The new Giant Contend AR: An entry-level road bike with all-road capabilities

Even with its new platform for the 2027 model year, the Giant Contend AR is aimed at road cyclists who wish to expand their riding territory beyond smooth tarmac. The aluminium frame combines a classic endurance riding position with components designed for comfort and control. Standard 32-millimetre tyres, disc brakes and extra tyre clearance are intended to equip the bike for poor-quality tarmac roads, long rides and light gravel sections.

This places the Contend AR somewhere between a classic entry-level road bike and a sporty all-road bike. The riding position and handling remain closer to those of a road bike, whilst the wider tyres offer greater confidence on rough terrain. However, it does not replace a gravel bike; the design is still too road-oriented for that.

Aluminium frame with Allroad configuration

The frame of the Contend AR 2027 is still made of aluminium. This material allows for a robust construction and keeps costs down compared to a carbon frame. Giant fits the bike with 32-millimetre tyres as standard. The frame and fork can accommodate tyres up to 43 millimetres wide, making it at least a viable option for use as a lightweight gravel bike. Although not mentioned in the press release, the photos show options for fitting fixed mudguards.

UDH compatibility opens up new possibilities

A key new feature for the 2027 model year is compatibility with the Universal Derailleur Hanger, or UDH for short. The derailleur hanger connects the rear derailleur to the frame and acts as a replaceable protective component in the event of a fall. UDH has also established itself as the standard for modern single-speed drivetrains from SRAM. This means the feature is now available even in lower price brackets. For owners, this compatibility primarily means greater choice when upgrading their bikes later on.

Geometry and frame sizes

The Giant Contend AR 2027 is available in six frame sizes; as usual, the range includes sizes XS, S, M, M/L, L and XL. There are three spec options to choose from, ranging in price from 1,600 to 2,000 euros. This makes the range as a whole around ten per cent more expensive than comparably equipped previous models. All models feature the AluxX-SL frame, a carbon fork, hydraulic disc brakes, in-house aluminium wheels and 32-millimetre tyres. The main differences lie in the drivetrain and braking system:

Contend C AR 0 with Shimano 105

The Contend AR 0 is fitted with a complete Shimano 105 groupset with twelve gears. The road drivetrain with a double crankset offers a wider gear range for fast sections and longer climbs. Together with the hydraulic 105 brakes, this model is ideal for riders looking for a versatile training and touring bike with classic road bike gear changes.
The wheels, however, remain at a functional level. The Giant P-X2 wheels are aluminium wheels designed more for everyday practicality and an affordable price than for minimal weight. Anyone wishing to save weight later on could start by fitting a lighter set of wheels to this model.

Contend AR 1 with Shimano Cues 1x11

The Contend AR 1 is fitted with Shimano’s Cues groupset, featuring a single chainring and eleven gears. The single-chainring setup reduces the number of components and makes operation easier. At the same time, the gear ratios are wider than on a comparable double-chainring setup.
This model is therefore particularly suited to female cyclists who prefer a straightforward gear system and do not require particularly fine gear ratios for fast group rides. For varied terrain and long climbs, the Contend AR 0, with its two chainrings, offers more options. The AR 1, on the other hand, is 300 euros cheaper.

​Contend AR 2 with Shimano Cues 2x10

The Contend AR 2 costs a further 1,200 euros less, serving as the entry-level model in the range at 1,600 euros. It comes with Shimano’s Cues groupset, featuring a double crankset and ten gears. The double crankset offers a decent range, although the drivetrain, with ten sprockets, is not state-of-the-art. Furthermore, the gear ratios on the cassette are wider than on the top-of-the-range model, whilst the lightest climbing gear is slightly lighter.

Liv BeLiv AR as the women’s counterpart

Alongside the Giant Contend AR, the Liv BeLiv AR is also being revamped. Liv is the Giant Group’s brand aimed specifically at women. The BeLiv AR therefore incorporates many of the Contend AR’s core technical features, whilst offering its own ergonomic design and range of frame sizes.

There may be subtle differences in the geometry, contact points and specifications. These include, for example, handlebar width, crank length, saddle, stem length and the range of frame sizes. If you have the choice between the two models, you should compare the geometry specifications directly and, if possible, take them for a test ride.