Giant Contend Review

There are two different frame options for the Contend, both feature the same nimble endurance style geometry. The Contend SL gets an ALUXX SL-Grade aluminium frame which is made from double-butted 6011 alloy making it lightweight and strong. Double pass welds offer a smoother frame finish. The ALUXX Grade aluminium frame, on the Contend and Contend AR models, is built with single butted 6061 alloy tubes. Both frames feature the D-Fuse seat tube for a more compliant ride and internal cable routing for clean lines. The Contend 2 is available in X small size which makes it a good option for budding young cyclists.

It’s great to see a full carbon composite fork on every bike in the range. The carbon fibre fork helps to smooth out the ride by absorbing the vibrations you get when riding over uneven road surfaces. This combines with the D-Fuse seat post to offer a smoother ride. The disc-equipped bikes have a 12mm thru-axle for precise steering control under braking. Rack and mudguard mounts add versatility making the Contend a great choice for commuting and winter training.

With a compact 34/50t chainset combined with a wide range 11-32t cassette, the Contend offers a good spread of gears for tackling all the ups and downs you’ll find on your route. The exceptions to this are the top-of-the-range Contend SL 1 bikes that have larger 36/52 chainrings for those with stronger legs. Both the SL 1 and AR 1 models have a slick-shifting Shimano 105 11-speed groupset, with the same number of gears that you will find on a pro bike. Moving through the range, the number of gears drops from 11 to 10, 9 and 8. While the gaps between the gears get slightly bigger, you still get a wide range cassette that offers the same broad range of gear ratios on all models.

All the disc models have hydraulic brakes which offer superior power and feel. The SL1 and the AR1 both have Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes. The other disc-equipped models use feature Giant’s Conduct semi-hydraulic disc brakes. This is a very clever system which offers the same confident feel as full hydraulic disc brakes but uses regular gear shifters to keep the costs down. This also makes it easier to upgrade in the future as you can use any conventional brake lever with the Conduct brakes.

Another nice touch is the carbon D-Fuse seatpost that’s fitted to the SL 1, SL2, AR 1 and AR 2 bikes. This improves the vibration damping for an even smoother ride feel.

For the last few years Giant have been making all their own wheels, so they can offer higFor the last few years, Giant have been making all their own wheels, so they can deliver higher quality offerings at more competitive price points. The P-R2 wheels on the Contend SL 1s and AR 1 feature highly durable rims that are ideal for riding on rough road surfaces. Sealed cartridge bearings in the hubs give you reliable all-weather rolling. You get similarly durable rims, with loose bearing hubs, on the S-R2 wheels fitted to the other models in the range.

Giant are at the forefront of tubeless tyre innovation and it is great to see that the Contend AR 1 and 2 bikes are now supplied with tubeless wheels and tyres. This means that you can take advantage of this puncture reducing technology from the first pedal stroke. The 32mm wide tyres on the AR bikes offer more cushioning making them the ideal choice if you want to cycle on rougher roads and tracks. The 28mm wide tyres on all the other models offer a great balance between rapid rolling and cornering grip.