Trek vs. Giant

[Hammer]

I have a Trek 7200 Hybrid and like it lots... the issues in changing gears I think are more operator error than anything. I bought it at the end of July and have 570 miles on it. I do like to ride bike.

So, now I am considering my next purchase... a road bike. I figure that I can spend the winter shopping around. Yesterday I went to one shop that sold Cannondales and Giants. They have a 05 OCR 2 for approx $1500, carbon frame, etc. It's a year end clearance sort of deal. The salesman explained that the OCR 2 is built for comfort and that the carbon frame will absorb the road vibration, etc....

I have been eyeing the 06 Pilot 2.1. The second bike shop has an 05 Pilot 2.1 for around $1100, it has the toe straps, but not clip ons. That sales person explained that a full carbon frame is so finicky. He said that Giant carbon frames are more likely to crack and really only have a life span of 5 years or so. Trek alumnium frames are super tough. The Pilot has Carbon forks and seat posts... they absorb the road vibration. And, as long as a frame doesn't break due to abuse, Trek will guarantee their products for life.

Now, I haven't ridden any of these bikes. The weather and my attire weren't ideal for testing bikes. I know that will be my test. I have a gut feeling that I may go with a WSD model, in which case, I'll probably wait for the '06 models to come in. I know that both shops think their gear is the best. I also figure that Giant isn't your bottom of the barrel equipment either... So I plan to scour through posts here to see what others think.

Also, do you guys enjoy the Trek S.P.A. bikes? The sales guy raved about them... of course, he would.

I also don't really know how much bike I *need*. If I should check out a model that's a little more affordable... though I know that $1500 is still a moderately priced bike compared to other models. I look at it as an investment. I'll test drive a couple bikes that are less expensive too.

[Hammer]

And, I realize that Trek has full Carbon bikes too and that even their Alpha Alumnium bikes have the carbon forks and seat posts too. Ahh... so much to consider!!

[Veronica]

First what's wrong with your current bike? Why do you want a new bike? Nobody can really give you advice about a bike until you tell us what you're looking for. :)

Here's my .02.

There's two things to look for in a bike - frame and components.

The only thing that matters about the frame is the fit and handling. Material choice is so overrated. Yes metal will last longer than carbon fiber. But you may grow tired of the bike before it is even an issue. Things like speed and road dampening can be changed with tire selection. So buy a frame that fits and don't worry about anything else.

In the price range you're looking at Shimano is really your only choice for components. 105, Ultegra and Dura Ace are the three levels. Dura Ace is too expensive and less reliable because it's built to be lightweight for racers. Lance does not ride the same bike year after year. :D Ultegra is a little smoother, but 105 is fine.

Kudos to you for being skeptical about what the bike saleman has to say about his product and that of his competition.

Have fun shopping!

Veronica

[Hammer]

I want to do the Tour de Kota... (South Dakota's multiday bike tour) next summer and I'd like to do the local MS150. I know that it's possible to do these things on a hybrid... lots of people do. However, lots of people recommend getting a roadbike as long as I'm looking to do long mileage rides anyway. Just putting clipless pedals on my current bike would help loads... but the additional hand positions available on a road bike would be really nice too.

Also, on kind of a superficial note... The color scheme kinda draws me toward some bikes. :o For instance, pink bikes are very pretty, they're just not me. But, they're also out of my price range... so it's cool. Though, I prefer black or maybe dark blue to the crystal blue and red. But, those are just details. :)

[latelatebloomer]

Hammer, glad you started this thread, as I need to learn about what I require for my first road bike, too. When I told my trainer at the gym that I want to do a century by next fall, he kinda made a face and said, "a century would be pretty difficult on your hybrid. Think about getting a road bike in the spring - do research this winter." The bad news for me is that I only spent $1500 on my CAR! (artist married to artist, 'nuff said.) So I gotta find my parameters and let help from the second-hand angels.

I agree with you on the pink issue. Now fuschia I could live with! Happy hunting!

[tatormc]

My first road bike was a Giant OCR3 which I got spring of last year. It was a great starter bike for me that tought me what I needed to know about cycling. The components were not great and the thing weighed a ton. But I needed to get something inexpensive to see if I'd even stick with cycling. Anyhow a year later I still loved it so I upgraded to a Giant TCR Composite 2 which I love. An OCR2 would be a great first road bike but test ride the ones you are interested in to determine what's best for you.

