New Used Bike Day! Giant Contend 3 for $100!
12-24-23, 04:09 PM
#1
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New Used Bike Day! Giant Contend 3 for $100!
Yeah I know it's pretty entry level. But it is amazing to me how much better this feels than the Steel Raleigh Capri I bought. 22 pounds vs 32 pounds for starters. Average 2.5 mph faster in the same route. STI is nice to have again.
Oddly, this is a "large" which I thought would be my size as I am 5'10. Apparently Giant makes a medium/large for my height. This is supposed to be for someone 6 ft to 6'2 according to their website. But it seems to fit me fine. Because of the downsloping top tube I can straddle it ok and my legs are extended without being hyper extended. Maybe I just prefer "too big" bikes I dunno.
I'm actually missing the turkey levers, believe it or not. I like being able to apply brakes with my hands on the top of the handlebars. The bars seem rotated up too much which makes riding the hoods a little uncomfortable.
Altogether I'm pretty happy with it. Really don't feel like I'd want to replace anything on it short of a higher quality bike.
Oddly, this is a "large" which I thought would be my size as I am 5'10. Apparently Giant makes a medium/large for my height. This is supposed to be for someone 6 ft to 6'2 according to their website. But it seems to fit me fine. Because of the downsloping top tube I can straddle it ok and my legs are extended without being hyper extended. Maybe I just prefer "too big" bikes I dunno.
I'm actually missing the turkey levers, believe it or not. I like being able to apply brakes with my hands on the top of the handlebars. The bars seem rotated up too much which makes riding the hoods a little uncomfortable.
Altogether I'm pretty happy with it. Really don't feel like I'd want to replace anything on it short of a higher quality bike.
12-24-23, 06:29 PM
#2
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I say that Contend was a bargain. The frame makes a nice platform for future upgrades if your riding warrants it. Without them the bike is still very capable.
12-25-23, 07:09 AM
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12-25-23, 07:20 AM
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$100? At that price you should consider paying a shop to have a set of in-line "interruptor" levers installed. They install on the flat part of the handlebar, between the main brake lever and the caliper, so you can go back to braking while sitting upright. (Edit: they also allow adjustment of brake cable tension while riding.)
Image from a Park Tool page describing in-line levers:
Image from a Park Tool page describing in-line levers:
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12-25-23, 08:08 AM
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12-25-23, 10:57 AM
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$100? At that price you should consider paying a shop to have a set of in-line "interruptor" levers installed. They install on the flat part of the handlebar, between the main brake lever and the caliper, so you can go back to braking while sitting upright. (Edit: they also allow adjustment of brake cable tension while riding.)
Image from a Park Tool page describing in-line levers:
Image from a Park Tool page describing in-line levers:
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12-25-23, 01:24 PM
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They showed up first on cyclocross bikes, I'm pretty sure. XC bikes continue to be ultra-cool, especially since they're not endurance bikes, so you'd be golden!
12-25-23, 04:09 PM
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For $100 I would have bought that bike even if it didn't fit me. I'd keep it around as a loaner, tune it up and sell it for profit, or anything. Even if this ends up being your back up or rain bike, it was a bargain.
The main concern here would be if the reach ends up too long, but even then you might be able to solve that with a shorter stem. You can also move the saddle forward, get narrower bars, or get shorter cranks if needed. The bike may feel a tad sluggish for handling, or that could just be perceived by you as more "stable". At any rate, if you like riding it, keep going!
Oddly, this is a "large" which I thought would be my size as I am 5'10. Apparently Giant makes a medium/large for my height. This is supposed to be for someone 6 ft to 6'2 according to their website. But it seems to fit me fine. Because of the downsloping top tube I can straddle it ok and my legs are extended without being hyper extended. Maybe I just prefer "too big" bikes I dunno.
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It's like riding a bicycle
It's like riding a bicycle
12-26-23, 05:41 AM
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That's a really big purchase. Huge if I'm reading it correctly.
12-26-23, 09:23 AM
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That didn't last long.
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12-26-23, 09:54 AM
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12-26-23, 10:01 AM
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Take the shame!
(Just kidding. I've waited for an opportunity to use that ever since hearing it in a Catherine Tate Show skit years ago.)
(Just kidding. I've waited for an opportunity to use that ever since hearing it in a Catherine Tate Show skit years ago.)
12-26-23, 10:55 AM
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Glad you are feeling better today! 
12-26-23, 11:47 AM
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If I was closer, I might be interested. How does the OP know it's fast?
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12-26-23, 07:42 PM
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12-26-23, 10:17 PM
#16
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A new Giant Contend 3, even at its full asking price of $1,190 CDN makes a fine road bike for everyday cycling and comuting. So even if you spent $200 - $300 on the bike to make it more comfortable, it would be worth every cent. Yes, You did well if the bike is in good working order and low mileage.
I really like that it does not use hydraulic brakes.
I really like that it does not use hydraulic brakes.
12-27-23, 02:35 AM
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A new Giant Contend 3, even at its full asking price of $1,190 CDN makes a fine road bike for everyday cycling and comuting. So even if you spent $200 - $300 on the bike to make it more comfortable, it would be worth every cent. Yes, You did well if the bike is in good working order and low mileage.
I really like that it does not use hydraulic brakes.
I really like that it does not use hydraulic brakes.
12-27-23, 07:39 AM
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12-27-23, 10:18 AM
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Fair enough. My experience of hydraulics is relatively short-lived, maybe 3-4 years, so perhaps I have some big pita to look forward to.
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