GIANT CONTEND 2

£575

The least expensive road bike from the world’s biggest producer of high-end bicycles looks the part, with a wellfinished compact frame, carbon fork with oversize steerer and a raft of Giant’s own kit. There are mudguard fittings but clearances would be tight even with 25mm rubber. Your extra cash saves you nearly a kilo in weight.

It’s Shimano Claris for Giant, with STI shifters, eight-speed cassette and FSA compact chainset. The non-cartridge Tektro brakes are okay without being inspiring, and the tyres came up a tad narrower than 25mm. It only has a double chainset, but thanks to the 32-tooth sprocket it has a lower bottom gear, handy for both new and older riders.

In the Contend, Giant has created a fine first road bike. The compact frame is comfortable enough for long, challenging days in the saddle, though you might need to invest in some clip-on mudguards for year-round riding.

As with a lot of budget bikes we’d upgrade to non-cartridge blocks when they wear out, but everything else is fine, including the contact points and (slightly narrow) tyres.