In addition to the touching points saddle, grips and brake levers, Liv claims to have tuned the rear shock for a lighter weight. The shock in the Maestro rear triangle has been optimised for a body weight of around 65 kilos. A standard Fox 34 is fitted at the front and the geo is similar to its unisex counterpart Giant Trance (also in our trail bike test). All testers felt equally comfortable on the Liv, whether male or female - the Liv Intrigue positions the rider low on the bike. The short stroke of 140 millimetres at the front and 125 at the rear is immediately noticeable on the rather compact bike.
On the other hand, it develops a lot of pop on off-road jumps, playfulness and is particularly manoeuvrable through the turns when the trail hits hooks. The rather steep steering angle (slack setting) ensures a direct ride feel. However, when the trail gets rougher, the suspension of the Liv Intrigue bucks, is stingy with counter-pressure and even bottomed out - even on our lightweight tester Bella. In the downhill ranking, the bike therefore ends up in last place. On climbs, the rear end bobs significantly in open mode, but can be calmed down efficiently thanks to the three-stage compression damping.
STRENGTHS: Playful geometry, special touching points
WEAKNESSESChassis on the descent, narrow operating range, weight
Conclusion by Laurin Lehner, deputy FREERIDE editor-in-chief:
"The Liv Intrigue 1 is a compact, playful trail bike. It has a slopestyle feeling on built park descents. On rough terrain, the Liv has too little reserves. Narrow range of use."
Technical data and notes Liv Intrigue 1
Manufacturer information
- Material / Sizes: Aluminium / S, M, L (tested size) / Also available as a 27.5-inch version. Liv recommends the L-frame for riders over 1.70 metres.
- Price / weight without pedals: 3899 euros / 14.8 kg
- Sales Giant Deutschland GmbH
Measurement data
- Suspension travel: front / rear: 140 mm / 125 mm
- Rear suspension system: Maestro
- Reach: 443 / 450 mm
- Stack: 644 / 638 mm
- BB drop: -40 / -31 mm
Equipment
- Fork / Shock: Fox 34 Float Performance / Fox Float DPS Performance
- Cranks / gears: Shimano FC-MT 511 / Shimano SLX
- Brake system: Shimano BR-MT 520
- Wheels: Giant AM 29 system wheelset;
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF Exo Prot. 2.5, / Maxxis Dissector Exo Prot. 2.4
Alternative to the Liv Intrigue 1
The Intrigue Advanced Pro 1 is available with a carbon frame, slightly higher quality Fox suspension and carbon wheels for an extra € 1200. Liv was unable to give us a weight specification for this model. Price: 4999 euros.
Statement from Bella Chen, guest tester from FREERIDE:
"I liked the women's-specific touching points, but I was less convinced by the special rear suspension setting. On the descent, the rear end bounced around. In short: a harmonious trail bike, great for easy trails, but nothing for rough descents."
Laurin Lehner
Editor
