Very nice review. Thank you. I just bought a new used Contend AR through OfferUp for $1,000. The guy barely rode it. It’s basically brand new and I feel like I picked it up new from a bike shop.
I am a poor guy so i got AR3 with 9-speed Sora. But i gotta admit. I love it. Is the best bike i have ever ridden. Now i just wanna do some upgrades like better bar tape, saddle, tyres and brakes. I will stick with this groupset. Is more than enough for me.
Hey man, nice work on the bike upgrades. I have just got the new 2021 AR and after only one ride so far my initial impressions are great. Please could you tell me how much weight you have saved with the upgrades? Cheers
Great looking bike. I wonder how the Contend aluminum compares to the first generation aluminum TCR frames. You have to figure Giant used what they learned from the TCR and put it into this bike at a great price point.
Beautiful bike, excellent upgrades, and your overview is nicely done. I notice this is a Medium size bike. On Giant’s site I’m right between Small and Medium sizes. May I ask your height and inseam measurements and how this bike feels size size? Thanks so very much. BTW that color is incredible!
Hi man, I totally love the bike! I am currently thinking of buying this bike 2021 modal or the contend sl 1 disc. But I had one question. I know the official answer but I was wondering what you think. This bike is not DI2 compatible but do you think it would be possible to install di2 on this bike? Cheers!
Hi I have a Giant AR1 as well and I'm waiting for my light weight wheel set. I'm wondering what was your process to convert the rear rotor from 160 mm to 140 mm? Did you changed the caliper bolts or needed a different adapter? Thanks
Hey Aviv, thanks so much, great video. Wondering where you bought this bike? I can't find one anywhere right now. Which dealer? NYC? Thanks! Stay safe.
Hi, Great video and super upgrades to your bike. i am looking to get a Contend SL 1 Disc but the geometry is identical - however, i just wanted to ask you what is your height? I am 179cms and I am in between sizes. I need to place an order and since there is a shortage of bikes, if I am lucky will have just one piece available of either size M or ML. This is my first road bike, and I have mostly MTBs, Hybrid (Currently a Scott subcross 30 in size L). I have tried riding a Medium Size Decathlon Triban 500, but it took me a while to get adjusted to it.. especially the seating position and the reach.
I wouldn't know what will work best for you since it's a bit more complicated than just height. I am 175cms and went with the M. In general, if you between sizes, it s recommended to go with the smaller one and perhaps get a longer stem if you need.
Funny you should ask about the mudguard - 2 weeks ago we had a snow storm, and with all the mud and salt on the roads on the following days, I quickly realized it is not enough at all. I just bought and installed the SKS fender set on the bike (pain in the butt to install) and it works great! www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N7SZCLG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
So what does your build weigh? I'm almost done with mine. Only missing the carbon handlebars and power crank... Hoping for sub 8,5 for an L including pedals.
with the new 2021 model range which would you go with: 1. Giant Contend AR 1 (105, ALLUM frame) with upgraded carbon wheels OR 2. Giant TCR advanced 2 (105, composite frame) everything stock. The cabron wheel upgrade essentially takes the AR1 price up to the TCR advanced 2 price and I'm wondering which you'd choose. I believe both have the same tyre clearance this year.
Hmmm tough choice.. well, if you don't have to have a disc break, like most people wants nowadays, than I would go with the TCR. BTW, there's just no way the TCR have same tire clearance, especially if you are talking about rim breaks. You also want to ask yourself what would you use it for mainly? The TCR is a race bike, the Contend is an endurance "all-around" type of bike. Geometry and ride qualities are very different. If I only had to choose one, I personally would go with the TCR since I need the bike for training and racing, not only commuting. And down the line I would have upgraded the wheels regardless.
@@2pacjordan Thanks for the reply :) also haha sorry you are right, its 32mm (TCR) vs 38mm for tyre clearance. Also Giant does not sell the rim brake version in my country so discs only. Bit difficult for me to choose as I just started riding and bought a hybrid bike and have really enjoyed cycling again. Looking to upgrade and its hard to determine which to get, but thanks for your insight and advice.
@@foxtrotyankee6131 If your goal is to enjoy riding, in a relaxed position and speed is not your first priority, than go with the Contend and upgrade the wheels.
