Tester Matt Phillips appreciated the balanced ride quality of the Contend, writing that it felt both responsive and smooth. “The Contend’s frame is sharp and aggressive, with nice details like internal cable routing for a more elegant silhouette,” he wrote. “Rolling on tubeless-ready wheels, the Contend 3 can take up to 32mm tires—surprising for a rim-brake bike. Put on those big tires and you’ll get an even smoother ride on the road, and more control if you venture onto dirt roads.”
Phillips recommends the Contend for aspiring road riders seeking a balanced, confident ride. “The geometry favors a more upright position that’s easier on the body and provides a better view of everything in front of you,” he wrote. “The steering is tame and doesn’t feel nervous if you lay off the brakes and let it run. It’s a smooth-riding bike, too—surprisingly so, and ready to comfortably carry you on your first century.”
For more, check out the 2020 Bike Awards on Bicycling.com.
And for all the details on the Contend range, click here.