hmmm thanks for the comments guys

I am going to go into my giant dealer to talk specifics about fender clearance, which seems to grow in importance for me. Not to mention my options with tires/sizes

If you're worried about these issues, why not get a cyclocross bike? It's not like you're racing and worried about every last ounce of weight. In fact, many CX bikes are fairly light and the benefits for a commuter rig are easily apparent: more fender clearance, sturdier build (frame & wheels), and often come with rack mounts.

that was discussed earlier in the thread

I noted I was going to test out the Kona Jake. Which is still very much an option. the only thing I have against a cx is that I was to do some small level touring, so if I could find a bike that has that possibility then im set

If that's the case and you want to tour, then a traditional road bike is ill-suited for the task. Commuting is one thing, traveling under a heavy load is entirely another. The tubing of a road racing bike like an OCR2 (to say nothing of the chain stay length, fork rake & trail) is designed to be light (although the OC2 is an admittedly stable bike) -- that thing will turn into a slinky if you put weight on it. A CX bike is designed with sturdier tubing and therefore is better suited to carrying a load. Neither are ideal for touring but a CX bike is far better than a road racing bike.

Don't take my word for, go post over in the Touring forum about the possibility of touring on an OCR2 and see what they say. Most people will tell you that you'd be better off with another bike or a trailer, don't expect to carry anything more than 20 lbs. or so. In other words, good for small tours, far less than ideal:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=298328

While I haven't test ridden a cyclocross bike yet, if I had was going to spend $1000 - $1500 again on a commuter/get-around/have-fun bicycle, I very well might go with a cyclocross or touring bicycle for the reasons you state. At the time I had just gotten tired of my old clunker, had a new job that paid considerably more than my previous line of work (Kinko's!), and basically decided one morning "it's time to spend $1000 on a new bicycle."

If I had been more careful in my considerations I might have ended up with something else, or maybe not. I pretty much fell in love with the way the OCR feels in the drop position almost immediately. Well, immediately after I convinced myself it was possible to steer with drop bars without killing myself.

I've been riding an OCR2 for about 4 years now and use it primarily for commuting. Depending on the route I take, my commute is 28-37 miles round trip (25% MUT, 75% neighborhood streets). I probably have 5-6k miles on it so far. It has its positive and negatives but over all I've been pretty happy with it. However, knowing what I know now (i.e. i don't really like road biking all that much) I probably would have gotten something different, probably a cyclocross bike.

The positives: At the time it was a pretty good value. Similarly spec'd bikes from other companies were $50-100 more. It's been pretty durable. The only things that have needed to be replaced were tires, brake pads, and the chain. Normal wear and tear stuff. It's a fairly stiff frame. When you mash on the pedals it goes. It has eyelets for fenders and/or racks (mine only has them on the rear but I think the current models have fork eyelets too). I use a rear rack and have used panniers in the past without any heel clearance issues. Handling is pretty stable. It rides like a bike.

The negatives: fender and tire clearance can be an issue. I'm running 28mm Pasela TGs with full fenders and there's just barely enough clearance. In fact, I probably shouldn't run anything bigger than 25mm tires, but i like the way the 28's ride. Ride quality with the stock tires was a bit rough but different tires and playing around with tire pressures made a big difference in comfort.

Overall it has been a good commuter for me. I'm not sure if the current model has more frame and fork clearance than mine, but if you don't plan on running anything bigger than a 25mm tire with fenders or 28mm tire without, you should be fine.

hmmmm thanks for the heads up

thanks a ton mate

I have a high mileage OCR that has turned out to be great. You get really good tire choices for a road bike due to the long reach brakes and the rear rack capabilities rock!
Rear fender installation is easy on this bike however the front is problematic with no eyelets. I clip a Zefal fender to the down tube when it's rainy which only works well if I'm going in a straight line. This bike makes a great commuter or credit card tourer though I agree that 20 or so pounds on the rack is the reasonable limit. As far as 'speed', if you can get low on the OCR then you'll find it's a very fast bike!

thanks man!

Yeah, I mean they are all nice bikes. Especially if you love to ride. I actually plan on going cross country with mine. Leaving in just a month or so. Westbound. Should be a fun trip. Can learn more about the trip on my website/forums. Link is in my sig.