@@yomamarager2179 love it so far! Hate the saddle though lol. And I don't think I've had to push myself with it. But then again it's my first road bike lol. Heaps easier to peddle around then on my full sus
@@yomamarager2179 I like the saddle, my last bike was a TCR C1 and I much prefer my body positioning in this. It's not as heavy on the road as I thought it would be
Hey man, hows the geometry of the bike? Is it more upright with higher stack? Does it come with 40mm spacers underneath the stem? Does giant have zero offset seat post? Is it upgradable with electronic gearing? Im looking at this bike as an all rounder bike. Many thanks. Oh is the disc brakes rubbing issues not as bad as what people say?
Why not the defy advanced ? All the mods u made, u could have got the weight on a defy model, considering the cost of the mods would also be the same. Why aluminum instead of carbon frame ?
I wanted a bike that can accommodate really wide tires if I wanted to take it off road down the line, more than what the Defy offer (great endurance bike). As for the price, the most basic Defy model starts at $2,050 and at that level you are getting a Tiagra drive-train. If you want the 105 drive train that would take it to $2,450 and you still have to upgrade the wheels regardless (same heavy wheels-set as the Contend AR-1).
How easy or difficult can this bike climb steep gradients with only 1:1 gear ratio (34:34)? Almost all Giant Bikes have 50:34 in front and 11:34 cassette.
Love your upgrade mate! I'm riding a Contend AR 2 and want to lower the front with the same headset spacer 8mm as yours. Can you give me the link for it, cheers.
Headset: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZTWZB83/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Better cages than what on the bike: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089CL9D3W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Stem: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XR9GLB5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Just bought this and for just under 2000 dollars, its heavy as hell. Is it the terrible wheelset or is the frame heavy as well? Acceleration on this bike is pretty bad.
@@HappyChap8 oh you can't compare it to a full on race bike. But yes, the wheels and tires are the heaviest part on the bike that you want to change. I think it was more than 3kg for the wheels and tires alone!
@@HappyChap8 I just got the contend ar 4 2021 idk if they weigh the same but I have managed to break in the bike and everything works fine just have to go at a good pace but I do think changing the wheels is the best idea.
alan rodriguez I am thinking in between ar4 and save money or go for the ar1. Will be riding in NY as well. Waiting for the new stock as no one has it available.
Budd, really like what you did. I had that in mind for a while , you inspired me with ideas.
I have the AR, yours outshines mine no contest! I'll upgrade my parts after the stock ones wear out a bit. I'm new to this cycling stuff.
This is a “commute” bike that’s capable of racing and beyond that! Super! The matte black look is also very slick!!!
Lord Vader, your bike is ready. That is a awesome build up! Great job!
My friend has this. Is an amazing and beautiful bike. I am saving money to get the AR4 Claris version. Can't wait to get it!
Love your setup man😍
I've been trying to find an AR1 for the longest. Great looking bike!
Now I don't feel alone knowing others use flats on a race bike they use as a commuter. Beautiful bike btw!
Nice bike!👍
It's mint !
This bike is beautiful bro
Very nice review. Thank you. I just bought a new used Contend AR through OfferUp for $1,000. The guy barely rode it. It’s basically brand new and I feel like I picked it up new from a bike shop.
I had the same prime se 50 wheels on my old bike, they roll and brake amazing for the price
omg i want it bro :D sick bike
I have a Giant Contend 3 and I'm looking at possibly upgrading to something that has bigger tire clearance and this looks appealing.
I am a poor guy so i got AR3 with 9-speed Sora. But i gotta admit. I love it. Is the best bike i have ever ridden. Now i just wanna do some upgrades like better bar tape, saddle, tyres and brakes. I will stick with this groupset. Is more than enough for me.
This bike is a steal
Thanks for this..... could you recommend another set of rims and tires? It seems like the one you linked are sold out.
Hey man, nice work on the bike upgrades. I have just got the new 2021 AR and after only one ride so far my initial impressions are great. Please could you tell me how much weight you have saved with the upgrades? Cheers
Those tires are super, i have the same on my bike.
Nice bike! what is the mud guard you are using?
Great video! Question, where can I find that wheelset?
Great looking bike. I wonder how the Contend aluminum compares to the first generation aluminum TCR frames. You have to figure Giant used what they learned from the TCR and put it into this bike at a great price point.
