2021 Giant Contend Models Explained | Giant Contend SL | Giant Contend AR

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Be sure to visit my website at www.blackwatercyclist.com Subscribe: tinyurl.com/yyd6vb6k Follow me on: Instagram: instagram.com/blackwatercyclist Facebook: facebook.com/BlackWaterCyclist1 Strava: www.strava.com/athletes/179615

[@raorn77]

Excellent video! I have the AR and love it. I ride as much road as I do gravel and this is the perfect bike for me. I hope Giant is sponsoring you in some way. Your videos convinced me to go with Giant over other brands.

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Thanks Rick! They are not sponsoring men (that would be nice), I am just sharing in my experiences to help others as much as I can. Glad you are enjoying the bike.

[@Dave-zg7cr]

Hey man, just wanted to say thanks for these Giant Contend videos, I ended up buying one and couldn't be happier. I have 2 wheelsets, both with DtSwiss 350 hubs so switching wheels doesn't require any adjustments for the brakes or gears. My road wheelset I bought from Light bicycle (from your wheel video lol). My set up was based on your videos so I just wanted to thank you for putting great useful content out there! Keep it going!

[@xelseartheonlyone1267]

I wanna do long distances and have freedom but not sacrifice speed! So the AR was the perfect bike for me. I am very happy with it and i love it. To be honest i was between this one and the Trek Domane AL at the beggining. But your videos made me determined to get the Giant one. So thanks again. You will be surprised how many people are amazed by the bike just by looking at it. And they have way more expensive ones.

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

I agree completely! I have people look at my bike and ask me about it all the time and they are shocked when I explain it is claimed to be a more entry level bike compared to many they are 5 times the price.

[@jordantaylorreed]

I love the Contend AR! Such a great bike, especially at the price point.

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Couldn't agree more!

[@titobadzhamster]

Thanks for the info. Hope they bring the AR model locally, we only have SL and contend 1-3 and mark-ups are around $250.

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Where are you located that does not have the AR? I kind of wish I could get an SL as a rain bike but they don't have them in the states.

[@mrcsdamle]

My preference is for AR. I like the idea of D-Fuse at seat post as well as handlebar. But wondering why Giant isn't offering carbon frame at this price unlike others.

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

I do not think they want to take away from their Giant Revolt or their Giant Defy sales. They could make one of the two do the same thing, but they do not want you to be able to buy just one bike to do both jobs well. They all wanna make that money. :)

[@chrissr318]

I got the contend AR4 I know it’s bottom of the line. It’s a great bike for someone just getting into cycling.

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

All the frames and forks are the same so it is an amazing bike to get started. You could always upgrade wheels and tires later and that is all you would ever need.

[@chrissr318]

I did my 1st century for charity with my AR . It was awesome

[@jaskamalpannu613]

@@BlackWaterCyclist What about the Claris groupset. Is it that bad as people claim it to be?

[@dj0100]

Great video. I am looking for a used SL disk since I am in the US and its not offered in 2021. I like the more relaxed geometry of the older SL also. I already found two hardly used ones local, but of course not my size. Anyways on the hunt.

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Great choice! Yes all the Contend models are so good. Have you thought about going with an AR since the geo is similar to the older SL?

[@dj0100]

@@BlackWaterCyclist This will be a 100% road bike and I like to descend and go through turns low. So just worried about the lower BB drop. But looking at the specs it's only 5mm so if I find a nice one, I will definitely jump on it!

[@kennydeman3676]

Looking to buy a first road bike but a bit afraid of the seating position. That’s why I was charmed by the more upright position of the AR initially however: I guess I’ll be doing 95% real road, so looking at your table I would be better of with the SL disc? Is the riding position a lot more agressieve compared to AR? Is there any way to get a bet more upright on the SL? 🤔

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Honestly Kenny, I would go with the AR if I were you. It handles great and it still works great as a road bike plus you get the better position for yourself. You can also clear larger tires if you ever wanted to.

[@egreene59]

I'm thinking of mounting a rear rack on my Contend AR3 to be able to hook up a pannier to the bike for commutes to work and such. Is this possible? Do I need any additional components to be able to do this?

[@julianmojica2719]

I like your videos, do You recomend this bike over a Road bike (tcr) for comuting And Also long road? thanks!

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Thanks Julian! Yes I would definitely go with one of these for commuting vs the pure race bike of the TCR.

[@julianmojica2719]

@@BlackWaterCyclist thanks! I got a bike with 105 but i'm would like to get one of those, which one do You recomend? I was thinking on the cheapest and change the parts

[@jamiecox2506]

Really helpful dude. Any idea if they're press fit or threaded BB's?

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Hi Jamie! they are BSA threaded BB which is awesome.

[@user-yy1yv1ue8e]

Hello. Please tell me what size to take from Giant contend AR if my height is 184 cm.

[@lalalupsia3]

what is your opinion on giant fondo 2 tires? I think to use them for business trips in the city, long road trips between cities and sometimes training. I will be very grateful for your experience!

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Sorry for the delay. I think they are great commuter tires but I am not a fan of how they feel on the road. They just feel a bit stiff and unforgiving.

[@lalalupsia3]

@@BlackWaterCyclist thank you very much! I think they would suit me, but unfortunately, while I was choosing, they were already taken from under my nose😂

[@n.m.5723]

Giant uk actually list 34mm as max tyre width on the contend sl, rim brake, with pr-2 wheels, but not sure that is accurate. I have 30mm on mine, plenty clearance when mounted - need tyre partially deflated to get past open caliper. I upgraded the rim brakes from stock to ultegra, cheap upgrade

[@n.m.5723]

Bike much comfier on rough roads with the lower pressures 30mm tubeless can do (55-60psi from 80psi)

[@stanleyling6116]

I really like the Contend SL disc but with the tyre clearance of Contend AR. haha

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

I would love to get a Contend SL to test but they do not have them in the states. Maybe I can find one to import and do a proper review. I agree I like the SL geo.

[@stanleyling6116]

@@BlackWaterCyclist Eagerly waiting.. hahaha

[@jamiecox2506]

Anybody know if these are threaded or press fit bb?

[@jbconcha1383]

You forgot the giant contend SL 1 2017 rim break.

[@hunghuynhngoc2581]

Road/gravel, i like contend AR

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

It is one of the best out there. I see no reason to own any other bike.