Giant Contend AR 4 Review
- Price: $1100
- Frame: Aluminum
- Wheels: 700C
- Gear: 2×8
What we like about it: Relatively affordable price, designed for triathlons.
What we don’t like about it: Not suitable for daily riding or commuting, and it’s difficult to use for anything other than triathlons.
Rating (4.8/5)
Giant Bicycles is a Taiwanese brand founded in 1972. The goal is to create high-quality bikes for everyone, from beginners to professional athletes. Over the years, Giant has become one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world and has developed a reputation for producing innovative and reliable bikes.
The Contend series, including the Giant Contend AR 4, was developed to provide riders with a comfortable and efficient ride, whether they are racing or going on long-distance rides. The Contend AR 4 features a lightweight ALUXX aluminum frame and a carbon fiber fork, making it responsive and comfortable on any terrain. Its Shimano Claris groupset and wide range of gears ensure that riders can easily tackle any climb or descent. The bike is also equipped with tubeless Giant S-R3 tires and disc brakes for increased traction and stopping power, making it the best choice for riders looking for a reliable and versatile road bike.
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Riding Experience
I purchased the Giant Contend AR 4 a few months ago, and so far it has been an incredible experience. As someone new to road biking, I was a little nervous at first about doing long rides. But the Contend AR 4 has exceeded my expectations in terms of speed and comfort.
Daily Road Riding
In my usual road rides, I was impressed by the speed advantage provided by the narrow tires’ low rolling resistance. The bike feels very light and is easy to accelerate quickly. I found myself taking on more challenging routes than I had imagined. Seeing my progress and feeling the bike’s performance improve with each ride is an exciting thing.
But what impressed me, even more, was the bike’s comfortable geometry. It keeps my neck and lower back from hurting, even on long-distance rides. I’ve done several rides over 50 miles and have been surprised by how comfortable the whole ride experience was. The saddle is supportive yet comfortable, the handlebar position is good for an easy riding posture, and it still maintains enough speed and agility.
My favorite thing about the Contend AR 4 is its versatility. It feels incredibly responsive and easy to handle, whether I’m on a challenging climb or cruising on a flat road. I even took it on some light off-road mountain trails and it performed very well.
Long Distance Training Ride
I recently took the Contend AR 4 on a long road trip and it was an unforgettable experience. The bike’s lightweight frame made it easy to climb, and the wide range of gears allowed me to tackle any terrain. I was able to maintain a steady pace even on some of the steeper climbs, and the bike felt very stable and secure on the descents.
But what impressed me was the bike’s disc brake system. I was a bit nervous about riding in the rain, but even on wet roads, the brakes provided an incredibly efficient stopping experience. Throughout the entire ride, I felt confident and in control, which made the whole experience more enjoyable. fter finishing our bike ride, I easily booked accommodation on Skyscanner. I can finally relax and rest well.
Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my decision to purchase the Giant Contend AR 4. It’s an incredible bike for both everyday road riding and long-distance road training. I’m surprised at how quickly this bike has improved my speed and endurance. If you’re looking for a versatile and reliable road bike that can handle various terrains and conditions, I highly recommend the Contend AR 4.
Finally, the feeling of riding a bike is hard to describe. It’s a combination of physical exertion, mental clarity, and emotional satisfaction. It’s a way to connect with the world around us and challenge our limits. And to connect with others who share our love of cycling. Whether we’re training for a race, exploring new places, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride, cycling is a unique and beneficial experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Specification
The Giant Contend AR 4 boasts an impressive component configuration that ensures efficient and comfortable road riding. The ALUXX-grade aluminum frame is lightweight with excellent durability. And the advanced composite material fork helps absorb road vibrations, providing a smoother ride. The wheelset is composed of Giant S-R2 Disc wheels, equipped with Giant S-R2 Disc spokes and hubs, providing excellent stability and responsiveness. The drivetrain includes Shimano Claris shifters and rear derailleur, FSA Tempo crankset, and Shimano CS-HG50 cassette and KMC Z72 chain, offering reliable and smooth shifting. The braking system uses Tektro MD-C550 brakes with Giant MPH rotors, providing excellent braking power, especially in wet or challenging weather conditions. Overall, the combination of these components makes the Giant Contend AR 4 an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and comfortable road bike.
