I have the ar2 and I’m really pleased with it. I have no major complaints - just creaky brakes! Overall, it’s huge fun and very comfortable to ride on a variety of terrains. If you’re riding on gravel, take some air out of your tires and I agree with using quality padded trousers. - they do make a difference. I might consider changing the gear set to Shimano 105 but the tiara set I have at the moment is fine. Overall, an excellent bike.
Can you try/comment on how easy it is to take the front wheel off and to put it back? There was a comment I read about having to really tighten up the quick release lever and was wondering if that was something that bothered you? I'll be taking the wheel off often to transport the bike in my car.
Ive been riding my stock plastic pedals for 2 years, they look like melted popsicles now but havent broke even after hitting curbs etc n being rode in freezing weather and im 200 lbs, sounds like you just got an unlucky pedal lol i really do need something grippier or clipless tho
Nice update! AR1 has lots of bang for the buck! Tho I love my Sirrus X5, cycling bug has me in its grips. I have an older Trek 1000SL road bike but I'm looking to upgrade.
thank you! glad youre enjoying your sirrus! Great time to start looking at bikes now since most people aren't riding since its getting colder (depending where you are) and road bikes are as sought out after as hybrid/fitness! I think that a road bike will definitely be a good pickup if you continue to enjoy riding!
Hi, I currently have a mountain bike but am saving up for a road bike and really like the look of the Contend AR 2021. What sort of speeds can you get up to in comparison to a mountain bike?(I sometimes average 15mph on my mountain bike on longer rides if I push hard enough) Thank you and great video
Thank you! For starters the bike should be much lighter as it won't have a front or full suspension system. Also the bike will be in a more aerodynamic position. Your speed average will definitely go up. I cant say how fast accurately as I dont use a speedometer or bike computer, but I do use strava to track. I dont think its that accurate with the phone GPS, but ive hit higher speeds of 35-40mph going downhill (give or take a bit). My average speed on strava has been around 13mph, also not sure how accurate. Overall I will say you will be faster due to bike change alone. Its an awesome bike, whether go you for AR 1 or even an AR 3 or 4.
Could you tell what is the minimum instert length of the seatpost? I want to buy a small frame and don't know if i can get the saddle high enough cause the seat tube is quite short.
Unfortunately I cant help you with that, only because I dont have a torque wrench to put the seat back into place, if I did I would gladly give you the measurements, sorry, maybe if you could ask another CZcams who has the 2020 ar1 it should be the same
I got a Large bike, you can try an XL (100% recommend trying both), but if your body is proportionate or even slightly longer arms/legs then the L should work just fine. I have slight longer arms as well, but would still opt for a L over XL.
Yes of course! I preferred something that had over 10+ gear cassette and hydraulic brakes. Coming from a hybrid that had hydraulics you notice the differences between mechanical and hydraulic. Hence why I went for the AR1, the AR2 on the other hand is not available here in the states yet or at the time. I definitely wanted a bike that would last the next couple years and spending that extra bit of money for better components/parts helps so you won't need to upgrade anytime soon.
Have to agree with the chinese bib shorts on amazon. They feel great for the first 3 rides but by then the pad has completely flattened out and doesn’t feel comfortable at all. Was hoping to get a contend this year but was unable to find one. Let’s hope I have better luck next year
Hopefully you get one! From what I found out is that for the cycling shorts there's a certain price range that gets good without spending a ridiculous amount, so far ive tried ones from $10 up to $70 and found the $40-50 range (if you get a discount even better!) is the sweet spot.
@@AliuBikes May I ask what brand and where you bought yours from? I did buy some from Amazon but haven't tried them while cycling. I think they were $20?
@@albert333pool I wear pearl Izumi, Ive found this brand most comfortable and works best for me, of course brands vary person to person and I bought mine from REI. Lots of places carry this brand. Ive found that lower priced amazon ones has a very thin cushion and doesnt feel comfortable unless youre doing a very short ride.
Hi Im unfortunately not sure what the model of the stem is as I no longer have the box for it. I actually got it through the help of my local bike shop. Something similar to it would be the Giant Connect 1-1/8 stem
I bought a BV saddle bag that was on amazon. If you search for that it should be a top listing for about $15. The bike computer is okay, does the job fine for a $25 computer. I dont like that sometimes it takes 3-5 minutes to find a gps signal even out in the open. While other times it takes 10 seconds. I would love to buy a Garmin or wahoo in the future that also shows maps, but if you just want distance and speed its okay.
