A Women Cyclist’s Guide to Liv Road Bikes
Liv is the sister brand of Taiwan-based, Giant. It was founded in 2008 by Bonnie Tu, the Giant Bicycle Group chairperson who is also known as the most powerful woman in cycling.
The unique thing about Liv is not only their bikes and apparel are for women only, but they’re also designed and made by women. The entire organization is led by women who are cyclists themselves. This gives Liv the upper hand in understanding the needs of women cyclists and developing a bike that meets those needs.
And in recent years, the Liv brand has gone from strength to strength especially with their own women racing team in the highest levels of pro cycling.
Liv Road Bikes in Pro Racing
Liv is the title sponsor of its own professional women cycling team, Liv Racing. The team is based in the Netherlands and has been around since 2005 under various names such as Rabobank (2012), Rabobank-Liv (2014), WM3 (2017,) WaowDeals Pro Cycling (2018), CCC Liv Team (2019).
Marianne Vos who’s considered among the best women cyclists of her generation has won many races in the road and cyclocross disciplines riding a Liv bike.
Liv Road Bikes Line Up
Liv’s naming is very streamlined and easy to understand. There are the Langma (all-rounder), Enviliv (aero), and Avail (endurance) models. Within each model, the Advanced Pro sits atop, followed by the Advanced. Aluminum frames are denoted with AR.
All carbon frames use the same Advanced-Grade composite carbon, unlike other brands which have several carbon grades depending on the hierarchy. The main difference between each model lies in the choice of groupset and wheels.
Read More : SRAM eTap vs Shimano Di2 – Which is Better?
| Model | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Langma | All-rounder race bike | $2,000 to $6,100 |
| Enviliv | Aero race bike | $3,800 to $7,000 |
| Avail | Endurance bike | $820 to $6,300 |
Liv Langma
The Langma is an all-rounder race bike best suited for climbs and rolling terrains.
The compact frame design with a sloping top tube offers women cyclists a better fit and precise handling in the corners. All Langma models are made from the same Advanced-Grade carbon fiber with the difference between models lie in the groupset, wheels, and components.
There are four frame sizes (XS, S, M, L) for riders between 5’ (153cm) to 6’ (182cm). For the smallest size XS, it comes with a 165mm crankarm length and up to 172.5mm for size L. Handlebar widths range from 360mm to 420mm (20mm increments), with stem from 80mm to 110mm in 10mm increments.
- Langma Advanced Pro ($4,950 / $6,100) – Shimano Ultegra R8000 / Ultegra Di2
- Langma Advanced ($2,650 / $3,700) – Shimano 105 R7000 / Ultegra R8000
- Langma Advanced 2 ($2,000) – Shimano 105 R7000 (rim brake)
Our Value Pick : Liv Langma Advanced with Shimano Ultegra R8000 ($3,700)
Liv Enviliv
The Enviliv is all about maximizing aerodynamics and speed on the flats especially for the sprinters. All cables are internally routed through an integrated cockpit to achieve a very clean front end and sleek look.
Both Enviliv models use Liv’s top-of-the-line carbon technology, the Advanced-Grade composite, and are disc only. They come with the in-house brand, Giant SLR 1 Aero wheels with 42mm (front) and 65mm (rear) depth.
Unlike the Langma, the Enviliv is only available in three sizes (XS, S, and M) for riders from 5’ (152cm) to 5’ 9” (176cm). Taller riders might want to consider the Giant Propel instead.
- Enviliv Advanced Pro Disc ($3,800 / $7,000) – Shimano 105 R7000 / SRAM Force eTap AXS
Our Value Pick : Liv Enviliv Advanced Pro Disc with SRAM Force eTap AXS ($7,000)
Liv Avail
The Avail is designed for long endurance rides with the main focus on comfort. This translates into less aggressive geometry compared to Enviliv and Langma.
For the same size, the Avail has a higher stack and shorter reach, putting the rider in a more upright position. It’s available in four frame sizes for riders from 5’ (153cm) to 6’ (182cm).
The Avail Advanced Pro and Advanced use the Advanced-Composite Grade carbon and Avail AR and Avail 3 are aluminum frames. All models are disc only except for the Avail 3, which sits at the bottom with a Shimano Claris 8-speed groupset.
- Avail Advanced Pro ($4,550 / $6,300) – Shimano Ultegra R8000 / SRAM Force eTap AXS
- Avail Advanced ($2,650 / $3,500) – Shimano 105 R7000 / Shimano Ultegra R8000
- Avail AR ($1,000 / $1,300 / $1,800) – Shimano Claris / Sora / 105
- Avail 3 ($820) – Shimano Claris
Our Value Pick : Liv Avail Advanced with Shimano Ultegra R8000 ($3,500)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Liv’s warranty?
Liv bikes come with a lifetime warranty on the frame and fork for the original owner. The paint and all Giant branded components are covered under a one-year warranty.
How are Liv's bikes different from other brands?
Liv’s bikes are women-specific. This means that the bikes are available in small sizes for riders from 5′ (152cm) and up. The bikes come with shorter crankarms, compact cranksets, narrower handlebars, shorter stems, and women-specific saddles among others.
Read More : 5 Major Differences Between Men and Women’s Road Bikes
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