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Trail bike for beginnersLiv Embolden

Gitta Beimfohr

 · 15.02.2022

Trail bike for beginners: Liv EmboldenPhoto: Hersteller
Trail bike for beginners: Liv Embolden
Stiffer, manoeuvrable, affordable and also available again in size XS: Liv has completely overhauled its Embolden trail bike for beginners. Now also available in a 29er version!

The perfect fit is everything: Trail beginners in particular are not doing themselves any favours if they "first" feel their way off-road with a borrowed bike that may be too big. This prevents a stable, safe riding experience. This is why Liv, the only provider of special frame geometries for women, has now completely relaunched its entry-level model "Embolden" (translated: "encourage" or "dare"). Did the Original model of the Liv Embolden 2017 While the old Embolden still had a very upright riding position, a double chainring and weighed 14 kilos (with pedals, size M), the new Embolden now has a much sportier look, even though the suspension travel has remained almost the same at 130 millimetres at the front and 120 millimetres at the rear.

The new Embolden 2 is the cheaper of the two models. Shown here with 27.5-inch wheels. Price: 2099 euros.Photo: HerstellerThe new Embolden 2 is the cheaper of the two models. Shown here with 27.5-inch wheels. Price: 2099 euros.

Two wheel sizes and an XS frame for female bikers from 1.50 metres tall

With two different wheel sizes (27.5 and 29 inches), the Liv Embolden Riders from 150 to 181 centimetres tall are the target. The smaller wheel size is available in frame sizes XS, S and M, the 29er wheels for S, M and L. This means that the bike is finely graduated and M riders are spoilt for choice when it comes to wheel size.

Both Embolden models are equipped with a Boost rear triangle and single gears.Photo: HerstellerBoth Embolden models are equipped with a Boost rear triangle and single gears.The Liv trail bikes roll in with 740 to 780 millimetre wide handlebars and a 35 mm cockpit.Photo: HerstellerThe Liv trail bikes roll in with 740 to 780 millimetre wide handlebars and a 35 mm cockpit.
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With the single-pivot rear triangle, Liv dispenses with an additional bearing around the rear axle (Horst link).Photo: HerstellerWith the single-pivot rear triangle, Liv dispenses with an additional bearing around the rear axle (Horst link).The women's saddle "Sylvia" also comes from Liv itself. In addition, both models have a lowerable Vario seatpost from Giant. The stroke varies between 75 and 125 millimetres depending on the frame size.Photo: HerstellerThe women's saddle "Sylvia" also comes from Liv itself. In addition, both models have a lowerable Vario seatpost from Giant. The stroke varies between 75 and 125 millimetres depending on the frame size.A classic trail bike: With a 130 mm suspension fork and 120 millimetres of rear suspension travel, the Embolden remains close to the original version, which still had 120 millimetres at the front.Photo: HerstellerA classic trail bike: With a 130 mm suspension fork and 120 millimetres of rear suspension travel, the Embolden remains close to the original version, which still had 120 millimetres at the front.

In addition to the latest equipment, all standards and interfaces have of course also been brought up to date. A Boost hub standard and a tapered steerer tube (1 1/2'' at the bottom and 1 1/8'' at the top) go without saying. The wider bottom bracket shell with a chainline widened to 55 millimetres makes the Liv highly up-to-date and pioneering. On the one hand, this is intended to make the frame stiffer and, on the other, to provide greater tyre clearance.

The new women's trail bike from Liv is priced between 2099 and 2399 euros.

Liv Embolden 2022 - the facts

  • Frame material: Aluminium
  • Wheel size: 29 (size S to L) and 27.5 inches (size XS to M)
  • Women-specific Geometry
  • Spring travel: 130 / 120 millimetres
  • Two models: Embolden 1 for 2399 euros / Embolden 2 for 2099 euros
  • Weight: 14.1 kilos (Embolden 1 in size M / manufacturer's specification)
  • Information: www.liv-cycling.com
Up to 2.6-inch tyres on the 27.5-inch model and 2.4-inch tyres on the 29er model can be mounted on the 30-millimetre-wide rims.Photo: HerstellerUp to 2.6-inch tyres on the 27.5-inch model and 2.4-inch tyres on the 29er model can be mounted on the 30-millimetre-wide rims.
The geometry of the 29-inch version of the Liv Embolden at a glance.Photo: HerstellerThe geometry of the 29-inch version of the Liv Embolden at a glance.The geometry of the 27.5-inch version of the Liv Embolden at a glance.Photo: HerstellerThe geometry of the 27.5-inch version of the Liv Embolden at a glance.
Gitta Beimfohr

Gitta Beimfohr joined the BIKE travel resort during her tourism studies when the Strada delle 52 Gallerie on the Pasubio was closed to mountain bikers. Since Gitta crossed the Alps twice at racing speed, she has favoured multi-day tours - by MTB in the Alps or by gravel bike through the German low mountain ranges.

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