Liv Alight 3 Review
- Price: $550
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: Giant S-X3, puncture protect, 700x38c
- Gear: 3×7
What we like about it: The low top tube is friendly to smaller riders and it’s less likely to fall over when stopping in a hurry.
What we don’t like about it: Less choice for bike sizes.
Rating: (4.6/5)
It is worth mentioning that the Liv Alight 3 is a bike that offers a highly comfortable riding experience on the road. It features a sturdy aluminum frame at a very friendly price point.
This bike is designed specifically for women, with Liv optimizing handlebar length, width, drop, and crank length to ensure riders can find the most comfortable position while cycling. I believe this bike can be a top choice for women looking to purchase a bicycle.
Now, let’s analyze the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications of the Liv Alight 3, as well as compare it to other versions in the review’s conclusion. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, you can follow us.
Riding Experience
To fully complete this review, I conducted a long test on a low-traffic road in New York. The Liv Alight 3 proved to be quite impressive.
3F Design Concept
It must be acknowledged that the unique 3F (Fit, Form, Function) design philosophy creates a better riding experience for female riders. As a female rider, I must admit that the Liv Alight 3 is truly appealing.
From a Fit perspective, this bike is the result of Liv’s female design team considering women’s unique strengths, body characteristics, and various other factors. It incorporates data on body measurements from women around the world, enabling better sizing and angles for each component.
The Sport Saddle on this bike is designed with consideration for the shape of a woman’s pelvis and hips, making the entire riding process extremely comfortable.
It’s worth noting that I experienced minimal discomfort during long rides, which wasn’t the case with other similar bikes I’ve tried.
In terms of aesthetics, I also love the appearance of this bike. Liv’s team, following the Form philosophy, delivers a high level of design. It aligns well with my taste, with great color choices and applied patterns.
Ultimately, as a tool, a bike’s most important aspect is its Function. The 3F layup schedule provides a customized frame structure suitable for every woman, catering to different needs and preferences.
Daily Riding
As a standard female commuter bike, this bike meets my daily commuting needs as well as my weekend leisurely outings.
This is due to the good geometry that allows for longer trips without putting too much effort into them, from 545mm to 590mm top tube length from XS to LG, which allows for better reach during the ride, and the standover height from 683mm to 779mm for more stability when braking and stopping.
I have to say that the bike is not at all bad for daily use, but rather provides a very comfortable experience.
All in all, this is a very good bike and at $550 it will gain more popularity among riders. The excellent design of this bike will also get more attention in the market.
Specification
The Liv Alight 3 is designed with a balance of freedom, stability, and safety.
Firstly, the ALUXX-grade aluminum frame offers excellent stability and a lightweight feel. The bike is available in two color options: Milky Way and Snow Drift. The steel fork is also sturdy.
Secondly, the bike features a Shimano Tourney rear derailleur and a Shimano Altus front derailleur, providing a 3×7 drivetrain. This allows riders to have more flexibility during their rides.
Rim brakes contribute to reducing the overall weight of the bike. Additionally, the Giant Sport XC handlebars and Ergo Max XS grips make control of the bike very easy and silky when riding.
Moreover, the puncture-protected Giant S-X3 38C tires offer added safety and stability, reducing concerns during your rides.
Video
Other versions
After extensive testing, we have gained a deeper understanding of this bike. It is an excellent bike for daily commuting.
However, many riders have specific performance or component requirements. Therefore, we have found similar bikes to further investigate.
Liv Alight DD Disc 3
Both bikes have similar overall frames and share many component details. The main difference is that the Liv Alight DD uses more stable Mechanical Disc brakes, while the Liv Alight 3 uses rim brakes. The price difference between the two is $200.
When considering which bike to choose, we recommend riders make their decision based on personal preferences and needs.
What do we like about it?
- A step-through frame made specifically for women, allowing women to ride in skirts.
- Unique 3F design concept (FIT, FORM, FUNCTION) makes daily commuting or weekend relaxation very comfortable without compromising efficiency.
- The ALUXX aluminum frame is relatively lightweight, yet geometrically balanced, which also balances speed and stability in a design that takes full account of the rider’s needs.
