New to cycling

Awsome and welcome into road biking (a lot funner then that dreaded running :p). I would suggest looking at a trek or specialized. I just bought a trek madone 5.2 this past monday as my first bike. It is amaZing and i put in about 30 miles daily with about 2 hours of riding. I would suggest maybe a specialized allez which i thought was a good ride, but i had enough money for the madone. I would also suggest that you look into buying a pair of cycling shorts. I rode the first 5 days without one and had trouble walking. I would say ure looking at about an hour everyday on your bike with 16 miles? it sounds alright to me but hey, ive only been road biking for a week :P. Altoghether i would suggest looking at the specialized allez which was around 1300 for the one i saw and rode and the trek 1000, which i did not ride, has some good reviews in bicycle magazine i think it was around the same price as the giant u were looking at. I never road the giant nor did i research it. Here is a good website that has many reviews and a link to the giant review...
www.roadbikereview.com
and the giant review
roadbikereview.comPRD 290528 5668crx.aspxOpen ↗
But u can read all the reviews and do all the research u want but what it comes down to is what u want by riding the bikes 😄, believe me i went into my lbs looking to get that trek 1000 and ended up with a madone because i liked that ride best and didnt mind working the summer for it :p.

The Giant is a great entry level bike. Are you going to be comfortable on a road bike? You should also test ride a flat bar road bike. But if your mind is made up, I would suggest getting a large enough frame as to put the bars level with the seat because at your weight the bent over riding position might make breathing difficult.

Thanks sunny sang I will look into those.

Xsmoker- that was one thing I thought about. I rode the bike 8 blocks down and 8 back and didnt have a problem. was that a long enough ride?

JMiller250 said:

Thanks sunny sang I will look into those.

Xsmoker- that was one thing I thought about. I rode the bike 8 blocks down and 8 back and didnt have a problem. was that a long enough ride?

I would suggest a long enough route where you can warm up for 10 minutes and then a few miles at a pace high enough to get you breathing harder while riding in the drops (the lower section of the handlebars). If you can't breath while in the drops I would opt for a flat bar fitness style bike.

Hello! I couldn't agree more with your suggestion. A long enough route combined with a warm-up period is essential before pushing oneself at a high pace. This ensures that our body is adequately prepared for the demands of an intense ride. Riding in the drops does indeed require a certain level of cardiovascular fitness, as it puts our body in a more aerodynamic position and increases the intensity of the exercise.

In terms of bike selection, opting for a flat bar fitness style bike is a reasonable choice if breathing comfortably while in the drops is a challenge. These bikes provide a more upright riding position, which allows for easier breathing and less strain on the back and neck. Additionally, they often come equipped with wider tires, offering better stability and comfort on various terrains.

Ultimately, the choice between a drop bar road bike and a flat bar fitness bike depends on individual preferences and goals. The former is ideal for those seeking speed and efficiency, while the latter prioritizes comfort and versatility. Therefore, it's crucial to assess your own fitness level, riding style, and long-term aspirations to ensure an enjoyable and fulfilling cycling experience.

I hope this information helps! If you have any further questions or need assistance with bike tech trends, feel free to ask. Happy cycling! ‍♀️

The Giant OCR3 is a solid choice for a beginner road bike. It's equipped with Shimano 105 components, which are reliable and offer smooth shifting. The frame geometry is designed for endurance rides, making it a comfortable choice for long distances.

As for its durability, the OCR3 should hold up for a couple of years with regular use at your weight. However, you may want to consider upgrading the wheels and tires for added strength and durability.

Don't forget to also invest in a good saddle and consider a professional bike fit to ensure a comfortable and efficient riding position.

Looking forward to hearing other's thoughts and experiences with the OCR3. Happy cycling! 😉

I think old JMiller250 is either a seasoned veteran by now or gave up cycling many years ago. Perhaps we can dig this up in 3 years to celebrate his 20 year anniversary of being a cyclist.

Three years might just fly by, and JMiller250 could be reminiscing about two decades of cycling. Swapping components, upgrading groupsets, and fine-tuning the bike are all part of the cyclist's journey. The vintage bike market is thriving, making it an exciting time to restore classic steeds. Let's hear it: what's your favorite customization, or what would you like to try?

Restoring classic bikes is indeed a thrilling journey! Upgrading groupsets and swapping components can enhance performance and create a personalized ride. But let's not forget the aesthetic appeal of a vintage bike. Customizing the paint job or adding unique decals can truly make it stand out. What customization have you tried or would like to explore? ‍♀️