2004 OCR1 or 2003 TCR1

[stucey]

Hi guys. Just after a guide as to what to do. I am going to purchase
road bike so I can finally get into some serious riding

Just after an opinion on what u guys would prefer

Pay $1,700 for a 2004 OCR1, or buy a second hand 2003 TCR1 for aroun
$4-500 extra....with about 2,000km's on the clock

'Giant TCR1 carbon road bike size large with full Shimano Ultegr
drivetrain, Shimano R540 Wheelset, all in excellent condition. Less tha
2000k's from new

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks:


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[Shane Stanley]

In article <[email protected]>,
stucey <[email protected]> wrote:

> Hi guys. Just after a guide as to what to do. I am going to purchase a
> road bike so I can finally get into some serious riding.
>
> Just after an opinion on what u guys would prefer.
>
> Pay $1,700 for a 2004 OCR1, or buy a second hand 2003 TCR1 for around
> $4-500 extra....with about 2,000km's on the clock.
>
> 'Giant TCR1 carbon road bike size large with full Shimano Ultegra
> drivetrain, Shimano R540 Wheelset, all in excellent condition. Less than
> 2000k's from new '
>
> Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

If it's your first road bike, go for the cheapest. Least to lose if you decide something else would suit you better.

--
Shane Stanley

 

[hippy]

"Shane Stanley" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:sstanley-E54986.15395802022004@news-
> If it's your first road bike, go for the cheapest. Least to lose if
you decide something else would suit you better.

It's also new, which means you should get shop warranty
and maybe some bits thrown in with the purchase (ask
nicely! ;-)). If you have a nice bike shop they will fit you
to the bike and deck you out with any other parts you
need, perhaps a little cheaper because you are buying
a bike as well. I'd buy the OCR unless I could stretch
to the TCR.. What's the TCR cost new?

hippy

 

[stucey]

Yes, it is the TCR Carbon 1

I am 182cm so I think large is right, but like you say, should go an
get measured

Appreciate the feedback. Thanks Jhikers


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[Jhikers]

If the 2003 TCR1 is carbon - then look no further!!

Carbon fibre is one of the most comfortable rides you will ever
experience.

If it isn't, it will be a much lighter aluminium frame than the
OCR1 - but for $2,200 you might as well buy a brand new 2004 TCR at
about $2700.

The other reason is the groupset - Ultegra is lighter, more durable and
a much smoother shift than Shimano105 groupset of the OCR1.

The 2004 TCR-Composite2 (equivalent of the 2003 TCR-Composite1) retails
for about $3800, but have seen it for $3449, so you'll be saving over
$1000 there.

The only thing you need to do is make sure the second-hand bike is the
right frame size for you. If you don't already know, go down to your
local Giant stocking bike store and get them to size you up on any TCR.

Otherwise, that's it - for the extra $500 - I believe the difference in
frame materials and groupsets is definitely worth it - considering it
has done less than 2000km, and is said to be in EC.

ENJOY!



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[stucey]

The TCR is $3,500 new, so a little out of the budget


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[stucey]

The bike is actually on Ebay.....http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3657571993&category=7298Here

The guy lives near me and I have emailed him and he has got back with
some good information and more pictures.

But yeah, this is my first serious road bike, and although I know this
is something I will stick with, I like the idea of a warranty on the
bike and being professionaly fitted. Although the TCR would be great
and all...

Just unsure of what to do. The TCR is only $1,900.00 at the moment.



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[amirm]

stucey wrote:
> The bike is actually on Ebay.....http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dl-
> l?ViewItem&item=3657571993&category=7298Here
> The guy lives near me and I have emailed him and he has got back with
> some good information and more pictures.
> But yeah, this is my first serious road bike, and although I know this
> is something I will stick with, I like the idea of a warranty on the
> bike and being professionaly fitted. Although the TCR would be great
> and all...
> Just unsure of what to do. The TCR is only $1,900.00 at the moment.

You mean the bidding on the TCR is still going? If you have not
negotiated a fixed price for the TCR, then the price is likely to hike
as the auction is about to close.

Other than that, I guess everyone else said it all. To recap: pluses of
the TCR: a better bike with better components, and maybe a better price
(relative to the new bike's price; if not too stretching); downsides:
most likely it needs some extra spending to fit it right, and also
there will be no warranty. And as mentioned before, if you end up not
liking road biking, it will be more costly to you and a little bit
harder to load off.

OCR, on the other hand is inferior. But that's a tricky statement. Say
the 105 gruppo may not be as smooth as Ultegra, but it's an amazing
gruppo. It's the entry level to serious roadies and many use it on their
training bikes. Ultegra and Dura-ace are for racing. So with your
perspective as a biginner, 105 will keep you entertained for a long
while. I personally wouldn't get worried about that. Difference in frame
material and components is the only draw back of OCR. On the other hand,
it's easier to own (cheaper), it comes with warranty, and you'll get to
have it fit for you. You may look around to see if you can find 2003
stocks with reduced price tags to save even further.

