Giant Contend AR Tire and Wheel Suggestions | Gravel and Road Budget Options

[@daveobrien5001]

I’ve had my 2020 AR 1 for a year now and have blown out the back tire a few times so I’m ready to shed some weight and freshen her up. I’ve watched your videos over the months and was about to message you on IG but this video is exactly what I needed. Thanks so much!

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Awesome! So glad it has helped you out. Reach out if you have any other questions.

[@thatoneguy2756]

@@BlackWaterCyclist I may be wrong but I'm assuming you are in WV. If so my question is what 700c tires do you choose for the rail trail type rides in your area? I am strongly considering the giant revolt 2 for dedicated rail trail bike. Before the contend used to be so much cheaper but they have since upped the prices so the revolt 2 is much closer in price to the contend you reviewed here. Any groups that get together in your area for rail trail rides?

[@joepilimai4604]

I picked up 2021 Contend AR1. Love it. Have to be honest I couldn’t afford a new Defy to replace my 2016 Defy2 and loved your initial review in what the Contend offers. I’m running my tires at 70psi on the stock tires. Love them.

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Thanks Joe! Yeah I run mine around 60 PSI usually and its been ideal for me. Yeah I always advise people to go with the Contend over the Defy due to the extended versatility of the bike.

[@joepilimai4604]

@@BlackWaterCyclist thought I'd circle back around on this - I switched out my stock tires to the Panaracer GK Slick 700x35. Great tire and actually almost 40mm with tons of room to spare. Running at 60psi and its a beautiful ride.

[@ronhau1542]

Just getting into road and gravel riding. Glad I found you! The technical details of this stuff is crazy interesting. Good job and I will try to watch every video you put out!

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Thanks Ron for the kind and encouraging words! I hope to have more videos out soon. I have been working on a shop for my office, workshop, and a little studio so I have been busy working on that.

[@KellyGrnNGrey]

Great video. I’m just getting caught up lol. I purchased the 22 content AR. I’ve been slowly doing the same up grades. What are the rims and handle bar and stem additions ? Thanks in advance 💯💪🏾

[@pegener]

Just picked up the 2022 AR 1, and what a great value and versatile bike! So much more comfortable that the Giant Peloton Superlite (chromoly 1990) that I've been riding :) Thanks for the info, really helped with making decisions.

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

That is great to hear Peter! Yes you jumped from a 30 year old bike to one with most of the latest tech. Glad to hear you are enjoying it.

[@jdmcdorce876]

Based on my experience with the current (2022) Contend AR 1, I thought I would add the following: Changes for 2022: Color, potential vendor change for the PR-2 wheels (based both on the changes to the graphics and the Made in China sticker), Praxis Alba 2D compact crankset. Tires: In addition to the stock Gavia Fondo 2 32C’s (which were set up as tubeless when I picked up the bike new from the bike shop), I’ve run 28C Pirelli P Zero Road with butyl tubes and both 32C Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR and 35C Vittoria Terreno Dry as tubeless. In my opinion one could pick almost any tire off of Amazon and get better performance than the Fondo 2. Wheels: I don’t have any issues with the PR-2 wheels now that I have tires installed other than the Fondo 2. While I don’t have weight for the wheelset, they measure 22 mm inside and 26 mm outside. I have also run Hunt 4 Season All-Road Disc and HED Flanders Disc C2 Plus (OEM from my older bike). From what I have experienced, the tires I have installed make a bigger difference than the wheels in comparing the three different wheels. All of these are alloy - for me the “benefit” of carbon wheels doesn’t justify the expense. Setting aside the loose rear caliper bolt and creaking seat post (that I have since remedied), my only complaint with the Giant Contend AR 1 is the Fondo 2 tires it came with. Maybe it was a bad set or maybe my experience with the tires on my old bike (original was rebranded Chaoyang Viper H-479, upgraded this spring to the Pirelli’s) had me spoiled. Either way, my initial rides on my AR 1 had me wondering if I made a mistake buying the Giant - it was both unresponsive and gave the feeling of having to put in more effort for less speed. Adjusting pressure made no improvement. Put the wheels/tires from the old bike on the AR 1, which made clear the issue wasn’t the AR 1 itself. That said, I can think of a couple of potential uses for the Fondo 2: use on a cheap indoor trainer or road use when the intent is to build up muscle due to higher resistance when riding.

