Which bike? Spec. Dolce Elite or Sequoia Elite, Gaint ocr1, trek pilot 2.1??

[Wisconsin]

Help I'm getting confused? I liked all of these bikes. I'm a new roadie looking for 1st and hopefully lasting bike. I'm 5'4" and these all seemed to fit nice. I recently road the Spec. Dolce elite and Seq. elite as well as the ocr3 wsd as they didn't have ocr1. I enjoyed them all and thought the dolce and ocr were similiar. The Seq seemed to hasve more carbon as the seat stays were carbon but felt different as handlebars were I think mens. They still felt comfortable and dealer said they could swap to womens. I'm looking to do recreational riding and hopefully group and longer charity rides some day. The price I got on the ocr1 was about $800 which seems cheap but no seat stays there. The other temptation is ebay with a 05 Seq. Comp about$750 today with a day left? I'm leaning not to do that being my first bike and all but I read all the hype about carbon. The Pilot I really liked too but only road the 1. as they didn't have the 2.1 in. Should I just be patient with spring coming and more bikes are coming in? I'm from an area with sm. bike shops so hard to ride them all back to back. Thanks for any suggestions on them.

Wisconsin

[bikerHen]

Always have to put my 2¢ in for the OCR1. I love mine and it has been great. Mine has a carbon seat post and front fork. I like the compact design and it fits me well. It has been a good first bike and will serve me well until my distant dream of a full carbon bike comes true.

The OCR1 is a much better bike than the OCR 2 or 3. Better componets and more carbon fiber. And the guys at my LBS are always saying you get more bike for your bucks with Giant. BikerHen

[kaybee]

I agree with bikerHen regarding the Giant bikes. Hubby and I bought OCR3s last summer because we didn't know if we were going to like riding and didn't want to empty the bank account. However, I already want a better, lighter bike. I seem to have more minor problems with my shifters than he does, which means time spent taking it back to the LBS for adjustments. If I had it to do over again, I would just spend the $$$ for the most bike I could afford. Just my opinion. Whatever you decide, enjoy it!

KB

[withm]

There is probably at least 1 Trek fan for every Giant fan on this board. Go with the bike that feels good after 10-20 mile test ride, shifts easily. Don't worry too much about the seat - you'll probably have to change it out for something that fits you better anyway. Personally I love my Pilot 5.2.

Martha

[tatormc]

I agree with bikerHen regarding the Giant bikes. Hubby and I bought OCR3s last summer because we didn't know if we were going to like riding and didn't want to empty the bank account. However, I already want a better, lighter bike.

Sounds just like me. I rode my OCR3 for a year and said it's time to upgrade cause I've actually stuck with this for a year. I now have a Giant TCR C2 and love it!!

[Wisconsin]

Thanks ladies for the good advice. I'm anxiously waiting to get back to the dealers again. It takes me a long time trying to get a way from the 4 boys (Husband and 3 little guys) to test drive. Also should I feel guilty having the LBS order in an OCR1 to try and then may not buy it? It is small dealers up here - otherwise I have to travel 2hrs or more for more selection but I would like to be closer when I buy for adjustments and help. The smaller shops also don't have the computerized or fancy bike fit. Should I just go and get fitted somewhere else?

Thanks,
Wisconsin (D___ Snow again today)

[traveller_62]

Hey Wisconsin,

Like you I would have to travel 2-3 hours to get to a bike shop with a really complete selection of bikes. I decided to go with the local bike shop and to buy my bike(s) where I would have them serviced, etc. For me it was a good decision because I get good service and good deals, the bike shop owners have become friends of mine, and I feel good about supporting my local community economy.

You shouldn't feel guilty about having the bike shop bring in a bike for you to try. It's all part of the business.

Also you don't need a big fancy computerized system in order to get a good bike fit. As long as they take their time and look at all of the different facets of the fitting process you can get an excellent bike fit with a plumb-bob, a tape measure, and a bit of patience!

Have fun when you get your new bike!!! Keep us posted.

Traveller

[kaybee]

Oooh, tatormc, I'm so JEALOUS! I know it's just a matter of time before I do it, especially since hubby is egging me on! Oh well, I have to have a reason to go to work every day, don't I?

KB