All in all, if you have fixed a price with the seller (TCR), and if you
believe you'll be in for road riding for sure, and if the price is not
too stretching, the TCR is the way to go. Otherwise, OCR will be a fine
ride for you.





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[stucey]

Yes, the bidding is still going, it ends today. I based the price on
what I thought the TCR would go for, around $2,100.00

But if I can pick it up for less the $2,000.00, I think I will get it,
otherwise it is the OCR for me. I don't plan to be doing any racing on
the bike until I get at least 6 months solid riding done, so although
the Ultegra would be nice, it isn't a necessity. There are still other
things i will need, so I am sure the LBS will be able to do me a good
package deal with cleats, computer, helmet etc...

Cheers.



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[stucey]

Well, surprisingly the TCR went for $2,750.00, which is a goo
price......for the seller

So it is down to my LBS to get fitted and grab everything I need
OCR1 it is

This is roughly what I will get

Giant OCR1 Shimano R-097 shoes Shimano SPD-R cleats Cateye Mity 3 or
computer Cateye LD 120 lights, front and back Blackburn Mountain ai
pump Decent helmet

Anything else? Perhaps a repair kit and a couple of spare tubes. Wil
eventually get a HRM when I get into it mor

Thanks for all the comments people, really enjoy this site. Full of goo
information and hints and stuff!:


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[amirm]

stucey wrote:
> Well, surprisingly the TCR went for $2,750.00, which is a good
> price......for the seller!
> So it is down to my LBS to get fitted and grab everything I need.
> OCR1 it is!
> This is roughly what I will get:
> Giant OCR1 Shimano R-097 shoes Shimano SPD-R cleats Cateye Mity 3 or 8
> computer Cateye LD 120 lights, front and back Blackburn Mountain air
> pump Decent helmet.
> Anything else? Perhaps a repair kit and a couple of spare tubes. Will
> eventually get a HRM when I get into it more
> Thanks for all the comments people, really enjoy this site. Full of good
> information and hints and stuff!

Firstly, congratulations on your move. I'm sure you are up for a goo
fun

A few things, though

I am not surprised at all that the TCR went for more than $2100. Th
bids usually heat up just at the last moments. It looked to be a goo
bike for that price. Who knows, maybe you increased your competition b
posting here!!! Incidentally, I got myself a TCR1 composite yesterda
from e-bay J/

You have started with clipless pedals straight away. While it's a grea
idea, just be very very careful at the beginning. Falling is almost a
inseparable part of the clipless pedal experience. You need to start i
a quiet area where you can get a lot of practice. A while ago, we had
post here from someone who started using them on the first day of ridin
right at the peak hour in Sydney. The result was, as he put it, bloody
Practice a lot till it goes into your active memory

If you look into a possibility for an MTB in the future, you may want t
consider Shimano SPD pedals and shoes instead. Just a thought

I am a fan of both computer and HRM. I started using HRM last year, an
I regret the years that I didn't use it. So if you can stretch a littl
bit and get something that would give you both, you won't regret it
Some bike computers have HRM features and there are some HRMs that offe
cycle computer functions. Have a look around

It's crucial that you carry at least a spare tube and tyre levers.
repair kit is also required sooner or later, especially if you don'
have kevlar tyres. A tool set (looks like Swiss army knife) wit
multiple hex and scewdriver heads can save you when occasion calls. Yo
will need a pump that goes high enough to pump to 110-140 psi (dependin
on your tyre). A floor pump is the way to go, unless you intend t
perform your upper body building exercises with your mini pump ;

As for the helmet, get one that has one-piece moulding contruc
(like MET)



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[stucey]

Hmm, the helmets I was looking at were something like the Met Tehpro
($109) or Crackerjack.

HRM will most likely be the Polar A Series A-5, round $200. Nothing too
fancy, but gives me the information I need.

I know getting used to the clipless takes a little while, I was
planning on practicing that a fair bit! Starting in peak hour wouldn't
be too wise!

Spare tube and tyre lever. No worries. There is a fair few accesories
needed hey!



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[hippy]

"stucey" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Giant OCR1 Shimano R-097 shoes Shimano SPD-R cleats Cateye Mity 3 or 8
> computer Cateye LD 120 lights, front and back Blackburn Mountain air
> pump Decent helmet.

Not the newer Shimano SPD-SL pedals?

> Anything else? Perhaps a repair kit and a couple of spare tubes. Will
> eventually get a HRM when I get into it more

I commute along a train line and don't bother carrying tools
or spares most of the time, but for longer rides you will want
a spare tube or two, patch kit, tyre levers, saddlepack
perhaps to put it all in, a frame pump (try to get a 'road'
version and not a chubby 'mtb' version).

You should also get some padded cycling gloves for hand
protection, comfort and tyre-scuffing potential. These are
generally fingerless for road although when it gets cold you
might want full gloves and get some clear/yellow sunnies to
keep bugs out of your eyes without reducing night-vision.

hth
hippy