The Best Road Bike You Can Buy For Under $900 | Giant Contend 3

[@craigherriot4026]

Thanks for a great run-down on an affordable bike. I'm well past entry level, but you know what, I would consider this if I was ever going to buy a other new bike. Prices they're asking are totally ridiculous now. Not that you can get your hands on one anyways.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Right on.

[@klpinvestments]

I have this bike and love it. No regrets. Very comfortable ride. The claris group shifts very crisply. Brakes are more than decent. This is amazing bike. Looks good. Very upgradeable. Solid components.

[@kelceygoddard7717]

Wow, that's a solid entry-level road bike from a respected brand with a lot of bang for your buck!

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Agreed!

[@markowsley4954]

That's a sweet looking bike. It's nice to see more affordable bikes from manufacturers. I'm betting that the group set is close to Dura Ace or Ultegra quality from the 90's if not newer.

[@GOLTEB]

I still have my 2021 model, after using it for a year i redplaced the group set to 105 and carbon wheels. I love it

[@farah3510]

How has changing the groupset worked for speed? I have this bike and am trying to figure out what upgrades I should make before my first half Ironman

[@mdayne1142]

Just bought one in red. I really enjoy it. The approach saddle is more comfy than my trek and old schwinn. Just all around very happy. Rolls very well too.

[@barianelozano2614]

My first RB.. i'm using it for a month already and i love it! I just replaced my crank to shimano claris too. Next year i hope i can get a TCR 👍

[@Not_Sure_]

Now that's a nice road bike for the masses. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this set-up. Perfect climbing bike. 12-34t amazing. Ride this bike as is untill the tires(tyres) wear out then you replace them with 700x25c folding tires with appropriate tubes. 25 Lbs. (W/pedals) Right on the money

[@barianelozano2614]

Sir any suggestion for the brand of a tire.. for 700x25 that you said

[@fishontv123]

Looking at going with this as my entry level road bike to get into cycling ... stopped going to the gym a couple years ago, but I think I am going to pick up cycling instead for my exercise now. This bike seems great and really can't beat the price for the quality!

[@jimmansi1187]

Nice bike for a beginner, smart gearing too, great way to get into road riding, nice review!

[@LIANZAGO]

I got the Contend 1 for $950, with the complete Sora drivetrain (except the brake calipers from Tektro), 21lbs without pedals. It is undeniably "the best affordable do-it-all bike".

[@tubofpopcorn7242]

You like it? It’s on my list to use as a commuter with a rack on back and weekends long rides.

[@LIANZAGO]

@@tubofpopcorn7242 yes, it's really worth it's price. It's very capable of being more than just a commuter bike. Did a 100km ride, averaging 31kmph.

[@pedalandtringtring]

Thanks for the useful information

[@davida4719]

I’m having a really hard time choosing between the Contend 3 and the Contend AR 3. I am primarily going to be riding on pavement so I was leaning toward the contend 3, but the carbon fork, disk brakes and cleaner overall look on the AR is tempting. I noticed the wheelbase difference was pretty significant- about 21mm more on the AR. If you were planning on riding on good road conditions and little to no gavel, which would you get? I’d probably end up running 30mm or smaller tires.

[@Konohatalks]

what did you get? im in the same situation as u!

[@209_calicustomz]

Just bought this bike today it's still at the shop getting some stuff put on but i pick it up in a couple days!

[@lgtv6606]

Nice review! I’m looking for my first road bike and I have two options. This one and the Trek Domane AL 2. Which one you recommend me?

[@ishhodcollins5220]

i have the rim brake variant, i love it!

[@georgiaguardian4696]

The all black theme is killer. Looks great/

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

For sure

[@gifterhater69]

o my god. i just got one of these. so freaking good.

[@tonysoviet3692]

Dang, it's a great bike. But I remember my first entry level bike the Trek Domane AL 2 set me back $850 in 2019.

[@kingzy8494]

Is that Domane a good road bike? Does it ride well and fast on the road?

[@tonysoviet3692]

@@kingzy8494 Out of all the name brands (Specialized, Cannondale, Giant, Scott) I think the Domane is the fastest bike, but the trade off is that it is quite uncomfortable as a commuter; the geometry is more aggressive than a regular endurance bike.

[@lorimcquinn3966]

With no ride review, How did you determine this is the best at this price point? I see some alarming things, point to a less than desirable ride.