[@jmounce50]

Greta video - Conti GP 5000 in a 700x32c, Conti Tera Speed in a 700x35c for my Trek Domane, Rims are 21 mm internal width

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

How do you like those Terra Speed tires? They look great!

[@jmounce50]

@@BlackWaterCyclist they wear out if you do a lot of of road mixed with gravel. Probably some better choices if you do a 80/20 mix

[@theodosiosvafias4244]

I keep coming back to the ar1 videos!!! Looking for the quiver killer😉. To me the ar1 is just that. Two wheelsets, a shorter (and lighter) crankset and there u have it. Might keep it below 9kg even. There is not much more to ask. I wouldn't like u much if i owned a bike company i don't think 🤣

[@Matvey.]

I have Giant Contend AR 3 2020. I've been ridden stock tires since September 2020, but now I want to go to not very long trips on my bike, and roads in my region aren't so good and gravel isn't so good too. So I decided to buy Specialized Pathfinder Pro, 700×38c tires. They are slick on the center and they have some tread on both sides of the slick center, so those tires would be nice for good roads and for bad and/or unpaved roads.

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Yes great input! Those pathfinder tires are perfect for that and I actually meant to add those to my list of tires on this video but I forgot to add them. I appreciate it.

[@michaelrowe5896]

Thanks man! Nice helpful video. Gonna pick up a contend ar1 this year. I can't help it I must try!! :)

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Get it Michael! You will not regret it. Have you found a shop that has them in stock?

[@michaelrowe5896]

@@BlackWaterCyclist I just got my talon 2 2021 yesterday that I had on layaway right before covid hit. LBS is completely empty. I asked about a special order (I said fathom for giggles cuz it’s more $ thinking they need some dough).... they said $100 minimum layaway BUT “WE WILL NOT LAYAWAY THAT BIKE”. Why? Just cuz I’m in Michigan? I literally bought the talon 2 21 with cash here ya go now let me give you some more of my money. NOPE. I really don’t understand. I go trail riding, road, gravel everything in Canada, Florida Kansas Kentucky I go everywhere. They don’t/ won’t do tubeless because they’re not a fan “it’s stupid” they say. They are blowing this customer they’ve had for 20+ years away. Am I missing something? Or are they just being stupid? I got my Giant ToughRoad SLR 2 2020 using layaway for about $1300. Great bike but I really want a road bike style that isn’t the 100+ psi get stuck in a crack skinny tire lol

[@michaelrowe5896]

@@BlackWaterCyclist it’s crazy. Because here’s WHY I don’t understand their thinking. Talon 2 $680 they would let me do layaway $100 minimum first payment. $1400 bike, $2600 bike they don’t want my money unless this pandemic bs is their reasoning for this. They NEVER have the expensive bikes in the shop (over $1000. Those are all special orders from this Giant retailer) got me scratching my head like wtf guys? You ever experience anything like that?

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

@@michaelrowe5896 I really am shocked by some of the things I hear shops do and not do. That is unreal they will not set your bike up tubeless. Sounds like they are unable to do it right so they just say they aren't going to do it. As far as supply, all the shops are struggling now. I have several friends who have shops and they say it is hard because they have customers who want to buy a bike but they can't even order them due to the supply being disrupted. I've heard of several who ordered bikes in the summer of 2020 and just getting them. I am a bit shocked that your Talon took so long. I would definitely look for a shop that is more supportive and upfront and honest about their supply. Also find a shop willing to do something as simple as setting up your tires tubeless.

