Harry Stone

I stopped by the local bike shop after work tonight. I had just about decided a Novara Safari was the bike for me. I was talking to the owner about a bike for my fat self (280 lbs) and he said I wouldn't have a problem with just about anything I wanted to ride. He said he had a great deal on the Giant OCR C1 and sold one to his son who was really big when he started riding again.

Here's the thing, his price on the bike is very good. It's new. I didn't ride it (yet) they were closing. I picked it up and it shocked me how light the bike is. I then got a bad case of the wants for that bike.

So what do you all all think of a bike like that for a clyde like me? I want to eventually commute to work and the more I think about it the more I think I want a road bike, not a touring mountain bike. I could do just a saddle bag for the commute, I don't have to carry anything to the office.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Pinyon

The OCR1 is a good choice, in my opinion. It is a real road bike, but also has a relaxed riding position, and rack-mount braze-on attachments for putting a rack on there later. The consensus from the few guys that I know that have one, is that it won't hold you back, unless you are trying to race. It is great for just about any other type of road riding. You can keep up with the "real" roadies just fine, put a rack on there and commute, etc. IT comes with 105 components, which makes it an even sweeter deal.

I almost got one, but ended up with an Allez Elite, mostly because I just like that a more race-type geometry (long legs, short arm, thing), and because the local dealer that has specialized bikes is much, much, much more reliable and easy to deal with than the one that sold Giants here. Even so, I still almost got the OCR1 or TCR1...it was a close thing.

jaxgtr

That is fairly large difference in geometry and price from the Novara. What are you riding now? The only real concern is the wheels. You will need clyde sturdy wheels if you go with the Giant. Do you have a Cannondale dealer in your area, might look at the Synapse as well.

Harry Stone

Right now I'm riding a Toyota. This will be my first bike in about 25 years.

I was more worried about about the carbon frame, but I was told the frame isn't nearly as big of a concern as the wheels like you say. The bike shop guy told me his son used the same wheels (Mavic Ksyrium Elite) and they hold up just fine. I just wanted a second opinion

Oh, and price difference isn't huge, they have a great price on it.

jaxgtr

At 280, I would get different wheels. And since this is your first bike in 25 years, I would not drop that kind of change of the OCR. I would get something lower and make sure you like riding again, otherwise it's going to collect dust in the garage. Might check you local Craig's List to see if you can find something in your size and make sure it's what you want to do. Then if you do want to continue, you can go with the big dollar ride. I can assure you one thing, if you have not been riding in 25 years, start stretching the lower back now so you wont be walking with a 45 degree angle

Harry Stone

Will do, thanks for the help.

Bone Head

The OCR is a nice ride. Last year, I picked up an '06 OCR Limited (composite frame & Ultegra components) as a closeout -- the LBS owner made me an offer I couln't refuse.
https://archive.giant-bicycles.com/us...06&model=11445

I'm newbie, 5'10" 240# and have not had any issues since I got the bike (12 mo / 1500 miles.) Yea I know, 1500 mi. is not huge but more to follow this year. I ride the stock Xero 20 & 24 spoke count wheels. Again, no problems to date- I will do some preventive maintenance and will have them trued & retensioned. Higher spoke count wheels are more Clyde friendly. From what I have read, (I am no expert on the subject) the Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels that are on the OCR C1 are essentially bombproof. (A forum search may provide more insight on the wheelset.)

My OCR Carbon frame DOES NOT have braze-ons for a rack or panniers. Using it as a commuter would be up to you to analyze. If you don't want a fitness, cyclocross, tourer, etc., the OCR may fit the bill. It isn't the fastest bike in the peleton, but it isn't the slowest either.

IMHO, get the bike that seduces you...... If you love it, you'll ride it. (I heard that somewhere on this forum ( I think it was Tom) - and it's true.) I have a blast riding my OCR. Also, make sure you get a proper fitting. You don't want an expensive garage decoration that will endup on craigslist or ebay.

Good Luck!! Ride Fast, Ride Safe & Have Fun!!!

kokomo61

I've got an OCR C2, and it's awesome. I'm around 215, and it's given me no issues. I just got in from a 101 mile, 6000 foot ride, and although I'm pretty tired, the bike did great.