Price Paid:  $520.00 at Penn Cycle

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
47 mph downhill in southern MN

Summary:
The best bike you can get for under $800

Strengths:
light stiff frame and carbon fork

Weaknesses:
you need to switch the pedals as soon as you get it

Similar Products Used:
cannondale optimo is my beast

Price Paid:  $650.00 at Cadence Bicycles, Mo

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Giant OCR3

Summary:
Found bike to be true to is "entry level" positive reviews. I'm just under a clydesdale and find the more upright positon most comfortable on 30-40 mi. rides. Spoiled by "baby brakes". After 2 months don't ever use 3rd ring.

Strengths:
Durable; Dependable; With training, able to keep up with most average riders on more expensive bikes

Weaknesses:
For the price and with limited experience, can't think of any

Price Paid:  $400.00

Model Year:
2003

Favorite Ride:
anything fast

Bike Setup:
Neuvation wheelset, Dura-Ace 9 speed front and rear mech's, Tiagra shifters, Selle Italia ProLink Gel Flow saddle

Summary:
I bought this bike used 2 years ago as an intro to road riding. Must have done the job cause i'm still riding and racing and loving it. I have a medium size frame, so it has a short wheel base and its great. replaced the original stem and handle bars for a better fit. its pretty stiff and quick so its great for crits and im a sprinter and it can handle it pretty well. great frame to get into riding with.

Strengths:
pretty stiff, not too heavy, quick response. great value.

Weaknesses:
original components and saddle aren't all that fantastic. not as stiff or light as carbon.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 1000, Trek Madone, Trek 5000, Token Frames

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at Victa bike sore

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
hilly areas

Summary:
I have the older ocr3 with sora its a good first bike. Its one of the best bikes in the range.

Strengths:
Nice Frame

Price Paid:  $600.00 at Gil's Bike Shop, Lan

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Juniper Hills

Bike Setup:
Basic off the self with the addition of a bike computer and a sadle bag.

Summary:
Considering how poorly I've treated this bike, it has performed well above my expectations. Some of the standard equipment that it comes with leaves a little to be desired but getting my barings as a cyclist required a few crashes and lots of skipped maintainance. If I showed this bike as much love as it's shown me, it would look like it just rolled off the assembly line.

Strengths:
Affordable and resiliant. This bike takes a beating. Can get you through your first year of cycling without upgrades (although, another part of learning to be a cyclist is learning to love your upgrades).

Weaknesses:
The bottom bracket is bunk! I've had a few problems with it. Of course there are those awesome things called warranties and everything on this bike has at least 12 months worth. The "old school" pedals clips are a bummer that I live with to this day. Not sure if its a manufacturer thing but the includes tires are scary peices of junk.

Similar Products Used:
None