Liv presents the Pique Advanced SL, its new flagship for cross-country racing. The new Pique Advanced SL has already been tried and tested in competition and took first place in its first races at the World Cup final of the season with Tyler Jacobs in Lake Placid (USA) and third place with Ronja Blöchlinger in Mont-Sainte-Anne (Canada).
Lightweight carbon frame with Advanced SL technology
The new Pique Advanced SL has a completely newly developed carbon frame which, according to the manufacturer, is the lightest carbon frame Liv has ever developed. The frame construction is said to offer an outstanding stiffness-to-weight ratio, which means that every pedal stroke is converted into propulsion almost effortlessly. The Advanced SL technology, which was previously only used on Liv racing bikes and triathlon bikes, is now finding its way into the manufacturer's mountain bike range for the first time. Highly modular carbon fibre material is processed in the Giant Group's in-house composite factory.
The frame is constructed using a one-piece moulding process in which the main frame is manufactured as one continuous piece. This eliminates internal seams and superfluous material, reduces the overall weight of the frame and at the same time ensures exceptional torsional rigidity and precision when riding.
FlexPoint Pro suspension system for maximum efficiency
The Pique Advanced SL is equipped with the revised FlexPoint Pro suspension system, which was specially developed for cross-country use and dispenses with unnecessary bearing points. The suspension system works with an upper rocker arm made of Advanced Forged Composite, a high-pressure moulded carbon fibre component that is said to be lighter, stiffer and more stable than an aluminium version. The kinematics of the system have been revised and utilise a lower gear ratio at the beginning of the travel to create a firmer pedal platform without compromising sensitivity on small bumps. This should ensure efficient acceleration, even traction and active control off-road.
Customisable geometry and sophisticated integration
A special feature of the Pique Advanced SL is the integrated flip chip, which makes it possible to adjust the frame geometry and adapt the handling to your own riding style and terrain. The high setting provides a steeper steering and seat angle and raises the bottom bracket, while the low setting flattens the angles and lowers the bottom bracket to offer more stability and confidence at high speeds and on technical descents. This allows riders to optimise the bike for the route in question.
The Pique Advanced SL also has an integrated cockpit with fully internally routed cables for a clean, race-orientated setup. Depending on the model, the bike is equipped with the carbon Contact SLR XC or the aluminium Contact SL XC handlebar stem system. Both have a width of 780 millimetres, a stem angle of -8 degrees, a backsweep of 9 degrees and an upsweep of 2 degrees. The 780 millimetre width is designed to offer secure control on technical routes and can be easily shortened if required.
Wheels and components as an integrated system
The Giant XCR and XCA wheel systems and tyres are designed to offer improved efficiency, comfort and control in a user-friendly and reliable system. The hookless rims with an inner width of 30 millimetres and robust 5 millimetre rounded sidewalls are designed to allow lower tyre pressures for better traction and less punctures.
The hubs are equipped with a toothed disc freewheel, a 10-degree helical interface between the hub and ratchet rings that provides smooth, consistent power transmission while reducing stress on internal components. The 120-tooth helical ratchet rings deliver a quick 3-degree engagement for instant response and precise power transfer.
Model variants and equipment
The Pique Advanced SL is available in various equipment variants. The range extends from the Pique Advanced SL frameset in Nebula/Black to the Pique Advanced SL 2 in Dreamy Blue/Black and the Pique Advanced SL SE in Stella Purple/Electric Rose to the Pique Advanced SL 3 in Deep Cove/Sea Sparkle. All models are based on the same Advanced SL carbon frame, which, according to Liv weight comparisons, is 85.1 grams lighter than its predecessor, the Pique Advanced 29, and 66.8 grams lighter than the current Specialized S-Works Epic 8.
Bottle holder and practical details
The sizes S, M and L offer space for a second water bottle with integrated attachment points on the seat tube, providing more options for hydration on long cross-country rides and marathon events. The XS size has room for a single 750 millilitre bottle and makes optimal use of the available space. For mounting a computer or GPS device, a slim mount integrated into the one-piece handlebar stem keeps the device centred, secure and easy to read for an uncluttered, streamlined cockpit.
Technical specifications:
Pique Advanced SL:
- Frame: Advanced SL-Grade Composite
- Front suspension travel: 120 mm
- Rear suspension travel: 120 mm
- Suspension system: FlexPoint Pro
- Steering angle (low position): 67 degrees
- Steering angle (high position): 66.5 degrees
- Seat angle (low position): 75.5 degrees
- Seat angle (high position): 76 degrees
- Bottom bracket drop (low position): 51 mm
- Bottom bracket drop (high position): 45 mm
- Chainstays: 437 mm (low), 435 mm (high)
Pique Advanced SL Frameset:
- Colour: Nebula/Black
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L
- 3699 Euro
Pique Advanced SL 2:
- Colour: Dreamy Blue/Black
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L
- 5499 Euro
Pique Advanced SL SE:
- Colour: Stella Purple/Electric Rose
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L
- 12499 Euro
Pique Advanced SL 3:
- Colour: Deep Cove/Sea Sparkle
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L
- 4499 Euro
Frame geometry in (size M, low position):
- Top tube length: 594 mm
- Head tube length: 105 mm
- Wheelbase: 1162 mm
- Stack: 616 mm
- Reach: 435 mm
- Protrusion height: 765 mm
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
- Stem length: 70 mm
- Crank arm length: 170 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch (front and rear)
