TEST RIDES ~ thoughts, meanderings and musings

[sandra]

I bet there have been millions of threads like this over the years, especially every spring. I welcome any comments or thoughts.

I was never totally convinced that my Trek 1000 was the perfect fit for me. I bought it used so I rode it, it felt OK, the price was good, so I bought it. I never had anything really to compare it to. But, I sold it and it's gone. I think I want something with a more relaxed geometry, but am not sure what is best for my area and my riding style.

Reading and researching can be so confusing it makes my head hurt.

I started at the best LBS where they carry mostly Giant just to take some rides.

First I rode the Giant OCR 3 WS in a medium. Even though I'm not carried away with the components, I discovered that the WS felt so much more comfortable than my Trek. It rode OK but if nothing else I knew I'd done the right thing in selling my Trek. I wish I could have ridden an OCR 1 in the WS, but they didn't have one in stock.

Next, for comparison the men's OCR 1 in a small. Nice, smooth riding bike, but I felt cramped like my knees were under my chin. We raised the seat and I immediately felt like I was on my old Trek... toooooo stretched out.

In a men's medium they had the OCR 3. Again, not as comfortable. Nope, that's not it.

Finally I tried and FCR 1 in a men's medium. Not bad riding, but even though it is a flat bar, it is out there. I was leaned over and stretched out similar to a road bike. I didn't especially like the hand grips. They seemed too fat for my hands!

This bike shop can also order the Surly Cross Check for me but they don't stock it so I couldn't test ride it. He said he could take a lot of measurements and we could get it really close. I'm sure it's a great bike, but is it the bike for me? I want more comfort, but I mainly ride flat paved rails to trails for fun. I'm not convinced the lower gear ratio be good for that?

Next weekend we plan to take a road trip. I talked with a bike shop in New Orleans that has a Jamis Aurora in a 50 cm that I could try. The 50 may be too small. I'll try whatever else they have that I might be interested in.

What are the main differences in the Aurora and the Cross Check?

The WS now has me confused. I have long arms, not short so I'd never considered the WS, but the Giant WS felt so much better. I think. Oh, it's confusing! After riding all of the other ones, I should have gone back to the WS one last time.

The only thing I know for sure is that I'm glad I sold my Trek and I'm going to ride a lot of bikes before I decide. Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions? I appreciate any input.

[VeloVT]

Sandra,
it might be worthwhile (if you haven't already done so) to look up the numbers on all of the bikes/sizes you've ridden, and write them down along with your impressions, so you can easily compare them head to head. It might make it easier to narrow down other bikes that would be a good fit for you.

good luck!!!

[ehirsch83]

Hey Sanda!
I few other bikes I would look at are(if you are still considering a road bike) the Felt Women's Bikes- the F35 is a great bike for the money, so is the F40- but the components aren't as great)
If you are looking for a more upright, flat bar position I would also look at their fitness line.

The Jamis bikes are great- the Aurora is an awesome deal for the price, you get a lot for your money. Also, if you think you want to go for more of a flat bar bike, the Coda is a great bike.

The third bike I am going to suggest is a little bit more money then the others but it might be along the lines of what you are looking for(you might be able to find an '07 somewhere on closeout). Pinarello's Trevisio. It is a road bike with flat bars, so you get both worlds combined.


If I think of anything else, I will add it to this!

[sandra]

I am TOTALLY in love with this bike, however it is probably overkill for me.

The Giant OCR A1W. It is a beauty.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/_upload_us/bikes/models/zooms/2008/OCR-A1-W-Gold-Composite.jpg

[KatyLady]

Overkill? What's that? As DH always tells me, "If you want it go for it."

[sandra]

They both have a carbon fork and seatpost. The only real difference in this one and the OCR 1 is that this one has an aluminum and carbon frame. I just think this bike is beautiful, but for the riding I do which is mainly for fun and pleasure, I don't need this.

I was commenting on it after I got home and dear hubby said "call them and get them to order it!"

