I want to buy a new bike

[ACG]

I have a Giant OCR C3, she has been my faithful servant carrying me thru 3 Aids Rides, countless centuries and a long drawn out divorce. I have the itch to buy a nicer better bike. I upgraded the handlebars and the seat but that is it. Soooo do I replace her? I could spend about $4k. I'm not gonna race but do ride about 400 miles a month. Once the time changes here in California I will ride in the mornings too, so that mileage could likely double. I'm short 5'2". SO a Women's specific is preferred. Any bike suggestions?

[redrhodie]

No bike suggestions, but lucky you to be in that position! Start test riding. You'll know more if you really want to upgrade once you feel how other bikes ride.

[anakiwa]

What is it that makes you want to replace the bike you have? Are there things about it that you don't like? If you have the perfect bike for you, don't feel like you need something more expensive. That said, I love my custom Serotta road bike and would definitely recommend custom fitting.

[Aggie_Ama]

You have a good budget to work with. I would suggest test riding different materials and different geometries. Try different companies, Cannondale's Synapse in carbon will be different than a Trek Madone that will be different than Specialized Ruby.

You are happy with Giant, what about their upgraded women's bike? What changes do you want to have in your new bike? Better drivetrain? Different frame material? Different geometry? I guess what I am saying is tell us what is important to you, I could gush all day about my bike but really where would that get you?

[SouthernBelle]

I have a OCR C3 and wouldn't replace it. I would buy a bike to be used for a different purpose, for example touring. For that I would want steel with a rack. Are you looking for something to be used differently?

[tulip]

LUNA! With $4k, go custom. Love my Luna.

www.lunacycles.com

[chicago]

I have an OCR C3 too... is yours composite?... mine is.

I have upgraded the wheels, and have Durace components on their now... also replaced the triple to compact.

If you have the composite, your frame is fine... why replace the frame?... just replace the parts... lots cheaper

Unless you want to go titanium of course

[SpeedyChix]

I have a Giant OCR C3, she has been my faithful servant carrying me thru 3 Aids Rides, countless centuries and a long drawn out divorce. I have the itch to buy a nicer better bike. I upgraded the handlebars and the seat but that is it. Soooo do I replace her? I could spend about $4k. I'm not gonna race but do ride about 400 miles a month. Once the time changes here in California I will ride in the mornings too, so that mileage could likely double. I'm short 5'2". SO a Women's specific is preferred. Any bike suggestions?

You've got the budget that you could have a custom made. Given your height, an even better reason to go that route. Check out Kent Eriksen if you're in the market for a fine riding ti bike. For custom he's pretty fast too. kenteriksen.com

There are a host of custom steel builders as well but time to frame will generally be longer.

Have you ridden other frame materials? See what you might like? They each have ride characteristics. For me it is steel or ti over carbon or alu. Then the geometry has a huge impact as well.

Whatever route you go, enjoy the ride!