Liv Avail 3 Review
- Price: $950
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: Giant S-R3 AC, 700x28c
- Gear: 2×8
What we like about it: Lightweight and balanced modern enduro geometry designed for women provide a better riding experience.
What we don’t like about it: The 8-speed rear Derailleur may not satisfy some riders.
Rating: (4.7/5)
I have a friend who was recently picking out a bike to use for travel, and the other day she excitedly told me that she had found the Liv Avail 3 and was very happy with the bike.
In this case, I looked at the $950 price tag and did a complete and rigorous test with a half-hearted attitude.
I have to admit that I was surprised by this bike. I think it is an excellent enduro bike that meets most people’s needs for travel very well and is very cost-effective.
Below, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications as well as other versions of this bike.
Additionally, at the end of the review, we will also compare several best bike models. If you want to know more about bike reviews, don’t hesitate to follow us.
Riding Experience
I’ve always liked riding a bike to work, but I’ve never been able to find the right bike for me.
This time, I heard about this bike from a friend and I took it for a ride test with my doubts and curiosity.
The facts made me let out an admiration that it is one of the best bikes ever made in this price range.
Commuter Riding
In the morning, in the San Francisco breeze, I rode this Eucalyptus Liv Avail AR 3.
It was a really cool feeling as I shifted the Shimano Claris derailleur into the right gear and sped through the streets.
There was an uphill in front of me and I jumped the derailleur to the smallest gear ratio to reduce my physical strain.
On the downhill, I shifted to the maximum gear ratio and descended sharply.
Relying on the Tektro TK-B177 brakes, I didn’t worry about unexpected situations, and I could slow down in time.
The Giant S-R3 AC provided great grip and I didn’t worry about rolling over.
In addition, the tire has an all-weather tread design, so even in the rain, I didn’t worry about tread slippage.
Not far from the company, I slowed down because there were just too many people.
I weaved through the crowd, and the 72° angle of the head tube made it very easy for me to change phase without worrying about hitting people, which was good for my safety and the others.
In the evening, when coming home from work, I continued to speed forward.
Through the reflective sidewalls, I became conspicuous at night. It was not to pull the wind, but to make other vehicles and pedestrians notice me.
For commuters, safety is still very important.
Enduro Test
I decided to do an enduro test on a long road in San Francisco that included suburban dirt and gravel roads, and I was surprised by how comfortable this Liv Avail 3 was throughout the test.
On long rides, the saddle is the first thing I look for.
The Liv Approach saddle reduced the pressure on my hips while riding, greatly releasing my burden.
Not only that, but thanks to D-Fuse’s shock absorbing seat post, I hardly felt any vibration, which was so comfortable.
The change in road conditions from road to suburban riding didn’t give me much trouble.
Thanks to the Giant S-R3 AC tires, which are suitable for any road conditions, have a durable 68 durometer tread compound, and the High volume casi ng brings more comfort.
In addition, to prevent the tires from being drastically worn down on gravel roads, the Giant S-R3 AC had DEFLECT 4 rubber puncture resistant tape between the tread, which effectively reduced the risk of blowouts and made my ride worry-free.
All in all, this good-value-for-money bike really captivated me.
Specification
The Liv Avail 3 is a great enduro bike with an ALUXX grade aluminum frame for excellent stiffness and light weight, an aluminum fork for better front wheel vibration reduction, and a comfortable bike for significantly improved riding comfort.
In addition, Giant S-R3 AC tire size 700×28C is suitable for all-weather and all-road high-speed riding.
Oversize casing provides excellent comfort and enhances the performance of the whole bike.
Also, its reflective sidewall can make other vehicles and bikes find you at night and thus ensure good safety.
In addition, this bike has two water bottle holders. Even on long rides, you do not have to worry about not enough water to hold.
Other versions
After many tests, we know this bike even better. It’s a nice hardtail trail bike.
However, many riders may have their own requirements for its performance or components, so we found the same type of bike for further comparison.