[anne_77]

I have a Trek 1000 SL 50 cm bike. I just bought it but I absolutely love it. It is so comfortable and easy to use. Absolutely no complaints. All I've added are new pedals (Shimano mountain bike pedals cause I like the shoes!) and a Cateye. Oh - and it looks cool too - it's orange and yellow - spiffy!

[Hammer]

I was talking online with a guy in our local bike club. The shops that I went to are in a town 50 minutes away. He prefers the shop that sells Giants. But, our in town LBS is a Giant dealer too. I would've bought a Giant Hybrid, but he didn't seem to eager to sell and ended up not having quite what I wanted, so I just went with Trek.

I took my bike in for a tune up. He asked about my mileage, I said I thought that I was doing well, I liked to ride. I said that I'd like to look into a roadbike and he says, "So soon?" I told this to the bike club guy... He said that the shop owner isn't really much of a salesman. He's much happier to fix them. And, I guess that people say he's got a good guy quality, doesn't want someone to dive into too much bike that they don't need and then be unhappy with it.

So, I was talking to the bike club guy... He said that he told the LBS guy that I may be looking for a bike. ANd I reminded him that I had told him too. But, my friend said that he'd go shopping with me if I wanted. He recommends the Giant dealer in Sioux Falls over the Trek dealer. He was going to explain something, but a kid got hurt and he had to get offline.

[bikerHen]

I purchased the Giant OCR1 this spring and have been very happy with it. It uses Ultegra componets, has a carbon seat post and front fork, upgraded wheels and Shimano SPD pedals. It's light, I can't remember what the weight is but I carry it upstairs with ease everyday I ride to work. And if I didn't pack so much extra "stuff" with me it would be even lighter.

The Giant's compact frame was a perfect fit for me. I did have a taller stem add for my handlebars and extra brake levers added to the top as well. One thing I liked about the bike, it has pre drilled holes for a rear rack so all I had to do was attatch one. It's a tough bike. I've put over 1200 miles on it since May, plus a few falls and have had no problems.

The best I've done this year is about 50 - 60 miles at one sitting. I have great plans for next year including at least one century, the Seattle to Portland ride, and my everyday communting. I fully expect my OCR1 to carry me through it all! BikerHen

[Hammer]

Well, I bit the bullet and test rode my first roadbike today. I went to our LBS and tried the OCR 3. Now, this guy isn't a huge salesman, he's teased me about springing for a roadbike already... So, when he recommends a bike, I'm inclined to believe that he just wants people to be happy with the bike. That's also what a friend of mine has said about the guy.

Anyway. He said that another fellow purchased the OCR 3 and has logged thousands of miles on the bike and has been really happy with it. LBS guy likes the OCR 3 because the stem has a pivot point and he can adjust it so that it fits me better. And it's so light! I couldn't believe it. Who cares that it's an aluminum frame... the OCR 3 is lighter than the videocameras that I use at work by 10-15 pounds! It's crazy!

I told him that so far the OCR 3 is my favorite. He laughed. I'll test some others. He said that he'd be able to adjust the distance to the brake levers, when I'm in the drops, I would like it if there was just a *little* less reach there. And, when I'm down in the drops, I felt a little hunched over. But, he thought that he could adjust the stem to make it more comfortable. If I got more serious, he could analyze the fit even more.

[bikerchick68]

hammer... here' s what I recommend to EVERYONE who is buying a bike... test ride every single bike you can get you hands on... when you ride the one that feels right, THAT is your bike!

I desperately wanted the Trek Project One bike a few years ago. It just did NOT fit my body. WSD does not work for me either since I have a longer than normal torso for a chick... sigh...

so I rode Trek, Giant, Specialized, Lemond, De Rosa, and then I decided to ride this Litespeed that was in a shop... I did 2 laps around a parking lot and that was it. I knew I found my bike. Not one single regret since buying it!

I say get the best frame you can for the $$$... components can be upgraded. I have never heard of someone cracking their CF frame with normal riding... yeah, if you crash, hard, you could break the bike. But if you crash THAT hard the bike will no doubt be the least of your concerns.

As to components, I can tell a big difference between 105 and Ultegra. The only difference I can tell between Ultegra and DuraAce is in the shifters (DA is a little smoother) and the massive price difference (DA is WAY more expensive)... but you should ride all of them and then decide what you need.

To me, buying a bike is like buying a car. You have to test drive as many as you can to be sure you get the one that is best for you... and at the price of bikes, it's an investment too... so ride a bunch!!! Good luck with it... :)

[Hammer]

I've ridden the Trek 1000 WSD, Trek 1200, Pilot 2.1, Bianchi Brava, Eros and Giro, Giant OCR3, OCR 3 Composite and I think that I rode an OCR2... can't remember if I only rode 1 or if I rode 2 bikes at that shop...