[@michaelrowe5896]

@@BlackWaterCyclist thanks for the tips. Makes sense about the supply being disrupted. They're still getting tires in. I really wanna try tubeless. I have a trek store nearby but trek is weird. The welding is always butt ugly not as smooth as the giant frames. Also pretty much I've noticed giant is best bang for buck. Heard giant makes some trek frames, not sure how true that is. If it is true than it seems like they put the word trek on the frame and jack the prices. My talon 2 is my first bike like this entry level trail bike. When I do "hard" turns going not even 10mph apparently the extremely loud metallic scratching sound this bike makes is from the rotor "flexing". Almost sounds like brake rub maybe but they insisted that it was caused by the big rotars. I have never heard a sound like that on any of my giant bicycles. So pretty much deal with it they said "go rip around the parking lot" it got louder. Do you know if it is rotar flex as they say? I'm just riding it casually just around on pavement getting used to the different feel of the bike. I started thinking my bike was gonna fall apart it is that loud. I'm a smaller guy 5'7" only 165. They keep saying yeah Felix is a big guy and they will flex for him....... I am not Felix or 300 pounds like him. I'm just so freaking confused I almost just want to toss this thing in the trash. I literally can ride slow and turn like I'm a 12 year old riding and the sound still happens

[@tonymammone1653]

Another great video. Totally agree with your thoughts on the Conti Ultra Sport 2 or 3. Great value on these tires. Hard to rationalize the pricing on the gp 5000 when these are 1/3 of the price.

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

I know, I cringe when I buy the GP 5000 tires. I have reserved the GP5000 for fast group rides and use the Ultras on another set of cheap wheels for training.

[@alanjohnson8396]

Two things: First a thank you! Your commentary regarding the AR has helped me realize what an excellent choice it has been especially for the value. As a "mature" adult yet new rider of course I'm overwhelmed with all of the choices in bikes and components and being the anal and OCD person I am, I found myself continually looking around for the next, best, shinier object. Now I've relaxed and am enjoying my AR immensely. On that note you've probably saved me thousands of dollars since I'm not buying one new bike after the other looking for that Holy Grail bike. Next a favor if I may? In this video you mention the Continental Ultra Sport as a good yet inexpensive tire. I would like to buy a set but I want to go to 38 in width yet stay with slick tires since I primarily ride on paved bike and multi us paths. What is a good alternative that still keeps the price affordable for a supple, slick, 38 tire? I'm considering going with tubes even if the tires I purchase are tubeless capable. THANKS!

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Alan! Thanks for being a long term subscriber and glad you found the videos helpful. Sorry for the delay in my response here. I really wish Continental and others would offer their road tires in even wider casings. A 38c my friend used that was very fast and supple was the panaracer gravel king slick but it is not as cheap as others but not crazy expensive like schwalbe either. I think they are around $45 a tire or so. They are tubeless but obviously you can run them tubed. From the feedback from my buddy to all the reviews I have seen online, I think that is the goldilocks 38c tire you will find. There is really no reason to own another bike than the Contend AR. The weight is so good for an alloy bike, it is only like 300 grams heavier than the top of the line carbon offerings and you don't have to ride around scared to death if a rock hits your bike. It is like 500 grams lighter than my Ti bike.

[@alanjohnson8396]

@@BlackWaterCyclist Amazing! First thanks again for your insight and no apology necessary at all for the delay. You’ll chuckle to hear that after a ton of research I had decided a couple of weeks ago to go with the GK Slicks in 38 so your recommendation certainly confirmed my choice for me. Thanks. Have a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving and terrific holiday season.

[@alanjohnson8396]

@@BlackWaterCyclist Update: I’ve just installed the Panaracer GK Slicks and went with the tan sidewalls. While that doesn’t affect performance they do look incredible. I’m thinking this will allow me to use this bike for nearly every style of riding I do since I don’t race and don’t MTB. I’m excited to see how supple they feel and will update you once I have a few rides on them. On another note I was near your neck of the woods recently and was able to ride a few FL sandy trails, gravel roads, and paved bike paths. Riding in 70-80 degree weather in January and February was certainly enjoyable.

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

@@alanjohnson8396 Those are great tires. Very nice and supple. They will serve your purpose nicely. That is great that you were around here. Where do you call home normally? Yeah we are spoiled with the fall, winter, and spring weather. Summer it gets pretty hot but you can adapt to it. I hope you were able to hit some gravel roads to the north. The southern part of the county has a lot of sand while the north is more hardpacked.

