OCR or FCR
 

I am going to buy the bike today, I just have to decide which one.

OCR
Pro: should be faster, I can grow into it as I get in better shape, will be able to ride longer distances as I get into better shape, I will have more hand positions for comfort, I should be able to lengthen/adjust the stem so I can be more upright now and as I get into better shape, lower and adjust so I can go into the drops comfortably and fast, will be able to keep up with other group riders because it should be faster and I can be more aerodynamic, if it is uncomfortable to ride on the hoods I can always use the top bar which is the same position as a straight bar on the FCR, wont have to upgrade later if I decide I do want a road bike instead of a fitness bike after riding for a few months/year

Con: $1100 vs $850/$700, riding the hoods (Where the brakes are at?) have been relatively uncomfortable on other bikes, what if I dont ride as often/long as I think I want to ride

FCR
Pro: very comfortable bike to me, really spoke to me, OCR frame with straight bars, price is awesome, with the added savings I could buy all of my accessories like computer, lights, helmet, shoes etc,

Cons: Only having 1 hand position except for bar ends could be a pain especially on longer rides, what if I want to "upgrade" in less than 2 years, I am saving money now, but will it save me in the long run, slower?

My first "real" bike was a flat bar roadish bike similar to the FCR series. I regretted it about 4 months after. I still like the flat bar road bike, but only for slowish tours and grocery shopping. A bike like the OCR would have been way better for me, a lot more flexibility for what I like to do, commutes/short day trips/rec rides/etc.

When I first rode with drops it took me a little while to get comfortable, but now I dislike going to a flat bar.

I would recommend the OCR based on my experience, but you need to think carefully about how you want to use it and for how long. Hope this was useful.

Sounds like you already know which bike to get if the FCR really spoke to ya then go with it get it in the alliance and go from there you'll be able to make adjustments like you would on the OCR even adding drop bars later. plus won't it be sweet to pass all those guys after a couple of months on your flat bar road bike. It ain't all about the bike right!

I should also say I plan on using this bike for commuting under 7 miles one way and I am 6'3" 305lbs currently...

LOVE my FCR.

With bar ends, I have 4 hand positions on a flat bar. I often take the flat bar bike out for 40-60 mile rides and am very comfortable. It might be slower than my drop bar bikes, but only slightly, very slightly. Maybe my average speed for a 3 hour ride will be 0.2 mph slower.

Do you think you won't want to upgrade the OCR in 2 years? Sure you will. We always want something better. Don't worry about that so much. Get the bike that is comfortable for you now. You will be more likely to ride it more often. I have a couple of bikes that I ride often, depending on what type of riding I will be doing or maybe because I haven't ridden one for a week or so. But, there is one bike that is uncomfortable, I never ride that one.

I've commuted 12-14 miles each way on a flat bar road bike (2005 Marin Lucas Valley) for over two years and never longed for a drop bar. Flat bars can be positioned as high or low as you want. Get the bike you feel best on NOW.