Giant stands as a prominent global bicycle brand and among the largest manufacturers worldwide. Renowned for its rich heritage, Giant consistently leads the industry in technology, design, and quality across its entire range of bicycles. I recently had the pleasure of testing out the Giant Contend 3 road bike.

Here's my expert review, delving into its performance, components, and overall ride experience.

Frame and Fork: Lightweight and Durable

The Giant Contend 3 boasts an ALUXX Grade Aluminium frame, which provides a perfect balance of strength and weight. During my rides, I appreciated the frame's responsiveness, especially when climbing steep hills or accelerating out of corners.

The alloy fork complemented the frame well, offering precise handling and stability, even on rougher road surfaces.

Drivetrain: Smooth Shifting and Ample Gear Range

Equipped with a Shimano Claris 2x8-Speed drivetrain, the Contend 3 delivers smooth and reliable shifting performance.

I found the gear transitions to be seamless, ensuring a consistent cadence throughout my rides. With a total of 16 gears at my disposal, I had ample options to tackle various terrains with ease.

Brakes: Reliable Stopping Power

The Tektro TK-B177 Caliper brakes on the Contend 3 offer reliable stopping power, allowing for precise control and confidence-inspiring braking performance. Whether navigating through busy urban streets or descending steep descents, I felt assured knowing that I could rely on the brakes to bring me to a safe stop when needed.

Wheels and Tyres: Smooth Rolling and Excellent Grip

The Giant S-R3 wheels paired with Giant S-R3-AC 700x28c tyres contribute to a smooth and comfortable ride. The tyres provide excellent grip on both wet and dry surfaces, enhancing traction and cornering confidence. Additionally, the wider 28c tyres offer a plush feel, absorbing road vibrations and ensuring a comfortable ride over longer distances.

Handlebar, Stem, and Seatpost: Comfortable and Ergonomic

The Giant Connect handlebar, Giant Sport stem, and Giant D-Fuse Alloy seatpost collectively contribute to a comfortable and ergonomic riding position. During my rides, I appreciated the handlebar's comfortable grip and the stem's precise handling characteristics. The D-Fuse Alloy seatpost effectively dampens road vibrations, reducing fatigue on longer rides and enhancing overall comfort in the saddle.

Saddle: Supportive and Comfortable

The Giant Approach saddle provides a supportive and comfortable platform, allowing for extended hours in the saddle without discomfort. Its ergonomic design and ample padding ensure proper weight distribution and pressure relief, enhancing overall ride comfort and enjoyment.

Additional Components: Reliable and Well-Designed

The inclusion of components such as the Shimano Claris brake levers, Giant S-R3 hubs, Shimano CS-HG50 cassette, and KMC Z72 chain further enhances the Contend 3's overall reliability and performance. These components work seamlessly together to deliver a smooth and enjoyable riding experience, making the bike suitable for both novice cyclists and experienced riders alike.

Conclusion: A Versatile and Reliable Road Companion

Available at Rs Rs. 67,999 (as of April 09, 2024), the Giant Contend 3 Road Bike impresses with its lightweight and durable frame, smooth-shifting drivetrain, reliable braking performance, and comfortable ride characteristics.

With its well-rounded performance and quality components, the Contend 3 offers excellent value for riders seeking a capable and enjoyable road biking experience.

Rating

4.⅖

Pros

• Lightweight alloy frame
• Smooth gear-shifting
• Attractive design

Cons

• Riders tackling long distances on wet roads require tyre upgrades for better traction and stability.

Specs
Frame- ALUXX Grade Aluminium
Fork- Alloy
Front Derailleur- Shimano Claris 2-Speed
Rear Derailleur- Shimano Claris 8-Speed
Shifters- Shimano Claris 2x8-Speed
No Of Gears- 16-Speed
Brakes- Tektro TK-B177 Caliper Brakes
Brake Levers- Shimano Claris
Tyres- Giant S-R3-AC 700x28c
Rims- Giant S-R3
Handlebar- Giant Connect
Stem- Giant Sport
Seatpost- Giant D-Fuse Alloy
Saddle - Giant Approach
Hubs- Giant S-R3
Cassette- Shimano CS-HG50 11/34T
Chain- KMC Z72
Crankset- FSA Tempo 34/50T
Bottom Bracket- Cartridge

The brand reserves the right to change prices, specifications, and components at any time without prior notice.