@@AliuBikes Thanks... How about clip shoes? Anything you recommend? I scored on a 2014 Trek Madone 3.1 10/10 condition road bike yesterday ($900) the pedals are SPD SL
@@albert333pool Congrats on the new bike! Shoes will vary person to person because some people have wide, narrow, flat, high arched feet, etc. The best would be to go in person and see which feels good to you. I am currently using a giro berm (low cost $75) clip in shoes and they do the job just fine for my casual riding!
Hey there! No they do not, most if not all road bikes don’t come with pedals. Some bike shops will have basic flat pedals they will install for people, but for the most part it’s bring your own pedals.
@AliuBikes thanks mate. My bike is on the way and I was wondering if it comes with pedals. May I know what kind of pedal did you install? Brand and model 🙂
So dont take my answer the wrong way, but honestly it will depend on lots of factors. So I wont be able to give you answer on that. It will depend the rider, the elevation, the temp, and anything of that nature. I live in an area where its a mixture of flats and hills. I personally have not been able to average 20+ on any ride including group because of the hills, but im sure on flats its possible. The fastest decent ive experienced was 41.
@@AliuBikes thank you. I see people on Strava travelling similar segments as mine. I do see then averaging 20. But they all seen to ride proper carbon road bikes. That was the basis for my question. If course like you say there are lots of factors. They are probably fitter than me.
Hey, can you weigh it without accessories and pedals? What is the colour of GIANT logos? On some pictures they look silver on the other look like white
I just received mine last week (from my order in August). We weighed it at the bike shop with the tubeless liquid in the tires and stock pedals and was 21 lb 11 oz
@@AliuBikes I am 1.85. I wonder if I should get ML or L one? The problem is not available in the shop. You need to order and if lucky get it in a couple of months.
@@hamidbazmi7948 What is your inseam? Mine is roughly 32-33 inches and L is good one me, if yours is similar then you could go L if its shorter than possibly try for ML, remember you can always adjust seat height, swap stems, and any other minor adjustments that will allow you to get the perfect fit, you can always make a smaller bike bigger, but a bigger bike cant get smaller.
@Mario Glory I think it should fit you, your inseam maybe the one that determines your size, but if you well proportioned the L should fit you perfectly!
Can you try/comment on how easy it is to take the front wheel off and to put it back? There was a comment I read about having to really tighten up the quick release lever and was wondering if that was something that bothered you? I'll be taking the wheel off often to transport the bike in my car.
Its very easy to take the front wheel off. This bike doesnt use a quick release, it uses a thru axle. All you need to do is loosen it and pull it out similar to a quick release. As long as you have the adapter to loosen/tighten it should only take 30 seconds at most to remove.
Thanks for the update! Great vid!
I have the ar2 and I’m really pleased with it. I have no major complaints - just creaky brakes! Overall, it’s huge fun and very comfortable to ride on a variety of terrains. If you’re riding on gravel, take some air out of your tires and I agree with using quality padded trousers. - they do make a difference. I might consider changing the gear set to Shimano 105 but the tiara set I have at the moment is fine. Overall, an excellent bike.
Nice I ordered this 4 months ago can’t wait to ride it
Mine was ordered back in August and arrived last week to South Florida... so hopefully yours in near.
Can you try/comment on how easy it is to take the front wheel off and to put it back? There was a comment I read about having to really tighten up the quick release lever and was wondering if that was something that bothered you? I'll be taking the wheel off often to transport the bike in my car.
Had mine for 6 months. Great bike. Ready to upgrade to full carbon. Creaky seatpost is damned annoying
Ive been riding my stock plastic pedals for 2 years, they look like melted popsicles now but havent broke even after hitting curbs etc n being rode in freezing weather and im 200 lbs, sounds like you just got an unlucky pedal lol i really do need something grippier or clipless tho
Nice update! AR1 has lots of bang for the buck! Tho I love my Sirrus X5, cycling bug has me in its grips. I have an older Trek 1000SL road bike but I'm looking to upgrade.
thank you! glad youre enjoying your sirrus! Great time to start looking at bikes now since most people aren't riding since its getting colder (depending where you are) and road bikes are as sought out after as hybrid/fitness! I think that a road bike will definitely be a good pickup if you continue to enjoy riding!
@@AliuBikes when you swap out the stem, do you have to reconfiguire the gearing, since cables have a difference in slack?
