Newcomer Test Rides

[Wisconsin]

Hi All,

Finally got out to a couple of LBS and tried out some bikes! Way better than my old Schwinn and current Huffy mtn bike. Tested the Trek Pilot and the Giant OCR3. I'm also going to try to buy the best I can afford so I'll probably upgrade to OCR1 or 2 and not sure in pilots. I'm 5'4" and rode a 50 trek and a sm. giant. I was shocked that they offer a sizing check for $100. I didn't do it as I'm just starting my search but maybe later. What do you think of them? I could tell by just getting on them but still am nervous about getting the right size. Also do you all try out the seats that come with the bikes first or plan on upgrading? Any of you ride either of those? Can you add fenders on either as Wisconsin has messy weather and I'd like to try and do spring riding. Hopefully I'll try some more brands this weekend again but see it is hard to bounce to a couple of shops at a time as we don't have too many. Any other considerations or recommendations for finding the first bike? I am aiming at doing recreational riding and charity rides then hopefully longer and longer group rides. Trying to find an 05 for better price but not having luck. What about a used one if I narrow it down to the right size and bike?
Thanks,
Wisconsin and future Bike Queen

[CorsairMac]

I'm guessing the $100 sizing check is a fitting once you've purchase the bike? I've seen the prices range from $35 up to $150+. If you feel you're bike is "great" but not "perfect" a fitting would be the way to go. As for the seat, I've got a brand and type I really like so I tend to just stick with it. If you don't have a favorite seat, try the one that comes with it and then go from there. As for the bikes you're looking at - since I ride a vintage Peugeot and a vintage Trek - I'm not gonna be much help! Sounds like you're having a fun time trying them out tho - and I'm always envious of new bikes!......let us know what you bring home!

[AuntieK]

Oh, I bet you're having fun shopping for a new bike! Once I bought mine I actually really missed shopping for one!!

I got the Giant OCR 1 because it seemed to have the best components as compared to similarly priced bikes. I am also 5'4", and I got the small. The only thing I have changed out so far (I got mine in Oct '05), is I got a shorter stem. This has really helped with a backache I was having since I don't have to reach so far to the handlebar now.

Anyway, I really love my bike. I use mine for recreational riding and one charity ride so far, but hope to race this coming season.

Can't help with the fender issue. Usually pretty dry here in the summer, and too cold to ride in winter, so I don't need them.

Good luck with your search. I hope you can find a bike shop who will do a free sizing with your purchase. Have fun shopping!

[Trek420]

AuntieK "I hope you can find a bike shop who will do a free sizing with your purchase. Have fun shopping! "

I agree with Auntie, my LBS fits bikes free with purchase and does a great job. He fit my ol' Trek although it was purchased elsewhere. I'm sure he got his time paid for by the stuff I needed to do to it to remedy ahem the poor fit I got in the first place

I can understand charging to check the fit of a bike you already have that feels "off" or needs adjustment.

But charging extra when you buy?

No wonder so many ride bikes that don't fit, and give up the sport 8-(

[tatormc]

My first road bike was a Giant OCR3. I rode it for a year and then upgraded to the Giant TCR C2. The OCR was a great starter bike but if you can upgrade to the OCR 1 or 2 then do it. The 3 is just too heavy and not great components. I'm 5'2" and ride the XS and it's a perfect fit.

[Wisconsin]

Thanks for all the advice. Yes, the $100 would go toward your bike. Keep the info. coming on your bike suggestions. Any other things to ask when test riding or things to look for? I'm dreaming of carbon b/c the roads are bad with the snow plows beating them up but my husband already thinks these bikes should come with an engine.
Thanks,
Wisconsin (sunny and 25* with 1ft of snow)

[bikerHen]

I ride an '05 OCR 1 as well. Mine came with pre drilled holes on the back fork for a fender or rack. I added a rack for commuting, which also doubles as a fairly efficient fender. I don't ride it much on the road in the winter, to much sand and gravel, but the rest of the year it's just great! Enjoy the hunt! Bike shopping is soooo much fun. BikerHen

[tjodit]

I missed out on all the shopping fun. I started mtn. biking and then rode it on the road a few times but decided a road bike was necessary for the road. So I just went to the LBS and asked for a bike in my price range. The owner suggested a bike and I got on it in the parking lot. It had been sooooo long since I had been on a bike like that that when I went to hit the brakes I was shocked to find that they weren't where I expected them. I luckily quickly realized they were on the drops and was able to stop before running into a parked car. How embarrassing would that have been!!! Now I wish I would have waited and learned more before rushing out and buying a bike. Although I'm still happy with my Specialized Allez. Happy bike hunting!

[carimail]

I ride an '05 OCR C2 and I love it! The carbon fiber sure takes the bumps out. The OCR2 comes with Ultegra components, doesn't it? I think that leaves more than enough room for growth.

I'm 5'5" and I ride a S. I did have the bike fit to me with a shorter stem installed and the hoods raised a bit.

Shop around! I found my bike in my area from $1500.00 - $2000.00!

[Wisconsin]

Thanks for all the advice. I got to ride some more pilots this weekend. I rode the pilot 1 and the 5. I only took short test rides but did go over sidewalk cracks etc and I could not tell the difference from the carbon and alluminum frames. Maybe because I'm a beginner and the 5 (carbon didn't fit me quite as well it had bigger handle bars. It did feel better in the drop position or more roomy but again I'm not sure how it is supposed to feel. Are your knees supposed to come up quite a bit? I am anxious to try the Giants again and hopefully a carbon too. I probably will look at the specialized bikes too. The Giants seem to be a good value? I am already hooked just on my test rides and can't wait for our bike shops around here to get more in. Also any recommendations on bike shorts and shoes?

Thanks, Wisconsin

[Sparky]

I have narrowed my bike search down to a pilot or ocr. I think! I like the paint job on the madone 5.2 wsd don't think the fit is right for me I might still try it. The other day I spent some time at the bike shop. I liked the pilot but I felt like I was reaching too far when my hands were on the hoods the drops weren't bad. The guy swapped stems for me it made such a difference. I know that I am going to need 38cm handlebars instead of the 40cm which it comes with. I learned about the handlebar issue the hard way, pain. Waiting for an ocr in my size to try. Little adjustments make big changes. So when you decide on a bike, the shop should be able to make it perfect for you.

Good luck on the shorts I am still searching. I might try terry this year. Had a pair of hind shorts a couple of years ago. They were comfortable but the fabric didn't seem to hold up well. Have had gel shorts that oozed.Chamios stitching can be brutal. There is always something!