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Lora109
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Giant OCR 1 review

  • Price Paid:$820.00
  • User rating:
    (4.8)
  • Would buy again from this company: Yes
  • Used product for: 3 years
  • # of logged workouts: 27

"The bike I used in my first tri season was one that I had been borrowing from a friend. It was a heavy department store hybrid and not made for racing. I am grateful to have even had a bike, but have been looking forward to the purchase of a road bike.

I had been researching bikes and Giant's OCR series, in particular the OCR3, was something I was considering. As it turns out, 2008 was the last year Giant would be making this series and it has been replaced by Avail.

My LBS had a couple 2008 OCR1s (a more expensive bike than the OCR3) and one of them ended up being my size (Small). So, I got a clearance deal on a higher-end model for around the same money I was planning on paying for the lower-end.

Finding a bargain is always a great deal, but it should not come at the expense - if you will - of a bike that doesn't work for you. Luckily, for me, that was not the case."Lora109

(0)

Ease of installation

I haven't needed to install anything.

(5)

Ease of use

Coming from a department store hybrid, I really find the manner in which the gears shift to be very easy. I'm still adjusting to it, but it is easy.

(5)

Quality of Construction

It's a Giant. Enough said.

(5)

Fit

The LBS did a full-body laser scan and then made some adjustments for the first size-up. After tweaking it a little bit more, mainly moving my seat higher, we were done.

I've ridden this bike for two seasons and haven't needed to adjust anything since I got it, so a thumbs-up on the fit.

(3)

Comfort

The tape on the bars has a nice softness to it.

It doesn't absorb shock as well as I'd like; it's somewhat "stiff," if you will, in that regard.

I will definitely need to replace the saddle with a women's specific. After 9 miles I was hurting and the discomfort continued longer than usual.

(0)

Adjustability

Haven't needed to adjust anything at this point.

(5)

Durability

I hate to repeat myself, but so far, so good.

(5)

Value

This bike has Shimano 105 components and is a great value for the entry-level dollar. It had originally retailed for $1,100 but I got the 2008 model for $750. (The $820 listed above for the Price Paid reflects taxes.)

(5)

Appearance

This bike looks sharp. It's black and white and looks ready to cross the finish line as soon as you give the order.

(5)

Customer Service

I haven't dealt with the manufacturer, but my LBS has been great.

(5)

Performance

I'm very impressed by how light the bike is. This, of course, has a direct impact on my performance as the less weight I have to carry, the less hindered I am in speed and by resistance.

Strengths

I believe you get a lot of value for the money. The 105 components, the quality construction, the comfort of the bike in general. It just has a wonderful feel to it.

Weakness

It is made of aluminum, not carbon, so of course it's not as light as other models on the market.

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Buyers clubOCR 1
  • 24 people use
  • 1299 workouts logged
  • 31096.92 miles / 1999.51 hours logged