Giant Contend AR 3 vs Dolan RDX Aluminium Disc - Shimano 105 R7120
Both are endurance bikes at a similar price. Here is what actually separates them.
The short answer
For a typical all-round rider the Dolan RDX Aluminium Disc - Shimano 105 R7120 comes out ahead (75% 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 3 is £101 cheaper — £1,099 against £1,200.
- Weight
- The Dolan RDX Aluminium Disc - Shimano 105 R7120 is 1.0kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
- Riding position
- The Giant Contend AR 3 sits you more upright (1.55 stack-to-reach against 1.53). The Dolan RDX Aluminium Disc - Shimano 105 R7120 is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
- Tyre clearance
- The Giant Contend AR 3 takes 38mm tyres against 35mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
Side by side
| Spec | Contend AR 3 | RDX Aluminium Disc - Shimano 105 R7120 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,099 | £1,200 |
| Weight | 10.8 kg | 9.8 kg |
| Frame | alloy | alloy |
| Groupset | Shimano CUES U3030 2x10 mechanical | Shimano 105 R7120 mechanical |
| Stack / reach | 1.55 | 1.53 |
| Tyre clearance | 38 mm | 35 mm |
| Lowest gear | 26 in | 27 in |
| Mudguard mounts | Yes | Yes |
| Comfort | 72 | 51 |
| Speed | 20 | 42 |
| Climbing | 40 | 49 |
| Value | 50 | 60 |
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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