Which road biclycle should I buy a Trek 1.2 or Giant OCR 2 '08 models?

Question

I am looking at getting into cycling for exercise and the occaisonal (non-competitive) race. I want a solid entry level road bike. I have narrowed my choices to these two bikes and while they are very similar I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on which bicycle would be the better purchase for me.

Answer 1

Hello,

I can't tell you which one to buy, but the components in the OCR2 are better quality than the Trek 1.2.

Also the Trek 1.2 is 8 speed versus the 9 speed casette in the Giant OCR2.  This is a consideration if you consider compatibility with other parts.  Top of the line now is 10 speed casettes but high quality new 9-speed parts are still available.  It would be hard (if at all possible) to upgrade to higher quality 8-speed components later on if you really get into biking.

Answer 2

I currently ride a trek 1.2 and I could not be happier. It's been about 8 months now and it still rides like brand new. I've been putting some heavy duty mileage on it and it has still held up beautifully. I don't know anything about the Giant model, but I love my trek.

Answer 3

The frame geometry is a bit different, with Giant having higher top-tubes than a same-sized Trek, so you really need to ride both before you decide.  Just an FYI, Bicycling magazine rated the Lemond Reno '08 the best entry level road bike this year, followed by a Raleigh and a Schwinn.

Answer 4

I just bought an OCR2 today. Mine came with upgraded parts from what it says online. Mine came with a 105, tiagra setup. from the sora/ tiagra setup. I am really happy with this bike, it is amazing. I can't say I have ridden the Trek 1.2, but the Giant is worth the money.

Answer 5

I just answer a similar question just minutes ago. So I am copying the answer hoping it will help you too:

More than a brand buy a bike. Your Bike!

That means you have good choices, (and anybody could add others to your list). But, most important is which one of them will fit you better and by more adequate to the riding you will be doing.

Go to a good bike shop and let them counsel you. Try the bikes, "feel", see what they "communicate" to you.

Then ask all you need to, and then ask a bit more. After the counselling, the trying out and the asking, you will be able to answer the question yourself: Which bike?

Enjoy the process!

Answer 6

You should probably get the Giant. Trek has had many complaints of the components and hard seats on their bikes. Giant is the largest manufacturer of bikes in the world and it's safe to say that there products are top notch. However, Trek makes wonderful bikes I just don't believe the components on them are very nice and seat would make you sore. It's really up to you, I'm just here to voice my opinion. Hope this helped, Jordan.

Answer 7

I bought a Trek 1200 three years ago.  I was doing about 20 to 25 mi per day and loved that bike. I havn't been cycling for the past year but am slowly building up again this summer just to get back out on the road.  At 60 yrs old, I will soon be stepping down a bit on the type of bike I need, as I am finding this one is getting to be more than I need.  But, I will definetly be going back to Trek.