E-road bike Liv Avail Advanced E+: How does a road bike with a motor ride?

Opinions are divided on the e-road bike. Humbug for some, a revelation, an enabler for others. To get our own opinion, we gave it a try. The road bike of choice was the recently presented Liv Avail Advanced E+. The e-road bike is designed for long distances and challenging climbs.

With tyres up to 38 millimetres wide, it also feels comfortable on poor roads or light gravel paths - or rather the rider feels comfortable on it because the bike rides comfortably. The hub motor in the rear wheel can assist with 30 Newton metres (Nm), which is comparable to 75 Nm of a mid-motor.

On the test lap with the e-road bike

Now just press the button on the top tube and you're ready to go. Starting off is much easier with the assistance at the lowest level. After the first acceleration, the e-drive kicks in and provides assistance until the Garmin display is at just under 27 km/h. After that, it becomes much more difficult and the motor stops working.

But my speed levels out exactly at the point where the engine switches between on and off, which is strange. "A bit like a stubborn horse," I think and have to smile. So I try to be either faster or slower.

I have to say that my choice of route was not ideal for the e-road bike test. The route was simply too flat. As long as the motor is supporting me, I don't have to exert myself much, but after that I do. And that's too much for me on a test day with a headache. But to stay warm, I need something in between. On climbs, the support is pleasant and I can pedal powerfully.

Conclusion: What it's like to ride an e-road bike

Due to the assistance up to just 25 km/h, I think that it needs to be on hilly to mountainous terrain for the bike to be really fun. When I think of group rides on flat terrain, I can already see myself with my tongue hanging out of my throat as I try to ride along, as the bike is considerably heavier than other road bikes at just under 13 kilograms. In hilly to mountainous terrain, I can imagine this happening much sooner. Then the e-road bike can be just that: a facilitator. - Sandra Schuberth, BIKE & TOUR editor

The Outfilt for the Early Bird Ride in November

An addendum to my test drive. It was cold in Munich in mid-November and the humidity was high. Unpleasant conditions can easily be distracting on the bike. On the e-road bike, appropriate clothing was therefore required in order to be able to concentrate fully on riding without freezing.

• Helmet: HJC Ibex 3 >> available here
• Jacket: Liv Cefira windbreaker, size S >> available here
• Trousers: Castelli Unlimited Cargo W DT Bibtight, size S >> available here
• Jersey: Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey, size S >> available here
• Baselayer: GripGrab Women's Ultralight Mesh Sleeveless Base Layer >> available here
• Sports bra: Anita Air Control >> available here
• Shoes: Fizik Tempo Beat, size 39
• Glasses: unfortunately forgot at home, which was not a good idea
• Gloves: No name >> Have a look here for warm gloves

A somewhat older but For a detailed report on what it's like to ride an E-road bike, check out this ride review of the Rose Reveal and Scott Contessa.