{"id":26401,"date":"2022-02-15T17:00:34","date_gmt":"2022-02-15T16:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=664439"},"modified":"2022-02-15T17:30:33","modified_gmt":"2022-02-15T16:30:33","slug":"new-liv-embolden-adds-29er-wheel-options-a-trail-ready-spec-and-a-giant-branded-suspension-fork","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/new-liv-embolden-adds-29er-wheel-options-a-trail-ready-spec-and-a-giant-branded-suspension-fork\/","title":{"rendered":"New Liv Embolden adds 29er wheel options, a trail-ready spec and a Giant-branded suspension fork"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Oscar Huckle\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 15 February 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

Liv has launched the second generation of the Embolden, adding a 29in wheel option<\/a>. Originally launched in 2016, the Embolden represents the brand\u2019s entry point to its full-suspension platforms. The Pique and Intrigue platforms sit above the Embolden in the range in terms of their frame technologies and their higher-specced components.<\/p>\n

The Embolden is a trail bike<\/a>, designed specifically for those new to trail riding, but could also be used by experienced riders who are after a full-suspension bike with a trail-oriented spec on a budget.<\/p>\n

Liv, which is the women\u2019s-specific sister brand to Giant, points to the Embolden\u2019s capability, saying it can \u201cconquer tricky climbs, rowdy descents and chunky rock gardens with confidence\u201d.<\/p>\n

A new 29er wheel-size option<\/h2>\n
\""A\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Embolden represents a compelling proposition for a full-suspension bike at its competitive price point.<\/span><\/figcaption> Liv Bicycles<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The new embolden is now available with 29in wheels. The first-gen Embolden was only available with 27.5in wheels.\u00a0 Liv says the Embolden has been \u201ccustom-designed using only women\u2019s body dimension data and riding experience\u201d and that offering a range of frame and wheel sizes \u201callows riders to find the best fit and ride experience\u201d.<\/p>\n

The XS, S and M frames use 27.5in wheels. The S and M frame sizes also come in a 29er flavour, as does an L size.<\/p>\n

An updated aluminium frame<\/h2>\n
\""Down\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Sparkling Black Liv logo and Embolden graphic against the matt finish.<\/span><\/figcaption> Liv Bicycles<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Like its predecessor, the frame is made from Liv\u2019s ALUXX aluminium. It is, according to the brand, \u201c[a] proprietary alloy [that] has 30 per cent additional stiffness over traditional 6061-series aluminium, while also reducing overall weight.\u201d<\/p>\n

The maximum tyre clearances are 2.6in in a 27.5in format or 2.4in on the 29er.<\/p>\n

\""Embolden\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
This rad graphic should encourage riders to embrace the gnar.<\/span><\/figcaption> Liv Bicycles<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Liv uses a standard tapered head tube on the Embolden, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of forks, should you wish to upgrade. The previous-generation bike used Giant\/Liv\u2019s \u2018Overdrive 2\u2019 system. This proprietary system was based on a tapered 1 \u00bc steerer tube.<\/p>\n

The frame uses a BB86 press-fit bottom bracket and the chainstays are asymmetrical. The brand says this is so the driveside can provide additional stiffness and the non-driveside can boost stability. The brand says it has also revamped the cable ports.<\/p>\n

2022 Liv Embolden geometry<\/h2>\n

The frame geometry remains unchanged from the original model in its 27.5in guise.<\/p>\n

On a size-medium frame, there is a 74-degree seat tube angle, which is relatively slack, combined with a 430mm reach and 67.5-degree head tube angle. The head tube angle stands out as relatively steep for a bike of this genre, but Liv says it\u2019s to help with manoeuvrability on descents.<\/p>\n

The geometry is slightly tweaked for the 29in bike. On a size medium, the seat tube steepens to 76 degrees, the head tube slackens by half a degree to 67 and the reach lengthens to 447mm. This is more in keeping with modern geometry, but it is still relatively conservative compared to other bikes.<\/p>\n

2022 Liv Embolden geometry with 27.5in wheels<\/h3>\n
<\/colgroup>
\ufeff<\/th>XS<\/th>S<\/th>M<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Seat tube length (mm)<\/b><\/td>380<\/td>406<\/td>445<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube angle (degrees)<\/b><\/td>74<\/td>74<\/td>74<\/td> <\/tr>
Toptube length (mm)<\/b><\/td>565<\/td>580<\/td>595<\/td> <\/tr>
Headtube length (mm)<\/b><\/td>95<\/td>100<\/td>110<\/td> <\/tr>
Headtube angle (degrees)<\/b><\/td>67.5<\/td>67.5<\/td>67.5<\/td> <\/tr>
Fork rake (mm)<\/b><\/td>43<\/td>43<\/td>43<\/td> <\/tr>
Trail (mm)<\/b><\/td>104<\/td>104<\/td>104<\/td> <\/tr>
Wheelbase (mm)<\/b><\/td>1,109<\/td>1,125<\/td>1,141<\/td> <\/tr>
Chainstay length (mm)<\/b><\/td>435<\/td>435<\/td>435<\/td> <\/tr>
Bottom bracket drop (mm)<\/b><\/td>20<\/td>20<\/td>20<\/td> <\/tr>
Stack (mm)<\/b><\/td>560<\/td>565<\/td>574<\/td> <\/tr>
Reach (mm)<\/b><\/td>404<\/td>418<\/td>430<\/td> <\/tr>
Standover height (mm)<\/b><\/td>690<\/td>705<\/td>733<\/td> <\/tr>
Handlebar width (mm)<\/b><\/td>750<\/td>750<\/td>780<\/td> <\/tr>
Stem length (mm)<\/b><\/td>40<\/td>40<\/td>50<\/td> <\/tr>
Crank length (mm)<\/b><\/td>165<\/td>170<\/td>170<\/td> <\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>