Liv Avail 2
The two bikes are very similar in overall frame as well as individual components, but Liv Avail 2 uses Carbon fork which has higher vertical compliance and provides better damping.
However, Liv Avail 3’s aluminum fork is stronger and less likely to bend and break from side impact.
The geometry of the two bikes is a little different, with the Liv Avail 3 having a slightly larger Stack/Reach Ratio than the Liv Avail 2, allowing the rider to stretch better and ride more comfortably.
In addition, the Liv Avail 3 has a higher standover height, making it safer in emergency stops.
In short, if you want better damping, the Liv Avail 2 is for you; if you want a more comfortable ride, the Liv Avail 3 is the way to go.
What do we like about it?
- Designed specifically for women, the lightweight and balanced modern endurance geometry provides a better riding experience.
- Capable of being compatible with larger tires for a more stable rider ride.
- The Giant S-R3 AC tires are capable of fast rolling for any road conditions, allowing the rider to adapt well on any road.
- Giant D-Fuse absorbs vibrations well and can provide better comfort.
What don’t we like about it?
- The 8-speed rear Derailleur may not meet the needs of some riders.
FAQs
- Is Liv Avail 3 suitable for beginners?
Both beginners and experienced riders will be able to handle it.
- What is the braking system of Liv Avail 3?
The braking system of thisw bike is Tektro TK-B177 mechanical disc.
- Is Liv Avail 3 compatible with larger tires?
It has a 35c tire clearance, making it compatible with larger tires.
- How to choose the right size?
The size chart for Liv Avail 3 is as follows:
Here we provide you with a size chart, but of course you do not have to follow this standard. The best way to find the most suitable size is to test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 5’0″ – 5’4″ | XS |
| 5’2″ – 5’7″ | SM |
| 5’4″ – 5’9″ | MD |
| 5’7″ – 6’0″ | LG |
Specs
Build
| Frame | ALUXX-Grade Aluminum Tire Clearance: 35c Color: Eucalyptus |
| Fork | aluminum, OverDrive steerer |
| Rear Shock | N/A |
| Bottom Bracket | cartridge |
| Stem | Liv Sport XXS:80mm, XS:80mm, S:90mm, M:100mm, L:100mm |
| Handlebar | Liv Connect, 31.8mm XXS:38cm, XS:38cm, S:40cm, M:40cm, L:42cm |
| Saddle | Liv Approach |
| Seatpost | Giant D-Fuse, alloy XXS:350mm, XS:350mm, S:350mm, M:350mm, L:350mm |
| Pedals | N/A |
| Grips | Liv |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Claris |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Claris |
| Crank | FSA Tempo, 34/50 XXS:165mm, XS:165mm, S:170mm, M:170mm, L:172.5mm |
| Shifters | Shimano Claris |
| Cassette | Shimano CS-HG50, 8-speed, 11×34 |
| Chain | KMC XZ83 |
| Brakes | Tektro TK-B177 |
| Brake Levers | Shimano Claris |
Wheels
| Rims | Giant S-R3 Disc wheelset |
| Spokes | Giant S-R3 Disc wheelset |
| Front Hub | Giant S-R3 Disc wheelset |
| Rear Hub | Giant S-R3 Disc wheelset |
| Tires | Giant S-R3 AC, 700x28c |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Tires | Driveline | Frame material | Components |
| Fuji Sportif 2.3 | Click View | Vittoria Zaffiro, 700 x 28c | 2×8 | Aluminum | Shimano Claris |
| Canyon Endurance 8 Disc | Click View | Schwalbe One | 2×11 | Aluminum | Shimano 105 |
| Cannondale Synapse 105 | Click View | Vittoria Zaffiro, 700x30c | 2×11 | Aluminum | Shimano 105,FSA |
| Schwinn Volare 1500 | Click View | 700c x 32c, wire bead | Shimano 24 speed shifter | Aluminum | Shimano |
Liv Avail 3 vs Fuji Sportif 2.3
The Stack/Reach Ratio of the Fuji Sportif 2.3 is greater than that of the Liv Avail 3, which allows the rider to ride more comfortably and with better reach.
