Giant OCR upgrade questions
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
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.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 3,653
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
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.
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.
#3
Bike Junkie
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: South of Raleigh, North of New Hill, East of Harris Lake, NC
Posts: 9,622
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Giant OCR-C, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper Comp, 88 & 92Nishiki Ariel, 87 Centurion Ironman, 92 Paramount, 84 Nishiki Medalist
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 68 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 37 Times
in
27 Posts
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.
You can find this conversion at most good bike shops. Or at least they can order the parts for you.
__________________
Roccobike BF Official Thread Terminator
Roccobike BF Official Thread Terminator
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 716
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
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.
#5
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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!
I appreciate the help!
#7
Time for a change.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Posts: 19,913
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
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.
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.
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
#8
Senior Member
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
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
__________________
[insert clever quote here]
[insert clever quote here]
#9
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Hvergelmir
Bicycle Mechanics
8
06-09-14 01:14 PM
virtualelvis
Bicycle Mechanics
8
11-16-10 07:23 PM