I have a conundrum

[Bnej]

I want to buy a road bike. I had a go on a Trek 1000 yesterday, which was set up for someone else, and I quite liked it.

What I think I want is an OCR 2 for $1400 or so, but there are no OCR 2s to be had in Australia until late May to June. I thought about a Trek 1200, but it's unavailable in the right size for now, and where I live I think I'd prefer a triple chainring.

I *can* have an OCR 3 for $995, or an OCR C3 for $1950. The C3 is currently cheaper than usual apparently

OCR 3 has Sora gears, and I think I'll hate that little thumb switch very quickly. OTOH it's not that expensive, and it's not like it's a bad bike.

OCR C3 has Tiagra gear, and a full composite frame, and looks really nice, but it's a lot to spend on a first road bike.

Trek Pilot is not available, except in a model that costs like $2500. And from what I read, the Pilot probably isn't what I really want anyway.

So what do I do? Wait 2 months? Go cheap on an OCR 3? Splurge on a C3 and deal with the consequences? ehhhhh.....

[europa]

Keep looking. Don't buy the bike you don't want just to get in early. There are other brands that carry triple chainrings, so have a gander at them - Avanti, Specialised, etc. By the time you've done all your looking, you might have found an OCR2 anyway

And what's this nonsense about the OCR2 not being in stock? It'd have to be a popular seller wouldn't it? So why wouldn't the distributors get their act together better than that? The bike industry amazes me

Richard

[bigbuzz73]

Hi Bnej,
I agree with Europa entirely! I recently went through the "buying my first (decent) road bike issue" and eventually bought a Bianchi. One Melbourne dealer gave me an absolute assurance that there were NO 2007 Via Nirone 7 Alu/Carbon in Australia. He said they had all been sold out and it was highly unlikely any more would be imported for "some months". However, he just happened to have a few 2006 models in stock!
I went to the dealer in a country town 150klm out of Melbourne and recanted the story to him. He said he could have a new 2007 bike in my size THE NEXT DAY!! Naturally he got the deal!
So I guess the moral here is not to believe everything we are told by all dealers... sad but true!
Happy hunting, and try to enjoy the buying process mate. Make it a fun experience and go with your gut feeling as I did and I'm sure you will end up with the perfect bike for you.
Wayne

[Bnej]

And what's this nonsense about the OCR2 not being in stock? It'd have to be a popular seller wouldn't it? So why wouldn't the distributors get their act together better than that? The bike industry amazes me

The local bike shop man said he'd show me the stock sheets if I wanted... Apparently the Giant distributor in Australia is waiting on new models for most popular bikes. Maybe they run down their stock levels as "bike season" ends?

Trek apparently give updates about what can be ordered every week, Giant is less frequent.

I'd like to buy it from my local, because he also organises the weekend rides, and has far better service than anyone else within an hour's drive of where I live. He generally has Treks and Giants, and a few Bianchi's and such like, but doesn't try to sell you floor stock unless that's actually exactly what you want.

I am interested to know if anyone has an all composite frame and what they think of it vs aluminium and carbon fork. Is the difference worth $500?

[Halfanewb]

I agree with Europa , don't rush in and buy something that you might regret in 12 months time.

When i bought my roadie it was more than i was expecting to pay but i rationalized it by thinking that the extra $500 cost is spread over a number of years of use and works out to $2 a week.

like you I really wanted a triple ring because some of the rides we do have some daunting hill climbs, brisbanites will know dornoch terrace /panic and the bike path following the centenary highway. Ive done these routes on my flatbar triple ring bike and the roadie, tbh they are difficult on both bikes but i don't miss the third ring on the roadie, the performance gains more than make up for it.

Your second bike should be bought with the heart, something your going to be proud riding through the years to come and not get that feeling that you shouldn't have compromised or that upgrade fever will take hold once again

[MountGower]

Bnej

I think

[senator52]

I don't know where you live but I've certainly seen a few OCR2's in my recent LBS excursions. So they are out there

[Mulger bill]

There be OCR2s in Melb, and a shiny new one in the shed
Giants work well under my bum Bnej, maybe not yours, you gotta try before you buy. I'm impressed with the Tiagra gear, the Tektro brakes work well and I haven't snapped the seatpost yet (bloody mountain bikers ) The geometry is not full on race, so your back will cop less of a beating too.

If you're looking at spending $1400, tell the dealer your budget is $1000, gives you both some haggling room

[stickgc]

I was recently told by a reputable dealer that the Giant roadbike that suited me (I think he said OCR1- is that the one with full 105? Around $2g anyway) was out of stock until around September. I did see one in another shop though, so it is just a matter of finding a shop with them in stock, as it appears there's no more coming into the country for a long time.

After all the bikes I tested, I couldn't pick the difference between any of them. I'm only a beginner, and this is my first road bike, so hopefully with experience I'll learn what I like. I ended up buying a cheaper bike with the running gear everyone told me I had to get. I'm not expecting it to be great, but I'll probably replace it in a year or so when I have more idea what I'm after.

Greg

[Bnej]

I think I'm going to buy a C3.

Lifetime warranty on that carbon frame, same as for an alloy frame.

