BEST BEGINNER ROAD BIKE

GIANT CONTEND 3

PRICE: R10 245 / GIANT-BICYCLES.COM

YOU’VE SEEN THOSE GUYS, AT THE RED LIGHTS.

Actually, you’ve probably seen them riding right through the red lights, all in matching kit with reflective glasses hiding their faces, as their R100k carbon bikes and R5k carbon-soled shoes clickclack expensively down the road.

Don’t tell them, but this alloy-framed bike performs nearly as well, even though it only costs as much as one of their wheels…

Road riding is all about efficiency. Yes, you can get a bike that does everything, like the Rook Scout on p78, but if you want to ride relatively far and fast on tarred roads, you should get a bike that’s been built for that purpose.

The Contend has a beautiful, lightweight aluminium frame, with geometry that offers a comfortable, relatively upright riding position that shouldn’t be too jarring for a newcomer, and a snappy rear end borrowed from the big-brother TCR for instant acceleration and better handling.

Components are entry level but durable, and not as weighty as you’d think. The Shimano Claris 2x8 drivetrain with a 50/34t crankset and 11-34t cassette offers plenty of range for conquering flats as well as hills, and if you squint a bit you could easily confuse the Claris shifters with much more expensive 105 or Ultegra.

The Tektro rim brakes stop the bike efficiently, the alloy wheels get up to speed without fuss, and the 28mm Giant tyres are on trend, offering a bit of extra suppleness and grip. All in, a mediumsize Contend weighs about 10kg.

Road riding in South Africa is so often confused with road racing. Which is a shame, because there’s so much joy to be had cruising your neighbourhood streets, climbing hills for fun and not just for Strava, and seeking out the best coffee shops as far from your house as you dare.

This is where the Contend excels. It also comes in six sizes, so you’re guaranteed to find a perfect fit – whether you’re built like Danny Devito or Dwayne Johnson.