Giant TCR or OCR?

Sandeep H Ambardekar wants to start racing and is not sure to go for the TCR or the OCR bikes from Giant. He knows that the OCR has Shimano 105 and the TCR only has Tiagra and he wants our confirmation that the OCR is the best bike for him. We review both of them and agree with his choice

Question: Hello,
I'm looking for Giant TCR or OCR.
TCR is more for competition over the OCR. But from the specs from giant why TCR has Tiagra comps and OCR with 105?
So should I go for OCR-1 to ride my first race?

Hello Sandeep,

Both Giants are good bikes, but the Shimano 105 is, for sure the better group set and will serve you well. Shimano Tiagra works well, but it's heavier and may not last as long as the 105, all round the 105 is more suited to racing, so in my opinion the OCR-1 is the better bike.

The two frames are as near the same as makes no difference. Both have the compact road design that Giant has made so popular amongst lots, if not all, other frame makers. The tubes are made from ALUXX SL, which is light and strong and along with the carbon forks makes for a well proportioned and lively frame.

The TCR

As you mentioned, Sandeep, the kit on the TCR is mostly Shimano Tiagra along with Xero wheels, Shimano compact cranks, SRAM cassette and Crank Brothers pedals, the dual pivot brakes don't have a name, just a number. All the other bits are from Shimano or Giant own brand. Nice bike, but Shimano 105 is better, like on the OCR-1.

The OCR has mostly Shimano 105 equipment, front and rear derailleur's, shifters, chain and cassette, the chain set is from FSA and the wheels are also from Xero, Shimano clip less pedals and the brakes are from Tektro. Everything on the OCR is better than the TCR and is much the better bike; this is the one to get.

You can't choose between the frames and the price is about the same, so you have to go for the equipment and the OCR has a superior specification, not just the Shimano 105, but also the FSA chain set, the Shimano pedals and the Tektro brakes. As you are going to start racing then you must buy the OCR as your starter bike, it is also a comfortable bike for general riding. The OCR is the bike you should buy, so good luck.

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Giant TCR or OCR?

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