Giant Contend AR 2 vs Cube Attain SLX
Both are endurance bikes at a similar price. Here is what actually separates them.
The short answer
For a typical all-round rider the Giant Contend AR 2 comes out ahead (71% against 69%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.
What actually separates them
- Price
- The Giant Contend AR 2 is £100 cheaper — £1,399 against £1,499.
- Weight
- The Cube Attain SLX is 0.3kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
- Riding position
- The Giant Contend AR 2 sits you more upright (1.55 stack-to-reach against 1.51). The Cube Attain SLX is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
- Tyre clearance
- The Giant Contend AR 2 takes 38mm tyres against 33mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
- Mudguards
- Only the Giant Contend AR 2 takes mudguards, which decides whether it can be your winter bike.
Side by side
| Spec | Contend AR 2 | Attain SLX |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,399 | £1,499 |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 9.9 kg |
| Frame | alloy | alloy |
| Groupset | Shimano Tiagra 2x10 mechanical | Shimano 105 R7120 2x12 mechanical |
| Stack / reach | 1.55 | 1.51 |
| Tyre clearance | 38 mm | 33 mm |
| Lowest gear | 27 in | 27 in |
| Mudguard mounts | Yes | No |
| Comfort | 69 | 62 |
| Speed | 29 | 37 |
| Climbing | 44 | 48 |
| Value | 37 | 35 |
Neither might be the right answer
This page assumes an average rider. Tell us how you actually ride and we will rank these two against everything else at the price.
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