We have reviewed Giant Contend series bikes for your reference.
The Giant Contend series is a range of endurance road bicycles developed by Taiwanese bicycle manufacturer Giant. The Contend series was launched in 2017 to provide a comfortable and efficient riding environment for long-distance road cycling.
The development of the Contend series was driven by the increasing popularity of endurance road cycling. This type of bicycle involves long-distance riding on various road surfaces, which requires a comfortable, efficient, and responsive bike. The Contend series was designed to meet these needs, incorporating features that make it suitable for endurance riding. These features include a more relaxed geometry, wider tires, and a carbon fiber fork that helps absorb vibrations and reduce road chatter.
The first bike in the Contend series was the Contend SL, which was launched in 2017. The Contend SL was designed as an entry-level endurance road bike. It features a lightweight aluminum frame and a carbon fiber fork. It also comes equipped with Shimano Tiagra components, providing reliable shifting and braking performance.
Giant Contend History
In 2018, Giant introduced the Contend SL Disc, which added disc brakes to the Contend SL platform. The disc brakes offer better stopping power and improved modulation, making them an ideal choice for endurance riding.
In 2019, Giant expanded the Contend series by introducing the Contend AR. The Contend AR was designed to be a more versatile bike that could handle more road surfaces, including gravel and dirt roads. It features wider tires, disc brakes, and a more relaxed geometry, making it more comfortable for long-distance riding.
In 2020, Giant launched the Contend AR 1, which is the top-of-the-line model in the Contend AR series. The Contend AR 1 features a carbon fiber frame and a full Shimano 105 groupset, providing smooth and reliable shifting and braking performance.
Overall, the Giant Contend series is a successful addition to Giant’s endurance road bike lineup. The series has been well-received by riders who are looking for a comfortable, efficient, and long-distance capable bike. With its range of models and features, the Contend series is well-suited to the needs of a variety of riders and terrains.
Giant Contend Comparison Chart
| Bicycles | Price | Groupsets | Gear | Brake | Wheels | Frame |
| Giant Contend 3 | $950 | Shimano Claris, FSA | 2×8 | Rim | 700c 30c | Aluminum alloy |
| Giant Contend AR 4 | $1100 | Shimano Claris, FSA | 2×8 | Mechanical Disc | 700c 38c | Aluminum alloy |
| Giant Contend AR 3 | $1350 | Shimano Sora | 2×9 | Mechanical Disc | 700c 38c | Aluminum alloy |
| Giant Contend AR 1 | $1950 | Shimano105, Praxis | 2×11 | Hydraulic Disc | 700c 38c | Aluminum alloy |
1. Giant Contend 3 ($950)
- Groupset: Shimano Claris, FSA
- Wheel: 700c 30c
- Gear: 2 × 8
- Frame material: Aluminum Alloy
- What we like about it: The comfortable configuration.
- What we don’t like about it: It’s not equipped with pedals.
Is Giant Contend 3 Worth Buying? [Giant Contend 3 Review]
The Giant Contend 3 is a popular road bike that features a range of functions that enhance your riding experience. It boasts a lightweight ALUXX-grade aluminum frame that makes it easy to handle and maneuver. The bike is also equipped with Shimano Claris components, providing smooth and reliable shifting within a range of 16 gears. The TK-B177 brake system ensures quick and responsive braking ability, giving you more control and confidence on the road.
In addition, the Giant Contend 3 has an ergonomically designed handlebar that provides a comfortable grip, reducing wrist and shoulder strain. The bike also comes equipped with Giant’s Conduct hydraulic disc brakes, providing better braking performance in various weather conditions. The Contend 3’s 700x28c wide tires offer smooth riding and excellent traction on wet and dry roads, with puncture-resistant technology ensuring you won’t have to worry about flat tires.
One downside of the Giant Contend 3 is that it does not come with pedals. While this may not be a significant issue for experienced cyclists who have their preferred pedals, it may be inconvenient for beginner riders without pedals. The solution is to purchase pedals separately or ask the bike shop to install them before taking the bike home. It’s also worth noting that the Contend 3’s 16 gears may not be enough for advanced riders who want more variety. However, it should be enough for most casual riders.
2. Giant Contend AR 4 ($1100)
- Groupset: Shimano Claris, FSA
- Wheels: 700c 38c
- Gear: 2 × 8
- Frame material: Aluminum Alloy
- What we like about it: High-performance components and a lightweight framework.
