InertKinesis

Hey everyone,
So I've been riding bicycles of one form or another for more than a decade (and I'm 18), and I'm looking to get into serious road riding. The basis for this is that I'll be going to college in Ohio (Oberlin College) in the fall, and I want to keep myself in shape doing something I love. Recently I've been more of a kayaker and a skiier, but there's not much of either of that in middle-northern OH.

In any case, I'm looking for a good road bike that will cost me somewhere between $1000 and $1500, preferably something offered by Giant. I've owned a few of their mountain bikes in the past and loved everyone, and my local bike shop is a Giant dealer and they're great people to do business with.

Thanks,
Mike

EDIT: I guess I left out a few semi-important things. For one, I've been looking at the OCR A1 and the TCR A1. Maybe someone can fill me in on the big differences between these bikes. Also, how much of an advantage (and in what form) does a semi-carbon frame get you? A full carbon frame?

jschatz

Ride those Giants, along with Specialized, Cannondale, Trek, Orbea, Lemond, etc. in that price range. Ride them over bumps, climb a hill, corner hard, try to take you hands off the bars. A carbon fork should be included and I'd shoot for carbon seat stays too (smoother ride on aluminim frames).

If there is a tie, get the best components (at least Shimano 105).

Save some money for tights, jacket, etc. so you ride through the fall.

ElJamoquio

Well designed carbon frames give you compliance (soft ride) combined with a stiff frame that responds quickly when you accelerate.

I've never ridden either, so I can't tell you which to go with, but I will say you're not going to go wrong with either.

Do you think you're done growing? I know I was at 18, but I've also known a few other people who shot up another inch or two in college.

ridethecliche

Wouldn't the frame still fit if the OP grew an inch? Couldn't that little bit just be adjusted with seat height and seat adjustment?

ElJamoquio

Yup, but he'd probably want to err on the side of too big rather than too small.

Cyclist01012

I have a good friend in Oberlin, She is definatly worth drafting behind.

Frunkin

the tcr is a more race oriented frame