The all-new Contend 3 by Giant is sure to fulfill all of your cycling needs and expectations. Designed primarily for riders with an edge for versatility, the Contend 3 is precisely engineered to create a better ride quality for the end-user. This process is done so with Giant’s balanced road geometry – designed to ensure complete power transfer and comfort throughout.
The Contend 3 molds to even the toughest and most technical circuits, keeping the rider comfortable and the bike responsive.
In this review, we will dive into the intricate workings of the Contend 3 itself and dissect components within their range of performance and durability. We will also discuss the advantages and possible disadvantages that the Contend 3 comes.
Key Specifications
Giant Contend 3 comes equipped with Giant’s new innovative D-Fuse seat post, which allows for even more sustained comfort through rough terrain. This allows for absorption by absorbing road shock down to a minimum, all while maximizing power output. The technology keeps you as the rider in charge of every chance of getting ahead of the competition.
In addition, the Contend 3 comes with their flagship WheelSystem, which grants a complimentary 32c clearance for wider and more robust tubeless tires. Wider tires provide for an even smoother and lower rolling resistance ride. Also, it delivers more protection against punctures, leaving you to worry about the road ahead and not the road beneath you.
- Frame: ALUXX-Grade Aluminum
- Fork: Alloy, OverDrive steerer
- Handlebar: Giant Connect
- Stem: Giant Sport
- Seat post: Giant D-Fuse, alloy
- Groupset: Shimano Claris
- Rims: Giant S-R3 Wheelset
- Hubs: Giant S-R3 Wheelset
- Spokes: Giant S-R3 Wheelset
- Tires: Giant S-R3 AC, 700x25c, folding
Technology & Materials
Made from 6061 alloy, the Giant’s Contend 3 ALUXX Aluminum Technology ensures lightweight construction and versatile characteristics. Engineered for quality, the frameset features better flexibility and adaptations than that of carbon or titanium. Aluminum is both strong and lightweight by nature. The Giant S-R3 wheelset is also aluminum, which complements the overall presentation and performance of this bike – keeping weight at a minimum, all while increasing ride quality and comfort.
Related: Full Overview of Giant Bikes
Speaking of weight, the Giant’s D-Fuse seat post is composite, reducing unnecessary additional weight where it is least needed. The seat post is known to take far fewer stresses than the bottom bracket area, and even the handlebar cabin sometimes. When you are riding, most power is generated through your lower body, resulting in weight applied mostly on the crankset.
This idea is critical to note because the saddle is designed more for a rider to balance on. Integrating a carbon seat post on an aluminum bike adds to the ride quality from the aluminum body and stresses of the terrain. Carbon is known to flex greater than that of aluminum; therefore, smaller composite components only create a more well-rounded and comfortable riding experience.
Overall, the bike has not changed that much over the years. The only noticleable change has been the change of tires. Apart from that, the bike has stayed the same over the years.
Components
Moving along to the groupset, the Contend 3 features full Shimano Claris componentry. Shimano Claris is a good starting point for anyone who wants to experience quality within their shifting and pedal strokes.
Although it sits just shy of the Shimano 105, Ultegra and Dura-Ace line, the Claris is sure to please with its durability and surprisingly robust construction.
Read More: Bike Groupsets
It is the perfect starting point for your new Contend 3 adventure. Rest assured, though, that groupsets and componentry are all interchangeable.
What is paramount when purchasing a bicycle is having the right frame that suits your riding needs.
The Contend 3 also comes with a compact crankset and gives you a perfect balance between acceleration and speed. From tackling double-digit grades to flattening out afterward on a straightaway, you are sure to adapt your wattage accordingly to cater to both challenges.
Ride Quality
The Contend 3 is the best in its class for reliability and compliments the Contend line. Given the tire clearance with this model, Contend 3 can work for cyclocross and gravel riding. There are no limitations for what this bike is capable of, how you choose to utilize this bike is truly up to you.
Not many bikes today offer you this form of flexibility, for most of them, are tailored for a specific riding style. At the price point, you are getting the best of all worlds, knowing that at any time, you can adjust and set your bike up accordingly. This serves as an advantage because not all riders have the luxury of owning more than one bike. With the Contend 3, you can accommodate all four seasons and enjoy cycling year-round.
As mentioned before, the bike initially comes with size 700x25c tires, allowing for you to decide where the most apt placement with tires and your expectation lies.
Read More: Bike Wheel Sizes Explained
Equipped with the Giant S-R3 AC, 700X25 folding tires, you are given the freedom to venture off far away from home, knowing that your tires are sure not to disappoint. Tubeless application is also a significant advantage for the wheels that are offered on this bicycle. As discussed, tubeless tires provide better puncture protection and lower rolling resistance.
This is because the sealant within the tires not only seals most punctures as they arise, but it also reduces friction from traditional tires that have tubes within them. Furthermore, larger, wider tires provide an even less rolling resistance. This fact derives from tires requiring less pressure to keep form, thus demanding less energy to implement during the molding process of the road.
Wheelset
Complementing the tires, we have the Giant in-house hubs and spokes, tailored explicitly to the Giant S-R3 wheelset. Sure, you are always welcome to upgrade your wheelset and hub specifications, but nothing is purer than what the bicycle and its wheelset are originally equipped with, for it is factory fitted primarily for that given bicycle and its abilities.
A good recommendation is to utilize Giant’s full package before venturing off into aftermarket territory. The Giant hubs meet rim limitations, so they provide a perfect balance between durability and sustainability over the life of the frame. Unlike carbon fiber, aluminum fatigues over time.
