Touring - Giant OCR 1 Loaded touring?

Hey

I have a few year old Giant OCR 1 (http://www.giant-bicycle.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?year=2003&model=10655) and just wanted to get an opinion on my options for loaded touring. I'm thinking about riding the Pacific coast from Portland to Santa Barbara. Can this bike handle it? Is this even a possibility? It has holes near the rear hub for a rack, but none on the seat stays. I've logged some very high miles on it and it has performed great and is very comfortable, but have never done any loaded touring. It seems kind of ridiculous to get a special touring bike when I already have a road bike I like a lot.

Thanks,
Dan

You could get a Bob (or Burley) trailer for the $$$ it would cost for racks and panniers.

I never found my OCR3 really suitable for anything but light touring. I agree with Bikepacker67 - a trailer is probably your best bet for hauling gear. You might also consider a handlebar bag, for your maps and frequently needed items, a saddle bag for your tools, tubes, patches, raingear and such and fenders if possible. There a lots of other things you will need as well. Check out crazyguyonabike.com where you will find not only touring journals, but equipment lists and other useful information.

Thanks,

Is this enough bike to haul a trailer with? Based on people's experience, is this something you would feel comfortable doing? What upgrades/replacements would be needed? I figure I would try and put the largest tires I can fit on and possibly gearing down the front....any other advice?

Dan

Ohh ya...
The bike will handle a trailer, fine.

Good trailers have very little "hitch weight" (the actual weight put on the bike frame).

I have the same bike as you and it handles loaded touring just fine...have done 5 tours on it now with no problems.

I have a few year old Giant OCR 1 (http://www.giant-bicycle.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?year=2003&model=10655) and just wanted to get an opinion on my options for loaded touring. I'm thinking about riding the Pacific coast from Portland to Santa Barbara. Can this bike handle it? Is this even a possibility? It has holes near the rear hub for a rack, but none on the seat stays. I've logged some very high miles on it and it has performed great and is very comfortable, but have never done any loaded touring. It seems kind of ridiculous to get a special touring bike when I already have a road bike I like a lot.

Thanks,
Dan[/QUOTE]

DId you use a trailer, and what upgrades were neccessary, if any? What kind of tires did you use?

Thanks,
Dan

I do not use a trailer....just a rack on the pack and two panniers....also just used my regular road tires....they are 23s and do just fine....most folx tend to overpack...u will be fine with this bike if it is what u have and u do not feel like buying another bike...I was considering getting a touring bike and then started using my OCR1 for tours and now have no need to buy a touring bike.