- Equipped with integrated mounts for racks, fenders, and frames, blending urban style with the characteristics of a road bike and maximizing utility.
- Better uphill performance, able to reach 48km/h.
What don’t we like about it?
- Fewer color choices may present certain limitations.
FAQs
- What is the braking system of Liv Alight 3?
It uses rim brakes.
- How well does the Liv Alight 3 climb?
Compared to similar bikes, it has a better climbing ability, capable of reaching 48km/h.
- Is it built specifically for women?
Yes, this bike is perfect for women to ride and I believe women will have a very good riding experience.
- If you want to go riding in well-known terrain or special terrain, where is the most convenient place to stay?
You can book your accommodation on Skyscanner, which is not only rich in variety but also easy to operate.
- How to choose the right size?
The size chart as follows:
These sizes are only a general guide, the true fit may vary from person to person, and the easiest way to find your size is best to go for a test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 148cm-163cm | XS |
| 158cm-169cm | SM |
| 164cm-175cm | MD |
| 170cm-183cm | LG |
Specs
Build
| Frame | ALUXX-Grade Aluminum Tire Clearance: 42c Colors: Milky Way; Snow Drift |
| Fork | steel/alloy |
| Rear Shock | N/A |
| Bottom Bracket | cartridge |
| Stem | Giant Sport, 25.4mm XS:60mm, S:60mm, M:75mm, L:90mm |
| Handlebar | Giant Sport XC, 25.4mm XS:60cm, S:60cm, M:64cm, L:64cm |
| Saddle | Sport Saddle |
| Seatpost | alloy, 27.2mm XS:300mm, S:300mm, M:300mm, L:300mm |
| Pedals | platform |
| Grips | Ergo Max XS: 31mm, S:31mm, M:31mm, L:34mm |
Wheels
| Rims | Giant GX06 alloy |
| Spokes | stainless, 14g |
| Front Hub | alloy, loose ball bearing |
| Rear Hub | alloy, loose ball bearing |
| Tires | Giant S-X3, puncture protect, 700x38c |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Tourney |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Altus |
| Crank | ProWheel TY-CQ99, 28/38/48 XS:165mm, S:165mm, M:170mm, L:172.5mm |
| Shifters | Shimano Tourney, 3×7 |
| Cassette | Shimano MF-TZ500, 14×34 |
| Chain | KMC Z7 |
| Brakes | Tektro TK837, alloy, linear pull |
| Brake Levers | Shimano EF41 |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| Trek Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 | Click View | Bontrager GR0 Expert, 650x50c | 1×10 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore M5120 |
| Kona Dew | Click View | WTB Horizon Comp 650x47c | 2×8 | Aluminum | Shimano Altus |
| Diamondback Division 24 | Click View | Kenda Kruiser 24X2.125 | 1×7 | Aluminum | Shimano Tourney |
| BMC Alpenchallenge 01 THREE | Click View | Continental Contact Speed, 28mm | 1×11 | Aluminum | SRAM APEX1 |
Liv Alight 3 vs Trek Dual Sport 3 Gen 5
First of all, both bikes have frames and wheels made of aluminum, but the difference lies in the fork. The Liv Alight 3 also uses an aluminum fork.
However, the Trek Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 uses carbon and, compared to the rim brakes used in the Liv Alight 3, it features Hydraulic Disc brakes. This might be the reason why it is nearly $500 more expensive than the Liv Alight 3.
However, the Liv Alight 3 has the advantage of a 3×7 drivetrain, offering more gear options for different terrains compared to the Trek Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 with its 1×10 drivetrain.
In terms of components, the Shimano Tourney rear derailleur and Shimano Altus front derailleur on the Liv Alight 3 provide a smoother experience during rides.
It must be acknowledged that the Trek Dual Sport 3 Gen 5 only has a Shimano Deore M5120 rear derailleur, which makes it comparatively simpler.
Regarding uphill capabilities, both bikes perform well. However, in terms of geometry design, the Liv Alight 3 has certain advantages that cater to the rider’s needs and can be reflected in its performance.
The latter can only meet the requirements of riding on flat roads and does not have an advantage on other terrains. On the other hand, the Liv Alight 3 performs well on different terrains.