In contrast, aluminum doesn’t fail in nature as carbon does. Having aluminum wheels gives you that extra cushion room if you were to be in a crash or hit a massive obstacle in the road. Moreover, typical upgrades for wheels usually graduate to carbon – the downside to this is that comfort degrades, for carbon wheels are a lot more rigid.
Other Contend Models
Contend 1: Basic commentary at the most affordable price. Shimano Sora drivetrain and Giant’s P-R3 AC tires
Contend AR 1: Shimano 105 drivetrain. Gran Fondo tire
Contend AR 2: Shimano Tiagra groupset. Combines compatibility with comfort and performance
Contend AR 3: Sora componentry along with the disc brake system. A right balance if you are seeking a mixture of the Contend advantages
Final Takeaways and Thoughts
We want the best value that money can buy. The Contend 3 combines quality and economy all in one. At $860, the technology and engineering that you are getting separate you from that of the competitor brands. Giant takes pride in its product and continuously introduces new technology in its line of bikes.
From the extra-wide tire clearance to the D-Fuse seat post integrated within the bike, what you’re ultimately paying for is a company whose product continually tailors to the needs of the customer.
Reward yourself with the technology that is proven and tested to perform in the harshest of elements. The new Giant Contend 3 is a must to enjoy for a cyclist at any fitness level. It complements the beginner rider with its comfort and reliability, all while challenging the advanced rider with its geometry and durable construction.
The new Giant Contend 3 is designed with the consumer in mind. The components are budget-friendly and the ride quality superb.
I purchased this as my first road bike. I’d always had mountain bikes and this is certainly much different and lighter. The ride is smoother. However, I can’t seem to get the gearing right without cross chaining. Seems like, unless the chain is completely straight, it rubs. Am I supposed to stay in same gear? What’s the trick with riding these? And, also, what is the “half shift”?
Hi LD,
Having your bike tuned by a bike mechanic is important for a good ride. It looks like something there is not adjusted perfectly. It’s also called ‘half-step.’ It’s when your bike chain is hitting or rubbing the metallic “cage” on the front shifter. To prevent that, avoid using (most right one) gear on the back (right shifter on handlebar) while using smallest (the left one) on the front (left shifter).
Jeff
My local shop has this bike however the guy was steering me into a small frame close out BMC for
$1200 almost double the size. I currently have a giant hybrid and wanted something lighter for a long ride and didn’t want to break the bank so that’s why I thought the contend 3 was a nice sweet spot
Hey Ryan, it’s your choice. Giant Contend 3 is a great bike for a beginner. That $1,200 BMC is probably a lot better. If you have the money to spare and you think you’ll benefit from a better bike, go for it. 🙂
I bought this bike yesterday without ever riding a road bike EVER and I’m in my 40’s. There were obviously more experienced riders passing me but I couldn’t stop riding and believe it or not I did 100 miles to Philadelphia because I was so jazzed and needed my picture with the rocky statue. I haven’t worked out since last year and I think this bike just motivated me to get back into barcode fitness
Congrats on completing your first century, Brian! That’s awesome! 🙂 Be cautious and take it slowly to avoid any injuries, though. 🙂
Hi Jeff,
Thank you for all your great info!
I’m looking for an entry level bike (My first road bike!)
I’m 5’8 (5’7 without shoes), and as per the Giant Website they recommend either a Small or Medium, link below.
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/contend-3
Can you advise what would be more beneficial?
In the state I live the bike stores are closed do to Covid-19 and I can not do a trial run.
Hi Rafi, I’d recommend choosing the bigger Medium frame. But you can double-check that decision by measuring your inseam length and finding out if it is longer than the average for your height. In that case, Small could work as well to accommodate your shorter torso. But, in any case, I think you won’t go wrong with Medium. Have fun!
Just want to say I love my new Contend 3 bike. Lightweight, well built and fast. Your report on it convinced me to get it. Only thing I wish it had was a kickstand. All my other bikes have them and I am just used to them. Small price to pay for this outstanding bike!
Thanks!
I’m happy I could help! Does Contend 3 have a kickstand mount? If yes, you could add one without spending too much money.
I am really considering buying a contend 3 road bike. this will be the first bike I have bought, is this a good bike to buy as a beginner?
Yes, it’s an excellent first road bike for beginners! It has decent components for the money, yet it’s not too highly spec’d.
I got a contend 3 as my first road bike and love it.
I am going to maybe upgrade groupset to 105 and move tires from 32 to 28.
other then that the bike is definitely worth the money.
no other company can compete with the bike for the price 650$.
got clipless pedals and shoes and spent 800$ total.
and as jeff said if u go over an hour definitely need shorts which im ordering.
It’s an excellent bike and with those upgrades, it will be even better and faster!
Are the seats comfortable enough for me to ride with shorts and underwear or will I need to wear biking shorts
It all depends on your subjective feel. In my case, any ride longer than one hour without bibs becomes a pain in the a** (literally), no matter the saddle or the bike. But you might get used to it or have a completely different experience. 🙂
Jeff Thank you so much. I thought I read on a site Contend 3 had tubeless tires. Getting it on March 6th. Can’t wait!
Thanks again.
You’re welcome! Enjoy your new ride! 🙂
Great info on Contend 3. Getting one in March. Are Contend 3 tires tubeless. If so is that better than tires with tubes? And are they hard to maintain?
Thanks.
No, Contend 3 does not have tubeless tires. Tubeless tires have many advantages over tubes, the two biggest ones being that they are lighter and offer better puncture protection. They’re not at all hard to maintain, but they come with a higher price point. 🙂