[VeloVT]

it's beautiful!

[ehirsch83]

The OCR is a great bike! It is a comfort bike, so it is actually what you want for what you do!
The mixture of carbon and aluminum also gives you a great ride, the carbon fork will dampen vibration, while the aluminum frame will give a great ride with a very responsive frame.

I say go for it if you are going to ride it! You want to be comfortable.
Also, Giant gives you a great great great product for the money, the frames come with a lifetime warranty and most shops should give you at least a year warranty on the components. The sloping top tube on it is going to put you in a comfort position, more upright then a race geometry(say the tcr), you can raise the stem up and be in a pretty vertical position, so you should not have the issues you were having on the Trek.

I say listen to the hubby and go for the OCR A1W!!!!

[divingbiker]

I am TOTALLY in love with this bike, however it is probably overkill for me.[/IMG]

Why in the world would you say such a thing, Sandra? You know you love to ride, and you know you want a road bike that fits. It's not like you're taking a risk here...you know you'll use it.

Who's to say that if you have this bike you won't decide to do a Womantours tour, or some other road ride?

Go for it!

[sandra]

I say listen to the hubby and go for the OCR A1W!!!!

I just read this post to hubby and he said "that's exactly what I say, go for it!

But, I struggle for these reasons:
First ~ I'm frugal
Second ~ Paying that much I'd have to be 100% positive that it was THE perfect bike and THE perfect fit. I don't know if I'll ever be 100% positive on either of those.
Third ~ I wouldn't want to put it on a bike rack or use it because I wouldn't want to scratch it.
Finally ~ I'm old. I don't know if I have enough riding years left in me to get my $$$ worth! LOL, but it's true.

[sandra]

Oh, and one more reason. I haven't ridden any more bikes yet.... but when I compare the geometry of the Aurora or the Cross Check, I can't imagine how they would work.

This WS stuff is confusing!!!

[divingbiker]

Finally ~ I'm old. I don't know if I have enough riding years left in me to get my $$$ worth! LOL, but it's true.

Well, I'm about the same age as you, I think (I'm 51), and I'm planning to buy a bike that costs four times that much. It's the quality of the years left, not the quantity!

[sandra]

I am a frugal almost 53. And I don't want to feel guilty if I'm NOT out there riding constantly.

[withm]

I dunno - it comes in blue too. Go for it!

You know, it may seem like a lot of money, but as far as bikes go, it's not so bad. Look at it this way, if you smoked cigarettes, you'd be spending over $2,000/year.

And when you consider the health aspects - $2,000 for a bike vs oh I don't know, $200,000 for ER and heart attack and angioplasty? It's a no brainer.

Don't think about the cost of the bike. Buy whatever bike makes you feel good. (Yeah, they ALL make ME feel good! I love to ride my bikes).

[Beane]

I'm going to tell you what I told my mom when she was debating getting her new bike: If you LOVE your bike, you will want to be out riding constantly. (so that deals with your point #1 about being frugal (and also point 4 a little))

#2: Test ride lots of bikes, have fun with it, and then make a decision. You may have second thoughts or subsequent bike envy, but everyone does at some point (I think.).. that's what accessorizing is for! With some minor tweaks you will make whatever bike you get "your own" and will love it (n.b.:this process may not be cheap but it will be fun).

#3: Bikes are meant to be ridden. And as I've been telling myself lately since my bike's sandpaper incident, you can always repaint.

#4: I don't think you're old, but seriously, you can't take it with you... so have fun and enjoy life!

[ehirsch83]

Alright Sandra,
A)You deserve it!! My mom is a year or two older then you(I forgot how old she is... I always guess younger!) and she just bought herself a new road bike, because after riding her Giant OCR for 3 years, she decided she DESERVED a new bike. She loved her bike, but she saw everyone else around her getting a new bike so she decided that it was time for her to get a new one. Now, my mom may ride anywhere from 0-4 times a week, her rides lasting anywhere from 8-25 miles. Her speed is slow, but she loves going out there and since she loves it, she deserves to have a bike she truly enjoys.