@@AliuBikes what size is the bike, and how tall are you?
@@JitinMisra I did not just because the shorter stem wasnt too significant for the cables. The bike is a size L and im 6'2
I have the 2020 version, all good after 4000 miles.
Good to hear! Trying to hit close to 1k by the end of the year as long as the weather stays bit warmer
Hi, I currently have a mountain bike but am saving up for a road bike and really like the look of the Contend AR 2021. What sort of speeds can you get up to in comparison to a mountain bike?(I sometimes average 15mph on my mountain bike on longer rides if I push hard enough) Thank you and great video
Thank you! For starters the bike should be much lighter as it won't have a front or full suspension system. Also the bike will be in a more aerodynamic position. Your speed average will definitely go up. I cant say how fast accurately as I dont use a speedometer or bike computer, but I do use strava to track. I dont think its that accurate with the phone GPS, but ive hit higher speeds of 35-40mph going downhill (give or take a bit). My average speed on strava has been around 13mph, also not sure how accurate. Overall I will say you will be faster due to bike change alone. Its an awesome bike, whether go you for AR 1 or even an AR 3 or 4.
I got mine last week and my speeds went from about 15 mph on my 36 lbs MTB to about 18 mph on this... which weighs in at about 22 lbs
@@csuttman thank you
@@AliuBikes cheers
@@AliuBikes Similar question, I average 15 on my bike, but it is a fitness hybrid bike, like Trek FX similar to Specialized sirrus?
Could you tell what is the minimum instert length of the seatpost? I want to buy a small frame and don't know if i can get the saddle high enough cause the seat tube is quite short.
Unfortunately I cant help you with that, only because I dont have a torque wrench to put the seat back into place, if I did I would gladly give you the measurements, sorry, maybe if you could ask another CZcams who has the 2020 ar1 it should be the same
From one of your posts below, you stated that you were 6' 2". What size bike did you get? I am 6'3". What do you recommend?
I got a Large bike, you can try an XL (100% recommend trying both), but if your body is proportionate or even slightly longer arms/legs then the L should work just fine. I have slight longer arms as well, but would still opt for a L over XL.
Can you explain why you picked this over the AR2? Currently tossing up between the two.
Yes of course! I preferred something that had over 10+ gear cassette and hydraulic brakes. Coming from a hybrid that had hydraulics you notice the differences between mechanical and hydraulic. Hence why I went for the AR1, the AR2 on the other hand is not available here in the states yet or at the time. I definitely wanted a bike that would last the next couple years and spending that extra bit of money for better components/parts helps so you won't need to upgrade anytime soon.
Have to agree with the chinese bib shorts on amazon. They feel great for the first 3 rides but by then the pad has completely flattened out and doesn’t feel comfortable at all.
Was hoping to get a contend this year but was unable to find one. Let’s hope I have better luck next year
Hopefully you get one! From what I found out is that for the cycling shorts there's a certain price range that gets good without spending a ridiculous amount, so far ive tried ones from $10 up to $70 and found the $40-50 range (if you get a discount even better!) is the sweet spot.
@@AliuBikes May I ask what brand and where you bought yours from? I did buy some from Amazon but haven't tried them while cycling. I think they were $20?
@@albert333pool I wear pearl Izumi, Ive found this brand most comfortable and works best for me, of course brands vary person to person and I bought mine from REI. Lots of places carry this brand. Ive found that lower priced amazon ones has a very thin cushion and doesnt feel comfortable unless youre doing a very short ride.
@@AliuBikes Thank you! 🙌
Hello. Could You tell me what stem did You buy. I know it is 90 mm, but what is the full name and how much positive is it?
Hi Im unfortunately not sure what the model of the stem is as I no longer have the box for it. I actually got it through the help of my local bike shop. Something similar to it would be the Giant Connect 1-1/8 stem
Alright off topic for this video but where did you buy you’re Jordan 1 black and white
if I remember correctly, either foot locker or foot action back when they released, still have the receipt in the box at my parents house.
In April I was told that I had to wait until August to get this bike, today I was told back order is now April 2022.
Wow thats crazy, hopefully it comes to you sooner than later
May I ask what saddle bag you chose for your bike? I bought the same computer. Have yet to try it. Are you happy with yours?
I bought a BV saddle bag that was on amazon. If you search for that it should be a top listing for about $15. The bike computer is okay, does the job fine for a $25 computer. I dont like that sometimes it takes 3-5 minutes to find a gps signal even out in the open. While other times it takes 10 seconds. I would love to buy a Garmin or wahoo in the future that also shows maps, but if you just want distance and speed its okay.
