For all female bikers who were bothered by the overly feminine top tube of the Liv Intrigue, good news first: the low step-through is gone. The two new women's models from Liv now also have a sporty look. Both frames have been specially trimmed to women's dimensions according to the Global Body Index and the high-end version is equipped with high-quality components. The multiple World Cup winner Leigh Donovan and the former cross-country racer Lindsey Voreis were among those involved in the development of these two mountain bikes for women. We flew to Sedona in Arizona and were able to test the two lady MTBs on the Red Rock trails.
Liv Pique replaces the Lust
The new Liv Pique has been given 20 millimetres more travel at the front and rear. The new 120 millimetres of travel is aimed at aggressive cross-country and trail bikers who also venture into rougher terrain. Another new feature is the carbon rocker arm, which was manufactured using a high-pressure moulding process. Not only does it weigh half as much as its aluminium predecessor, it is also said to be 50 percent stiffer. The revised Maestro rear triangle is a perfect match. The chainstays have been shortened and the centre of gravity lowered thanks to the so-called trunnion mount of the shock. The advantages: improved efficiency and agility.
Details/equipment: Liv Pique Advanced 1
Frame: Carbon main frame/aluminium rear triangle
Sizes: XS, S, M, L
Fork: Fox Float CTD Factory, 120mm, FIT4/120 mm
Damper: Fox Float Factory/120 mm
Circuit: 1x11 Shimano Deore XT
Brake: Shimano Deore XT, 160 mm discs
Impellers: 27.5''/Carbon
HubBoost Hub Spacing
Handlebars: 750 mm/aluminium
Price: 4299 Euro
The Pique is available in six different versions, the Pique SX/Advanced SX also with a 140-millimetre fork. The cheapest aluminium model, the Pique 3, is available from 2099 euros.
First test ride with the Liv Pique Advanced 1
As soon as you set up the suspension, it becomes clear that the Pique is a lightweight. According to Liv, it weighs 11.5 kilos in size S without pedals. So it's a real racing bike and we set off on Sedona's "The Chuckwagon" trail. The trail leads up and down through the red rocks of Arizona. The ground changes from sandy to rocky. Uphill ramps interspersed with steps are followed by fast combinations of bends downhill - in which loose sand or loose rubble can sometimes lurk.
There is not much time to roll in on the Chuckwagon Trail. The first ramp, which is interspersed with pavement-high edges, awaits right at the start. Lower the seatpost slightly and head up the climb with a flourish. The fork irons out smaller edges, while larger ones can be avoided in a flash thanks to the steep steering angle. The bike follows the slightest steering input. This is particularly noticeable on downhill sections. As long as you keep your centre of gravity in the middle of the bike and actively give it the spurs, the Pique does exactly what you tell it to. It's as stiff and efficient as a hardtail, except that the suspension makes the bumps in the rocky sections much softer and the traction uphill is correspondingly better.
The Pique just doesn't like riders without drive. Plagued by jet lag, my strength waned a little at the end of the lap and without active guidance, even an aggressive cross-country bike doesn't like to stay on track. The 70-degree head angle no longer feels agile, but rather nervous and unsettled. All in all, this is a bike that will certainly be a lot of fun on long climbs or marathons and is ideally equipped for moderately difficult trails.
The Liv Hail is coming for Intrigue
160 millimetres instead of 140 - that's a statement. The Hail is a real enduro MTB for women. The rocker arm and Maestro rear triangle are the same as on the Pique. Here too, pedalling energy is effectively converted into propulsion and the suspension travel is fully utilised. The Rock Shox Lyrik RCT3 can be lowered to 130 millimetres, which is particularly advantageous on steeper ramps.
Details/equipment Liv Hail Advanced 0
Frame: Carbon/aluminium
Sizes: XS, S, M, L
Fork: Rock Shox Lyrik RCT3 Dual Position, 130-160 mm travel
Damper: Rock Shox Deluxe RC3, 160 mm travel
Circuit: 1x12 Sram Eagle X01
Brake: Sram Guide Ultimate Carbon, 180 mm discs
Impellers: 27.5''/carbon rims
Hub: Boost Hub Spacing
Handlebars: 800 mm/carbon
Price: 6999 Euro
The Hail also comes in two carbon and two aluminium versions. It starts at 3199 euros.
First test ride with the Liv Hail Advanced 0
Sit on it and immediately feel comfortable. The M frame fits my height of 1.71 metres perfectly. The wide handlebars with short stem and slacker steering angle of 66 degrees immediately exude security and confidence. The test ride also starts on The Chuckwagon trail, with this same pavement-edge ramp. With the Hail, you can also hold on to the highest edges - which is of course less surprising with 160 millimetres of suspension travel than the fact that this bike also climbs uphill with ease. Even on longer climbs, there was no annoying bobbing to be felt, which is why I left the shock open for the entire trail ride. On the other hand, I was happy to accept the adjustable fork when the climbs got steeper.
Although a 66 mm steering angle is still relatively steep for an enduro MTB like the Liv Hail, I really liked it on this bike. It makes the bike manoeuvrable, especially in tight corners. Thanks to the high bottom bracket, the bike never sat up even in blocked passages. However, the disadvantage of the higher centre of gravity is that you have to apply a little more downforce in fast corners. All in all, the bike is ideal for women who want to tackle rocky descents without sacrificing performance on the climbs.
Further information is available from Manufacturer Giant
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
