Devinci, anyone?

One more question.... The www.roadbikereviews.com site has the OCR-1's MSRP set at $1000 USD, which means that it should cost $1300 up here in canada. The problem is that I've never seen it at that price anywhere. This is rather surprising, considering that most dealers usually set their prices slightly below the MSRP. Does anyone in the GTA (again, are there even any Canadian riders here?) know where I can get it one for that much? Argh.. how I dislike our currency..... *smacks the loonie*

thanx in advance

I have heard that Devinci's are just fine and I think they are pretty good value in that price range. The Trek and Giants are excellent. I think it comes down to intangibles like the look and feel of the bike. There will be plus/minuses all over the spec sheet. Also, make sure you feel good about the people at the LBS.
Good luck

BTW: The best price I've seen on an OCR1 in Calgary (no PST.. ha) is around $1500 for a 2004. Still a great deal for what you get. If i did not have a Wilier and a Fuji already I would buy one.

No PST for you out there in calgary? :eek:

No PST for you out there in calgary? :eek:

Right. No provincial tax. In Alberta we only pay GST. It sure help on large purchases.

Which component set is better value for the money, provided that the difference in the frames is negligible:

FORK: Carbon (unspecified brand)
REAR DERAILLEUR
Shimano 105 5501 GS
FRONT DERAILLEUR
Shimano Tiagra 4403
CRANKSET
Truvativ Elita Isis 52/42/30T
SHIFTERS
Shimano Tiagra 4400
WHEELS
Mavic CXP22N/Shimano Tiagra 4400
TIRES
Michelin Dynamic 700x23C
BRAKES
Promax Dual Pivot
STEM
Ritchey Comp 31.8mm
HANDLEBAR
Ritchey Logic OE 31.8mm
SEAT POST
Ritchey Comp
SADDLE
Selle Italia XO Transam
___________________________ $1250 details

or

frame Extra-light ALUXX butted aluminum, Compact Road Design, Integrated Forged Headtube
fork Composite Aero-blade, 1 1/8" aluminum steerer
derailleur Front: Shimano Tiagra, Rear: Shimano 105
derailleurshifters Shimano Tiagra,STI, 9 speed
cranks TruVativ Touro, 30/42/52T
pedals Shimano M505
handlebar Alloy anatomic
stem Giant adjustable, alloy A-head
headset Integrated 1 1/8"
brakes Tektro Dual Pivot
levers Shimano Tiagra
saddle Selle Royal Viper
seatpost Alloy SL micro adjust, 27.2
rims Formula Xero XSR-4 20/24H paired spoke
hubs Alloy 20/24,QR, cassette
tires Michelin Dynamic, 700x 25c
cassette SRAM PG-950 12-26T, 9 speed
spokes Stainless Steel, 14G
_____________________________ $1200 (OCR 2)

I can understand the difference between Sora/Tiagra/Dura Ace/etc. component groups to some extent, but the finer details escape me. I.e, which bike has better bars, wheels, hubs, rims, etc? Help me make the right choice!

Here is my opinion for what it is worth:
Tires - 25 width are a smoother riding but slower. If you are serious you will upgrade later to a performance 23 when they wear out. If your not too serious you will be happier with the 25's.
Frame - I like Giants 2004 frame design with the formed sloped tube and curved seat stays. Lots of good technology.
Wheels - 32H vs. paired spoke design is a big debate. Regular 32H wheels are usually smoother riding and easy to service. The wheels on the Giant look cooler and might be a bit faster.
Saddle - It's all what feels good. I like Selle Italia XO trans am because it is what I have. And you can always have you LBS switch them.
Stem - I like the idea of the adjustable stem although I would guess that once you get your fit established serious riders will switch to a fixed one (lighter and less chance of slipping).
Brakes - Both are dual pivot. Neither are Shimano so I would guess they are about the same.
Cranks - From what I can see the Elita is a better crank than the Touro (ie. lighter).
Pedals - I think both include shimano spd pedals. That is another highly debated topic. I personally wish bikes did not include them. SPD are fine for starting out because they are easy to use. I like Look or Shimano's new spd-sl line because they are lighter and the the cleats spread the force over more of the shoe. I would suggest going with the SPD's until you learn what you like better.

