road cycle recommendation for a newbie

[Rajarshi]

Hi, I used to do a bit of mountain biking a few years back but would
like to get into road cycling. At this point I'm considering between a
Specialized Allez and a Giant OC3.

I've found many reviews for the Allez but not any for the OC3, though
I think someone had mentioned that the Giant did not absorb shocks
very well.

Also I see that I can page about $400 more and go to the Allez Elite
or OC1 - given that my goal is not really to race, but more for
fitness and weekend length tours, which brand would people recomend?
And is it worth the extra $400 to go from the low end model to the
upper-level model?

Any pointers would be appreciated

Thanks,
Rajarshi

[landotter]

On Jun 28, 11:49 am, Rajarshi <rajarshi.g...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi, I used to do a bit of mountain biking a few years back but would
> like to get into road cycling. At this point I'm considering between a
> Specialized Allez and a Giant OC3.
>
> I've found many reviews for the Allez but not any for the OC3, though
> I think someone had mentioned that the Giant did not absorb shocks
> very well.
>
> Also I see that I can page about $400 more and go to the Allez Elite
> or OC1 - given that my goal is not really to race, but more for
> fitness and weekend length tours, which brand would people recomend?
> And is it worth the extra $400 to go from the low end model to the
> upper-level model?

No. Not only is the lower priced model more affordable, the drivetrain
is cheaper to service and easier to adjust as it's "only" an 8 speed
cluster. The more important question might be if you prefer the feel
of the Sora Brifters or the Tiagra+ shape. However--are handgrips
worth a $400 difference in price?

[landotter]

On Jun 28, 11:49 am, Rajarshi <rajarshi.g...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi, I used to do a bit of mountain biking a few years back but would
> like to get into road cycling. At this point I'm considering between a
> Specialized Allez and a Giant OC3.
>
> I've found many reviews for the Allez but not any for the OC3, though
> I think someone had mentioned that the Giant did not absorb shocks
> very well.
>
> Also I see that I can page about $400 more and go to the Allez Elite
> or OC1 - given that my goal is not really to race, but more for
> fitness and weekend length tours, which brand would people recomend?
> And is it worth the extra $400 to go from the low end model to the
> upper-level model?

No. Not only is the lower priced model more affordable, the drivetrain
is cheaper to service and easier to adjust as it's "only" an 8 speed
cluster. The more important question might be if you prefer the feel
of the Sora Brifters or the Tiagra+ shape. However--are handgrips
worth a $400 difference in price?

[sally]

Rajarshi <rajarshi.guha@gmail.com> wrote in news:1183049389.482448.272490
@q69g2000hsb.googlegroups.com:
> I've found many reviews for the Allez but not any for the OC3, though
> I think someone had mentioned that the Giant did not absorb shocks
> very well.

Is that spelled correctly or did you mean the Giant OCR3? You have to expect
all entry-level (under US$1000) bikes to be somewhat harsh because they are
built with heavier tubing and cheaper manufacturing techniques than better
bikes. You can soften up the ride somewhat by using wider tires and a lower
air pressure.

[sally]

Rajarshi <rajarshi.guha@gmail.com> wrote in news:1183049389.482448.272490
@q69g2000hsb.googlegroups.com:
> I've found many reviews for the Allez but not any for the OC3, though
> I think someone had mentioned that the Giant did not absorb shocks
> very well.

Is that spelled correctly or did you mean the Giant OCR3? You have to expect
all entry-level (under US$1000) bikes to be somewhat harsh because they are
built with heavier tubing and cheaper manufacturing techniques than better
bikes. You can soften up the ride somewhat by using wider tires and a lower
air pressure.

[catzz66]

Rajarshi wrote:
>...
> I've found many reviews for the Allez but not any for the OC3, though
> I think someone had mentioned that the Giant did not absorb shocks
> very well.
> ...
>

None of them are going to feel like they absorb shocks very well. You
will have to learn to ride a little looser than you would on a mountain
bike. For me, it is worth it to have a lighter ride, faster
acceleration, more weight on the front wheel (more control), etc. I can
put up with the rougher ride. I gave my mountain bike to a relative two
years ago and have not really been tempted to try another one, unless it
might be an old no suspension mountain bike.

[catzz66]

Rajarshi wrote:
>...
> I've found many reviews for the Allez but not any for the OC3, though
> I think someone had mentioned that the Giant did not absorb shocks
> very well.
> ...
>

None of them are going to feel like they absorb shocks very well. You
will have to learn to ride a little looser than you would on a mountain
bike. For me, it is worth it to have a lighter ride, faster
acceleration, more weight on the front wheel (more control), etc. I can
put up with the rougher ride. I gave my mountain bike to a relative two
years ago and have not really been tempted to try another one, unless it
might be an old no suspension mountain bike.

[Luigi de Guzman]

On Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:26:32 +0000, sally wrote:

> Is that spelled correctly or did you mean the Giant OCR3? You have to expect
> all entry-level (under US$1000) bikes to be somewhat harsh because they are
> built with heavier tubing and cheaper manufacturing techniques than better
> bikes. You can soften up the ride somewhat by using wider tires and a lower
> air pressure.

Assuming your frame has clearance for those wider tires.

