Giant OCR 3 for a beginner

Fork and drivetrain upgrades are do-able, but probably not economical. You'd more or less have to replace the entire drivetrain, for instance, because the Sora system is pretty much incompatible with every succesive generation of shifters and gears. A new fork wouldn't be too hard to get a hold of, but after making a drivetrain upgrade, you've essentially paid the value of an OCR3 all over again.

An OCR3 would be fun and useable -- it's simply not spec'd for anything more than casual recreational use, is all. I think you can spend the same or just a pinch more a get a bike that you'll be sincerely pleased with for miles, miles, miles, more.

 

Oh... ... hm... sorta lost for words.... well... I'll look at getting an older model, with the better parts, for the same price tag..... if I cant... then you reccomend the OCR 2 i take it.... but... I still wish to know if I can upgrade the parts later on???

 

(see 1 previous post... good luck!)

 

Oops.... sorry mate

Well, I'll talk to the bike shop about it...

IF I can get the Fork Upgrade, and the drive train for half the price of the bike later on... as in.. a few months or so, then I'll get the OCR 3, as I have to pay $1500 in Australia to get the OCR 2... that's all... and I am very, very strapped for cash....

But, with the OCR 2... they're strapless pedals right? Dont I have to buy a pair of shoes to go with the bike?

 

Good luck with your hunt. I didn't mean to splash cold water all over you effort -- I just think there are a few things to look out for.

The OCR2 does come with a set of basic Shimano-SPD clipless pedals, which would require shoes eventually, but a few things to consider in that department:

1) You can pop them off with a wrench and put on a pair of $10 platform pedals with toe-straps in about five minutes.

2) When you do have the budget/motivation to try going clipless, you'll thank yourself. Once you do, it's hard to imagine pedaling agressively (as in a race) without them. You're a safer, faster, more confident cyclist once you get past the learning curve.

Cheers!

 

If anyone in Sydney wants one i've got a 2003 OCR3 for sale !!

 

alrightey....

I'm getting the OCR 2.... hahahh

It just seems better I guess.. and it's only an extra.... $450 AU for me... so... yeah

 

Sounds good, Kez... I hope you like it. Good luck!

 

Great thread guys...I'm in the same boat. Looks like the 2004 OCR2 for me. Too many upgrades from the 2003 models...even my LBS was impressed as he showed it to me last fall. We can get them here for $720-$750. Good luck and enjoy!

 

Well I'm definately getting it now...

Clipless... well.... so they do require shoes...

Do they require cleats to go with it???

 

Cleats and pedals are a single system, and sold that way.

The only trick is making sure your shoes of choice are compatible with the pedal system you've selected. The configuration of bolt-holes, as well as the shape of the sole, make some shoes an improper fit for some cleats -- luckily, though, it's harder and harder to find incompatible systems. Most manufacturers adhere to the same basic standards.

When you get to that point, a quick browse of the shoe or pedal makers' websites, or even a quick inquiry here, can put your mind at ease. Like I said, though, if you're strapped for cash, you can spend $8 on a pair of standard platform pedals for the first month or two.

 

Hmm.... yeah I'll try the platforms for a while untill I get some more cash...

 

eee

Just found out.... Cleats come with the pedals ... so I'll just get a pair of cheap (but comfy) shoes...

Kez