We now know that women are not small men. The bike industry has also realised this by now, and with the revised version of the Liv Embolden from 2017, the manufacturer is delivering a contemporary bike that is designed to encourage women to get into mountain biking. It is undoubtedly not a consistent trail machine, but it does score points with considerations for a woman's riding behaviour.
For example, the handlebar width on the Liv Embolden increases from 740 to 760 to 780 millimetres, depending on the frame size. The wheel standard also changes with the frame size. 27.5-inch wheels are fitted to the bikes in sizes XS and S. The other sizes rely on 29-inch wheels. The short reach and high front ensure a comfortable riding position.
Despite the 14.4 kilos, the Embolden has a steep seat angle of 76.2 degrees. The 2.35 mm Maxxis Forkaster tyres, which at first glance appear somewhat narrow, also turn out to be a good compromise between rolling resistance and grip, making them a successful choice for long tours. The 131 millimetres of the in-house Giant Crest suspension fork can be properly adjusted to the rider's weight. The Crest also has a hollow triple clamp and four-stage compression adjustment including lock mode. We missed a platform on the bobbing rear triangle. Our testers have special praise for "Sylvia". The comfortable women's saddle also comes from our own production.
Conclusion on the Liv Embolden 1
Gitta Beimfohr, BIKE editor: "With its relaxed geometry, comfortable 130 mm suspension and its choice of components, the Liv Embolden 1 qualifies as a classic touring fully in the entry-level category and offers women an attractive start to off-road sport.
Technical data
General
- Price 2399 Euro
- Frame material: aluminium
- Frame size: XS / S /M / L (Tested size M / 42 cm)
- More info->
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 14.35 kg
- Front / rear suspension travel: 131 / 130 mm
Equipment
- Wheels: Giant AM
- Tyres: Maxxis Forekaster; Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.35
- Fork: Giant Crest 34 SL RCL
- Shock absorber: Rockshox Monarch R
- Brakes: Shimano BR-MT 420 / 180 / 160 mm
- Gear system: Sram SX Eagle 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 30; 11-50 / 454 %
- Telescopic support: Giant Contact Switch / 100 mm
You can download the full test of our women's bike here: Women's bike test 2022: Liv Embolden 1 from BIKE 7/2022
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