[@manrod4871]

Nice content as allways. Continue that line please. Anyway, one question: isnt 25 pounds a little heavy for a road bike? Whats a limit weight for a decent $900 bike? Happy new year

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

25lbs is heavy for road bike, but not at this price. Sure 10k will shave 10lbs... The weight limit on this is 275lbs so plenty. The Contend AR Disc versions go up to 300lbs

[@manrod4871]

@@Jamesthebikeguy thanks friend👍

[@bonzobanana1]

I don't really think its heavy, in fact I would have liked it heavier as I'm not keen on aluminium forks I'd rather they were steel for extra strength, durability and comfort. Nothing worse than forks failing and the bike collapsing as you ride, yes extremely rare but still a possibility with many carbon fibre and aluminium forks. I seem to remember these poverty spec bikes weren't sold into Europe or the US and the entry level Contend had a carbon fibre fork and the models with aluminium forks were sold into countries like the phillipines etc where wages are slightly less but seems like they are starting to sell these into more markets now as bike prices have jumped up.

[@wazirtan6801]

what a starting buggit bike was that!but a little upset about the weight was expecting less 10kg,if not will be most superb bike off all time with alux 105 im loving it

[@stuartward6019]

Its a great bike, I've had it three months couldn't be happier

[@jeffryhammel3035]

Thank you, Sir! If you have the time, can you tell me what's your preference between the Contend 3 and Trek's Domaine... the latter being about 200 bucks more. I'm probably gonna buy one or the other.

[@jeffstevens9463]

The best road bike you can buy for under $1000 would be a well taken care of used bike with mid or even upper level components, carbon fork and light weight rims and if you're like me and like to keep it simple, rim brakes are perfectly fine too. The new bike industry is getting way too expensive and complicated, sometimes technological innovations are needed but in my opinion it's just not necessary or needed.

[@billyrock8305]

Topgun #1. 🏆

[@johngeraldreyno1776]

Can this be upgraded to Shimano 105?

[@drelizotha3480]

Thinking bout getting this one for my first road bike. Found one here for $550 barely used. Will I be able to put more knobby tires on it if I want to go on gravel/dirt?

[@falconwings5945]

Does the contend 2 have a carbon fork or it has a aluminium fork like contend 3 ?

[@lovestarn98]

I am new to biking as a hobby in general. I am considering between this model and the Escape disc 2. I know they are different types of bikes but for starters who often ride in paved street and sometime offroad (due to bad road condition in my country lol), which one do you think would be a better choice? Thanks in advance.

[@chromecannon2536]

check which one can fit larger tires!

[@ramakrushnahota]

Hello there, i had a question is this bike derailleur hanger mounted or frame mounted ? asking cause i can't see the derailleur hanger in spares section

[@alixramos3589]

Can u put disc on that bike? Thanks

[@lanceruss5572]

I currently have the Specialized Diverge Evo Comp flatbar gravel bike. As far as general performance goes is there a gravel bike in the $2500-2800 range that would be an actual significant upgrade?

[@blaydeesy2005]

I’m looking for a bike to use mostly on a smart trainer. I’m wondering if this would be good at using on a Magnus smart trainer? I’m looking at the back wheel and wondering if it will work with the trainer skewer.

[@StanicEnemy]

Hi James, should i hop on this bike? I have FX2, im not sure if that'd be a wise choice to get Content 3. My budget is pretty limited.

[@gsharppianocovers7157]

Hey I currently have an fx2 as well, and considering this bike? Did you get this one? Should I do it?

[@StanicEnemy]

@@gsharppianocovers7157 I've been riding FX2 for 14,200km i havent bought any second bike yet. I dont have enough space in my house for it sadly.

[@ezrawilson6125]

Hello. How did you figure out the top/lower speed using the teeth for the cassette?

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Find the gear ratio between the front and rear gears in combination with the outside rolling diameter of the wheel. Then you multiply that by the RPM that you pedal. In most cases, 90 RPM is the standard cadence to do this calculation in

[@zituado]

At 0:57 you can see that the size is M/L. I'm S, so i think it should be lighter for me.

[@geovannypacheco9770]

what tube and tire size is it?

[@phd8296]

This or Trek domane al2 rim?

[@bengong7692]

What size bike is that?

[@leonhardreche8593]

This or Trek AL?