[@alanjohnson8396]

@@BlackWaterCyclist KY is home but FL will be in the not so distant future. We’re in the south Ft.Myers area so I rode FMB, Sanibel, and did an incredible gravel/ trail ride in Bear Island which is south of Naples. Yes there’s a lot of sand there. Thanks again Sir and have a terrific 2022.

[@mariuszkijowski2180]

Hey I'm planning to get my first serious bike to use on and off road and this video is helping me a lot! Question - are you away about other similar road endurance bike (budget friendly) that has similar or bigger tire cleaner to Giant contend ar? All the best!

[@robertbrett498]

I'm waiting for Hunt 4 Season Alloy wheels for my Contend AR and I am going to run tubeless. Hunt says not to mount tires that have been previously mounted on other rims. I have a virtually brand new Panaracer Gravel King mounted on the Contend stock wheels. I don't understand what the problem would be in putting them on my new wheels. Is this a real thing, or is Hunt just being overly cautious about this?

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

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

[@gooshywoo]

Thanks for all your great videos on the Contend AR, I bought an AR2 recently because of the information you provided and I’m loving it. In terms of tire clearance, I’m looking at the 40mm continental terra trails. Would you recommend these and will 40mm clear the frame?

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes those will clear the AR and will be perfect. I ride 41c wide tires in mine and have seen people squeeze 42c in theirs before. Glad you are enjoying the AR.

[@tommaso3104]

Great video, I picked up a 2021 Contend AR2 recently. Do you know if I can run 38/40 tyres on the stock rims or would I need to change the wheels? Stock tyres are 32 but I can't find the internal width of the rims online. Thanks!

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Yes you can run 38/40 tires on the stock rims. I am running 41c tires on a rim that is 19mm internal. It isn't perfect when the pressures are super low but honestly, it doesn't make much difference in my experience on gravel. On the MTB it is nice to have that wider internal width, but for gravel, no need to spend the money on it.

[@gkame8501]

The Gavia Fondo 32 tires seat on the PR2 rims without having to use high pressure. I have not found any other tires that fit the rims as well. They make the whole tubeless thing so much less painful.

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Thanks for the input George. Honestly I will never go back to tubes. I have been running tubeless for over a year and a half on my road wheels and still have yet to get a flat (knock on wood). It is a pain initially and when changing tires but I would rather take the time to install and set up than to have to change a tube on the side of the road.

[@gkame8501]

@@BlackWaterCyclist I have not been so lucky but would never go back to tubes because they make my bike feel sluggish. I was just trying to give hope to anybody else that was struggling with tubeless tires.

[@ctsingletonboxing2829]

I'm looking at getting the contend AR 1 I'm 6ft 245lbs should I get different rims or are the factory rims strong enough? And all my ridding will be payment which road tires do you suggest? I wanna go fast! Lol

[@veryveryintense]

I love continental Gatorskins personally, but Im still on inner tubes and yet to be converted to tubeless. Managed to go over 2000 miles without a puncture more than once, and to me they feel plenty fast and handle nicely, especially for those really long 100+ mile rides where a puncture would be a huge morale problem. I run 25c on the road bike because its from 2001 and I don't think I could even clear 28c tyres. I like to keep the road bike nice and simple with incremental upgrades until the day I win the lottery and can buy an S-works Tarmac and get all the nice new tech!

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

I actually have had Gatorskins in the past and did not like the way they rode. They were just a harder rubber and did not have much suppleness to them. I know a lot of people who love them though and they could be different from the ones I used like 10 years ago :)

[@veryveryintense]

@@BlackWaterCyclist I think they probably are now as they have changed even in the years I have ridden them on 3 different sets. Like I said I put a heavy emphasis on puncture protection as my summer is based around doing really long distance rides to faraway places and when I've had punctures it can ruin the whole day. My bike came with some kind of TT tyres that were extremely fast but got a puncture from rolling down a gravel road for 30 seconds before dismounting at my end point, so never messed with thin fast tyres since. Maybe I should just go tubeless so I can have it both ways lol.

[@nicow6808]

Giant should be sponsoring you

[@AkhmarRazak]

another great info.

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Thanks again!

[@joseprado2209]

what kind of tubeless valve do i need for the the giant contend ar..thanks and more power..

