I want to buy my first Non-WalMart Bicycle...
 

I'm at a crossroads. I've ridden both the Trek 1000 and the Giant OCR3, which are what I've narrowed my selection down to.

To me, they both ride the same, maneuver the same etc. They have the same shifters on it, carbon forks etc, the only real difference seems to be aesthetics.

But, I'm doing my hardest to put looks last in the qualifying factors, I really am. Now it really comes to how well the companies back their products, and how good they are for fulfilling warranty work if needed. Now, I'm not doubting either of the company's product, I'm just saying nothing is perfect.

Which company will provide me better support in the long and short run?

I'm leaning towards that Flare Duotone Orange Trek 1000 though :D

My bike will be used for recreation and commuting to work, roads only, the roads here in Florida are nicely paved, so I'm covered on that aspect of it. I'm on a personal quest to slowly eliminate expenses (aka car) that I don't necessarily need in my life.

This will be my first bike that I haven't received as a Christmas gift since I was 12 (I'm 20 now). I think this bike will be more than adequate for me for a long time so I don't think I will be upgrading anytime soon. But by nature, I get easily obsessed with things I do that aren't work related, so I'm sure I'll rack up miles on this bike... which is why I'm concerned about possible warranty work.

If all else is equal, ask yourself which company is based in the USA.

Trek?

Yes. They're based in Wisconsin.

The Trek 1000 was named the best entry level road bike by Bicycling Magazine this year, I think. I kind of like an orange bike, though.

Hmm... Didn't know that. What makes it the best entry level road bike according to them?

It just said "The best $700 road bike we have ever ridden" or something like that. I think it was June if you are curious. Really, you should just buy the some that feels the best.

That's the thing, they both feel the same to me, maybe it's because I'm green to the world of road biking. I think I'm gonna go with the Trek 1000, I love that orange... ooh it's beautiful :eek:

That is as good a reason as any for a tie breaker. Happy riding.

I had to make that same choice a few years ago and I ended up going with the Trek 1000. Also in orange. I love that color. I have no complaints or regrets about my choice.

I thought Specialized was based in California. Last time I checked California was still a part of the USA, as much as we East Coasters hate to admit it.;)
If both bikes feel the same, then appearance would be a good decision maker for me. Don't worry about it, the Trek 1000 is a fine entry level road bike.

Which thread are you in? The decision was Giant versus Trek, not Trek versus Specialized.

hey, if they feel the same, cost the same, ride the same, and are on par with each other in every part that counts, why not get the bike that looks the best to you as icing on the cake?

Buy on craigslist or ebay. Get a vintage racer and build it up.

Me personally for my first bike I wanted something brand new. From a reliable LBS that would give me good service. Maybe for my next one I may consider an online bike purchase. Big maybe though. THe price has to be extremely good.

I ride an OCR 3 and have no complaints.

That's exactly the reason I am buying from a bike shop instead of buying a used one, since most manufacturers only offer warrantys to the original purchaser.

I just gotta get my money together fast though, my LBS has the orange Trek 1000 in 56cm, but it's the last one, and I'm told the '07s are coming in, so I'm worried to death that my bike will get sold before I can get to it.

Oh what a horrible life... :)

I can't wait to see what the 07 1000 will look like. Mine is an 05 with Orange, Blue and white colors. The 06 is mainly orange. I really like Trek colors. I remember walking into the LBS that I eventually bought my bike at. WHen I saw it on display I didn't even know it was a 1000. It had just come out and I had never seen it in that color. So right away I put down a deposit for them to hold it for Christmas. Yeah right, 2 weeks later I was already riding it. I got no patience when I want something really bad.

Yeah, I know what you're talking about, I like the 05 colors better as opposed to the 06. Payday can't come fast enough for me to lay a deposit down on the bike though...