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What do we like about it?
- The lightweight ALUXX-grade aluminum frame and premium composite fork make it easy to handle and provide a smoother ride.
- The Giant S-R3 AC tire for tubeless tires offers a smoother ride, better traction, and reduced risk of punctures.
- The wide range of gears with the Shimano Claris group allows for efficient and smooth gear changes, making it easy to tackle any terrain.
- Disc brakes with Tektro MD-C550 brakes and Giant MPH rotors provide excellent braking capability, especially in wet or challenging weather conditions.
- The comfortable geometry, combined with a comfortable saddle and ergonomic grip, makes it ideal for long rides.
- The FSA Tempo crankset provides efficient power transfer for easier climbing.
- Velo cork straps with gel grips provide excellent grip and comfort.
- Giant S-R2 Disc wheelsets with Giant S-R2 Disc spokes and hubs provide excellent stability and responsiveness.
- Boxed base frame ensures reliable performance.
- The affordable price point makes it the perfect choice for those looking for a reliable and versatile road bike.
What don’t we like about it?
- The transmission components may be somewhat compromised.
FAQs
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Giant Contend AR 4 is a great choice for beginners because it’s light, easy to handle, and ideal for those just starting on a road bike.
- Is this bike comfortable on long rides?
Yes, the bike has comfortable geometry, including a comfortable saddle and ergonomic grip, making it ideal for long rides.
- How does the brake system perform in wet conditions?
The bike’s disc brakes feature Tektro MD-C550 brakes and Giant MPH rotors, which provide excellent braking capability for safety and control, even in wet or challenging weather conditions.
- Is the price of this bike reasonable?
Yes, the Giant Contend AR 4 is reasonably priced and a great choice for those looking for a reliable and versatile road bike without breaking the bank.
- What heights does the Giant Contend AR 4 fit?
The size chart for the Giant Contend AR 4 is as follows:
These sizes are only a general guide, the true fit may vary from person to person, and the easiest way to find your size is the best way to go for a test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’4″ – 5’9″ | SM |
| 5’7″ – 6’0″ | MD |
| 5’9″ – 6’2″ | MD/LG |
| 6’0″ – 6’4″ | LG |
| 6’2″ – 6’7″ | XL |
Giant Contend AR 4 Specs
Build
| Frame | ALUXX-Grade Aluminum, disc Tire Clearance: 38c Colors: Hematite; Black |
| Fork | Advanced-Grade Composite, full-composite OverDrive steerer, disc |
| Rear Shock | N/A |
| Bottom Bracket | cartridge |
| Stem | Giant Sport XS:80mm, S:90mm, M:100mm, M/L:110mm, L:110mm, XL:110mm |
| Handlebar | Giant Connect XS:40cm, S:40cm, M:42cm, M/L:42cm, L:44cm, XL:44cm |
| Saddle | Giant Approach |
| Seatpost | Giant D-Fuse, alloy, 14mm offset |
| Pedals | platform pedal |
| Grips | Velo cork tape with gel |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Claris |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Claris |
| Crank | FSA Tempo, 34/50 XS:170mm, S:170mm, M:172.5mm, M/L:172.5mm, L:175mm, XL:175mm |
| Shifters | Shimano Claris |
| Cassette | Shimano CS-HG50, 11×34 |
| Chain | KMC Z72 |
| Brakes | Tektro MD-C550, Giant MPH rotors [F]160mm, [R]160mm |
| Brake Levers | Shimano Claris |
Wheels
| Rims | Giant S-R2 Disc wheelset |
| Spokes | Giant S-R2 Disc wheelset |
| Front Hub | Giant S-R2 Disc wheelset |
| Rear Hub | Giant S-R2 Disc wheelset |
| Tires | Giant S-R3 AC, 700x32c (34mm) |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Price | Drivetrain | Frame material | Components | Click view |
| Bianchi Via Nirone 7 – 105 | $1800 | 2×11 | Aluminum | Shimano 105 | Click View |
| Canyon Endurace WMN AL Disc 7.0 | $1899 | 2×11 | Aluminum | Shimano 105 | Click View |
| Fuji Sportif 2.1 | $862 | 2×9 | Aluminum | Shimano Sora | Click View |
| Felt VR 60 | $1349 | 2×11 | Aluminum | Shimano Claris | Click View |
Giant Contend AR 4 vs. Bianchi Via Nirone 7 – 105
The Giant Contend AR 4 and the Bianchi Via Nirone 7 – 105 are both excellent entry-level road bikes. But they have some obvious differences. First, the Contend AR 4 has disc brakes. Compared to the rim brakes on the Bianchi Via Nirone 7 – 105, the disc brakes provide more stopping power and perform better in wet conditions.