So what I am saying is, You DESERVE it, from everything you have told us on these boards, you love riding bikes and you seem to have done a pretty good job raising a great family, now it is time for you to splurge on yourself a little :D

Now the other thing I am going to say, I work at a LBS that sells both Giant and Jamis- I think they are both awesome bikes and what it comes down to is which one you feel best on, in my opinion neither bike is a better product. They are both great quality for what you are going to pay.(I have had 2 giants,ridden my mom's old OCR and have test ridden a Jamis, I loved all 4 bikes)

p.s. don't be afraid to put it on a bike rack! that is what they are made for :-)

[sandra]

Now the other thing I am going to say, I work at a LBS that sells both Giant and Jamis

Please talk to me about the geometry of the OCR 1 WS in a medium compared to the geometry of an Aurora (possibly a 50?). Studying the numbers, it's hard to see how they could compare.

Of course I haven't ridden the Aurora yet, but geometry is confusing to me.

[Geonz]

(In defense of frugality... I *do* think of what else the dollars could buy. There's nothing wrong with frugality :-) I get an awful lot of joy from my only semi-precious steeds.... and really expensive things make me nervous.)

[SouthernBelle]

Sandra, I'm the same age as you. (I'll be 53 in July). I ride the full carbon OCR C3 from '05. I think a bike that is comfortable, fast, and will get you out riding and enjoying it is worth every penny. Giant's lifetime warranty made me feel great about the carbon. I've used and abused Black Beauty and she still shines like a new penny. If I were buying another bike, new, I would look at another Giant.

Besides I think your resale on that bike would be great. Carbon isn't getting any cheaper.

Go ahead and ride some other bikes. Any excuse to go to NOLA. But I have a sneaking suspicion you are going to come back to the Giant.

[sandra]

And what about bar end shifters. I've never had/tried them. If you don't spend much time riding in the drops, are they inconvenient?

[Zen]

That is a beautiful bike.
Classy, I tells 'ya.

Frugality is a good thing but age does have its privileges.

If you can afford it and it feels good, do it.

[sandra]

This one's really not bad though.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/_upload_us/bikes/models/zooms/2008/OCR-1-W-Black-Brushed.jpg

[SlowButSteady]

Sandra, I have the Giant OCR A1W :cool: In the gold-black-silver.

Hotawmighty, it's a beautiful machine.

Mine is frame sized XS. I'm 5'2" with really short legs.

I upgraded from a Trek 1000WSD.

Besides the structural/mechanical upgrade, I really did it for two reasons that are probably not applicable for you:

1. I wanted a bike w/ 700c wheels. The Trek's were 650c. I felt like I might be able to keep up better on club/group rides with bigger wheels. So far, I'm still as slow as molasses. But the frame geometry of the Giant XS allowed for 700c wheels where the 48cm Trek had 650c wheels. I don't quite have the standover room on the Giant that I should have. But then I'm a very short woman of very wide proportions and I probably looked like a circus clown riding a teeny-weeny bike on that Trek.

2. Color. Sounds petty, but I did not want a pastel colored bicycle. Most of the bikes I was looking at that might fit me were in colors that made me want to vomit. And I wanted a bike in a primary color that was not the color of my old bike and didn't match the color of anybody in my club. That gold/black/silver OCR A1W is one pretty bicycle. Unfortunately, that bike's beautiful color scheme clashes with all of my cycling clothes, gloves, helmet....I have an orange helmet, spring green gloves.......and some goshawful jersies. Nothing looks good with it.

Anyway, the Giant OCR A1W is a fine bicycle, and she's a looker.

Other things: gear shifting is smoother. The Giant is a double and my Trek was a triple. It's easier for me to keep up with the gears since I'm mechanicially challenged. I find myself pedaling better, cross-chaining less. Just generally riding in a more suitable gear more often.

