Giant Contend AR 2 vs Liv Avail AR 2: riding position?

The Giant Contend AR 2 sits you more upright (1.55 stack-to-reach against 1.52). The Liv Avail AR 2 is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.

Giant Contend AR 2 vs Liv Avail AR 2: mudguards?

Only the Giant Contend AR 2 takes mudguards, which decides whether it can be your winter bike.

Giant Contend AR 2 vs Liv Avail AR 2

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 68%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.

Giant

Contend AR 2

71% for a typical rider

£1,399 at Brand website

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Liv

Avail AR 2

68% for a typical rider

£1,399 at Brand website

✓ Checked *

What actually separates them

Riding position: The Giant Contend AR 2 sits you more upright (1.55 stack-to-reach against 1.52). The Liv Avail AR 2 is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
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	Avail AR 2
Price	£1,399	£1,399
Weight	10.2 kg	10.3 kg
Frame	alloy	alloy
Groupset	Shimano Tiagra 2x10 mechanical	Shimano Tiagra 2x10
Stack / reach	1.55	1.52
Tyre clearance	38 mm	38 mm
Lowest gear	27 in	27 in
Mudguard mounts	Yes	No
Comfort	69	64
Speed	29	31
Climbing	44	43
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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