[@bradmckinnon409]

I got a contend ar 4 it was 990 with 32 c tiers Composite fork but everything this bike has but around 22 pounds. I don't like the aluminum fork the vibrations will give new riders numb hands..

[@trifecta7552]

is this bike suitable for girls of height 5 ft? pls respond😢

[@calebduncan4306]

Do you this bike will do fine on gravel??

[@mikemarshall1843]

I was wondering the same thing - and after some more research and this video, I just don't think it qualifies for a gravel bike. The 28mm tire that is on it by default just about maxes out the space available, a solid gravel tire prob will not fit on this bike well.

[@sertachcool]

what is your height?

[@Thetoad738]

25 lbs that's heavier than an 80s steel racing bike.

[@emiliasoria24]

Too heavy….my 1987 Schwinn super sport was 26 lb…..1987

[@Thetoad738]

@@emiliasoria24 my Olmo was 21lbs

[@ishhodcollins5220]

Come on. So what? My '77 Peugeot single speed is heavy but smooth, old frames are smooth. also work out more if you can't curl 25 pounds lol.

[@ishhodcollins5220]

I also have a contend 3. I can lift it with my fingers..... great bike for non-elitists.

[@pandesalwcheese]

Great review! But can you pls do a review on the Liv Avail 3, which is the women’s version of this bike but would be great if you included a womens entry level bike review. Women who watch your channel would like to have a great priced bike built for women!

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Yep hopefully on the way.

[@pandesalwcheese]

@@Jamesthebikeguy thank you! The liv avail 3 would be the perfect affordable road bike to review for women. Looking forward to the review!

[@pandesalwcheese]

@@Jamesthebikeguy any time line on the liv avail 3, review?

[@pandesalwcheese]

Any updates on doing a review on the entry level women’s bike? The Liv Avail 3! It needs a review!

[@kacperkosowski9506]

Pleased

[@abosaleha3589]

😍👍

[@StanEby1]

This a very sound review of my kind of bike, except for one thing. The CCP is determined to bury us. The aluminum is produced in Kunshan, China and only shaped and finished off in Taichung, Taiwan. I try not to send a penny to China because I'd rather have a country than a bargain. Let's practice a little pocketbook patriotism and support anywhere but China and the home team whenever possible. Preserving that which is most priceless, dear and irreplaceable is often not popular or convenient. You do a good job reviewing. All the best.

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Fair perspective.

[@bonzobanana1]

I think the poverty spec Giant Contend's were fully made in China with no real processing in Taiwan. I understand the sentiments but really the only way not to have money being sent to China is to buy a secondhand bike and only replace worn components with components made outside mainland China. Even if you buy a high end bike with the frame and forks made in the USA it probably has components on it sourced from Asia with many likely made in mainland China. Buying a secondhand bike also means you are not contributing to the US debt pile which I think is something like 13 trillion dollars (might be more now) and helping the environment by using an existing bike rather than having a new one manufactured. Not forgetting buying secondhand saves a lot of money which can be used for beer and hookers etc.

[@stevemurray710]

Aluminum takes a lot of energy (electric) to produce. China can still build coal powerplants under the Paris accord so market share will only increase. My AL B-twin brand road bike was made in Romania, purchased in UK 6 years ago. 24 pounds but upgraded AL mavic rims. B-twin might have some top end bikes in the EU.

[@isimppete964]

Can u give it to me pls

[@Encourageable]

Get a job and buy your own

[@fud1376]

The Contend AR3 is much better and still cheap....

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Well by cheap you mean 53% more expensive, or in layman terms $470 dollars. The person choosing the Contend 3 is likely to be budget consensus and $470 is a TON of money. A brand new rider with budget constraints would be far better off spending that $470 on Shoes, shorts, pedals, lights, cyclometer, ect. to get the most out of the sport. That said, yes the AR3 is better, and it should be for 53% more money

[@stevemurray710]

There has to be a certain pleasure in holding your own on a group ride with a $1300 bike or even better this $900 one wearing a baggy shirt.

[@BikeLife154]

What a pile of garbage for a such a high price! Should be no more than $500 for those components. What a terrible time for people to take up cycling!

[@Jamesthebikeguy]

Pile of garbage? A quality brand with parts like these hasn't been $500 for nearly 20 years... Early 2000s sure, but then it would have been those god awful two button shifters.

[@williamdarico2369]

Someone has poopee pants!