Giant OCR3 for touring is it possible
 

I am Getting ready to do my first tour I own a brand new OCR3 Bike and because of financial situation can not afford another bike could i do loaded touring on this bike or am setting myself up for disaster

From a felow newbie with an OCR3... Fisrt thing that would help is if you are not that big yourself. Like under 200 lbs. It will take a rear rack so if you went really light (maybe 30 lbs) then it should be doable. I have been backpacking for 3 days with less then 30 lbs and with a bike you would not need to carry as much food. If you need more then go with a trailor. not real cheap but cheaper than a dedicated tourer (unless you get lucky and scor on a nice used one. I weigh 240 so I'm already on the heavy side...I found a used Trek 520 to meet my touring/camping duties.

Coy Boy

Thanks coy boy
 

Thanks for the tips im really stoked about my first trip and was hoping i could do it thanks again

good luck. read these forums (and others) for tips (like the sticky at the top) etc as there is a ton of info. Apply what you can, discard the fluf...and most important, keep a positive attitude. that will go further than high dollar gear...not that high dollar gear is a bad thing. I have noticed that in backpacking, lighter usually cost more. but I have also noticed that I used to take too much stuff (still do sometimes).


Then asymble a good camping kit and bike emergacy kit and figgure out how to get it all on the bike. This wouldnt be as critical with a full on tourer. Practice your camping skills until you are comfortable with the gear you have. A few short shakedown trips are the best way to see what works. Well thats whai i plan to do...

Coy Boy

I bought my daughter an OCR 3 for her first road touring, due to its size and general availability where we live. I modified the ubolts that came with a low rider and mounted one on the front, and as you know it took a rear rack fine. Its worked fine, and is a good enough for touring my only suggestion is to get good tough tires that will fit the front fork, its rather tight. That said we found a touring frame and made up bike that is much better suited for touring, her comment was the new bike is an easier bike to ride with gear. We have since striped down the OCR and its now here fast road riding bike, skinny tires and all.
Have fun on your trip I am sure it will change your life!