The Bianchi Via Nirone 7 – 105 features a higher-end Shimano 105 groupset. It offers smoother and more precise shifting than the Shimano Claris groupset of the Contend AR 4. The Bianchi Via Nirone 7 – 105 has more speed options with 22 gears. The Contend AR 4, on the other hand, has 16 gears.
Overall, the Bianchi Via Nirone 7 – 105 may be a better choice for those looking for higher-end components and more speed options. The Contend AR 4, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for those looking for a bike with better braking power, durability, and an affordable price. Which one you choose will ultimately depend on the rider’s preferences and the intended use of the bike.
Learn More: Is Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Worth Buying? [Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Review]
Giant Contend AR 4 vs. Canyon Endurace WMN AL Disc 7.0
Firstly, the price of Canyon Endurace WMN AL Disc 7.0 is noticeably higher than that of the Contend AR 4. This may make it less accessible for those on a limited budget. Canyon Endurace WMN AL Disc 7.0 offers more wheel size options, including 650 and 700, providing greater diversity and compatibility for riders of different heights and preferences. It features high-performance hydraulic disc brakes, which provide superior braking power and performance compared to the disc brakes of the Contend AR 4.
The Canyon Endurace WMN AL Disc 7.0 is equipped with an 11-speed advanced Shimano groupset. Compared to the Shimano Claris groupset of the Contend AR 4, it offers smoother and more precise shifting. Overall, Canyon Endurace WMN AL Disc 7.0 may be a better choice for those who prioritize advanced features, including more wheel size options, higher braking power, and a high-end Shimano groupset. However, for those on a limited budget but still want a reliable and versatile entry-level road bike, Contend AR 4 may be a better choice.
Learn more : Is Canyon Endurance 8 Disc Worth Buying? [Canyon Endurance 8 Disc Review]
Giant Contend AR 4 vs. Fuji Sportif 2.1
Both bikes are entry-level road bikes, but they have some distinct differences.
First of all, the Contend AR 4 is slightly more expensive than the Fuji Sportif 2.1. But it has more advanced features like disc brakes, tubeless tires, and a higher-end Shimano Claris groupset. the Fuji Sportif 2.1 has a lower-end Shimano Sora groupset. It is less precise and smooth in shifting than the Shimano Claris groupset of the Contend AR 4. The Fuji Sportif 2.1 uses rim brakes. It may not provide the same level of stopping power and performance as the Contend AR 4’s disc brakes.
Finally, the Fuji Sportif 2.1 is heavier than the Contend AR 4. This may affect the bike’s speed and handling. Overall, while the Fuji Sportif 2.1 may be a more economical choice, the Contend AR 4 offers better value and more advanced features. This includes disc brakes, tubeless tires, and a higher-end Shimano Claris groupset. It ultimately depends on the rider’s preferences and budget.
Giant Contend AR 4 vs. Felt VR 60
First of all, both of these bikes have disc brakes, providing reliable stopping power and better performance in wet conditions. These two bikes are similarly priced and offer excellent value for money. The Felt VR 60 is slightly heavier than the Contend AR 4, which may affect its speed and handling.
Finally, both bikes offer a range of color options, allowing riders to choose the bike that best suits their personal style preferences. Overall, the Contend AR 4 and Felt VR 60 are both excellent entry-level road bikes with reliable performance and good value for money. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences and any small spec differences that may have an impact on the rider. I think you can choose between these two bikes based on your personal brand and color preferences.
Learn more : Is Felt VR 40 Worth Buying? – [Felt VR 40 review ]
Summary
These are our tests of the Giant Contend AR 4. According to our test, it is a cost-effective and very suitable configuration to be the first road bike for newbies. All you need is a simple tune-up and you’re ready to go for a ride. The comfortable geometry and adequate component configuration will give you a good riding experience.
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