Beautiful bike, excellent upgrades, and your overview is nicely done. I notice this is a Medium size bike. On Giant’s site I’m right between Small and Medium sizes. May I ask your height and inseam measurements and how this bike feels size size? Thanks so very much. BTW that color is incredible!
Hi man, I totally love the bike!
I am currently thinking of buying this bike 2021 modal or the contend sl 1 disc.
But I had one question.
I know the official answer but I was wondering what you think.
This bike is not DI2 compatible but do you think it would be possible to install di2 on this bike?
Cheers!
I have the same bike and I’ve been looking to upgrade it! Great video! Can you link all your upgrades?
Hello sir - can you please post the link to all the upgrades
Hi I have a Giant AR1 as well and I'm waiting for my light weight wheel set. I'm wondering what was your process to convert the rear rotor from 160 mm to 140 mm? Did you changed the caliper bolts or needed a different adapter? Thanks
Hey Aviv, thanks so much, great video. Wondering where you bought this bike? I can't find one anywhere right now. Which dealer? NYC? Thanks! Stay safe.
Roy's Sheepshead Cycle
www.roysbikes.com/
Does it have rack mounts?
No squeaky saddle?
Hi, Great video and super upgrades to your bike.
i am looking to get a Contend SL 1 Disc but the geometry is identical - however, i just wanted to ask you what is your height? I am 179cms and I am in between sizes. I need to place an order and since there is a shortage of bikes, if I am lucky will have just one piece available of either size M or ML. This is my first road bike, and I have mostly MTBs, Hybrid (Currently a Scott subcross 30 in size L). I have tried riding a Medium Size Decathlon Triban 500, but it took me a while to get adjusted to it.. especially the seating position and the reach.
I wouldn't know what will work best for you since it's a bit more complicated than just height. I am 175cms and went with the M.
In general, if you between sizes, it s recommended to go with the smaller one and perhaps get a longer stem if you need.
Loving your upgrades and set up. Where did you get the mudguard from? Does it protect enough from light/medium road spray?
Funny you should ask about the mudguard - 2 weeks ago we had a snow storm, and with all the mud and salt on the roads on the following days, I quickly realized it is not enough at all. I just bought and installed the SKS fender set on the bike (pain in the butt to install) and it works great!
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N7SZCLG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
But the small mudguard will help a little on light road spray.
@@2pacjordan thanks for replying man. Where did you get the small mud guard from, I think it looks really sleek.
@@jamesc4454
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QTQG0IA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Hi, was wondering how tall are you? You got the medium, I am in between sizes but I'm not sure if I should get the M or the S
So what does your build weigh? I'm almost done with mine. Only missing the carbon handlebars and power crank... Hoping for sub 8,5 for an L including pedals.
Lovely bike. What is thru axle length on the rear? I want to order some wheels before mine gets delivered. :) Also did you cut the steerer tube?
It is 162 on 12, TL 14.
Here is what I ordered from Amazon:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q1N6ZHQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I did cut the steerer tube.
Are these tubeless tires?
Hi I live in NYC as well, I'm wondering are the GP 5000 tires puncture resistant enough for our dirty roads? I use Gatorskins solely because of this.
Yes the 5000s are great for our roads in NYC from my experience.
Why not the Revolt?
with the new 2021 model range which would you go with:
1. Giant Contend AR 1 (105, ALLUM frame) with upgraded carbon wheels OR
2. Giant TCR advanced 2 (105, composite frame) everything stock.
The cabron wheel upgrade essentially takes the AR1 price up to the TCR advanced 2 price and I'm wondering which you'd choose. I believe both have the same tyre clearance this year.
Hmmm tough choice.. well, if you don't have to have a disc break, like most people wants nowadays, than I would go with the TCR. BTW, there's just no way the TCR have same tire clearance, especially if you are talking about rim breaks.
You also want to ask yourself what would you use it for mainly? The TCR is a race bike, the Contend is an endurance "all-around" type of bike. Geometry and ride qualities are very different.
If I only had to choose one, I personally would go with the TCR since I need the bike for training and racing, not only commuting. And down the line I would have upgraded the wheels regardless.
@@2pacjordan Thanks for the reply :) also haha sorry you are right, its 32mm (TCR) vs 38mm for tyre clearance. Also Giant does not sell the rim brake version in my country so discs only. Bit difficult for me to choose as I just started riding and bought a hybrid bike and have really enjoyed cycling again. Looking to upgrade and its hard to determine which to get, but thanks for your insight and advice.
