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Giant Contend

Giant Contend AR rider on a flat road

What is the Giant Contend?

The Giant Contend road bikes are designed for riders who are buying their first road bike or upgrading from a really old one.

Giant designed the Contend for endurance rides, relaxed ergonomics and handling.

Endurance being the keyword here.

That means it's going to be super comfy riding over rough roads.

Plus, the geometry allows riders to be in a more upright riding position; perfect for new riders who haven't been exposed to a road bike.

And lastly, the handling is calm and very stable at high speeds.

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Giant Contend AR being ridden on dirt road

Giant Contend AR 4.

Giant's Contend AR 4 is where the range starts.

This model will appeal to riders who are very new to road cycling and purchasing their 1st road bike.

The hardware is used from Shimano's 8-speed Claris family.

This basically means they are reliable and robust mid-range components. They'll work and not let you down.

It's the perfect build kit to get started in road cycling.

Giant Contend AR rider climbing a dirt road

Giant Contend AR 3.

If you can comfortably afford to spend a little more cashola then the Giant Contend AR 3 will feature some key upgrades.

  • Shimano's 9-speed Sora family delivers smoother front and rear gear shifting.
  • Shimano Sora crankset is more durable and has smoother bearings.
Giant Contend AR rider descending fast on a road

Giant Contend AR 2.

The Contend AR 2 is probably the sweet spot build.

Shimano Tiagra 10-speed components deliver very smooth gear shifts. Because there's more sprockets on the back cassette, there's less air gap between each one.

This translates into smoother gear changes.

Plus, the Contend AR 2 gets a hydraulic disc brake upgrade versus mechanical disc. Hydro brakes are easier to maintain and deliver a smoother feel.

And lately, the seat post is made from carbon instead of aluminium (Contend AR 3 and 4).

The carbon allows the seat post to flex more than aluminium, better absorbing road vibrations.

Lastly, slightly lighter wheels and tubeless tyres help the AR 2 roll smoother and faster.

Giant Contend AR side shot climbing a smooth road

Giant Contend AR 1.

The top of the range Contend AR 1 gets Shimano's latest 12-speed 105 hardware. These are the best 105 level components we've ever seen.

The AR 1 also has a wider gear range; allowing riders to climb steep gradients a little bit easier than the other models.

It's also the only model in the range that gets Giant's new D-Fuse SL handlebar.

These bars are designed to flex more than the standard round bars on the other models; helping reduce upper body and hand fatigue.

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