I'm sure I can find a OCR 2 if I go and look for one in floor stock, but here's what's leaning me to the C3 vs the 1, 2 or 3 right now:

- It's going to be more comfortable
- You can't mount a rack, so it'll discourage me from weighing it down and making it less fun.
- If you put money into buying a frame, the frame will outlast the parts so you can always get shinier parts later.
- I'm told the OCR's carbon is made for comfort & durability, not weight, so it is actually quite tough. Hence lifetime warranty.
- It's only $550 more.
- It's cheaper now, because apparently they are already bringing in '08 stock (!)
- Damn they're shiny.
- Am less likely to want a whole new bike in 1 year.

against:
- It costs $1950
- Can't fit a rack

[senator52]

Only $550 more...gosh i wish i wasnt a student tho i to have looked at the C3 and the bike does look very good indeed i doubt with the Giant range be it a OCR2, OCR1 or C3 (if the geometry fits ur body) that you could really lose, seems a great brand for both quality and value for money!

[Halfanewb]

17/2 - I try again next week and see how long I can hold out from buying a shiny road bike.

I think I'm going to buy a C3.

Grats Bnej thats one sweet looking mount quite apart from the technological benefits a new bike brings, the boost to the riders spirit is even greater! /soundbytes eye of the tiger.

[Mulger bill]

Geez that C3 is one sweet looking scoot Bnej, have you taken one out for a run yet?

Being the resident Giant tragic, I'm pretty sure you'll have a great time, just make sure she does fit.

Good luck and post a photo

Shaun

[mikesbytes]

Is the difference between the Ali and CF $550 accross the range, or just for the OCR3?

Burn plenty of Glycogen
training log

[Bnej]

Is the difference between the Ali and CF $550 accross the range, or just for the OCR3?

It's the difference between the Tiagra OCR 2 and the Tiagra OCR C3, at a discounted price. Normally the C3 is a couple of hundred more than the OCR 1.

[LuckyPierre]

... OCR 3 has Sora gears, and I think I'll hate that little thumb switch very quickly ... OTOH

Lots of Campagnolo groupset owners seem to like 'that little thumb switch', so it can't be all bad!

I think that you'll dislike the relatively crude ramps and pins on the Sora chain rings and cassette more (even if it does come over time). Gear changing does improve as you go the Shimano model range. I noticed (or at least, I talked myself into noticing) an improvement when I stepped the girlie bike up to Ultegra components - and I noticed (this time with less of a qualifier) an improvement when I put new chain rings on her. The Ultegra gear was a mix of new (cassette) and secondhand (cranks / chain rings), which went on in November last year and I put new chain rings on 2 weeks ago. I still have to get my front derailleur cable tension 'perfect', but the shift from small to large chain ring is a lot better now, while the improved shifting when I put the cassette on was instantly noticeable. The gear that I replaced were relatively new (less than 3,000 kms) 105 components.

[Bnej]

I didn't like two things about it (the little red switch) - it had some free play in it, that made it feel tacky, and I'd have a hard time reaching it with my thumb from the drops. I didn't mind the shifting, but then I also don't mind 6 speed pre-HG 90s era mtb shifting. I don't even mind my 6 speed revo shifter on the folding bike, long as I don't have to use it all day.

[Bnej]

Well I went and told them to go ahead and get me one shiny new OCR C3... should arrive by next week...

Now, I just have to avoid $550 worth of impulse buys, and I'm square.

Might go and do the Blaney to Bathurst ride in order to justify it.

[Mulger bill]

I didn't like two things about it (the little red switch) - it had some free play in it, that made it feel tacky, and I'd have a hard time reaching it with my thumb from the drops.

That's what convinced me to go Tiagra on mine, little thumbs

If she handles and goes as sweetly as my OCR2, you're in for a great, high speed time Bnej Not to mention that blue and composite frame looks stunning

Shaun

[LuckyPierre]

Might go and do the Blaney to Bathurst ride in order to justify it.

If you do, keep an eye out for an old fart in an ACT Vets jersey -especially if you do the short (70km) ride.

[tinstaafl]

Trek Fuel and am quite happy with it to ride although this is the only good quality bike I have ever owned.

The caution I would give about Trek is the apparently high maintenance required. I have done 6,000 ks and am in the process of replacing the goosneck bearings for the second time.
This is no big deal but the interminable wait for parts to come out of the container is maddening. Trek doesn't seem to be in the habit of keeping many parts in Australia and they also tell pork pies when you ask them questions about what is going on.

Maybe the Trek is the Harley Davidson of the bicycle world.

Robert

[Bnej]

If you do, keep an eye out for an old fart in an ACT Vets jersey -especially if you do the short (70km) ride.

Will do. I'll post up if I decide to do it... Definitely 70km if I do though, think it's better to do 70 ks and think you can do more than to try 110 and find out you can't!

Trek Fuel and am quite happy with it to ride although this is the only good quality bike I have ever owned

Did you mean to post this in one of the MTB buying threads?

I have done about 1250ks on my Trek S500 with no maintenance whatsoever, apart from routine chain lube, check bolt tightness etc. Dual suspension MTBs would tend to require more maintenance than road or hybrid bikes I guess.

[Mulger bill]

Yeah, fatties need a bit more lovin' theys complex ladies with forks, discs and such, but still, third headset in 6000k don't sound right