I don't like thumbshifters much. OF the Treks, the pilot was my fave. It put me up a bit and didn't place strain on my neck. Though, I suspect that I'll get used to the angle, I'm used to an upright hybrid. That bike is something like $1499.

The OCR 3 composite had me at a bit of an angle, but not as much as some of the other bikes. That did feel like I would get used to it. But, I don't think that I really *need* an all carbon bike. The OCR 1 has better components, carbon forks and is rather affordable. The LBS in town is a Giant dealer and it would probably be rather cost effective for me to get a bike and have him service it. He said that he could order in an OCR1 if I wanted.

The Bianchi bikes seem alright, I like the idea of steel. But, I'd like better components than the Brava offers. And other people online suggested that it's too much of an entry level bike, in their humble opinions. The ERos was set up with a two inch difference between seat and handlebars. That strained my neck... though some people like that drop. I don't know what's appropriate for me. The Giro seemed to split the angle diff and I liked that pretty well too. '05s Brava $679 Eros $1099 Giro 1299

I'm just trying to figure out my budget in my head. I need to pay for a U2 ticket yet... plane tickets in the spring... :D And, I need to afford to do the Tour de Kota next summer. But that's a long time off yet. Mmmm.... a bike purchase could be looming. The shops in the other town have financing... But, layaway with the LBS here would be acceptable too. I can pay on it over winter and use my credit card if I get antsy. ;)

[massbikebabe]

Hammer...


What size are you looking for?? My LBS has a Pilot 2.1 on sale from 1999
down to $999, and I know for a fact they do shipping.

karen

[Hammer]

I was riding like a 54-56 cm bike.

[eofelis]

[QUOTE=latelatebloomer]The bad news for me is that I only spent $1500 on my CAR! (artist married to artist, 'nuff said.) [QUOTE]

The saying here is:

"You know you're in Colorado when you have a $3000 bike on top of your $800 car"

or

".....when you own your car and make payments on your bike"

:p

[lynnepin]

I have the Trek Pilot 2.1 and I LOVE it. I am a relative beginner to cycling and being a bit more upright is more comfortable for me. The bike absorbs a lot of the road vibrations and so the ride is smoother. I did have to switch out the handlbars, though. The ones that came with the bike had a reach a couple of centimeters to far and my hands hurt. Overall, I have loved this bike.

[runner2]

[Quote=Hammer]
The Bianchi bikes seem alright, I like the idea of steel. But, I'd like better components than the Brava offers. And other people online suggested that it's too much of an entry level bike, in their humble opinions. [Quote]


In my stable, I have 5 bikes, my first road bike was Bianchi Brava, I finished a 78 miles cross country ride comfortably, it's smoth, it's stable because of the steel. I think it's a very good entry level bike, a good touring bike, and right now I use it for commuting. I never have any neck pain or back pain with Brava, I'm 5'3'', and Brava is 52cm. (fitting adjustment is important).
One year after I learn everything about road cycling on my Brava, I wanted something can feed my need of speed, so I got a TREK 2200 (which is a truly entry level Tri bike), because of better components and much lighter than Brava.
And if you are taller than me, don't get the WSD.
It's only my opinion.

[Hammer]

The LBS is going to bring in a Giant OCR1 for me to check out. Woohoo! The blue one even. I really really really hope that I like how it fits. It seems like a great all around package for a newbie like me... it's not *cheap*... but it seems to have some bang for $1000.

My mother, on the other hand, doesn't get why I should get another bike. I could do the MS150 and other multi-day events with my hybrid, it's true... But, I WANNA NEW BIKE! ;) Hopefully Uncle Sam is actually nice to me this year.

[carimail]

If my opinion is of any use to anyone - I was riding my old Specialized Hardrock around town and decided I'd like to ride with my husband and the local bike group eventually. My husband had been hinting at getting me a new bike, but he knows enough about bikes not to just go out and get one. I was really interested in a Specialized Sequioa Elite because of the upright position. One day, however, hubby was away on a business trip and I was missing him - so I went to the bike shop! :p Just for fun I tried out an OCR C3 and it fit so nicely I was struck. Well, by the time hubby got back, they had sold their one OCR C3 in my size (s). I was bummed - but then I found a 2005 OCR C2 at a different shop for 1499.00 - just in time for my birthday! I love it. I feel like I don't even have to pedal - it just moves and it's so smooth. Only problem is I'm really resentful of my body now for not being able to keep up with my bike...yet. It just wants to go and go and go!

