Giant OCR upgrade questions
 

Hello, I picked up my first road bike yesterday, a 2003 Giant OCR3 for 200 dollars. Great shape but it's been sitting in storage a long time and I just started taking it apart to inspect and clean it thouroughly. I'm no bike mechanic but I do have access to any tools I will need. So for my dilemna and follow up questions...
I would like to replace this adjustable stem with a more common, threadless type stem like I'm seeing on all these other bikes. So i'm looking online and realize this bike has an integrated 1" headset with a threaded fork as well. So if i want to replace this stem, am I looking at a whole new set of parts? I'm not opposed to it really, but I am having a heck of a time finding the answer to this specific year/setup. Is there perhaps a common upgrade made to this bike over the last seven years that someone could suggest for me? I just don't have the luxury of parts lying around to see if a new 1" fork (because the new stem needs some extra length on the steerer tube to clamp onto, right?) and headsets to go with a new stem are my only option, or if an upgrade to 1 1/8" fork and headset is a more advisable route to go with a new stem?
Sort of sounds like a square peg in a round hole situation to me, but hey, i just got into road biking yesterday!

If anyone is specifically experienced with this year and model line bike, you would be my hero. Thanks for looking.

They make adapters that will allow your threaded system to accept a threadless stem (just google something like 'quill threadless adapter'). If you want to go to a full threadless system you would need a new threadless 1" fork, a new threadless headset, and a spacer for your stem (most new stems are for 1 1/8" forks).

Edit: the other, most obvious, alternative is to just get a new quill stem to replace that adjustable one.

Here's a 1993 Bianchi with a 1" threaded headset converted to 1 1/8 threadless via the adaptor referenced in the previous post. Also I used a high angle stem to create a riser effect to lift the bars.
You can find this conversion at most good bike shops. Or at least they can order the parts for you.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/m...ampione004.jpg

I didn't realise those OCR's had that setup, especially for a 2003 model.

Personally I'd just buy a new headset, 1" fork and a new stem. It'd give you more options now and into the future.

Thank you for the replies. I am glad to see they make an adapter to provide the immediate solution I'm looking for. I'll be going that route first as it appears to be a very inexpensive option to start.
I appreciate the help!

..Why would he need a new fork and headset..?

If the change is just going to be for looks or to modernise it- Don't bother. But if you have to buy a new stem to get the bike ridable- it makes sense.

OCR3----- Lowest of the low in this range. Certain downgrades made to compete at a price on the 3 and the biggest one was wheels. Changing the stock wheels to a handbuilt set of training wheels transformed My OCR3 for me into something that worked a lot better.

Changes made to my OCR2 over time:

Replaced adjustable stem.
Flat wing bars---way more comfy
Ultegra brifters--smoother shifting
William's 30's--biggest change to the bike that was noticable. (OEM:Xero XSR's)
Tomson Seat Post--so I could get micro-adjusting ability

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and help. I did use a stem adapter, 1" to the 1 1/8" threadless. Local shop had exactly what i needed for about 15 dollars. Also was gifted a ritchey stem from my brother in law, and purchased an upgraded seat and seatpost and new tires too. Just need a new chain and to find a pair of shoes to go with the new pedals. Wanted to post a pic for those that were interested, hope it posted okay.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=137319