Originally Posted by jhg152
The OCR1 is actually a fair bit cheaper because it's last year's model - this year's has switched to a carbon frame, I believe. But it's an ugly shade of very shiny blue, and while that shouldn't make an difference it is definitely a point against it. Will look at the Roubaix as well, but I think that's moving into the next price range up. And thanks for the advice. All much appreciated.
There are the OCR 1, 2 and 3 that are aluminum and there are the OCR 1, 2 and 3 that are composite. This is true of '04 and '05 models.
I own an '04 Sequoia Elite. Love it. Very comfortable bike. It's not one of those lean forward ball buster aero bikes that the pros use, which is what I like about it. It fits like a glove and makes for very enjoyable riding.
Between the '05 Sequoia Elite with an MSRP of $1300 and an '05 Giant OCR1 (not composite) with an MSRP of $1000, I would look very hard at the OCR1 - even though I'm quite happy with my Sequoia. You'll need to test ride both of them to an idea of what you'll be happy with though. Both of those bikes have an adjustable stem so it's pretty easy to dial in a good fit for the upper body. Just make sure you're lower body fits the bike properly.
As Skydive69 stated you're probably not going to notice any real difference between the 105 on the Sequoia and the Ultegra on the OCR1. A well adjusted 105 group behaves pretty well and should offer years of trouble free service. Personally, I think Ultegra has a little nicer finish or a little more finesse if you will, but that won't matter beans as to it's performance. The only thing I don't like about 105 is that some of the components are painted. Painted components on a road bike is just wrong! The brushed aluminum looks so much better.
With either of those bikes I'd see if the shop could swap out the wheels. I'm not too impressed with either set. I have the Alex ALX-290 wheelset on my Sequoia and think they are duds. I'm looking to replace them in the not too distant future and they only have 1400 road miles and 700 trainer miles on them (or rather on the rear). They're fine trainer use. What isn't?
Also, you may want to consider swapping out the Milano saddle should you go with the Sequoia. I found that it looked much more comfortable than it is.
Basically, both are very nice bikes. I think you get a little more bang for the buck with the OCR1 due to the Ultegra components and it's lower MSRP. The CF rear stays on the Sequoia are OK, but you can achieve the same thing by riding fatter tires with less pressure in them.
Edit: The '05 OCR1 has an Easton EA50 6 Degree stem. It was the '04 that had an adjustable stem. That's an easy fix if you want it. Nashbar has Zoom adjustable stems for under $13 right now. I like 'em but weight weenies hate 'em.
