Road Cycling - Giant OCR series

I'm looking at road bikes for training, commuting, and riding where I live since my MTB isn't really good for where I moved to. A LBS near my parents where I happen to mountain bike has a Giant OCR I believe 3, for $280. Are these good starter road bikes? WOuld like opinions on this bike or recommendations in the $300 range. Thanks

That's an almost impossible to believe price if it's new, even if it's a leftover. Decent road bikes generally start around $500, and the OCR3, while entry-level, is a perfectly fine bike. It's comparable to other entry road bikes from Trek, Jamis, KHS and the like.

That said, this grade of bike needs to be set up carefully if they're to last, particularly the wheels. Make sure the dealer (or some other competent wheelbuilder) trues, tensions, and stress-relieves the wheels before you ride them. Don't believe a dealer who says they're fine the way they come from the factory.

The biggest issue with road bikes is fit, because you tend to spend a lot more time in one position -- and a lot more total time per ride -- on a road bike. Read up on fitting at sites like www.coloradocyclist.com, sheldonbrown.com, and particularly http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm so you know what to discuss with the shop.

A road bike that doesn't fit is about as useful as a pair of shoes that don't fit.

$280? Where? I'd buy one just as a spare bike at that price.

RichC

I bought a giant ocr3 for a steal for around $200...the guy I bought it from decided that he preferred BMX bikes...
Here are my impressions so far....it's very fast and light weight..the only drawback is that the ride is pretty rough. Make sure you get it adjusted to your dimensions, Giant makes their bikes in a few sizes fit all.
The bike is very capable..I use it to commute to work, did my first triathalon on it, and next month I will be doing my first century ride on it.
If you haven't bought it yet, go for it...mine was a 2001 and it retailed for close to $700.

Yes, if their's more then one left, tell me about it or something and let me get one. I'm looking for a road bike too, nothings really good for around 500. I was looking at the epx brand $900 dollars, but if you just said around 300 then i'm sure i would get it.