Giant Contend

As the latest model to join the Giant road line up, the Contend comes in as a new endurance road platform that will sit underneath the existing Defy range. The Contend SL Disc is the top-end of the Contend line, and it features a lightweight hydroformed alloy frameset with a carbon fibre fork that uses an alloy steerer tube. Like the Defy, the Contend places an emphasis on vibration damping and rider comfort. The Content achieves this by using a slightly taller handlebar position to reduce the strain on the rider’s back, while the longer wheelbase delivers more stability and control on the road. Of course you could still race on a bike like the Contend, but this is a primarily a bike designed to get new riders into the sport. It’s also ideal as a tough and reliable secondary training bike for existing riders. As such, it places its emphasis on comfort and control first and foremost.

Despite the lower price point, the Contend SL Disc comes equipped with plenty of high-tech features. There’s the D-Fuse carbon seatpost, which is tuned to offer more vertical flex and vibration damping compared to a traditional round seatpost. Further comfort comes from the thinned-out seat stays, which assist with dissipating vibrations from the rear wheel. Like the pricier carbon frames, the Contend SL Disc also uses an oversized tapered headtube, the 86mm wide press-fit bottom bracket, and Giant’s MegaDrive downtube. The result is a strong and rigid backbone for the Contend’s chassis, so your handling inputs are directed promptly into the wheels. 

You have two choices in spec with the new Contend SL Disc. The SL Disc 1 uses the same frame and fork as the SL Disc 2, but upgrades to hydraulic disc brakes and 11-speed shifting from Shimano 105.