LIV Avail: The next generation of endurance racing bikes for women

The LIV Avail has been available since 2008 - 15 years ago - and is considered a classic. The last update was for the 2020 model year, which has now led to the introduction of the fifth generation of the road bike. LIV offers the Avail in two lines: the Avail Advanced Pro and Avail Advanced series. We take a look at the improvements to the bike as announced by LIV, a subsidiary of Giant.

Above all, a new model has changes to the main part of the bike: the frame. This is also the case with the LIV Avail Advanced. The frame and forks of both series have been made lighter, but at the same time stiffer.

Flexibility is an important focus of the Avail Advanced series. The frameset is equipped with ultra-thin, lowered seat stays that have been specially developed for vertical flexibility. This is designed to effectively reduce shocks and vibrations from the rear wheel. In addition, the newly designed fork - available in either Advanced SL or Advanced Carbon - provides damping for the front wheel.

Improved D-Fuse components have also been used. The Liv Contact SLR and SL D-Fuse handlebar models have been specially developed to meet the needs of women's hands. They are characterised by ergonomically shaped, D-shaped tubes and an 8-degree flare.

Furthermore, the D-Fuse SLR and SL seatposts have a flexibility of up to 7 mm to absorb bumps in the road surface.

In 2008, the Avail marked a significant step in Liv's commitment to developing high-performance road bikes for women. It wasn't just a smaller, 'prettier' version of a men's bike; we started from scratch to optimise every detail - from the frame geometry to the choice of components. - Meg Hung, Global Liv On-Road Category Manager

Excursus: D-Fuse explained

D-Fuse technology was first introduced in 2014 to improve shock absorption and vibration reduction on professional cyclocross bikes. The aim was to make the riding experience more comfortable on different routes. The technology is based on a "D-shaped" tube with a round front and a flattened rear section. By using D-Fuse handlebars and seatposts at key contact points, LIV/Giant aims to increase flexibility without adding extra weight through complicated mechanisms or more material. The current models of D-Fuse handlebars, such as the LIV Avail Advanced, are said to be up to 40 per cent more flexible and lighter compared to the previous generation.

LIV Avail Advanced: Tubeless on up to 38 mm tyres on the road

The Avail Advanced Pro frameset is the top model in the LIV series and weighs - according to the manufacturer - 128.4 grams less than its predecessor. Giant has carried out internal tests which show that the stiffness in relation to the weight has been improved by 30 per cent. According to LIV, there is also a weight reduction of 104.9 grams in the Avail Advanced series and an increase in efficiency of around 16 per cent compared to the previous generation.

The new LIV Avail Advanced range now offers tubeless wheels and large-volume 32 mm tubeless tyres at a slightly lower price. They also allow the use of tyres with a width of up to 38 mm. The Avail Advanced Pro series even comes with wide, hookless carbon rims with a rim depth of 36 mm.

The LIV Avail Advanced series also presents two new stems: the Contact SL AeroLight and the Contact AeroLight. Both are made from a lightweight alloy and have an aerodynamic shape. In addition, they have internal cable routing to ensure a slim cockpit that is easy to maintain.

All models of the new LIV Avail Advanced Endurance bikes are available in sizes XXS, XS, S, M and L.

Prices and availability

LIV Avail Advanced Pro 0: 6,499 euros - from 01/2024

LIV Avail Advanced Pro 1: 4,999 euros - from 11/2023

LIV Avail Advanced 1: 3,699 euros - from 10/2023

LIV Avail Advanced 2: 2,899 euros - from 10/2023

Liv Avail Advanced - Details about the road bike

1. Advanced carbon fibre frame: The frame is manufactured in-house at Giant, LIV's parent company, from high-quality carbon fibre. The front frame triangle is created from a single piece using a special manufacturing process called "Modified Monocoque Construction".
   
2. The specially developed oversized steerer tube ensures precise steering. It has oversized headset bearings (1-1/4" at the bottom and 1-1/8" at the top) made of stainless steel.
   
3. The D-FUSE seatpost from Giant is an in-house production with a D-shaped carbon shaft. This effectively dampens road vibrations without the need for additional mechanics or special inserts.
   
4. The CONTACT SL D-FUSE carbon handlebar from the LIV Avail series was specially designed for female riders and is characterised by its D-shaped tubes. It also offers increased tensile stiffness to enable more efficient sprints and climbs.
   
5. The shift and brake cables are routed internally in the CONTACT AEROLIGHT carbon stem for an aerodynamic cockpit.
   
6. The bottom bracket area is larger than normal with a width of 86 mm. The asymmetrical chainstays provide additional stiffness on the drive side and stability on the opposite side.
   
7. The bicycle frame and fork of the LIV Avail Advanced have been specially developed to accommodate disc brakes with 12 mm thru axles at the front and rear.
   
8. The LIV Avail Advanced comes with two water bottle holders on board.
   
9. Three mounts for Garmin, Wahoo and Giant computers are also included. It is also possible to attach a GoPro camera and light.
   
10. The frame is equipped with mudguard mounts - but the mudguards have to be purchased separately.
    
11. The frame offers space for tyres with a width of up to 38 mm.

Liv Avail Advanced Pro - Details about the road bike

In addition to the above-mentioned features of the Liv Avail Advanced, the Pro version also has the following:

1. The ADVANCED SL carbon fork is made by the manufacturer from particularly high-performance carbon fibre. This optimises the strength, stiffness and steering precision to enable improved control and responsiveness.
   
2. The D-shaped OVERDRIVE AERO steerer tube and the corresponding spacers ensure an aerodynamic system with internally routed brake and shift cables that is easy to maintain.
   
3. The company's own D-FUSE SLR/SL seatposts also have a D-shaped carbon shaft that absorbs vibrations.
   
4. The lightweight LIV CONTACT SLR/SL D-FUSE carbon handlebar is not only said to be 40 % more flexible than its predecessor, but also has increased tensile stiffness.