- What we don’t like about it: The relatively heavy weight.
Is Giant Contend AR 4 Worth Buying? – [Giant Contend AR 4 Review]
The Giant Contend AR 4 is a versatile, performance-oriented road bike that comes equipped with a range of features to enhance your riding experience. It features a lightweight ALUXX-grade aluminum frame that provides a smooth ride, while the advanced composite fork ensures precise handling and control. The bike is also equipped with Shimano Sora components, providing smooth and reliable shifting within a range of 18 gears. The hydraulic disc brakes offer excellent stopping power, giving you greater control and confidence on the road.
In addition, the Giant Contend AR 4 features a very comfortable handlebar design, which allows for a relatively upright riding position. The bike also comes equipped with wide 32c tires that offer smooth riding and excellent traction on various road surfaces. The Contend AR 4’s D-Fuse seatpost technology reduces road vibrations, providing a more comfortable riding experience on long-distance rides. The bike also has a sleek and modern design, with internal cable routing giving it a clean and streamlined look.
One potential downside of the Giant Contend AR 4 is that it may be slightly heavier than other road bikes in its price range due to its disc brakes and wider tires. However, this is a small trade-off for greater stopping power and stronger traction on various surfaces. Additionally, some riders may find the bike’s 18 gears insufficient for more challenging terrain. The solution is to consider upgrading to a higher-end model with more gears or replacing the cassette to provide more options.
In summary, the Giant Contend AR 4 is a high-quality road bike that offers a comfortable and performance-oriented riding experience. In short, the Contend AR 4 is an excellent choice for riders who want a versatile and reliable bike that can handle various riding conditions.
3. Giant Contend AR 3 ($1350)
- Groupset: Shimano Sora
- Wheels: 700c 38c
- Gear: 2 × 9
- Frame material: Aluminum Alloy
- What we like about it: A fairly high-end configuration of components.
- What we don’t like about it :/
The Giant Contend AR 3 is a high-performance road bike designed for versatility and comfort. It features a lightweight ALUXX-Grade aluminum frame that provides a smooth and responsive ride, while the Advanced-Grade composite fork ensures precise handling and control. The bike is equipped with Shimano Sora components, providing smooth and reliable shifting within an 18-speed range. Hydraulic disc brakes offer excellent stopping power and control, giving you more confidence on the road.
Additionally, Giant Contend AR 3 has an ergonomic handlebar design that provides a comfortable grip and reduces wrist and shoulder strain. The bike comes with 32c wide tires that offer a smooth and comfortable ride on various road surfaces. D-Fuse seatpost technology reduces road vibrations, providing extra comfort on long rides. The Contend AR 3 also has a stylish and modern design, with internal cable routing for a clean and streamlined appearance.
Overall, the Giant Contend AR 3 is an excellent road bike that provides a comfortable and versatile riding experience. While it may be slightly heavier than some other bikes in its class and have a limited gear range, it offers excellent handling, braking, and traction on various road surfaces. The Contend AR 3 is an ideal choice for riders looking for a reliable, high-performance bike that can handle various riding conditions.
4. Giant Contend AR 1 ($1950)
- Groupset: Shimano 105, Praxis
- Wheels: 700c 38c
- Gear: 2 × 11
- Frame material: Aluminum Alloy
- What we like about it: Excellent gravel road driving experience.
- What we don’t like about it: It’s more expensive.
The Giant Contend AR 1 is a high-performance road bike designed for long-distance rides and gravel terrain. This bike is equipped with a range of high-quality components, making it both versatile and durable. The bike’s frame is made of ALUXX-Grade aluminum, providing a lightweight and sturdy platform. It also has a full carbon front fork, which helps absorb shocks and vibrations from rough terrain.
The bike has a Shimano 105 groupset, including a Shimano 105 front and rear derailleur, Shimano 105 shifters, and Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes. The crank is a Shimano RS510 with a 50/34T chainring configuration and the bike has an 11-speed Shimano 105 cassette. Giant Contend AR 1 also features the Giant S-R2 Disc wheelset with 700x32c Giant Gavia Fondo tubeless tires, which offer good grip and durability.
The only downside of the Giant Contend AR 1 is that it may be a bit expensive for some riders. However, the bike’s high-quality components and excellent performance make it worth the investment.
