2002 Giant OCR3
 

I am considering the purchase of a used 2002 Giant OCR3 as my first road bike. It comes with SPD pedals (I already have SPD mountain shoes for spinning class) and also a FlightDeck computer, for $275. I'm just looking for opinions before I make this purchase, all comments welcome.
Thanks,
Ryan

It's a nice bike. I have an OCR2 and my wife has the OCR3. The differences between the two are the gears/brifters. The OCR3 comes with Sora components, entry level items with thumb adjuster and is an 8 speed bike. That's perfect for my wife and she likes it.

We paid $550 for hers new, a 2005 model a year ago. If you "think" you might ride a lot, you may have to consider a better bike however if this one fits you well and it's the right price for you, then enjoy!

Sheldon

Thanks for the input. I am looking for a healthy, fun hobby, and started spinning a couple months ago with the idea of getting into road biking. My wife is going to get me a bike for my birthday in June, we've already discussed it. Two problems, I don't want to wait that long, and I have no idea what I like. This bike will help me with both of those, so I can make a more informed decision when I'm ready to buy this summer. Then I'll either sell the Giant, if I buy it, or keep it for rainy days or something.
Ryan

As long as it fits well enough and is comfortable - go for it. That's a good deal as long as the bike is in good condition. I did the same thing: bought a second-hand (but hardly used) Trek 1000 for $275 a few years ago. I'm slowly shopping for that next bike, but have had no complaints so far and will keep the Trek around as a rainy day bike anyway.

Just a thought, depending on how the Giant works out you might even consider waiting on the new bike until your next birthday. That would give you enough time to really know what you want out of your investment. 2-3 months may or may not be quite enough time. There's plenty of things your wife could treat you with this year (wheels, gear, etc.) that would benefit you this summer and in the future.

That's a good point, and I was thinking that too. I was actually looking for a fixed gear when I came across this Giant, but it seems too good a deal to pass up.

Ryan

$275 for an entry level bike with pedals you already have shoes for and a computer...seems like a good deal to me.

If you plan to upgrade in the next year or two, I'll bet you can unload it for a few dollars less than you paid for it.

Bill

Sounding pretty good to me so far. Have you gone by to check the condition of the bike? Made sure the stand-over is comfortable and the reach is reasonably close? (The stand-over on a compact frame shouldn't be a big deal...but changing the stem length can only do so much to dail-in the reach if it's not reasonably close to begin with.)

Otherwise I'd say this is a great way to get started. Looks like most folks are happy with their OCR3's:
http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/20...6_4338crx.aspx

I have the same bike, '02 OCR3 and I love it. I'm 5'10.5" and ride the large frame comfortably. It's my first road bike, bought it brand new in the summer of '02 and have never had a problem. It's a comfortable saddle, to me anyway, and shifts fairly clean. Take care of it and it'll treat you well. Happy riding.

Thanks for the input, I haven't checked it out yet, but I have seen pics. It looks to be clean, and worth the money. I hoping to get time tonight to see it, and I'll buy it if I like it. I just needed some views to tell me it's a decent deal.
Ryan

I was unable to purchase the bike, when I called after dinner yesterday someone had already bought it. I am still a little let down about it, I was really hoping to pick it up. Oh well, maybe next time. Thanks for all the input.
Ryan

I believe my OCR3 is the 2002 model. I had the 2000 model and traded it in for another one a couple years later.

Does the one you are considering look like this?

http://www.machka.net/rm1200/ocr3.jpg

I have been very happy with mine. I did a lot of cycling on it for the first year I had it, and since then it has become my trainer bicycle. Contrary to some opinions here, I really liked the Sora shifters ... I kind of wish Machak (my Marinoni) had them. They were so much easier to shift than the FSA or Ultegra or whatever it is I have now.

Yes, the bike I was considering looked just like that. Unfortunately, it has been sold, maybe I will find another one.
Ryan