I bet there have been millions of threads like this over the years, especially every spring. I welcome any comments or thoughts.

I was never totally convinced that my Trek 1000 was the perfect fit for me. I bought it used so I rode it, it felt OK, the price was good, so I bought it. I never had anything really to compare it to. But, I sold it and it's gone. I think I want something with a more relaxed geometry, but am not sure what is best for my area and my riding style.

Reading and researching can be so confusing it makes my head hurt.

I started at the best LBS where they carry mostly Giant just to take some rides.

First I rode the Giant OCR 3 WS in a medium. Even though I'm not carried away with the components, I discovered that the WS felt so much more comfortable than my Trek. It rode OK but if nothing else I knew I'd done the right thing in selling my Trek. I wish I could have ridden an OCR 1 in the WS, but they didn't have one in stock.

Next, for comparison the men's OCR 1 in a small. Nice, smooth riding bike, but I felt cramped like my knees were under my chin. We raised the seat and I immediately felt like I was on my old Trek... toooooo stretched out.

In a men's medium they had the OCR 3. Again, not as comfortable. Nope, that's not it.

Finally I tried and FCR 1 in a men's medium. Not bad riding, but even though it is a flat bar, it is out there. I was leaned over and stretched out similar to a road bike. I didn't especially like the hand grips. They seemed too fat for my hands!

This bike shop can also order the Surly Cross Check for me but they don't stock it so I couldn't test ride it. He said he could take a lot of measurements and we could get it really close. I'm sure it's a great bike, but is it the bike for me? I want more comfort, but I mainly ride flat paved rails to trails for fun. I'm not convinced the lower gear ratio be good for that?

Next weekend we plan to take a road trip. I talked with a bike shop in New Orleans that has a Jamis Aurora in a 50 cm that I could try. The 50 may be too small. I'll try whatever else they have that I might be interested in.

What are the main differences in the Aurora and the Cross Check?

The WS now has me confused. I have long arms, not short so I'd never considered the WS, but the Giant WS felt so much better. I think. Oh, it's confusing! After riding all of the other ones, I should have gone back to the WS one last time.

The only thing I know for sure is that I'm glad I sold my Trek and I'm going to ride a lot of bikes before I decide. Thoughts? Comments? Suggestions? I appreciate any input.