If you have a limited budget, the Liv Alight 3, which offers great value for money, would be a perfect choice for you.
Learn More: Is Trek Dual Sport 2 Gen 4 A Good E-bike? [Trek Dual Sport 2 Gen 4 Reviews]
Liv Alight 3 vs Kona Dew
The Kona Dew is priced $100 higher than the Liv Alight 3, but the differences are not significant. However, there are some variations in the details.
Firstly, the advantage of the Kona Dew lies in its mechanical disc brakes. While the Liv Alight 3 uses rim brakes, the Kona Dew’s mechanical disc brakes provide slightly better safety. However, they are heavier compared to rim brakes.
Secondly, the fork of the Kona Dew is neither the commonly used aluminum or carbon, nor the expensive titanium. It is made of steel, which has a slight disadvantage in terms of weight.
Additionally, the 650b wheel size, while agile, loses the stability offered by the larger 700C wheels used in the Liv Alight 3.
Lastly, the 2×8 drivetrain of the Kona Dew does not offer as much versatility as the 3×7 drivetrain, which is more favored by riders.
When the prices are similar and not too high, the choice between these two bikes ultimately depends on your personal preferences.
Learn More: Is Kona Dew Worth Buying? – [Kona Dew Review]
Liv Alight 3 vs Diamondback Division 24
Diamondback is priced nearly $300 cheaper than the Liv Alight 3. The 24″ wheel size has a significant advantage in agility compared to the 700C wheels. However, it sacrifices stability.
Additionally, the Diamondback has a maximum downhill speed of only 30 km/h, which is lower than the Liv Alight 3(50 km/h).
Undeniably, the Liv Alight 3 has a geometry design that is more suitable for women’s riding. With sizes ranging from XS to LG, and a wheelbase ranging from 1035 to 1056, it is noticeably longer than the wheelbase of Diamondback(958). This allows riders to maintain a comfortable posture while riding on the road.
Another consideration is that the Diamondback only uses a Shimano Tourney rear derailleur and does not have a front derailleur. This restricts the rider’s gear options.
While the Diamondback may be more suitable for users with a limited budget, it is important to recognize that you get what you pay for. Considering the optimal riding comfort, I believe the Liv Alight 3 may be a better choice for most people.
Learn More: Is Diamondback Haanjo 2 Worth Buying? [Diamondback Haanjo 2 Review]
Liv Alight 3 vs BMC Alpenchallenge 01 THREE
It must be mentioned that the BMC Alpenchallenge 01 THREE is priced $1000 higher than the Liv Alight 3. This may not be very budget-friendly for riders.
The advantage of the Liv Alight 3 lies not only in its carbon fork, which is both sturdy and lightweight, but also in the hydraulic disc brakes, which provide a safer and more stable braking experience compared to the rim brakes used in the BMC Alpenchallenge 01 THREE.
The disadvantage of the BMC Alpenchallenge 01 THREE is that it only has a rear derailleur made by SRAM APEX1 Long Cage and lacks a front derailleur. The Liv Alight 3, on the other hand, has a 3×7 drivetrain, offering more gear options and freedom compared to the 1×11 drivetrain.
The Liv Alight 3’s 38C tires also provide more stability during rides compared to the 28mm tires of the BMC Alpenchallenge 01 THREE. The lower top tube of the Liv Alight 3 also better suits women’s riding.
In terms of components, the Liv Alight 3 uses Shimano, which is the preferred choice for most riders, while the BMC Alpenchallenge 01 THREE is equipped with SRAM. It must be acknowledged that these two brands have competed for nearly 30 years and have their advantages and differences in various key technologies and details.
If you prefer SRAM, I recommend purchasing the BMC Alpenchallenge 01 THREE. However, if you prefer Shimano, then the Liv Alight 3 would be a better choice for you.
Learn More: Is BMC Alpenchallenge 01 TWO Worth Buying? [BMC Alpenchallenge 01 TWO Review]
Summary
Above is our full review of the Liv Alight 3. This bike is designed for women, simple yet lightweight, and will allow you to ride with ease on the road. I believe this bike will be well-received by customers.
In my opinion, the Liv Alight 3 is a bike worth purchasing. If you want to get more information about bicycles, feel free to check out our related reviews.
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