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Hi Jose, just any of those Presta Tubeless valve stems will work. Just be sure they are long enough for the rim depth. So around a 35mm length should be plenty.

[@tommyd6494]

Thanks for the video, I want to finally ditch the PR2 rims due to weight. on my AR 1. So if I want to pick up a gravel wheelset with a 25mm internal width and install 38C tires, do you think it will ballon out to over 42C and I will then have clearance issues? If I install 38C tires, what internal width will work?

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Hi Tommy, so sorry for the delay. It has been crazy busy lately. If you go with 25mm, it should not balloon out to 42. It will probably go out to like 40 but I have not see a HUGE difference like 4mm when I have gone from a narrower rim to a wider rim, more in the 2-4mm range.

[@aamirbashir8811]

Hey I just got a contend ar 2 2022, after watching ur videos, bike is great but I think that it is a little stiff and punishes me for every bump I ride over, I am using stock gavia fondo 2 running tubeless stock rims, I recently gt a deal of eagle f1 28c and ksyrium pro carbon ust. Is it going to make a difference in ride comfort I mostly ride on roads with broken patches. Also I changed my giant approach saddle to toseek 100 carbon saddle, is the giant approach saddle any good as I find that quite uncomfortable. Sorry for the bombarded questions but I got no other expert to ask these. Thanka

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Great questions! The Gavia tires are not comfortable whatsoever. Also you need to switch to some 32c tires or maybe even 34c. 28c you have to run higher pressures to get the same rolling resistance. So a 32c you can run 60 psi and it rolls as fast as a 28c at like 80-90 PSI. It is much more comfortable and makes the biggest difference. In the 2000's, Specialized designed a Roubaix to be comfy and absorb rough roads and they said it was the equivalent of letting 4 PSI out of the tires. So honestly tires are where the comfort comes from more so than the frame itself.

[@aamirbashir8811]

@@BlackWaterCyclist oh my bad I thought the only thing keeping me away from KOMs was my big Tyre size, I read somewhere that with 21mm inner rim width 28c tyre makes a perfect couple for aero gains. Just one more thing what's your views about giant approach saddle

[@supreetsingh7797]

I just bought a giant contend AR1 after watching all your videos on them! Great content! Being new, I had a quick question. Do you think the Hunt (mason x hunt 650b) adventure sport disc wheelset that’s $499) would fit right on the contend AR1 without switching anything?

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Hi, sorry for the delay and thanks for watching the videos. Honestly it should fit and ride well with no major issues. The only problem I see you having is that bottom bracket is going to be even lower now so you will really have to pay attention to prevent pedal strikes. A buddy of mine has Hunt wheels and loves them.

[@greglee7708]

Useful stuff, thx!

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AlanJohnsonSunbird]

With the Speed Ride tires being 42 mm, do they work well with the stock PR2 rims? I’m wanting to do more gravel riding and have considered buying a new bike but if these tires work that may be an inexpensive fix. Thanks

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Hi Alan, great to hear from you. The speed rides work great on the pr2 rims. Honestly in my opinion the Contend AR feels much better with the larger tires. I think it is because it changes the trail a bit at the front end of the bike. With 32mm tires, the front end kinda flops around but with the wider tires it seems to correct that. I still use the speed rides to this day for gravel, even with all the latest offerings out there.

[@AlanJohnsonSunbird]

@@BlackWaterCyclist Thanks so much again. I’ve been riding the Panaracer Gravelking Slicks in 38 with tubes for around town and they’ve been fine but I found a nice gravel/ trail area and on my last two outings I’ve gotten a flat. I need to change tires or bikes or both. 😀🚴‍♀️ I truly appreciate your help and insight.

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

@@AlanJohnsonSunbird Knock on wood but I have never had a flat with the Speed Rides. I did switch to some Challenge gravel tires for a few races. One race I had a flat, another I had a slow leak. I immediately went back to the SpeedRides.

[@robertbrett498]

What tire would you recommend on the Contend AR as an all-arounder that would handle urban winter riding with snow and ice, some loose trails, but would be still 80% on pavement? I want to find the best middle ground for the bike for all conditions without ever swapping out tires. Puncture protection is also important because I'm not changing a tire in the winter.

