Giant Contend AR 2 vs Vitus Zenium CRS 105
Both are endurance bikes at a similar price. Here is what actually separates them.
The short answer
For a typical all-round rider the Vitus Zenium CRS 105 comes out ahead (82% against 71%). 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 £1 cheaper — £1,399 against £1,400.
- Weight
- The Vitus Zenium CRS 105 is 0.9kg 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 1.53). The Vitus Zenium CRS 105 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 32mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
Side by side
| Spec | Contend AR 2 | Zenium CRS 105 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,399 | £1,400 |
| Weight | 10.2 kg | 9.3 kg |
| Frame | alloy | carbon |
| Groupset | Shimano Tiagra 2x10 mechanical | Shimano 105 R7000 mechanical |
| Stack / reach | 1.55 | 1.53 |
| Tyre clearance | 38 mm | 32 mm |
| Lowest gear | 27 in | 27 in |
| Mudguard mounts | Yes | Yes |
| Comfort | 69 | 55 |
| Speed | 29 | 48 |
| Climbing | 44 | 56 |
| Value | 37 | 91 |
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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