I'm short armed, too and this bike is so comfortable and I feel like it will serve me for years!
Cari

[Hammer]

I put $150 toward my very own Giant OCR1 today, woohoo!! I took it for a ride today. I'll have to work on getting the rest of the cash together. But, yay! We're still tweaking the fit too.

[bikerHen]

I've had my OCR1 for almost a year now and still love it. :D Hope yours will serve you as well as mine has. BikerHen

[doc]

I'm on a trek 2100 WSD. I like it but don't love it. I am really leaning toward the giants. I test rode the TCR and OCR. I just can't decide which feels better. I am definitely going to get composite because I want all the road dampening possible. I will also listen to veronica and look into upgrading the wheels too. Veronica, any wheels you have in mind? As for components, ultegra all the way!

[Hammer]

I put money on the bike mid January (Giant OCR1). It's from the LBS in my town. There's a shop in a town 60 miles away offering the bike for like $799 instead of $1000. My boyfriend says that I should ask the shop about the price difference and kind of fish for a reduction. I had already put money down about 2 weeks before shop number 2 started their sale.

I explain to my boyfriend, if I had known about the sale before I put money down, I may have patronized the other store or at least negotiated the price tag. But, I think that the shop in town here does decent business, there's people that really respect his repair work. He had to order the bicycle for me from a different store. I don't know how much of a mark up he was able to make.

Convienence is handy, I can ride less than a mile away to get my bike fixed. It wouldn't take long for me make up that difference with gas money driving the bike to the shop 60 miles away. My mom lives in that town, I get there often... But my boyfriend thinks I'm getting screwed.

I don't like confrontation, and I really don't want to burn bridges. I just figure that it's wrong timing and there isn't much that I can do about it. I don't want to be naive either.

[Nanci]

I Froogled it (Biker Hen, Froogle is the price comparison section of Google. Very handy for finding the cheapest place to buy anything!) and found it for $1000-$1100, so you aren't getting screwed. The other place just wants to get rid of their bike more. Does your LBS offer lifetime free tune-ups on purchases? That would make up for it.

Nanci

[bikerHen]

I Froogled it (Biker Hen, Froogle is the price comparison section of Google. Very handy for finding the cheapest place to buy anything!)
Nanci

Thanks for explaining that Nanci! I still think Google should be spelled with two "G". Froogle just seems way to complex for me.:D

Anyway, there is much to be said for nearby LBS help. I would stick with where you're at. Yes it's hard when you find a better price . . . but having a good relationship with the shop next door is priceless! BikerHen

[Brandi]

We are a family of giants. I like them cause tey offer so much more then the other bikes! My opinion. I had a friend who had a friend who had a an all carbon bike. She was riding down the street that had raod work being done on it. She hit a lug nut from one of the backhoes and her bike just fell apart! The frame that is. Unfortunatly when a carbon bike fails it really fails! At least with an alumanum frame that won't happen.
I have an xtc frame that my dh built up for me. my bike is pure xt components. My husband believes that sales people don't get the mark ups with giant as they do with other bikes and that's why they don't push the giants. But I think you get more for your money with giant too.

[Hammer]

So I went to put more money down on my bike. I mentioned the other price out of curiousity. The LBS guy explained that shop 2 probably was able to get it at lower cost, was it last year's model? He also said that that's something to consider, if I wanted he'd return my money... though if I wasn't able to get my bike to Sioux Falls for a repair, I'd have to pay him a few bucks to fix it. :D However, he also said that they're good bikes and the kinks generally settle down after a couple hundred miles.

Well, what am I supposed to do when someone is giving me the nod to take my money elsewhere. In my head, I wasn't really committed to taking my business elsewhere.

I said that they had the blue bike, when I had asked him about bikes I preferred the blue to silver, but wherever he ordered the bike from it was going to cost a bit extra than the silver. It was the same 2005 model, a medium OCR1. And that I had considered the extra cost associated with taking my bike to a different town (even though I get there often enough to see my mom).

Well then he got to checking the numbers and was like, "If I had waited an extra week or two, I possibly could've gotten the cheaper price too..." Then he said that he would knock an extra $100 to split the difference. And really that's all I was hoping for. He seems to be a reasonable fellow and I really wasn't looking to screw him over either. I just politely asked and he came to the conclusion himself.

Now, just to come up with the remaining $600... almost halfway to owning the OCR1.