Also be advised that "new" road bikes are set up, by default, in a rather
aggressive riding position with very high gearing. If your goal is to
have something that rides smoothly and relatively quickly on pavement, you
might be better served with a touring bicycle or a cyclocross bicycle.

Keep your eyes open, and you could still get a deal. I have 2001 Jamis
Aurora I got for USD $500 back in 2002--that's ~$560, with inflation. Not
as light or aggressive as a pure roadie, but then, neither am I.

-Luigi


--
Luigi de Guzman
http://ouij.livejournal.com

[Luigi de Guzman]

On Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:26:32 +0000, sally wrote:

> Is that spelled correctly or did you mean the Giant OCR3? You have to expect
> all entry-level (under US$1000) bikes to be somewhat harsh because they are
> built with heavier tubing and cheaper manufacturing techniques than better
> bikes. You can soften up the ride somewhat by using wider tires and a lower
> air pressure.

Assuming your frame has clearance for those wider tires.

Also be advised that "new" road bikes are set up, by default, in a rather
aggressive riding position with very high gearing. If your goal is to
have something that rides smoothly and relatively quickly on pavement, you
might be better served with a touring bicycle or a cyclocross bicycle.

Keep your eyes open, and you could still get a deal. I have 2001 Jamis
Aurora I got for USD $500 back in 2002--that's ~$560, with inflation. Not
as light or aggressive as a pure roadie, but then, neither am I.

-Luigi


--
Luigi de Guzman
http://ouij.livejournal.com

[Rajarshi]

On Jun 28, 2:26 pm, sally <s...@sally.com> wrote:
> Rajarshi <rajarshi.g...@gmail.com> wrote in news:1183049389.482448.272490
> @q69g2000hsb.googlegroups.com:
>
> > I've found many reviews for the Allez but not any for the OC3, though
> > I think someone had mentioned that the Giant did not absorb shocks
> > very well.
>
> Is that spelled correctly or did you mean the Giant OCR3?

Oops, a typo! Yes, I meant OCR3

[Rajarshi]

On Jun 28, 2:26 pm, sally <s...@sally.com> wrote:
> Rajarshi <rajarshi.g...@gmail.com> wrote in news:1183049389.482448.272490
> @q69g2000hsb.googlegroups.com:
>
> > I've found many reviews for the Allez but not any for the OC3, though
> > I think someone had mentioned that the Giant did not absorb shocks
> > very well.
>
> Is that spelled correctly or did you mean the Giant OCR3?

Oops, a typo! Yes, I meant OCR3

[landotter]

On Jun 28, 1:38 pm, Luigi de Guzman <luigi12...@cox.net> wrote:
> On Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:26:32 +0000, sally wrote:
> > Is that spelled correctly or did you mean the Giant OCR3? You have to expect
> > all entry-level (under US$1000) bikes to be somewhat harsh because they are
> > built with heavier tubing and cheaper manufacturing techniques than better
> > bikes. You can soften up the ride somewhat by using wider tires and a lower
> > air pressure.
>
> Assuming your frame has clearance for those wider tires.
>
> Also be advised that "new" road bikes are set up, by default, in a rather
> aggressive riding position with very high gearing. If your goal is to
> have something that rides smoothly and relatively quickly on pavement, you
> might be better served with a touring bicycle or a cyclocross bicycle.
>
> Keep your eyes open, and you could still get a deal. I have 2001 Jamis
> Aurora I got for USD $500 back in 2002--that's ~$560, with inflation. Not
> as light or aggressive as a pure roadie, but then, neither am I.

Indeed, that's a much more useful bike for the average rider than the
Specialized road bikes at the same price point. Shame you don't see
them at any shops--at least around here. For what the OP wants to do,
it's a nice match--at least the general concept: ability to mount
accessories and take tires of various shapes and volumes as needed.
AFAIK, the only "limiting" thing about the Aurora is that you can't
mount a tire narrower than a 25mm. Oh, the humanity!

[landotter]

On Jun 28, 1:38 pm, Luigi de Guzman <luigi12...@cox.net> wrote:
> On Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:26:32 +0000, sally wrote:
> > Is that spelled correctly or did you mean the Giant OCR3? You have to expect
> > all entry-level (under US$1000) bikes to be somewhat harsh because they are
> > built with heavier tubing and cheaper manufacturing techniques than better
> > bikes. You can soften up the ride somewhat by using wider tires and a lower
> > air pressure.
>
> Assuming your frame has clearance for those wider tires.
>
> Also be advised that "new" road bikes are set up, by default, in a rather
> aggressive riding position with very high gearing. If your goal is to
> have something that rides smoothly and relatively quickly on pavement, you
> might be better served with a touring bicycle or a cyclocross bicycle.
>
> Keep your eyes open, and you could still get a deal. I have 2001 Jamis
> Aurora I got for USD $500 back in 2002--that's ~$560, with inflation. Not
> as light or aggressive as a pure roadie, but then, neither am I.

Indeed, that's a much more useful bike for the average rider than the
Specialized road bikes at the same price point. Shame you don't see
them at any shops--at least around here. For what the OP wants to do,
it's a nice match--at least the general concept: ability to mount
accessories and take tires of various shapes and volumes as needed.
AFAIK, the only "limiting" thing about the Aurora is that you can't
mount a tire narrower than a 25mm. Oh, the humanity!