@@AliuBikes Thanks... How about clip shoes? Anything you recommend? I scored on a 2014 Trek Madone 3.1 10/10 condition road bike yesterday ($900) the pedals are SPD SL
@@albert333pool Congrats on the new bike! Shoes will vary person to person because some people have wide, narrow, flat, high arched feet, etc. The best would be to go in person and see which feels good to you. I am currently using a giro berm (low cost $75) clip in shoes and they do the job just fine for my casual riding!
@@AliuBikes Did you order medium or large? I got medium... Descent size
@@albert333pool I have a large
Hi mate, does this ar 1 comes with a pedal from the box? Thanks!
Hey there! No they do not, most if not all road bikes don’t come with pedals. Some bike shops will have basic flat pedals they will install for people, but for the most part it’s bring your own pedals.
@AliuBikes thanks mate. My bike is on the way and I was wondering if it comes with pedals. May I know what kind of pedal did you install? Brand and model 🙂
@@KyleMarcoTV any brand and model should work. It will just depend on what you want. I used the look classic 3 pedals
What was the avg speed on 30+ mile rides. 20+ possible? With stock configuration
So dont take my answer the wrong way, but honestly it will depend on lots of factors. So I wont be able to give you answer on that. It will depend the rider, the elevation, the temp, and anything of that nature. I live in an area where its a mixture of flats and hills. I personally have not been able to average 20+ on any ride including group because of the hills, but im sure on flats its possible. The fastest decent ive experienced was 41.
@@AliuBikes thank you. I see people on Strava travelling similar segments as mine. I do see then averaging 20. But they all seen to ride proper carbon road bikes. That was the basis for my question. If course like you say there are lots of factors. They are probably fitter than me.
Love the AR1, just not the saddle which was crippling. Found a Bontrager that was much better.
sadly.. can't get it in Singapore.. yet
Hopefully soon!
What is that headphone you wear it
Jaybird freedom 2, theyre good for cycling because they stay in place, but sound quality is just average
I have a AR4 2021 is there a big weight difference
Not really, if anything the AR4 is slightly heavier due to components, maybe 1 pound difference or so?
@@AliuBikes okay I guess the wheels should be my first upgrade to make it lighter. I have seen a set of rims called PRIME that are carbon fiber.
can you tell me what size your bike is please?
Sure my bike is a size L (large)
Hello...Can this bike be used for road racing considering tire thickness? Please advise...
yes you can! Ive seen others use a thinner tire and others have used a thicker tire for gravel riding/racing
Hey, can you weigh it without accessories and pedals?
What is the colour of GIANT logos? On some pictures they look silver on the other look like white
I dont have a scale to weigh the bike unfortunately so I cant give you that number, but the Giant logo is silver.
I just received mine last week (from my order in August). We weighed it at the bike shop with the tubeless liquid in the tires and stock pedals and was 21 lb 11 oz
@@csuttman pretty good weight, what size frame by chance? I know there will be very minor weight discrepancies between sizes
@Aliu23 Frame size?
Large
@@AliuBikes what’s your height sir?
@@kyronbaluis1838 im 6'2
@@AliuBikes I am 1.85. I wonder if I should get ML or L one?
The problem is not available in the shop. You need to order and if lucky get it in a couple of months.
@@hamidbazmi7948 What is your inseam? Mine is roughly 32-33 inches and L is good one me, if yours is similar then you could go L if its shorter than possibly try for ML, remember you can always adjust seat height, swap stems, and any other minor adjustments that will allow you to get the perfect fit, you can always make a smaller bike bigger, but a bigger bike cant get smaller.
What’s your height ?
im 6 ft 2 in or ~188cm
@@AliuBikes M-L OR L?
@@David_Moreno18 L
@Mario Glory I think it should fit you, your inseam maybe the one that determines your size, but if you well proportioned the L should fit you perfectly!
Can you try/comment on how easy it is to take the front wheel off and to put it back? There was a comment I read about having to really tighten up the quick release lever and was wondering if that was something that bothered you? I'll be taking the wheel off often to transport the bike in my car.
Its very easy to take the front wheel off. This bike doesnt use a quick release, it uses a thru axle. All you need to do is loosen it and pull it out similar to a quick release. As long as you have the adapter to loosen/tighten it should only take 30 seconds at most to remove.