Newcomer Test Rides

[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!