Giant Bicycle Inc. 2001 OCR 2

Price Paid:  $890.00 at Precision Cycles, We

Favorite Ride:
The high mountains of New Jersey :)

Bike Setup:
SORA to 105, 2 Chainring (53, 39), (12x25) cogs, Ultegra STI shifters, Dura Ace bottom bracket

Summary:
When I got this bike, I was just eager to get a new bike. I was caught by the good price-value. I had not idea about bike fitting, some about components, but in general, I liked it. I have ridden it for over a year, and I am pretty serious about riding now. I now understand that I made an excellent decision buying this bike. I have made several upgrades and have no complaint about it. I like the concept of three sizes and then fitting by adjusting the stem and the saddle. I can lower the stem when time trailing and raise it for a more comfortable ride.

Strengths:
Handling and adjustability

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
OCR 3 (2001), got one for my wife, she loves it.

Price Paid:  $800.00 at St. Laurent Cycle

Favorite Ride:
Paths along the water

Bike Setup:
All original except added an Echo cyclometer and seat bag.

Summary:
This was the only bike that fit me other than a custom bike (I have long legs and a short torso).The adjustable stem made it a breeze to get just the right fit. The price was $200-$300 was less than any other bike it its league.Got it at the end of the season so was able to swing a sweet deal.
The bike is a real looker.My son said its the most beautiful bike he has ever seen.
I came from a 70's 10 speed French bike so I did not know what to expect as far as quality of ride or performance.I have to say that this bike is a jet in comparison.Despite the compact frame, narrow tires and aero rims this bike is quite comfortable,much better than I expected (after reading the horrific stories concerning aluminum frames).
I haven't had any problems. Everything works as it should including the Sora drivetrain. I attribute this partly to the setup which was done at my LBS.
I would recommend this bike to anyone who is semi- serious about road biking.You really can't beat it for the price.

Strengths:
Value, Components, Ride

Weaknesses:
None yet

Similar Products Used:
Trek 1000, 1200,Cannondale R400

Price Paid:  $750.00 at Mississauga, Canada

Favorite Ride:
Hills and coastline

Bike Setup:
As bought.

Summary:
Very good entry level bike for a recreational rider like me who shifted from a mountain to a road bike and wasnt sure about the differences between various road bikes. Does not put a serious hole in your pocket and savings can be used for other accessories.

Strengths:
Price, looks, and over-all good handling even in uphill climbs.

Weaknesses:
Front derailleur cable is very difficult to adjust. Derailleur is not very responsive and shifting downward sometimes misses middle chainring. Wanted to buy an OCR1 but fork recall in June 2001 made the model unavailable in most stores. Upgrade to Tiagra or 105 will make this a very good bike.

Similar Products Used:
2000 Giant TCR2

Favorite Ride:
many

Bike Setup:
stock

Summary:
I come from mtn biking, so setting gruppo was not to bad. rear shifts crisp, even on climbs. after some fine tweaking, the front shifts very good. have not had any problems as of yet with the components. bike feels comfortable under me.

my mtn bike probably does not like the new addition to the garage, it has felt a bit neglected.

Strengths:
price for entry level. wheels and gruppo have worked fine for myself.

Weaknesses:
little tricky getting front derailuer was tricky to fine tune.

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $700.00 at Fastrack Bicycles

Favorite Ride:
Coast Route

Bike Setup:
Stock setup, but tweaked to my build by Dave at Fastrack

Summary:
This is a great entry level bike, I've had it less than a month, but I've already logged over 150 miles on it. I ride to school (~ 4 miles) everyday and for fun on the weekends. A great first bike to someone who wants to get serious about riding.

The only problems i've had is shifting while going uphill, if I have to change the front derailuer, its a little sticky.

Otherwise, no complaints and I'm enjoying my bike everyday of the week!

Strengths:
Frame, comes with clipless pedals, easy to adjust to rider size, great seat, very comfortable

Weaknesses:
only three frames sizes, so I have to ride mountain bike style since my arms are much shorter than my legs (i'm 6'1).
sora front derailuer is hard to use at times

Similar Products Used:
Univega Maxima Sport