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Sorry for the delay but the Continental Speed Rides are my vote. They are cheap, light, supple, and have great protection. I have never had a flat with them....knock on wood.

[@mohitbatra3280]

Hello you provide great and a detailed information 👍🏻 I have one question. I am starting to train for races And I am confused between Contend AR 1 and trek emonda ALR 5. My only concern is can we use the contend AR 1 as a climbing and a training bike and is it fast enough for competitions?

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

I actually just used it in a 50 mile gravel race in the mud and should have won the race but me and 2 others missed a turn with 4 miles to go. It may not have the snap of the fastest bikes out there but it works extremely well for races! I was happy I did not have to worry about the mud rubbing through a carbon frame .

[@hannesprotsch7839]

Hallo from Austria. Since two weeks iam watching youre videos specially about the giant contend AR1. I wanted to buy the giant revolt advanced 2 because iam new in the Road/Gravelbike Game. And there are so much great reviews out there. I drove bothe and for me bothe where great but the revolt was more easy on me. After youre videos iam realy not shure in which direction i should go bothe bikes are great and for the long term i see my future more in 80% road and 20% Gravel. What do you think should be my choice?

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

That is a hard choice. If you want a more stable ride where the bike doesn't twitch around as much, go with the Revolt. If you want a more lively, quick handling ride, go with the Contend AR. I hope that helps. I prefer the Contend AR but I am riding on the road a decent amount to get to the gravel.

[@RDFB101]

my favourite rims for riding around farmland are the EIE IO

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Great input here! Have you had good luck with yours?

[@Andyange]

Hi what tubeless tires are compatible with the Giant PR2 wheels? something faster than the Gavia fondos?

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Sorry for the delay. My favorite by far are the Continental Grand Prix 5000. They are a bit hard to find right now but if you can, they make the bike ride so much better. I have some friends who really like the schwalbe pro ones as well. Any Tubeless rated road tire will work on the PR2 wheels.

[@jdmcdorce876]

If one has been to Giant's website, a potential source of confusion for those with PR2 wheels is all of the tire compatibility discussion for hookless rims - which apply to Giant's lineup of carbon rims (coupled with a lack of any detailed information regarding the PR2 wheels/rims). PR2s are alloy (aluminum) and hooked, so Giant's approved tubeless tire list isn't applicable to the PR2s.

[@ronhau1542]

Looking at an AR I’ve never owned a gravel bike. I’m 6’1 250 and a friend said I need a wider tire and should look at a different bike. Is he right?

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Hi Ron, what bike is he recommending? The AR can clear up to a 42mm tire. I mean going up to a 45mm would be nice but for most applications, I do not see the need for it unless you plan to hit some singletrack or just some nasty chunky rocky gravel. I could see a bike with huge clearance like a mountain bike (Salsa Cutthroat, Otso Waheela, Various Hardtail MTB, etc.) being beneficial but most of those are very expensive. In my opinion it depends on your terrain more so than your size.

[@ronhau1542]

@@BlackWaterCyclist I think he in the belief that it could only accept 38c he is about my size and I think he is on 42 or 44. I’m new to this and also thought it would only accept 38…. Thanks for the info.! You are unbelievably informative!!!!

[@IamWeems]

I've got the Contend AR1 and am looking to put it on my wheel-on trainer but it needs a new trainer axle. I'm a bit new to figuring out the bike specs. Do you know the size and thread of the axle? Thanks!

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Hi Quinn, the Rear Thru Axle is 161MM in length with a 1.5mm thread pitch. That is the normal size but should help find a proper thru axle for a wheel on trainer.

[@IamWeems]

@@BlackWaterCyclist thanks!

[@조형석-i3c]

Thank u for sharing. Since there are no known riders of CONTEND AR in Korea, ur videos are super duper helpful.! Regarding the alloy rim, how do u think bout DT-swiss R470? It's easy to find stock alloy rim in Korea.

