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2020 Giant

Contend SL 1

An aluminum frame endurance bike with upper mid-range components and tektro tk-b rim brakes.
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Manufacturer Price

£999($1,340)
Weight20.0 lbs  
FrameAluminum
ForkCarbon
Wheels700c Aluminum
Drivetrain2 × 11
Groupset105
BrakesTektro TK-B Rim
Where to Buy
Similar Bikes
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Rider Position
relaxedaggressive
Terrain
smoothrugged
Contend SL 1
Other Endurance bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

41 mph

Contend SL 1

39 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
SM

5'4" – 5'9"

MD

5'7" – 6'0"

MD/LG

5'9" – 6'2"

LG

6'0" – 6'4"

XL

6'2" – 6'7"

Rider Fit Notes
  • 6'0", size MD/LG, Just right
  • 5'7", size MD, Fits large
  • 6'3", size Large, Just right
  • 5'7", size SM, Just right
  • 5'4", size SM, Just right
  • 5'6", size MD, Fits large
Reviews

Summary

The Giant Contend series is praised for its high-quality aluminum frame, comfortable endurance geometry, and versatile performance across various terrains. It offers great value for money, with models featuring wide gear ranges, dependable ride quality, and components that cater to budget-conscious riders. While some reviews note the bike's weight and component efficiency as drawbacks, the overall sentiment highlights its suitability for long rides and all-round road cycling.

Pros
  • High-quality aluminum frame

  • Comfortable endurance geometry

  • Great value for money

  • Versatile performance across terrains

  • Wide gear range for easier climbing

Cons
  • Heavier than some competitors

  • Less efficient components at lower price points

  • High-speed handling not as precise as race bikes

Key Quotes
this frame is on par with other aluminum road bikes I’ve ridden that are twice its price
Bicycling
For many riders, a bike like this will be the only drop-bar bike they’ll need.
Cycling Tips logoCycling Tips
The Giant Contend SL 1 is an amazing handling bike and great value for money!
Cycling Weekly logoCycling Weekly
Good kit, lovely ride and tubeless-ready – the 2020 Contend is a great bike for a grand
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
The Giant Contend SL 1 is an absolutely spot-on all-day ride.
road.cc logoroad.cc

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road.cc
Giant Contend SL 1 Disc 2021

Jul 2021

Brilliant all-round road bike that's comfortable and engaging to ride

Highs
  • Great specification

  • Rewarding and composed ride

  • Impressive seated comfort

Lows
  • Aluminium handlebar transmits vibration

  • Wheels aren't especially quick

Read Review

BikeRadar
Giant Contend SL 1 review

Apr 2020 · Simon Withers

Good kit, lovely ride and tubeless-ready – the 2020 Contend is a great bike for a grand

Highs
  • Quality compact frame, carbon seatpost, comfort, handling, tubeless-ready wheels

Lows
  • Slightly unexciting looks, heavier than some, higher gearing won’t appeal to all

Read Review

Cycling Weekly
Giant Contend SL 1

Dec 2019 · Symon Lewis

Giant has the ability to make great bikes at a great price and the Giant Contend SL 1 epitomise this

Highs
  • Price

  • Ride quality

  • Handling

Lows
  • Weight

Read Review

Cycling Tips
Giant Contend AR 1 2020 review: Fresh and affordable all-road - CyclingTips

Oct 2019 · Dave Rome

If the lines between road and gravel bikes were already blurry, then the way things are trending is likely to confuse you even further. All-road bikes are relatively new and aim to do everything a good endurance-style road bike does, albeit with a pinch of additional versatility. As the name suggests, they’re designed to handle […]

Highs
  • Impressively composed ride, meets All-Road name, quality features, tubeless tyres, wide-range gearing.

Lows
  • Fussy thru-axles, loosely-captured hub end caps, rattly shifters, versatility comes at the expense of weight.

Read Review

Bicycling
The Giant Contend 3 Will Make You Happy for $650

Feb 2019 · Matt Jacobs

This durable, aluminum road bike has the parts and price every entry-level rider needs.

Highs
  • High-quality aluminum frame

  • Wide gear range makes climbing easier

Lows
  • Heavier, less-efficient components

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminum

BB StandardBB86/BB92, Press Fit

ColorMatte Gunmetal Black / Gloss Black Decal

Fork

Advanced-Grade Composite, full-composite OverDrive steerer

Shock

N/A

Bottom Bracket

Shimano, press fit

Stem

Giant Sport

Handlebar

Giant Connect

Saddle

Giant Contact (forward)

Seatpost

Giant D-Fuse, composite

TypeRigid

Pedals

Pedal with toe clips/straps

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano 105 SS

Front Derailleur

Shimano 105

Crank

Shimano FC-RS510, 36/52

Shifters

Shimano 105

Cassette

Shimano 105, 11x30

Chain

KMC X11EL-1

Brakes

Tektro TK-B178 w/ better finish/cartridge shoes

TypeTektro TK-B Rim

Brake Levers

Shimano 105

Wheels
Rims

Giant P-R2 wheelset

Spokes

Giant P-R2 wheelset

Front Hub

Giant P-R2 wheelset

Rear Hub

Giant P-R2 wheelset

Tires

Giant P-R3 AC, 700x28, folding

Rider Notes
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First added March 20

Last updated November 16

Not listed for 559 days