madmos

Hi, new to the forum and soon to be new to cycling. Haven't rode in about 17 years. Looking at entry road bikes to get in shape, have fun etc....

The tale of 2 LBS:

Store one has Giant OCR's on clearance here are the choices.

OCR1-$849
OCR2-$699
OCR3-$499

They only have the 2 and 3 in my size. I liked the feel of both. Don't know enough nor did I ride either long enough to notice the difference in components except for the pedals.

Store two had a much bigger selection. The salesman was steering me towards Trek Pilots. Which by my research was one I was interested in as well. He also had the OCR's. But at much higher price than Store 1. These were my choices. And he has everything in my size.

Pilot 1.0-$709
Pilot 1.2-$989

OCR3-$649
OCR2-$899

OK if my only option was store two I would probably lean towards the Pilot as the prices are close enough between the trek and giant. However I can't ignore the great prices from store one.

So I know there is a lot of personal preference and fit yada yada. But all things being egual (The rides felt very similar) does an OCR2 compare favorable to a pilot 1.0 at the same price? That is pretty much where I am at. I don't want to go much higher as I know if this thing sticks that in a year or so I will be looking at the higher end models that cost double what any of these cost. But I am not ready for that kind of investment yet.

I have been looking used on Craig's List and just missed a Trek 520 for $700 but have not seen much else. I am not the patient type and now that I know I want to do this I would like to get started this weekend.

I know there are a million posts here of newbies asking which bike to buy. And this is just another one in the annoying line of them. But I hope I have been specific enough to warrant some decent feedback from the knowledgeable members here.

There is one more store left that I will be going to tomorrow to look at some Bianchi bikes. And if I find a nice steel road bike in the $700-$800 range that may mud the waters again. But right now it is zero'd in on these 2.

Thanks for the help.

Wasatch

Do you have any shops nearby that sell Specialized? If so, you may want to check out the Specialized Allez. I just picked one up a month ago as a starter road bike and have really enjoyed it. Good bang for your buck.

kleng

Comparing the OCR 2 and the Pilot 1.0 which are both a similiar price (assuming both are 2007 models)

The OCR 2 has a slighty better groupset (Tiagra 9 speed versus Sora 8 speed). This means 27 gears as opposed to 24.

The OCR 2 has PD M505 clipless pedals while the Trek doesn't it has clips and straps. The clipless pedals can be used without special shoes, but will allow you choose this option later if you want to.

The OCR 2 has a shorter wheelbase (98.2cm versus Trek 1.0 100.3cm) which equates to a faster handling frame.

The OCR 2 has a Shimano 105 rear deraillieur which is higher spec to the Trek 1.0's Tiagra version.

In all they are quite similiar but I believe the Giant OCR 2 is ever so slightly better specified.

gerg10

where do ya live, cause if you live anywhere near me, i wanna pick up that ocr 2 for myself, im looking ot get a decent bike and thats a pretty decent deal

madmos

That is a good point about both being 2007. I could not say for sure to be honest with you. Store one is a smaller store that obviously does not do as much business so it is possible these are left over 06's.

Does that make a huge difference in the specs? I cannot seem to find 06 specs on the OCR2.

I kind of knew the OCR deal was a good deal but being the noob that I am was not sure how to compare it to the Trek. And the salesman in store #2 when asked about the Giant made it seem like I would be a fool to choose the Giant over Trek. And he did not know about my visit to store one and the price difference. He was assuming I was just asking about his in store bikes where I would be saving $50 going with the Giant as opposed to saving $200-$250.

I have to admit this is all a bit over whelming. There are so many choices out there I find it very hard to decide. The bikes in this range all feel quite similar to me. I know riding each of them for long distances I might start to notice the difference but a 10 minute test drive just does not seem to afford me the ability to clearly say this one feels better than that one.

I guess in the end any of these will make me happy as well as a bunch of others. Which is why I am leaning for most bang for the buck. It is always a good feeling when you feel like you have gotten a good package for a great price.

And I just have one other question. I kind of figured the components on the OCR2 would be superior to the Pilot 1.0. But what about frame vs frame? Is there any real difference in the quality of frames? They are both alum with a carbon fork but is there something else about the 2 that would separate them in terms of quality?