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Those are great rims! Decent weight, great measurements, tubeless compatible. If you can get a good deal on them, I would definitely use them. Thanks for watching and hope all is well in Korea. 👍

[@조형석-i3c]

@@BlackWaterCyclist Thank u for the reply. I found out DT Swiss R470 has central-lock. Can I still use it? u've mentioned in other's reply that it should be 6-bolt.

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

@@조형석-i3c It just means you will need new centerlock rotors or you will need a centerlock to 6 bolt adapter. I wouldn't let that keep you from getting new wheels.

[@조형석-i3c]

@@BlackWaterCyclist Thank u!

[@haroldnabayra737]

Have you tried 650b in this bike??? 650b+

[@Stoney3K]

Will the Contend AR take 650B? How much clearance would you have with smaller rims?

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Yes it will. I actually discuss and show the different tire sizes in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4nNiIR8r6t2q7M

[@andrewmurphy2078]

Kind of off topic for this video but, picking up an AR4 based on your recommendation, and adding sram axs force 2x12, wondering what diameter the BB is so can get the right dub BB

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Hi Andrew, that's going to be a sick set up! It is your regular BSA threaded bottom bracket. www.jensonusa.com/SRAM-Dub-English-Threaded-Bottom-Bracket

[@andrewmurphy2078]

@@BlackWaterCyclist Do you know if the BB is 68MM or 73MM? I have my eye on a BB30 68MM crank and am concerned about fit!

[@MO-ni1qv]

Great info , thank you ! I have the AR 1 and want to upgrade the wheels and hubs , but as you said it has a lot of info that I should know to pick up the right specification wheels , can you please tell me the front axle size in the ar1 and if anything else I should pay attention to while customizing , thank you

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Thanks for watching. The front is 100x12 thru axle and the rear is 142x12 thru axle. If you want to use your same rotors on the new wheelset, make sure they are 6 bolt. There are two types of rotors: 6 bolt and centerlock. If you plan to use the same 11 speed rear cassette, just make sure it is the Shimano Freehub HG 11 Speed. So the three things to look at: 1. Thru axles 12x100 and 12x142 2. Six Bolt Rotors (or buy center lock rotors later if you buy a center lock hub) 3. Shimano HG 11 Speed Freehub

[@MO-ni1qv]

@@BlackWaterCyclist can’t thank you enough !!

[@pinoycarnbikeguy8888]

@@BlackWaterCyclist For newbs like myself who have a 2021 Contend AR 1: if I was to get a new wheelset but wanted to upgrade the rotors (and calipers), cassette (to either Ultegra or Dura-Ace or to a SRAM equivalent with corresponding rear derailleur and chain), which rotors/calipers and cassette (and I guess complete drivetrain) would you recommend and why? Thanks!

[@ronhau1542]

Is the continental ultra sport two better than the tires that come with the bike?

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Hi Ron, yes they are definitely better than the stock tires. In my opinion they are better than 80% of tires out there. Just a few high end tires are better in my opinion, like the GP5000 and the Schwalbe Ones, but they cost a lot more.

[@xelseartheonlyone1267]

Good hybrid 700x35c folding tyres for the ar that are kinda budget friendly puncture resistant and fast rolling? I guess a cyclocross type..? I wanna try them at summer cause i am going in kinda bad and mixed roads. And wanna see how it rides with a bigger tyre.

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

If you want a fast rolling 35c tire, I would go with the Panaracer GravelKing Slick and run it with Orange Seal Tubeless Sealant. Here is a link for it. amzn.to/3opIDrP

[@xelseartheonlyone1267]

@@BlackWaterCyclist Thank you.

[@jeffreythompson6282]

Rule of 105? I thought if you can't get the tire width under 105% of the rim outer width there is no point in having an aero/deep rim. Thus aero with fat tires requires $$$ - the new hunt 48 limitless or 3t wheelsets are interesting as they allow aero with a tire I'd actually want to run (but I'm not to the level I can justify the cost).

[@willspower3]

Yeah, was thinking of that too. Farsports make some 34mm wide rims up to 50mm deep ttheoretically ideal for 32mm tires. I believe an aerowheel is still an advantage if 105 rule isn't met though

[@jeffreythompson6282]

@@willspower3 I do think the latest rim shapes are a little better at not completely falling apart when the tire is a bit too wide, but aero unfortunately is a bit of a black art...