For riders looking for more affordable options, Giant also offers the Contend AR 3 and Contend AR 4. These bikes have slightly lower-end components, but are still excellent choices for long-distance rides and gravel roads. Another solution for those looking to save some money is to consider purchasing a used Contend AR 1, or choosing a financing plan to make the investment more manageable.
In summary, the Giant Contend AR 1 is a high-performance road bike with excellent versatility and durability. While it may be a bit expensive, the bike’s high-quality components and excellent performance make it a worthwhile investment for riders seeking a reliable and versatile bike for long-distance rides and gravel terrain. Riders seeking more affordable options can consider the Contend AR 3 or Contend AR 4, or choose a financing plan or purchase a used bike to make the investment more manageable.
About Giant Contend
Giant is a Taiwanese bicycle manufacturer founded in 1972. Over the years, the company has grown to become one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world, producing high-quality bicycles for all types of riders. When it comes to road bikes, Giant is known for designing and producing bikes that are both fast and comfortable, making them an ideal choice for long-distance riding.
What drives the creation of Giant road bikes is a commitment to innovation and a desire to provide riders with the best possible riding experience. Giant’s engineers and designers constantly push the limits, using the latest materials and manufacturing techniques to create lightweight, durable, and fast bikes.
Giant’s Contend line of entry road bikes is a prime example of this commitment to innovation. The series was developed with a focus on providing a comfortable and stable ride for riders new to road bikes. The latest Contend 3 features a lightweight ALUXX-rated aluminum frame, carbon fork, and Shimano Claris groupset. This bike is ideal for riders who are new to cycling and want a bike that is reliable and easy to ride.
Contend Series Bicycles
Contend AR 4 is a gravel bike designed to provide riders with excellent off-road performance. This bike features wider tires and disc brakes, making it easier to handle rough terrain. Contend AR 1 and Contend AR 3 are also gravel bikes that offer a higher level of performance and versatility. These bikes feature upgraded components such as Shimano 105 groupsets and tubeless tires, providing excellent grip and control on various surfaces.
As someone who has ridden all four bikes in the Contend series, I can say that each bike offers a unique riding experience. Contend 3 is a great entry-level bike that provides a comfortable ride and is easy to operate. It’s the ideal choice for riders who are just starting out and want a reliable and easy-to-ride bike. Contend AR 4 is a sturdy gravel bike that can handle various terrains with ease. It’s the ideal choice for riders who want to explore off-road trails and experience thrilling adventure rides.
Contend AR 1 and AR 3 are high-performance gravel bikes that provide excellent speed and versatility. These bikes are the ideal choice for riders who want to tackle longer rides and more challenging terrain. Contend AR 1 features a Shimano 105 groupset, which provides excellent shifting performance and reliable braking. On the other hand, Contend AR 3 features a Shimano Tiagra groupset. It’s slightly less powerful than Shimano 105, but still provides reliable shifting and braking performance.
Overall, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, there’s always a Contend series road bike that can meet your needs. As someone who has ridden these bikes, I can say that they all offer excellent riding experiences with comfortable, stable handling and reliable performance. If you’re in the market for a new road bike, I highly recommend checking out Giant’s Contend series.
Summary
In this article, our team provided comprehensive reviews of each bike in Giant’s Contend series. The Contend series is Giant’s entry-level road bike lineup that offers something for every rider, regardless of their skill level or preferred riding style. We highlighted key features of each bike, including their frames, groupsets, wheels, and tires. Also, we discussed the differences between the latest Contend 3, Contend AR 4, Contend AR 1, and Contend AR 3 and how they perform while riding.
We repeatedly praised the Contend series for its comfort, stability, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for long-distance rides, gravel roads, and off-road trails. The article also emphasized the high-quality components of each bike, including Shimano groupsets, ALUXX-grade aluminum frames, carbon fiber forks, and tubeless tires. We also noted that the Contend series offers choices for riders with different budgets, with Contend 3 being the most affordable and Contend AR 1 being the most expensive.
Overall, our review of Giant’s Contend series provided valuable insights for anyone looking for a high-quality entry-level road bike. The analysis of each bike’s features and performance will help readers make informed decisions when selecting a bike that meets their specific needs and preferences. By the way, if you want to go riding in well-known terrain or special terrain, you can book your accommodation on Skyscanner. It is not only rich in variety but also easy to operate.
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