Not to make things more complicated have you looked at the Trek 1200?

Thanks a lot for your advice!

Yes, I have considered the 1200 but one thing has turned me off: on their website it's listed in the "recreational" section, making it appear rather juvenile. I am not sure if this has anything to do with the bike's performance, but it just scared me off.

Also, I am 6 foot 2, and about 140~ pounds. I've read (mainly on this forum) that giant's compact frame is not especially appropriate for the taller riders. I am tall but relatively skinny, would the compact geometry cause trouble for me?

Here is a short review that discusses Giant sizing. I think 6'2" is not too far out of line. It might take a bit of swapping at the bike shop so make sure you deal with a good one.
http://products.consumerguide.com/cp/family/review/index.cfm/id/18679

Judging by this thread it seems like no one else is alive on these forums except for us :p

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by RagingSpirit
Judging by this thread it seems like no one else is alive on these forums except for us :p

No we're alive alright. We're just below the radar most of the time.

I ride a Devinci Podium '03 model. It's a plenty fine bike. On this bike I thoroughly whip my friend who rides a Giant OCR 1 '02 model. Of course I ride way more than he does, so you can't conclude it has anything to do with the bike.

A LBS has said that Opus offers a slightly better value. I'm sure someone in GTA carries Opus. Devinci might not have a frame big enough for you. Opus carries frames 1 size larger - that may be your ticket...

Really, it all boils down to fit. Any reputable brand name you buy will certainly be well built enough for your purposes.

RagingSpirit:

I live in the GMA (Greater Montreal Area...) and I came across a 2003 OCR1 last month for 1200$. I think it's a good bike for a reasonnable price but I am presently thinking of buying a 2003 Devinci Podium. That bike is equiped with Campagnolo 9s. Veloce instead of 105. It' an occasion to experience what some people call that "Italian mystique"...

I have a Wilier Veloce and I quite like the Campagnolo feel. All in all I think it is a very good group. The hubs are rather average but I think the Podium comes with 3rd party wheels (Gim.... something). Mine have Campag Sciroccos which I have been very happy with. Enjoy la Dulce Vita.

Gipiemme Techno is the name of the wheels

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by chris_gr
I have a Wilier Veloce and I quite like the Campagnolo feel. All in all I think it is a very good group. The hubs are rather average but I think the Podium comes with 3rd party wheels (Gim.... something). Mine have Campag Sciroccos which I have been very happy with. Enjoy la Dulce Vita.

The Devinci Podium has the Gipiemme Techno 024 wheelset. They work just fine. I think they alone retail for $300US or more. Consider them a good training wheelset: heavy, but fairly aero (25mm rim depth) and durable. The stock tires on the 03 model are also for training: durable, puncture resistant, decent feel and grip. I've raced crits in them with confidence. The tires for the 04 model are even better.

The campy gruppo is great. Shifts well (after some breaking in), my hands are comfy on the shifter, and I love the thumb shifters. IMO, my campy f.der works better than my friends Shimano 105 f.der. Parts will be more expensive to replace though.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by chris_gr
I have a Wilier Veloce and I quite like the Campagnolo feel. All in all I think it is a very good group. The hubs are rather average but I think the Podium comes with 3rd party wheels (Gim.... something). Mine have Campag Sciroccos which I have been very happy with. Enjoy la Dulce Vita.

The Devinci Podium is equiped with a Gipiemme Techno 0.24 wheelset. Apart that it comes from a 3rd party, does anyone know about them? I've heard that they are quite strong but a bit heavy.

Raging Spirit:

The specs you gave for the 1250$ bike look like the 2004 Devinci Apex ? Is that right?

Oups... Sorry Powergyoza, I did not see your last post before I wrote mine about the Gipiemme wheelset. Any more opinions on the Podium, like the road feel (stiff/non-stiff) of the aluminium frame?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by bertg01
The specs you gave for the 1250$ bike look like the 2004 Devinci Apex ? Is that right?

Yeah, if you look to the right of the price it says "details", that's a link to the bike.