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Great point Jeffrey and I believe that information is correct but I don't think it is to the point where it is useless to go aero with a smaller rim. A lot of what the companies feed us is marketing with a slant on the data to benefit their products. My 38mm wide aero wheels that are 19mm internal are still faster than my alloy skinny rims that are also 19mm internal. If you can though, yes, go with the wider options.

[@robertbrett498]

Did you ever end up mounting fenders on your Contend AR? What do you think the maximum tire clearance would be for this bike with fenders on?

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Hi Robert, I actually have not. I was expecting to have my custom Ti bike that I am designing to be ready for gravel races and it has been delayed due to the supply chain being disrupted so I have not put the fenders on yet. I will probably use the TCX for races and throw the fenders on soon because I need a rain bike, plus I want to show you guys how it works. My guess is going to be about 35c clearance but hoping to maybe squeeze in a 38. We will see.

[@robertbrett498]

Thanks for responding! I have a 2021 Contend AR 3 on order, but because of the supply chain disruption I won't be receiving it until late July! I couldn't believe it. In fact, I wanted to order the 2 or 4, but the 3 was the only one available in my size. And prices went up just before I got the quote! Oh well, Christmas in July! I am so excited for this new bike, in part because of your reviews. I'm going to trade in the stock seatpost and tires to my Giant shop against the cost of upgrading to the carbon seatpost and tubeless tires. So I will likely try to squeeze 35s into fenders when they build it, as it will be an everyday bike.

[@ferdinandobispo3475]

Has anyone tried using 650b wheels for ar1?

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

I actually didn't ride it with 650b tires but in this video I show that they fit and discuss how the lower bb could be an issue. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4nNiIR8r6t2q7M

[@Andyange]

Are Giant PR2 rims hookless?

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

They are not hookless but hooked. Good question!

[@Breakbeat]

Great video! I rode all summer and autumn on the stock wheels and tires on my Contend AR 1 and although I found them mostly adequate, I'm ready to upgrade. You provide excellent information in these videos, particularly the details about inner rim width which I hadn't considered when looking for new wheels. Those Hunt wheels look like they'd be a good upgrade, and are about a kilogram lighter than the stock PR2s, which is a nice bonus. I had one noob question with regards to those - on the Hunt website they show the profile which seems to be asymmetrical, why is that? As for tires, I'm still looking at the Pathfinder Pro 38s, since I have a lot of pavement between me and the trails and to my inexperienced eye that smooth bead will mean they'll last longer on the road - but please correct me if I'm wrong! The Triggers look great but I'm worried they'd wear down faster on pavement. Thanks again!

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Hi Kai, great questions! Asymmetrical design actually allows the spokes to pull evenly. When you look at a rear wheel, the spokes on the driveside with me more vertical while the non drive side will have more of a slant from the rim down to the hub. Because the non drive side has more "leverage" because of the angle, you have to tighten the non drive side spokes down more which cause more stress on those spokes and nipples. So by having the spokes connect further towards the non drive side on the rim, you are are allowing the drive side to have more "leverage" so the spoke tension is more even on both sides of the rim. That maybe confusing in the text so let me know if you are still confused on that. Actually the Pathfinders are perfect and I should have included them on my recommended this of tires. Thank you for mentioning them.

[@frederickdemetrius7022]

i know I'm quite randomly asking but do anyone know a good place to watch newly released series online ?

[@olivermaximo4149]

@Frederick Demetrius flixportal :)

[@frederickdemetrius7022]

@Oliver Maximo thank you, signed up and it seems like a nice service :D I appreciate it!!

[@olivermaximo4149]

@Frederick Demetrius glad I could help :D

[@watdafuk21]

Would 28mm tyre or even 26mm tyre be okay for Giant Contend AR3 2020 model?

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

Hi Gerard, yes you can get by with a 26 or 28. I honestly would not go lower than a 28 and actually prefer the 32mm with this bike due to low bottom bracket. If you go lower than 28, just be wary of pedal strikes while turning.

[@watdafuk21]

@@BlackWaterCyclist That’s great! Thanks for the prompt reply.