Thanks again for all the help. I can't wait to get started riding. Maybe even as early as this afternoon

ridethecliche

You'll find that for just starting out, the OCR 2 will suit your needs pretty well. It probably has better specs than the trek, and once you actually catch the bug you'll want to get a new bike anyway

If the bike fits you well, go for it. You can always spend a little bit more to get some better wheels later which will help with the performance aspect. You could get a good set of neuvation wheels for about 250, so there that makes everything better!

Overall you're going to be happy with a bike that fits well, there won't be a huge weight difference between the trek and the giant.

Good luck!

Adgooroo

OP - I wouldn't have any reservations about the quality of the Giant frame. They are one of the biggest frame makers and make frames for several other bike brands. All things considered, Giant bikes are among the best values on the market in major bike brands. Nothing wrong w/Trek either - but if I were picking between 9 speed Tiagra and 8 speed Sora, I'd go w/the Giant.

Phantoj

Get either the OCR2 or OCR3 from Store 1, if you like Store 1. Buy the best that fits your budget. The OCRs are pretty much equal to the Pilots, and Store 1's prices are a lot better.



If you hate Store 1, you might try to get Store 2 to come down on price a bit.

Phantoj

The bikes in this range really are quite similar. Don't feel overwhelmed, just pick one that fits your body, your budget, and the way you want to ride. And get one you LIKE. If you have to pay an extra $100 to get one that just plain looks cooler, do it - you won't regret it.

madmos

Well I ended up getting an '06 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 4. Which looks like is quite different than the 07 version. They did not have the 07 to compare it to anyways. I got it for $800 plus a years tune ups and water bottle and holder. This may sound crazy but what really pushed me over the edge was the made in USA sticker on the frame. But as soon as I rode it on down the block I knew it was the one. Felt a bit nicer than the Giant even with the more aggressive riding position. Put about 10 miles on it just now. before the sunset. Looking forward to getting out and getting in shape.

Here are the specs of the 06 and 07 you guys would know more than I would about this stuff


2006 Synapse 4

Frame Synapse
Fork Synapse S.A.V.E.
Rear Shock N/A
Rims Mavic CXP22, 32 hole
Hubs Cannondale Earth
Spokes DT Swiss Stainless
Tires Hutchinson Top Speed foldable, 700 x 23c
Pedals N/A
Crank TruVatiV Touro Triple, 30/42/52
Chain Shimano 9-speed
Rear Cogs SRAM PG-950, 12-26
Bottom Bracket Shimano BB-UN26
Front Derailleur Shimano 105
Rear Derailleur Shimano 105
Shifters Shimano Tiagra
Handlebars Cannondale Fire, 31.8 mm
Stem Cannondale 3-D Forged
Headset FSA Alloy integrated
Brakeset Cannondale Delta
Brakelevers Shimano Tiagra
Saddle Cannondale Road
Seat Post Cannondale Carbon-wrapped


2007 Synapse 4

Frame Synapse Sport
Fork Synapse S.A.V.E. Ultra All-Conditions
Rear Shock N/A
Rims Mach1 CFX, 32 hole
Hubs Cannondale Earth
Spokes DT Swiss Champion
Tires Maxxis Fuse w/nylon belt, foldable, 700 x 25c
Pedals Wellgo alloy cage w/clip and strap
Crank TruVatiV ISOflow 3.0, 30/42/52
Chain KMC 8-speed
Rear Cogs SRAM PG-830, 12-26
Bottom Bracket Shimano BB-UN26
Front Derailleur Shimano Sora
Rear Derailleur Shimano Tiagra
Shifters Shimano Sora
Handlebars Cannondale C3, 31.8 mm
Stem Cannondale C4
Headset FSA Alloy integrated
Brakeset Cannondale C3 All-Conditions
Brakelevers Shimano Sora
Saddle Selle San Marco Ischea Chromoly
Seat Post Cannondale C2 Carbon-wrapped


Looks like they changed the frame, different wheels, crank,derailers, shifter, brakeset and brakelevers.

What ever. I am enjoying the new wheels