One of the most popular road bikes lines in the Giant product line-up, the entry-level contend series of aluminium road bikes has been updated. With a focus on versatility and performance for all, and a new all-road version added, join us as we take a look at the Contend SL Disc and Contend AR series’ of road bikes from the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer, Giant.
Contend SL Disc
Improving on the capable Contend platform that debuted back in 2016, keeping the performance and price reasonable was always going to be a tough ask, but with the overhauled Contend, Giant looks to have done just that. The road-focussed SL Disc features a new frameset, complete with updated quick-release thru-axle compatibility, flat-mount disc brakes and increased tyre clearance. A sign of the times, rim brakes are non-existent in the line-up with only disc-equipped models slated to hit local shores.
The new contend frameset is manufactured from Giant’s own ALUXX SL aluminium, with the hydroformed tubes taking on a slightly different shape to its predecessor. A composite D-Fuse seatpost is included as standard on all models, which is said to improve comfort and reduce weight compared to a standard round alloy post.
The Contend Disc SL series is comprised of two models;
Contend SL Disc 1
The Contend SL Disc 1 makes use of an ALUXX SL aluminium frame, Composite fork, and a D-Fuse composite seatpost. Shimano provides a full R7020 105 Disc groupset, while the connect aluminium handlebar, contact stem, PR2 disc wheelset and Fondo 2 28c tubeless tyres are all inhouse.
- Price: AU$2,199
Contend SL Disc 2
The SL Disc 2 makes use of the same overhauled ALUXX SL frameset, composite fork and D-Fuse seatpost, save for some mild component tweaks to keep the price down. This includes a Shimano Tiagra 10-speed groupset, a Giant Conduct semi-hydraulic disc-brake system and a slightly heavier SR2 wheelset wrapped in 28c tubeless rubber.
- Price: AU$1,799
Contend AR
All-new for 2020, the Contend AR takes the overhauled frameset from the SL Disc and injects a little more versatility, boosting tyre clearance and improving comfort. With the refined flat-mount discs and massaged frame and fork shapes, the Contend AR is claimed to swallow tyres up to 38mm wide.
To keep pricing modest, the frame itself a manufactured from Giant’s base-level ALUXX aluminium; however it still features flat-mount disc brakes, thru-axles, internal cable routing and a tapered headtube.
Australia looks set to score the full fleet of Contend AR models, with pricing starting from just AU$1,399.
The Australian Contend AR line-up includes;
Contend AR 1
The flagship option of the Contend AR range is packed with value, and should serve those in the market for a versatile entry-level road bike well. With an aluminium frame, composite fork, D-Fuse seatpost and a D-Fuse handlebar as found on the more expensive [Defy Advanced] endurance and [Revolt] gravel bikes, the AR 1 is not short on comfort features. Shifting and braking come courtesy of a Shimano 105 disc brake groupset, whilst Giant PR2 aluminium wheels wrapped in 32c tubeless rubber complete the fit-out.
- Price: AU$2,299
Contend AR 2
Next in line, the Contend AR 2 features an identical build-kit to that found on the Contend SL Disc 2 detailed above, save for wider Giant Fondo 2 32c tubeless rubber as standard. The white paint job also looks the business in the metal too, sure to stand wherever you ride.
- Price: AU$1,799
Contend AR 3
Sitting as the entry-level option to the entire Contend product line, the AR 3 is loaded with features sure to appease those in the market for a wallet-friendly, versatile performance road bike. Outfitted with an 18-speed Shimano Sora groupset, mechanical disc brakes, durable aluminium wheels and high-volume tubeless tyres, the Contend AR 3 needs nothing more than a willing rider perched atop it.
- Price: AU$1,399
The 2020 range of Giant Contend road bikes is available instore right now! Search for your nearest bike store for local availability.
