Giant OCR CW - Ahhhhh!!!

Okay, I can no longer keep quiet about this bike. We nicknamed it “The Precious” here at the WA testing grounds because our riders were fighting over who got it on every weekend outing and who got left behind in the cold - it’s that fast!

Let’s get the facts out of the way first. The OCR CW (Composite Women’s) is a full carbon-composite compact frame with Shimano Ultegra shifting and a compact crank. The “women’s” part of the name means a smaller handlebar and short-reach brake and shifter levers, as well as a frame build for the slightly shorter reach women usually have. You can drool over all the details at www.giantforwomen.com.

Now, I’ve never thought of myself as a small person who needs scaled down parts to make me more comfy riding. I’m five-eight and Seinfeld’s “man hands” episode comes to mind when I look at my paws. So, I was blown away at how much more confident and comfortable I was handling this bike because of the all around fit. I loved those short-reach shifters — no more rotating my hand out and over to grab the lever to brake! Maybe we don’t need “women’s” bikes but we do need bikes that fit us, so don’t be afraid to go out there and ask for what works for you!

This isn’t a competition bike. If you want to win races, you will probably want something more aggressive. But if you’re like a lot of riders out there, taking long weekend rides with groups or participating in charity rides, a blend of speed and smooth-riding comfort is the holy grail, and this bike does all that, with classy good looks to boot. It has a black/pearlized cream color with the carbon fiber artfully peeking out in spots. Makes you want to buy a new pair of shorts and jersey, so you’re not underdressed while your riding it!

Treat yourself to a test ride and ask the shop if you can take it out for a longer spin than just around the parking lot. That’s where you’ll feel how buttery the ride is and how responsively it handles. Go on, it’s spring and you deserve it!

Giant has this bike very nicely priced for a full carbon bike. Giant OCR CW $2300