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Giant OCR upgrade questions

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Giant OCR upgrade questions

Old 01-19-10, 10:09 PM
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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.
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Old 01-19-10, 10:30 PM
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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.

Last edited by Quel; 01-19-10 at 10:34 PM.
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Old 01-19-10, 10:37 PM
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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.
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Old 01-19-10, 10:47 PM
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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.
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Old 01-20-10, 06:47 AM
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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!
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Old 01-20-10, 06:49 AM
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..Why would he need a new fork and headset..?
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Old 01-20-10, 11:23 AM
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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.
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Old 01-20-10, 01:22 PM
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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
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Old 02-13-10, 09:18 PM
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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.
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