jhawk

Hi all... I've shopped around Kijiji and have found a road bike that I'm interested in - it's a Giant OCR Three. Here's a picture of it.



I'm wondering whether it'd be good for short tours. The seller says that it could be - but I'd have to check the internet, so, here I am - checking the internet.

I've done Google searches related to Giant OCR Three touring, and come up with a few different things. One thing that's come up commonly is the lack of any ability to mount a rear rack to it. However, from the looks of it, it does have mounting points...

Any of you lot own a Giant OCR Three? What are your thoughts on the bike itself?

Cheers,

Jhawk.

lanahk

I've got a Defy Two, which has a similar geometry. The chainstays look a little short; you could end up hitting your heels on your panniers.

On the other hand, the bike is a joy to ride. If you could get by with a trunk bag, it could be a decent bike to get started on.

Machka 

I have a Giant OCR3, and while I like the bicycle, it's not really suited to touring because there's no way to attach a proper rack. You could do a seatpost rack, but you can't really do panniers with one of those.

However, as mentioned above, if you're thinking of a credit card tour, you could get a seatpost rack and put a truck bag on it, use a handlebar bag, and tour from hotel to hotel.

jhawk

I'm not really thinking of doing "credit-card tours" - primarily because I don't own a credit card, nor do I have much money!

Having read online, and here, some say that there are no problems with attaching panniers, some say that there are. I guess I'll just have to try it out before I buy or don't buy. What exactly is the problem with installing panniers to it? Forgive my ignorance - I'm VERY amateur when it comes to these types of things.

Machka 

In order to install panniers, you need to attach a rack ... a proper rack with side supports so that your panniers do not fall into your rear wheel. Such a rack needs eyelettes down near the rear hub to attach to so it doesn't sway about or fall into the rear wheel, and so that it can hold the weight of the panniers. Perhaps the newer Giant OCR3s have eyelettes, but neither of mine do/did.

I could only ever use a seatpost rack with my Giant OCR3.

You can get side support attachments for some seatpost racks, but even so, most seatpost racks can only hold a very limited weight (25 lb max in many cases) ... so you're not going to be able to haul tent, sleeping stuff, cooking gear, etc. etc. At best, you'd be able to carry mini commuting panniers.


While the Giant OCR3 is a nice entry-level racing bicycle, it is really not a touring bicycle.

mm718

The lightweight guys should chime in soon but it's possible to get by on a minimalist set-up that wouldn't require panniers. This might include your sleeping bag hanging from a sling on the front bars and a stuff sack on a rear seat post rack. You can add more storage space with a frame bag, fanny pack, and "bento" type bags for the top tube. More info at the link below...

https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/...c_id=9738&v=EY

wardie

I own a 2006 OCR 3 that I've converted from an 8 speed to Ultegra 30 speed. I've had a rear mounted rack on my OCR 3 since I first bought it. I've used the bike in overnighters with a nice set of Cannondale Panniers. The rear rack holds the tent and sleeping bag and the panniers hold my clothes, cook set and stuff.

I've taken the bike on 2 GOBA's, raced it (minus rack) on 2/ 27 mile races and several overnighters. For the money it's one of the best all arounders out there. I can't understandd why others can't see the mounting points maybe they have newer models ?

If the OCR 3 you're looking at has rack mounts on seat tube and chain stay then go for it Wardie

bradtx

Jhawk, that pictured bike looks to have seat stay and drop out eyelets for a rack. The chain stays are short which will prevent using large panniers. Items can be packed in a handle bar bag and a bag that fits within the triangle of the main frame. Have the wheels looked at and run 28 mm tires, if there's clearance.

This isn't an expedition level touring bike so you'll have to keep overall weight as low as possible.

Brad