Giant Contend 1 2024 Road Bike

The Giant Contend 1 (2024) is an entry-level road bike with an ALUXX aluminium frame and carbon fork, Shimano Sora 2x9 (18-speed) shifting with a 34/50T crankset and 11-34T cassette, Tektro TK-B177 caliper brakes and 700x28c tyres. Its shorter top tube gives a more upright position, which suits riders new to drop-bar road bikes.

Key highlights

• Category: Aluminium entry-level road bike (Giant category: All-Rounder), rim brakes, mechanical shifting
• Brand: Giant (Taiwan), Contend range, 2024 model year; Jollymap colour Red (Giant Taiwan colourway: Sangria)
• Frame and fork: ALUXX-grade aluminium frame; Advanced-grade composite fork with full-composite OverDrive steerer
• Groupset: Shimano Sora 2x9 (18-speed), 34/50T crankset with Shimano CS-HG400 11-34T cassette
• Brakes: Tektro TK-B177 caliper brakes with Shimano Sora levers
• Wheels and tyres: Giant S-R3 alloy wheelset, Giant S-R3-AC 700x28c tyres (30mm actual width); fender mounts
• Best for: A first drop-bar road bike, flat-road training or commuting, and new riders who want a more upright position

Competitive performance

Building on the compact road frame geometry pioneered by Giant, the aluminium frame keeps enough stiffness while saving weight. The Giant D-Fuse seatpost (alloy, 14mm offset) absorbs shocks and reduces fatigue.

Versatile gearing

According to Giant, the 34T low gear makes climbs easier to tackle. The bike comes on 700x28c tyres, so you can ride with confidence even when the road surface gets rough.

Confident handling

A shorter top tube gives a more upright riding position. Giant says this helps riders who are new to drop-bar road bikes feel more secure and confident in their handling.

Who is it for?

The Contend 1 suits new riders who want to start road cycling on a drop-bar bike and mainly ride on roads or flat cycle tracks. If you often meet rough surfaces, want wider tyres, or prefer disc brakes for wet weather, compare the 2024 Giant Contend AR 3 2024 Road Bike, which has mechanical disc brakes and 38mm tyre clearance.

Sizing guide and geometry

Jollymap offers this bike in XS, S, M and M/L. Use Giant Taiwan's official recommended rider heights and key geometry below as a starting point:

Sizes are for reference only and available sizes may vary by country or region; riders whose arm or leg length is out of proportion to their height may need a different size. Source: Giant Taiwan official product page (2024 model).

Full specifications

Brand / model	Giant Contend 1 (2024 model year)
Frame	ALUXX-grade aluminium
Fork	Advanced-grade composite, full-composite OverDrive steerer
Shifters	Shimano Sora (2x9)
Front / rear derailleur	Shimano Sora
Brakes	Tektro TK-B177 caliper; Shimano Sora brake levers
Crankset	Shimano Sora, 34/50T (crank length: XS/S 170mm, M/ML 172.5mm)
Cassette	Shimano CS-HG400, 11-34T
Chain	KMC X9
Bottom bracket	Cartridge
Wheels	Giant S-R3 alloy wheelset; Giant alloy hubs; stainless spokes
Tyres	Giant S-R3-AC, 700x28c (30mm actual width)
Handlebar	Giant Connect (width: XS/S 40cm, M/ML 42cm); Velo cork tape
Stem	Giant Sport (length: XS 80mm, S 90mm, M 100mm, M/L 110mm; Giant's geometry table lists 100mm for M/L)
Seatpost	Giant D-Fuse, alloy, 14mm offset
Saddle	Giant Approach
Extras	Fender mounts
Colour (Jollymap)	Red
Sizes (Jollymap)	XS, S, M, M/L

Specification source: Giant Taiwan official product page (giant-bicycles.com), Contend 1 (2024 model year). Giant reserves the right to change product information; parts may vary by batch, so please check with us before ordering.

How the Contend 1 compares

Below we compare the Contend 1 with the 2024 Contend AR 3 and with the carbon endurance Defy Advanced 2 listed in our shop:

Source: Giant official product pages (Contend 1 2024 on Giant Taiwan, Contend AR 3 2024 on Giant UK, Defy Advanced 2 2026).

Jollymap's advice

If you are new to road cycling and mostly ride on flat roads, the Contend 1's upright position and 34/50T with 11-34T gearing help you build confidence. Not sure whether S or M fits? Find out about Jollymap's size fitting and bike fit service, or chat with us or message our Facebook page before ordering, with your height, inseam and usual routes.

FAQ

How much does the Giant Contend 1 weigh?

Giant does not publish a weight for the 2024 Contend 1. Giant Taiwan says the most accurate weight comes from actually weighing the bike, as weight varies with frame size and components; Giant Japan's 2025 Contend 1 page also leaves the weight blank.

Has the Giant Contend been discontinued?

We have found nothing to suggest the Contend range has been discontinued. This page is the 2024 model; Giant Taiwan and Giant Japan already list a 2025 Contend 1, and Giant USA and Giant Australia list a 2025 Contend AR 3. Colours and some parts can differ between model years, so please check with us before ordering.

What are the Contend 1 specs?

The 2024 Contend 1 has an ALUXX aluminium frame, Advanced-grade composite fork, Shimano Sora 2x9 (18-speed) shifting, a 34/50T crankset with 11-34T cassette, Tektro TK-B177 caliper brakes, Giant S-R3 wheels and 700x28c tyres. See the full specification table above for every part.

Does the Contend 1 have disc brakes?

No. The 2024 Contend 1 uses Tektro TK-B177 caliper brakes with Shimano Sora levers. If you want disc brakes, the 2024 Contend AR 3 has Tektro MD-C550 mechanical disc brakes.

Which Contend 1 size should I choose?

Start with Giant's official height guide: XS 157–169 cm, S 165–175 cm, M 171–181 cm, M/L 177–187 cm. If you fall between two sizes, compare the stack and reach figures, or use Jollymap's size fitting service before deciding.

What is the maximum tyre size for the Contend 1?

Giant Taiwan's spec table lists a 28mm maximum, and the bike already ships on 700x28c tyres. The feature text on the same page mentions tyres up to 32mm, so the two do not agree; please check with us before ordering if you want wider tyres.

Is the Contend 1 good for climbing?

It handles everyday climbs well. Giant says the 34T low gear makes climbs easier, and pairing the 34T small chainring with the 34T largest cog on the 11-34T cassette gives a 1:1 lowest gear.

What is the difference between the Contend 1 and the Contend AR 3?

Brakes and tyre clearance. The Contend 1 uses Tektro TK-B177 caliper brakes and ships on 700x28c tyres; the Contend AR 3 uses Tektro MD-C550 mechanical disc brakes with 12mm thru-axles, ships on 700x32c tyres and takes up to 38mm. Both share an ALUXX aluminium frame, carbon fork and Shimano Sora 2x9 drivetrain.

Specifications and components follow the manufacturer's latest release and may change without notice. If in doubt, please contact us to confirm before ordering.

Last updated: October 2026