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Old 06-05-06 | 09:37 PM
  #14  
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Banzai
Jet Jockey
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,941
Likes: 30
From: St. Paul, MN

Bikes: Cannondale CAAD9, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Nashbar X-frame bike, Bike Friday Haul-a-Day, Surly Pugsley.

Ditto what Semper Fi said on the handlebars. The Giant OCR is a nice bike, especially if you want a shot at winning a local race. Not going to race, you say? Then maybe it's being sold by a ninny who thinks you want to be like Lance. (Sorry mate, don't mean to come across as terse...been a long day.)

If you compare pics in profile, you'll see that most pics of the OCR have it with the handlebars a full up 3+ inches below the saddle. Semper Fi is right on the money there, for both neck pain and the possibility of back agitation.

If you are test riding the version of the OCR that has 23 width tires, then the "rattle" will be more pronounced. The Sequoia is stock with 25s, and I commute on 25s. Compared to a "hybrid" yes, they are a "firmer" ride...but they are more gentle than 23s. A Sequoia has adequate clearance for 28s, and I believe even 32s, thought don't quote me on the last one.

To ditto what TrekDen said about the mount points on the Sequoia...my bike would be useless without them. I have a rack mounted, and for local rides or even centuries I at least have a trunk bag on it with snacks, sunscreen, wallet, cell phone, tools, spare tube, pump, maybe extra socks, etc. For my commute I mount two panniers. While I'm considering taking up racing at some point...I think I would feel mighty unprepared without my rack and minimal supply kit.

My last gripe with the OCR, and feel free to ignore this if I looked at the wrong model: Carbon Fiber. AAARGH! I hate CF for anything that's not actually a racing bike. Yes, it's light. Yes, it's stiff. Yes, it's slicker than snot. Yes, it's disposable. A CF frame may not survive the same kind of wear, tear, dings, knocks, and abuse that a steel or aluminum frame will. It makes perfect sense as the racing weapon of choice...especially if your sponsor will replace it for you. It makes no sense for the recreational/utility/commuter cyclist.
An everyday bike should pass the drop test, and it goes like this: Stand next to your bike. Let your bike drop. Are you crying? If the answer is no, it's a good bike.
I would also argue that you don't need 10 speed components. But, like everything else, just my opinion.
Test the Sequoia, as well as some other less "aggressive" road bikes.
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