Giant Bicycle Inc. OCR 3

Price Paid:  $450.00 at Performance Bicycle

Bike Setup:
Bontrager Select handlebars
Performance Forte stem
Weyless Korso wheelset
Shimano 105 crankset/BB
Shimano PD-M515 pedals

Summary:
It's taken me a while to write this review, but I guess I have a pretty good idea of what I like/dislike about the bike. It was my first road bike when I decided to get back into cycling (last having ridden in high school), and I still use it as a commuter bike.

Strengths:
Sora components have always worked well for me. Still on stock front tire (rear tire blew out after running over a nail). Really nice red color. Inexpensive.

Weaknesses:
Brakes require too much effort, don't grab well. Seat is a little soft for me, but that's personal preference. Hubs became less smooth (I replaced the entire wheelset). Handlebars are longer reach than I prefer. Original BB would creak, replacement BB has been fine. Clipless pedals were the first upgrade. Fairly stiff ride.

Similar Products Used:
K2 Mach 1.0

Price Paid:  $350.00 at Local trade paper

Summary:
This was my first road bike and was purchased used out of the local trade paper. I keep the bike bone stock and recently sold. The only complaints I have with it were the brakes and wheels. It was not until I test rode another bike that I realized how bad my brakes were. As for the wheels, the front wheel felt like it would distort some on sharp turns and downhills. Overall though, I felt it was the perfect starter bike for me.

Strengths:
Performance per dollar. Stiff frame. Sora levers and derailleur performed remarkably well.

Weaknesses:
Brakes and wheels

Similar Products Used:
2005 Litespeed Tuscany

Price Paid:  $495.00 at D&D Bicycles

Bike Setup:
Stock except for specialized pro tires.

Summary:
The OCR3 is an excellent entry level road bike. For the price, it is fast and definitely very reliable. I have ridden it for about 800 miles and had no problems with it except for the cheap Michelin tires, one of which deformed (?!) after only about 200 miles. For a good, inexpensive bike, the Giant OCR3 is a great choice.

Strengths:
It's cheap and fairly fast for the price.

Weaknesses:
Sora components don't shift smoothly at all, cheap tires.

Price Paid:  $550.00 at Bike Stop

Favorite Ride:
any ride with 10+ riders

Bike Setup:
stock for the 1st year than the upgrades I have listed below

Summary:
I purchaced this bike for a fun way to excercise. left everything stock for the first year. A year is all it took to drop 25# and get bit by the cycling bug. The 2nd year upgraded the pedals to speedplay x2, saddle to san marco arami, and replaced bar tape with cinnelli gel cork tape.Now in 2005 I'm upgrading to a TCR1 or Cannondale R1000, have not yet made up my mind but I will be posting a review of my new ride soon.

Strengths:
Price $500 to $600 depending on where you by from. Compact frame handles and accelerates very well.

Weaknesses:
HEAVY 23# for the size M. this is not a race bike,dont try and make it one save the money you would spend on upgrading components and buy light wieght racing bike. If you feel the need. Also after 2 years of hard riding trying to squeeze performance out of this set up my bottom bracket has developed a noise as well as my headset. but thats nothing that cant be taken care of at a LBS.

Similar Products Used:
First road bike

Price Paid:  $450.00 at Bicycle Centers of E

Favorite Ride:
Giant OCR3

Bike Setup:
105 derailluers, carbon fork, bontrager clipless pedals, 700X23 Vittoria tires.

Summary:
Great Bike for the money. It's not a $2500 Carbon so the bike doesn't really weigh that much. It has a nice responsive ride. It does feel pretty good to pass those $2500 carbons though.

Strengths:
Nice ride. Frame worthy of upgrades

Weaknesses:
Sora drivetrain (Bike only cost $450 so spend the money and upgrade to the 105's)

Similar Products Used:
First road bike. Trek liquid mountain bike.