Hi all. New to biking but really like it alot. Just did my first 50k ride today. Kicked my butt but I loved it. I do have a question - I bought a Specialized Crossroad Elite hybrid. Have put about 150 miles on it before today. I'm thinking of getting a road bike after todays ride though. The reason I got the hybrid is because I'm 52 yrs old and over the last 10 yrs I've had two back surgeries. I can sit upright on my hybrid which helps with the old back. Someone recommened the Giant OCR bikes to me as it would allow me to sit up a little more than some of the other road bikes. Any suggestions?

you can put on a steeper stem which will help also going to see a good bike fitter couldnt hurt

Just started biking earlier this year and really like it alot. Did my first 50k ride yesterday and did ok. I'm riding a Secialized Crossroads Elite hybrid that is a good bike and I've put around 150 miles on it not counting the 50k. I realized when I was riding in the 50k that I need to get a good road bike. I'm 52yrs old, in good shape but have had a couple of back surgeries over the last 10 yrs. That is the reason I got the hybrid because I heard they are easier on the ol'back and I have not had any problems. I want a good road bike and someone suggested the Giant OCR bikes because they have a little higher stem and you don't have to bend over as far when you ride as you do with some other bikes. I figure to spend 1000 to 1500 bucks. I also saw Consumer Reports rated them pretty good in their June magazine. Any help or suggestions out there?

Raliegh's Cadent might also work, there web sight claims an upright ride. A comfort road bike I belive is the category.

Trek Pilot, Giant OCR, and Specialized Roubaix are all comfortable road bikes. Most manufacturers have the more relaxed or slightly upright road bikes. You will still feel streched out from your hybrid, but your handlebars will be about level with the seat rather than a few inches lower. I chose the Roubaix, its all carbon, and really its is amazingly comfortable. I still use the hybrid, but that is for paved trails with my wife.

I've been checking out the Specialized Sequoia Elite also. Have read nothing but good things about it on-line. Anyone have any feed back on that bike?

I picked up Sequoia Elite about a month ago after much deliberation and test riding various bikes, both flat and drop bar, and I can recommend this bike with no reservations. I too was concerned about the geometry of a road bike because of a chronic back condition (two lower herniated discs, but no surgeries) but I find this bike to be extremely comfortable.

In fact I have found the bike to actually alleviate my back discomfort. There have been days when I have thought twice about riding because of back pain and sciatica but decided to go out anyway and actually felt better at the end of the ride...and with absolutely no discomfort while on the bike.

Of course everyone is different and your injuries may not respond to this particular bike and bike fit as mine have. If you have the opportunity, and the bike is available, give it a test ride.

I can honestly say that without the help of the people on this forum that I probably would still be undecided about which bike to buy. Hopefully, my small contribution will help you make your decision.

Personally, I could not be more pleased with my Sequoia.

Happy Hunting.

Another nice thing about the Sequoia line of bikes, the panier rack mount holes are in place. If you ever decide to go on a overnight bike tour, you can pack some bags with your gear.

Thanks for the input. I'm going to talk with my LBS guy tomorrow(he sold me my hybrid and is a good guy) and talk about buying the Sequoia. I guess I'll have to make up my mind between the Expert or the Elite.

THERES A BIKE BUG?!!? does it hurt when you get bite? where do they live? under the seat i bet! im scared now

Gook luck and let us know how you make out in your search.

I must admit that I had a great deal of enjoyment doing the research, then test riding, and finally evaluating all of the input I received on this Forum. It also didn't hurt that the LBS treated me well and spent a good deal of time fitting me out. I had not been on a road bike for many years (things sure changed a lot) and I guess it showed.

Hope you have a good experience too. Again, keep us posted.

SemperFi - I went and test road a Giant OCR Limited. It had the works - all carbon, top of the line Shamino shifters, brakes, state of the art this and that. It was a really nice bike. I could buy it for $1600. But it was really hard on my neck and when I rode it over some ruff street it about rattled my teeth out. On smooth pavement though it was like ice skating. It was nice. I still think the Sequoia might be my best bet. I can get it for about $1000. I'm going to go and try one out tomorrow. I have high hopes as I really want a good road bike. I sure appreciate your input as I think you and I have almost the same back problems.

You will probably get a similar ride with most road bikes over rough pavement because of the narrow tires. And on a smooth surface they will all seem like you are riding on glass. Certainly it's a much different ride than your hybrid bike.

The bike you test rode does have better components than the Sequoia Elite but if you are new to road cycling, as I am, it might be more bike than you need. Only you can answer that question.