Just from a human standpoint, don't settle for one bike because if you have your heart set on another, you may not be satisfied.

[Crankin]

Sandra, if you can afford it, buy it. I am 54, and I have a bike that costs more than what you are considering. So what? I wouldn't have bought it if I couldn't pay for it and I don't think you would either.
And yes, it sure beats spending money or cigarettes, medication, or surgery.

[sandra]

Let me say that it is NOT so much affording it as it is balancing cost vs. how much I ride. I'm probably a lightweight compared to most of you. A Fred. :p I love to ride, but I may not ride as much or as far or get nearly as many miles as most of you do. And I don't commute to work, etc. It's just a pleasure bike for me.

So, for HOW I ride, it seems expensive. The OCR 1 is the exact same bike and components minus some of the carbon. And it is a pretty bike too. I didn't care at all for the blue of the OCR 3. It's just not me.

[withm]

If you buy a bike that you love, you will most likely end up riding a lot more, further justifying the initial investment.

[ehirsch83]

Hey Sandra,
I'm on my way out the door to work, but I just checked the forums- when I get back I will write about the differences in geometry!

[Starfish]

Hey Sandra, a couple thoughts.

My mom was raised in Nebraska during the 30's. She was always frugal with herself (though generous with others). And, I saw two sides to her frugality. (1) Sometimes her frugality really pleased her...it tickled her and made her smile to save on some things. (2) Sometimes her frugality was all about the voices in her head from her upbringing giving her guilt induced messages that no longer really fit the truth of the situation, and were all about her low opinion of what she deserved.

Only you know if either one of these scenarios might be applicable to this situation for you. I saw my mom pass up a lot of pleasures due to reason number 2...things she absolutely could have afforded and would have enjoyed. This made those of us who loved her quite sad. If your husband is encouraging you, I would say really, really consider getting the bike you want.

It is tempting to toss numbers and justifications at you as to why I believe the bike is not as big a risk as you might feel (i.e. it really doesn't need to be perfect...it would not be the end of the world to resell it, etc.). But, maybe this is an opportunity to try on a new mindset, especially when your husband is so supportive, and when you're not talking about a truly huge purchase, like a house, or a lifetime commitment like adopting a baby, or other such decisions.

Hope this doesn't sound too preachy. I say go for it, Sandra.

[Harley]

I vote for your buying the Giant OCR A1W!!! Very cool, beautiful bike. Sounds like the ride is just what you are looking for. Go for it!:D

You are NEVER too old! I am 58 and just bought a Bianchi C2C. I consider myself a casual rider, haven't ridden a road bike in 17 years. I'm doing it because I want to and still can. Riding relaxes the mind, brings the body into balance, keeps you young. It doesn't matter if you ride 5 miles or 50. If you love something, then do it with style.

If you look fast, you don't have to be fast:cool:

[KnottedYet]

Bike love is a beautiful thing.

Don't worry about How you ride vs the $$ of your bike.

Go for the love!

[sandra]

bumping because....

I'd really like to hear some discussion regarding bar end shifters vs thumb shifters.

[Starfish]

bumping because....

I'd really like to hear some discussion regarding bar end shifters vs thumb shifters.

Can't help you there. Never used bar end shifters.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I love the bar end shifters on my Rivendell. I was a beginner rider when I got that bike, and I got used to them pretty quickly. Like anything, they seem odd at first, but you get the hang of it after a few rides. I like the left hand one to be non-indexed for the front rings. 'Non-indexed' or 'friction' is no clicking into pre-defined positions- just a smooth transition that slowly pushes the chain from one ring to the other. I like that for the front rings because you can then 'trim' the position to get it in the sweet spot. It sounds complex but it's really not, and it all becomes second nature after a while. It's actually sort of fun to shift this way...like a craft.

[sandra]

It sounds complex but it's really not, and it all becomes second nature after a while.

Not confusing at all. I get it. Similar to the shifting on the mixte where you can get it in the perfect spot by moving ever so slightly.