@@foxtrotyankee6131 If your goal is to enjoy riding, in a relaxed position and speed is not your first priority, than go with the Contend and upgrade the wheels.
Just got my first road bike. Went with the contend AR 2. Loving it so far.
Just got mine today !
Hey how heavy is it and have you had to really push your self with it ??
@@yomamarager2179 love it so far! Hate the saddle though lol. And I don't think I've had to push myself with it. But then again it's my first road bike lol. Heaps easier to peddle around then on my full sus
@@yomamarager2179 I like the saddle, my last bike was a TCR C1 and I much prefer my body positioning in this. It's not as heavy on the road as I thought it would be
Today I just baught the ar 4 2021!!! I just went with it and iam highley pleased!!! in three months I will give a update on the bike.
Hey man, hows the geometry of the bike? Is it more upright with higher stack? Does it come with 40mm spacers underneath the stem? Does giant have zero offset seat post? Is it upgradable with electronic gearing? Im looking at this bike as an all rounder bike. Many thanks. Oh is the disc brakes rubbing issues not as bad as what people say?
There is a zero offset seatpost from giant for 70 bucks.
Why not the defy advanced ? All the mods u made, u could have got the weight on a defy model, considering the cost of the mods would also be the same. Why aluminum instead of carbon frame ?
I wanted a bike that can accommodate really wide tires if I wanted to take it off road down the line, more than what the Defy offer (great endurance bike).
As for the price, the most basic Defy model starts at $2,050 and at that level you are getting a Tiagra drive-train. If you want the 105 drive train that would take it to $2,450 and you still have to upgrade the wheels regardless (same heavy wheels-set as the Contend AR-1).
hi there, great video!; I want to buy this same model as well, is the seat height adjustable?
Yes it is
Aviv, thank you so much!
What was the weight saving alone on just changing the wheels?
Don't remember exactly but I'll say about 1 kg with the tires
Can I ask your height? I am trying to gauge my height with Giant sizing. Thanks for the video.
yes I am 5'9" (175 cm)
@@2pacjordan Aviv, what height do you have the saddle at?
How easy or difficult can this bike climb steep gradients with only 1:1 gear ratio (34:34)? Almost all Giant Bikes have 50:34 in front and 11:34 cassette.
Not sure since I mostly use the bike on the flats lol, but I guess it depends on your preferred cadence on the climbs and therefore the gear ratios
Love your upgrade mate! I'm riding a Contend AR 2 and want to lower the front with the same headset spacer 8mm as yours. Can you give me the link for it, cheers.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZTWZB83/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Thanks mate!
If you are still looking at comments, can you post the links to the bottle cages, headset cap and stem?
Headset:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZTWZB83/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Better cages than what on the bike:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089CL9D3W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Stem:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XR9GLB5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
@@2pacjordan So helpful. Thank you!
will sell my mtb for this beauty!!!
How tall are you and what size did you get ?
I am 5'9" and I got a M
I love your giant bike beauty can you make this bike 8kg in another video i love to see it...it must be faster
It is doable but will cost too much, more than I wanted to invest on a second bike :)
@@2pacjordan alright sir..another ride
Where can I buy those wheels?
Not sure this exact model still available
@@2pacjordan Thank you
bike weight?
5:49
Just bought this and for just under 2000 dollars, its heavy as hell. Is it the terrible wheelset or is the frame heavy as well? Acceleration on this bike is pretty bad.
Fwiw, my beloved 15 year old Giant TCR race bike was stolen and i replaced it with this. Maybe my expectations were too high.
@@HappyChap8 oh you can't compare it to a full on race bike.
But yes, the wheels and tires are the heaviest part on the bike that you want to change. I think it was more than 3kg for the wheels and tires alone!
@@HappyChap8 I just got the contend ar 4 2021 idk if they weigh the same but I have managed to break in the bike and everything works fine just have to go at a good pace but I do think changing the wheels is the best idea.
alan rodriguez I am thinking in between ar4 and save money or go for the ar1. Will be riding in NY as well. Waiting for the new stock as no one has it available.
@@2pacjordan have you managed to race in this?
You mean it's not the bike you bought!?
Not sure what you're asking, I bought the bike.
Well,how much did you spend on it,over and above the out of the box price?