The pain you spoke about might just be the fit of the bike. Was the seat higher than the handlebars? If so you were probably compensating for that downward angle by raising your head to get a better view of the road and causing your neck pain. Your body is in a much different position than it's in when riding your hybrid where the handlebars are noticeably higher than your seat, putting you in a much more upright position. It may take some getting used to but adjustments can always be made so that your seat and handlebars are level with each other which should make you more comfortable.

Don't know if your LBS carries the Sequoia but test ride it if you can. Then just go for the one that fits and feels better.

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.

Hey guys - I test rode the Sequoia(base model) and loved it. I ordered the Elite and should have it in about a week. There were no '05 models so I'll get an '06. I spent about 15 or 20 minutes on it with no problems with back or neck. I realize I will have to spend some time on to really get used to it though and that I might have a little pain untill then. I was on the ORC for about 10 minutes and was uncomfortable. The Sequoia was a much better fit (I'm 6ft and 165lbs - the bike is a large) and is easier on my bank account. It handled great and was a pretty smooth ride. I didn't want to get off of it. I'm not a racer but I do want to do some 50k,100k and 100mile rides and think this bike is going to be what I need. My LBS (I'm going to give them a plug - Ronnie at Midtown Bike Shop in Tulsa, OK) gave me a pretty good deal and worked with me. He is going to put on Armadillo tires, will put on a Specialized computer and a water bottle holder thing - all at no cost. He did want to know if I wanted to stay with the stock size of tire-25 or if I wanted 23 or 28. What do you guys think? So far I told him the 25's but I don't know anything about it. I've read that some guys didn't like the seat because they said it was too soft. It felt fine to me but Ronnie said we could change it out if I didn't like it. The bike I rode had the suspension seat post and I seemed to kind of liked it but the Elite will have a solid post. Any feed back? I've also read some guys had problems with spokes breaking on older models. Ronnie said he has not seen that problem. Any feed back? Thanks guys for all your in put - it has been a big help. I'm new to this but I love it.

Hey griffster, congratulations on your new Sequoia. I was sure that you would like it if you got the chance to give it a spin and I guess it sort of reaffirms my own decision to buy the bike. I knew when I test rode it that this was the bike for me. It almost seems like when the bike is the right one, it picks you, instead of vice versa.

Since this is also my first road bike in many a year, and my most recent experience is limited to only this particular bike, I'm not able to give you any further insight about the tires or saddle simply because I don't have a basis for comparison. I stayed with the stock tires and saddle because they just felt right.

I'm sure that there are other BF members who can give you their input on those questions. Regardless, you got yourself a terrific bike and I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I am.

SemperFi - I think I will like the bike alot. It fit me so much better than the OCR and seemed to handle so much better. It had a nice natural feel to it and I can't imagine I'll out grow the bike. I'm looking forward to doing a century ride. We have one coming up this fall here in Tulsa.
The pedal sysyem is a new thing for me. I got some shoes and I understand that the cleats for them will come with the bike. I've heard it's a very efficient way to pedal and that I will like it alot.
I have a week untill I get the bike and I'll keep you posted on how it goes for me. I would appreciate any other tips you have for me if you think of any. Thanks again.

I have major back issues of my own. I finally went for a recumbent bike and sold my others. You may want to remain open to the option considering your back surgeries.

Check the wallet, the pain is always felt there first.....

I put drop bars on my hybrid and I find it most comfortable riding in the drops. I have the bars level with the seat. The chance of changing hand positions is nice. The extra brake levers on the top of the Sequoia bars are good. I ride on 28 mm tires, but I would recommend lighter Kevlar belted tires with Kevlar beads than the Armadillos. The ride and handling is much better with lighter tires. I use Bontrager Xlite Race.

griffster,

Since I am not into racing I had the LBS swap out the pedals for toeclips which seem to suit me just fine based on the type of riding I do. Any roadie will tell you however that clipless (why do they call it clipless when you are clipped into the pedals?) is the way to go since it enables a much more efficient use of energy and you really become connected to the bike. Based on what you've posted I'm sure that, with experience, it will also work for you.

+1 what AndrewP had to say about the extra brake levers. They really come in handy.

Drop bars don't necessarily mean you can't have a more upright riding position. Frames have different geometries even among road bikes and stems can be changed. Take my old Bianchi for example...that ain't the stem that came with it. The original had the bars about 4 inches lower an a couple inches farther forward...which might have been ok for me 30 years ago, but not anymore.



To me, the choice of handlebars has more to do with how much of your frontal area you want exposed as wind resistance. With flat bars, I feel like a big ole parachute, though you can mitigate that with bar-ends or aero bars. Drop bars lessen my profile without the addition of anything else, though aero bars can be added as well.