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The Contend AR1 from the world's largest bicycle manufacturer is the most affordable all-road bike in the test field. The all-rounder is based on a solid aluminium frame that puts the rider in a decidedly upright riding position. The high level of suspension comfort is remarkable for a model made of light metal. The frame set, carbon seat post and tyres are well matched to each other, which noticeably smoothes out bumps on asphalt and gravel roads.
Details in the picture gallery
As there is space for tyres up to 38 millimetres wide, the smooth-running Contend can be converted into a passable gravel bike for little money. However, you have to make compromises for the price: Due to the high overall weight - the wheels in particular are heavy as lead - the Giant feels a little sluggish. The workmanship with visible weld seams and a wide cable arch is also not at the top level. But is this worth criticising on a road bike under € 2000? If you don't mind the minor weaknesses, you get a reliable and easy-to-maintain companion that can take on the more expensive competition and is suitable as a winter or commuter bike thanks to its mounts for mudguards and pannier rack.
All all-road bikes in the test
Giant Contend AR 1 - Facts and reviews
- Price1799 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 9,5 Kilo
- Frame/fork/steering bearing weight* 1515/441/73 grammes
- Frame sizes** S, M, ML, L, XL
- Seat/top tube/head tube 490/560/171 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR*** 595/381 millimetres/1.56
- Wheelbase/caster 1020/52 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/Circuit Shimano 105 (2x11; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Brakes Shimano 105 (160/160 millimetres)
- Wheels/tyres (weights)**** Giant P-R2 Disc, Giant Gavia Fondo II 32 millimetres (front/rear: 1553/2130 grams)
Strengthshigh spring comfort, generous guarantee, inexpensive spare parts
Weaknesses: heavy equipment
>> The Giant gets an overall TOUR score of 2.3
*Weighed weights
**Manufacturer information, test size bold.
***Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube;
STR (Stack to Reach)1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright sitting position.
****Impeller weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if necessary.
Julian Schultz
Editor
