know what their stem angle should be. Carbon fork.

Weaknesses:
Adjustable stem makes a lot of noise after there are a few hundred miles on the bike, but by then you will know what permanant stem to buy.

Similar Products Used:
none, just mountain bikes.

Price Paid:  $900.00 at Bicycle Warehouse

Favorite Ride:
North County Loop

Bike Setup:
Stock except:
m515 pedals
cyclometer
Michelin Axial Select Kevlar tires

Summary:
I bought this bike 03/02 primarily for commuting and recreational riding. After a summer of use, however, I started doing longer road rides and the bike's held up very well. I typically put 80-120 miles/week on the bike.

After approx 9 months of riding, the Shimano m505 pedals crapped out on me and were replaced via warranty. New ones are m515. Not much better, but they're holding up OK.

The 105 group is probably the biggest reason I purchased this bike, and has done everything I have asked it to without complaint. Triple chainring is nice for those hills (Granny gear!!!).

Stem and saddle are so-so, and I'll probably replace them eventually. Compact geometry road frame takes a little bit of getting used to. TT is long compared to the seat tube, so be aware.

Tires aren't very puncture resistant (I was getting 2-3 flats a week), but Kevlar tires fixed that.

Strengths:
105 group
price/value
a sharp looking bike

Weaknesses:
stem
saddle (hard as blazes)
odd geometry, but that's probably my own fault.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale R400, R500
Specialized Allez A1
Raleigh R600

Price Paid:  $999.00 at East Ridge Bike Shop

Favorite Ride:
North Georgia

Summary:
Nice starter road bike.

Strengths:
Price, 105 group, comfortable. Have recieved lots of complements about my bike from experienced riders.

Weaknesses:
Shifter cables a little too short.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Super V -Mtn Bike

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I've only had this bike for about 2 weeks now, with about 200 miles on it. My initial impressions have been met with great satisfaction. I bought this bike because of its high reputation, quality build, availability, and of course, price range to meet my budget. On closeout at about $850, how could I go wrong with a full 105 bike setup? Having used MTB most of my biking life, I felt very comfortable hopping on the compact road frame that the OCR series uses. A definite plus for me. Bike is a little heavy @ 20.75 pounds for the small sized frame with pedals. I've seen 105's equipped with carbon forks weigh at least a pound less, so it's rather puzzling where the weight is coming from. 105's by the way, are a GREAT value, it basically is the equal to the LX series for MTBs, so you're getting quality component parts. Overall, if you're looking for a good road bike and especially come from a MTB background, look no further, gobble this bike up!

Strengths:
Great quality, looks sharp, good price.

Weaknesses:
A little heavier than I would like