Ocr composite 3?

[easterbird]

I was just fitted on a Giant OCR composite W...seems like a great bike but the price was rather large too! I plan to visit the LBS again tomorrow(already called ahead) so that I can try out the OCR composite 3 and the women's specific bike side by side. Price difference between womens specific and OCR comp 3 is $ 500...a big deal to me if it fits. I realize the specifications on some of the stuff goes from higher end(women's) to a notch down (OCR 3) per LBS rep but don't think it will be a big deal since I am now upgrading from a Giant Sedona comfort bike that I am riding 20-30 miles regularly. Jen how big,tall,bone structure,etc are you?

[doc]

OCR refers to the frame shape. All OCR have essentially the same geometry. The number 0-3 refers to the components on the bike. 0 being all dura-ace and 3 mostly 105. The final difference is whether the bike is "comp" or not. If it is comp (composite) that means the frame is all carbon. If it is not, it's aluminum.
Hope that clears everything up.

As for me I have the TCR comp1 which has a more aggressive geometry. Comp 1 still means the same as it does for OCR. I am 5'4" with 30 inch inseam and I'm on an XS. I LOVE it.
The difference between WSD and men's is essentially the top tube length. It is shorter for women because they supposedly have long legs /short torso, while men have short legs /long torso. Relatively speaking of course. I happen to have a man's proportions, so WSD doesn't work for me.

Hope this helps. I will say that part of the reason I LOVE LOVE LOVE my giant is because I have a mix of ultegra and dura ace. So my opinion doesn't necessarily apply to a "3".

[easterbird]

doc, thanks for the explanation re Giant lime. I am beginning to understand the product line now thanks to you. Since I am new to biking(but becoming more addicted), I am really grappling with the next bike. My current one I bought in Oct 2005 to see if I could even bike for exercise. Now .... Do I go for a bike that will probably meet my needs for sometime to come or do a minor upgrade(just from comfort bike to a low end road)? Pros/Cons? I know personal fit/feel versus cost will be paramount in my final decsion but wonder how others have approached a change.
I have been doing rides of 25-30 miles with my longest ride at 41 miles. I want to go further yet and believe a road bike will make it more pleasureable since the 'comfort' of a comfort bike starts to wear thin after the first 25-30 miles!

Oh dear what to do what to do......such a wonderful dilemna because anyway I look at it, I'll buy myself a present to enjoy daily

[doc]

Jen
You said you're 5'4". What's your inseam?
The proper inseam measurement for a bike: stand barefoot and hold something big like a large level, or broomstick horizontally in your crotch. Make sure it is pressed firmly into the crotch. Measure from the floor to the top of the stick. Make sure the stick it is perfectly horizontal. Using a level is therefore the easiest.

[Wisconsin]

Thanks for the isnight on the ocr. I am too 5'4" with an inseam of 30 1/2 and never thought of trying the xs in the mens. Doc, did you have to get different or smaller handlebars or anything else?

Thanks,
Wisconsin

[tatormc]

I'm 5'2 and riding a Giant TCR Composite 2 size XS. The only change I made was narrower handlebars. Eveything else was perfect.

[Jen]

I don't remember, I'll will have to measure my inseam. I am 5'2 I probably could have gone down to a 47cm frame but then I would have to get the smaller wheels 650 cm??? I ws right on the edge. The reach is ok, not sure. It wash't comforatble at first. The guy raised the handlebars so it looks more like a terry touring bike, even with the seat, and he tilted the handlebars up a little so I had a more comfortable reach to the brakes. Can't trust those fitters at a bike shop, best to be informed.

[doc]

Thanks for the isnight on the ocr. I am too 5'4" with an inseam of 30 1/2 and never thought of trying the xs in the mens. Doc, did you have to get different or smaller handlebars or anything else?

Thanks,
Wisconsin

I did not need to switch out anything. The handlebars are very proportional to an XS bike. Compared to all my riding buddies (men) I look like I ride a baby bike. But its soooooo light.
Since your inseam is longer than mine, it means your torso is shorter than mine. That can affect reach. That is where WSD comes in. Shorter top tube so the reach is easier. However, only 1/2 inch probably won't make any difference at all.
Ooops I lied. I did switch to a 165 crank arm from the standard 170. There is LOTS of debate as to whether this is necessary. There is a thread on crank length on TE and here are a bunch of websites you can go to to determine the right crank arm length for you:

http://www.cranklength.info/cranks.htm
http://www.cptips.com/crnklth.htm
http://www.cranklength.info/
http://www.nettally.com/palmk/crankset.html
http://www.zinncycles.com/cranks.aspx
http://www.billbostoncycles.com/crank_length.htm

Remember, we are only talking a 5mm difference.