So after being around here for a while I realize I should test EVERY bike that I am looking at, however I am in a predicament where that might not be possible. I'm not in my home town right now and there's a LBS that has a 2008 Giant OCR A1 for $1000. I don't know a lot about Giants because they didn't have any bikes that I was going to look at when I got home in my price range. Anyway down to the details. I'm 5'6 and this bike is a 54. I had tried a Trek 52 before and I thought that was a good size and I was staying away from the 54s. However, this LBS was great and swapped out the stem on this for a shorter one and when I did a test ride it felt great! The bike I have now is a Fuji Palisade from the 80s and so basically any bike I get will feel a lot different. My my budget was $1400 max and when I got back home I was going to look at BFs favorite a caad9 5, along with a specialized allez sport and a jamis ventura sport. I was also wanting a bike rack and since I'm not in town I'll be forced to buy one, which is kinda awesome but I would have to hold off on that if I were to buy any of the above since they are more expensive. So the questions... are the other bikes, mostly the caad9 5, worth holding off on and waiting to test ride until I get back? I will be leaving on Thursday so don't have a lot of time to decide. Is $1000 for this bike even much of a steal? Also I just thought of this, I've got a long way to go, over 1200 miles and the roads probably won't always be great. If I decide to buy this will dust, rain and the elements affect the bike in any way? That last one might be a stupid and obvious question but this bike is looking really good and I wasn't planning on buying one while I'm away.

I am also looking into racing next spring if that makes any difference.

Thanks,

Adam