GIANT Contend AR 1

The "Contend AR 1" model from GIANT, released in 2023, offers a good balance between performance and comfort and is available at a price of 1799 EUR. The frame is an AluxX design with a maximum tyre clearance of 38 mm, allowing for versatile use on a variety of surfaces.

The brakes feature the Shimano 105 HRD system with 160 mm discs, ensuring reliable braking performance. The brake levers are also Shimano 105 HRD. The drivetrain is a Shimano 105 GS with 11 speeds, whilst the shifters are Shimano 105 in a 2-speed configuration. The front derailleur is also from Shimano 105, guaranteeing consistently high-quality shifting performance.

The bike’s fork is a GIANT Contend AR Advanced full-carbon fork with OverDrive1 technology and 12x100 mm axles, which ensures precise steering. Pedals are not included. The bottom bracket is a cartridge model, and the crankset consists of a Shimano RS510 with 50/34T chainrings. The cassette is a Shimano 105 with an 11–34T range, and the drivetrain is completed by a KMC X11EL-1 chain.

The handlebars are GIANT Contact SL D-Fuse, which, together with GIANT Cork grips, ensure comfort. The stem is a GIANT Contact with a length of 110 mm, and the handlebar width is 440 mm. The rims are GIANT P-R2 Disc models, which are tubeless-ready, and the tyres are GIANT Gavia Fondo 2 in size 700x32c, also tubeless-ready with a 30 TPI casing. The bike is supplied tubeless-ready.

The hubs and spokes are also GIANT P-R2 Disc models. The saddle is a GIANT Approach model, mounted on a GIANT Contact D-Fuse seatpost. The bike is compatible with the GIANT Rack-It Metro (Lite) luggage rack. A tubeless kit is also included, comprising sealant, valves, tyre levers, a valve core tool and an instruction manual.

The bike’s geometry comprises a reach of 400 mm, a stack of 638 mm, a seat tube length of 585 mm and a top tube length of 595 mm. The head tube angle is 73 degrees, as is the seat tube angle. The head tube length is 215 mm and the chainstay length is 422 mm. The bottom bracket drop is 80 mm and the fork offset is 53 mm. The standover height is 856 mm and the crank length is 175 mm. The bike has a total wheelbase of 1046 mm.

These technical specifications and features make the Contend AR 1 a versatile and high-performance bike, suitable for both long road rides and lighter off-road adventures.