"Chris Janus" wrote in message
.. .
I got into biking about 4 years ago and bought an entry level bike to see
if I would enjoy it. I purchased a Giant OCR 3. I'm still biking and like
the OCR. I have replaced the wheels and the seat. I really like the bike
but the components are starting to degrade quite a bit. I've had it
professionally maintained and had a complete tuneup each year. But now I'm
at a point where I want to upgrade. My first question is, the OCR 3 uses
Shimano Sora(I know, pretty much crap). Can I upgrade this to Shimano 105
or Ultegra? Second, is it worth it to upgrade the components or should I
look at a new bike? Thanks for all responses and opinions.

Chris

4 years from an entry-level bike isn't a bad return if you ask me. There are
a couple ways you could go, depending on your budget. If you're rolling in
dough and itching for a new ride then I would turn it into a beater/commuter
bike and get a brand new bike. If you're don't have the cash for a
completely new bike AND you like the way the Giant rides AND the frame is
holding up, you'll get more bang for your buck by upgrading the components.
Yeah it's expensive, but buying mail order will save you quite a bit of $$
of the list prices. Also note many local bike shops will match mail order
pricing, or come pretty darned close, if you ask nicely.

I think for $1000 you could get yourself a spanking nearly top-of-the-line
component package, including new wheels for the Giant. OTOH, $1k won't buy
you much of a new bike. The beauty of a top-tier groupset (Campy Chorus or
above, or Dura-Ace) is that it will probably outlast your bike if properly
maintained.

I also agree with the poster below - buy as much as you can comfortably
afford! I have often regretted buying second best, but never regretted
buying the best I could afford.

- Patrick W.