It looks more or less like a standard road bike at first glance, but look closer and you might notice the geometry (frame angles that dictate rider positioning) is a little compact and relaxed, and the rim brakes are replaced with discs. You’ll also see an extra set of brake levers on the handlebar flats--known as suicide levers back when they graced the ubiquitous Schwinn Varsity. The OCR Touring looks different because it is. It’s designed to hold multiple racks, stuff, and you. It’s also designed to handle well when loaded down with cargo, and for logging long miles. The frame geometry is a little more relaxed and compact than that of a typical racing bike, and oriented to maximize stability with full racks, front and back. Shimano’s popular 105 parts group makes up the drivetrain. Mavic’s 36-spoke 700c rims pair with Shimano Deore hubs, favoring strength over weight concerns. Avid’s mechanical discs are excellent for stopping power and modulation, and Tektro’s suicide levers are so useful you’ll wonder why someone didn’t figure out how to do them right long ago. Time’s Atac clipless pedals are another welcome inclusion. Finally, adventure cyclists who don’t want to bust their knees pedaling uphill with a heavy load will appreciate the 27-speed drivetrain with its 11-32 tooth rear cassette. One drawback we found was that the soft saddle didn’t provide enough support for long hours spent on the bike. Otherwise, it’s a smart parts package on a good frame.

Weight: 27 lbs. Color: Dark Silver Size: XS, S, M, L, XL Frame: ALUXX butted aluminum, Compact Road Design, Touring specific geometry and features, three water bottle mounts, fender and rack mounts, internal cable routing Fork: Giant chrome-moly, 1" w/disc tab Derailleur: Front: Shimano 105, Rear: Shimano LX Shifters: Shimano 105, STI, 9 speed Cranks: Shimano 105 Triple, 30/42/52T Pedals:Time Atac Alium Clipless Handlebar: Easton EA 50 Stem: Ahead Alloy adjustable Headset: FSA Integrated, Cartridge bearings, 1 1/8" Brakes: Avid CPS Road Disc Levers: Shimano 105 Saddle: Fizik Vitesse, chrome-moly rails Seatpost: Alloy micro adjust, 27.2 Rims: Mavic A319, 36H Hubs: Shimano Deore, 36H, disc brake Tires: Michelin Dynamic, 700x32c Cassette: SRAM PG950 11-32T, 9 speed Spokes: Stainless Steel, 14/15G Extras: Integrated spoke holder, Tektro brake levers