Giant Contend AR 4 (2025)

The Contend AR 4 is the entry-point into Giant's (endurance) road bike range.

The Contend AR is the perfect bike for new riders.

It's comfortable to ride, plus the steering is calmer than most other road bikes. And the bike has above-average levels of stability, especially at speed.

Therefore, it's an easier bike to control.

In this preview, we'll unpack the Contend AR 4 in a little more detail.

What is the Contend AR?

The Contend AR is an endurance road bike. This means it's been specially tuned to deliver:

• Better comfort by smoothing out harsh vibrations.
• Get riders in a more comfortable position by being more upright. You're not leaning over as much as a race bike (like the Giant TCR).
• More stability, especially at high speeds. The Contend AR is lower and longer than most other road bikes.
• Calmer handling. The steering angle has been tuned to deliver calmer steering; something you'll notice on descents and going downhill. It isn't as 'twitchy' as race bikes are.

The Contend AR 4 Build

All Contend AR models use the same aluminium frame. And Giant are experts at producing some of the best bike frames in the world.

The tube shapes are slim and precise, with no excess material. The front fork and steerer tube (the tube inside the frame) are both made from carbon-fibre to reduce weight and improve front end handling.

To enhance comfort, riders will notice a special D-shaped seat post.

This seat post flexes much more than a traditional circular seat post does. This extra flex absorbs vibrations, reducing harshness and rider fatigue.

Shimano Claris parts are used heavily throughout the Contend AR 4 build. THe AR 4 has 2 front gears paired to 8 rear gears.

The gear ratios are also beneficial for new riders who aren't yet conditioned. The Shimano Claris gears have a really easy gear to climb hills with and a high-enough top gear so that you won't run out of gears on fast descents.

Mechanical disc brakes deliver more stopping power than rim brakes do.

They work better in dry and wet conditions. Plus, they deliver better speed control.

34mm wide tyres have more air volume than narrow tyres.

More air volume means better cushioning against the road. You're rolling on more air basically.

And that translates into a smoother ride.