I am looking up upgrade to a carbon frame - Giant OCR Composite 2 vs Specialized Roubaix Elite. I am riding on longer rides (for me) 30+ miles on weekends and in century's and MS 150s. I would like a comforable bike that can keep up. I think I have it narrowed down to these two. The Giant is full Ultegra components 10 sp excpet TruVativ Rouleur Crankset with Shimano R550 wheels. The Specialized is Ultegra/105 mix 9 sp with FSA CK 8680 Crankset and Alex 295 wheels. They seem to be set up the same as far as head angle, seat angle,etc. and I know I need to test ride both. However, I'm concerned about the frame and if their comparable. They are both the same price - around $2000. I would also like advice on price and if this is reasonable. Finally - one LBS mentioned the Orbea Onix as a really nice bike for $2600.

obvisously your fit and test ride is a priority in selection.

If all else is same then I think it is a frame versus components battle.

Did you mant *TCR* Comp 2 or OCR Comp 2? OCR is not really in the same league.

For me, frame wins because components can be selectivaly replaced and upgraded. I think Roubaix Elite (all carbon in 2005) frame is superior to the OCR frame (if you meant OCR in your post). And Shimano 105-group is not too bad anyhow. I would therefore choose 2005 carbon Roubaix Elite over any OCR. I am assuming you like the ride on both bikes and fit well on both. With TCR carbon - you need test it and decide what ride you prefer. I prefer the Roubaix.

But actually I chose 2005 Roubaix Comp 20, 8^)

Orbea Onix should be another great choice. Also check out Bianchi 928, Scott CR-1 Pro, Giant TCR Comp (carbon) etc.

overall I think Giant OCR (0,1,2,3) are not really in the same league, you need to look at Giant TCR carbon for equivalent bikes.

Thanks for the feedback. In the Giant 2005 catalog it states the OCR C2 is made out of the same Carbon frame as the TCR which is why I was leaning that way. It was just set up similar to the Roubaix as far as more of an upright position. I'll definitely ask if there is a difference in the carbon frame's between the TCR and OCR Composite. Thanks for suggesting the other bikes - I'll check those out too.

Forgot to answer your question. First it's frame - then components. The Giant OCR C2 is set up with Ultegra except Crankset which is TruVatic Rouleur. The Giant TCR2 is set up full Ultegra. The Specialized Roubaix is Ultegra/105 mix with a FSA 8680 Crankset. The wheels on the OCR C2 and TCR2 (Both Shimano 550) I was told were better than the Alex 295 on the Specialized.

I liked the Roubaix frame better as well. To me it would be worth it to have the some 105 parts and get the FSA carbon cranks and Pave seatpost.

If you can get the Orbea Onix for $2600, don't even look at the other bikes.
The orbea is far superior to either the giant or the specialized, and that is also one heck of a price, in fact I was looking at that bike as well, I have seen it for $3k and up, can you PM the name of that LBS?

It was Wheels in Motion in Richardson, Texas. Hope I'm allowed to do this online. Thanks for the information.

The Onix looks well spec'd. Not sure what the big deal is though, Glory Cycles in Orlando has the Onix for $2599, Ultegra build. If you can test ride all three than why not, it is your money.