The head tube angle of Fuji Sportif 2.3 is also larger than Liv Avail 3, so Fuji Sportif 2.3 has a better change of direction than Liv Avail 3.
Fuji Sportif 2.3 uses Alloy dual pivot rim brakes, which is lighter in weight than Liv Avail 3’s Tektro TK-B177 mechanical Disc.
However, the Alloy dual pivot rim brakes may generate a lot of heat during braking on a downhill slope, damaging the braking effect.
As a result, the Tektro TK-B177 mechanical Disc is better for people’s safety.
In short, if you want a more comfortable ride and better change of direction, Fuji Sportif 2.3 will be a better choice for you.
Suppose you want better and safer brakes, Liv Avail 3 will satisfy you better.
Liv Avail 3 vs Canyon Endurance 8 Disc
The Canyon Endurance 8 Disc is available in two diameter wheel sizes, and for smaller stature it is able to offer 650c wheels.
650c tires have less surface area and use less material, which makes it inherently more aerodynamic as well as lighter, but 650c frames typically have a taller head tube than 700c, which in turn can make for poorer aerodynamics.
However, the 700c wheels have a larger contact area with the ground than the 650c, so it produces less rolling resistance.
In addition, with greater uphill capability, the 650c wheels can effectively lower the gears than the 700c wheels with the same sprocket and flywheel combination.
Apart from that, the Canyon Endurance 8 Disc has a Hydraulic Disc, not as serviceable or as heavy as the Liv Avail 3’s Tektro TK-B177 mechanical Disc, but the former can stop the bike in a more timely and secure manner, allowing the rider to ride without undue worry.
So, if you are smaller and want to stop your bike in a more timely manner, the 650c version of the Canyon Endurance 8 Disc is more suitable for you.
However, the Canyon Endurance 8 Disc is $1000 more expensive than the Liv Avail 3.
Learn More: Is Canyon Endurance 8 Disc Worth Buying? [Canyon Endurance 8 Disc Review]
Liv Avail 3 vs Cannondale Synapse 105
The Cannondale Synapse 105 has a Shimano 105 drivetrain with 2×11 speed shifts that are smoother and have a wider range of shifts than the Liv Avail 3’s 2×8 speed.
Moreover, the Cannondale Synapse 105 has Vittoria Zaffiro, 700x30c tires, wider than the Giant S-R3 AC, 700x28c tires on the Liv Avail 3 for a more stable ride.
The rigid bead casing makes the tire more durable. However, the Giant S-R3 AC is suitable in all road conditions and has excellent puncture protection and reflective sidewalls to keep the rider safe at night.
In short, if you want smoother shifting, the Cannondale Synapse 105 will serve you well.
For those who ride a lot at night, I’d recommend the Liv Avail 3.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105 Worth Buying? [Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105 Review]
Liv Avail 3 vs Schwinn Volare 1500
The Schwinn Volare 1500 has a carbon fork, which is lighter in weight than the aluminum fork of the Liv Avail 3.
It also provides a higher level of vertical compliance, which gives the fork greater damping capability.
However, the stiffness of the aluminum fork in the horizontal axis allows for faster response at high speeds, but this can be at the expense of riding comfort.
Not only that, the aluminum fork is cheaper so you don’t have to worry too much about it bending or breaking, while the carbon fork may bring certain concerns.
In addition, the Schwinn Volare 1500 can provide steel resin pedals so you don’t have to spend time picking out pedals after your purchase.
Overall, if you want a comfortable ride, Liv Avail 3 is better for you. When you want good shock absorption, then Fuji Sportif 2.3 will be a more suitable selection.
Learn More: Is Schwinn Volare 1200 A Good Bike? [Schwinn Volare 1200 Bike Review]
Summary
Above is our full review of the Liv Avail 3. It’s an excellent enduro bike that gives a comfortable ride. As a result, we give it a high score of 4.7 overall.
Of course, if you’re interested in exploring other similar bikes, we have reviewed a variety of bikes at different price points that you might find interesting. Feel free to check out our other reviews as well.
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