Liv Embolden 1 Review
- Price: $2150
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: Maxxis Rekon 27.5×2.6
- Gear: 1×12
What we like about it: It can adjust the air-adjustable suspension by shock pump, thus attracting more types of riders and making them fall in love with Liv Embolden 1.
What we don’t like about it: In trail riding, the 680mm wide handlebars seem a bit narrow to some riders.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The topic of “Embracing and Challenging in Nature” goes virus.
As an experienced rider, I would like to do that as well. To be able to fly forward through the woods, I found this Liv Embolden 1.
In Liv’s promotion, there are no restricted areas on the bike’s ride path.
As a result, I’m exceedingly looking forward to how this Liv Embolden 1 will perform on the forest road.
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
Liv Embolden 1 is a very good full-suspension forest bike. I wanted to ride this bike to challenge all the obstacles in the forest road.
So, I bought my ticket from Skyscanner, booked the hotel, and arrived at Bolton Valley Resort.
At Bolton Valley Resort, I picked this route called Enchanted Forest, which is a relatively long downhill, with each downhill section being relatively steep and difficult with a total length of 1558 feet.
Most of the route is in the forest, with shorter sections exposed to the sun, and the road is very narrow, with a rough surface and a lot of debris and dead branches.
I think this section of the road is still a very big hindrance to riding.
Forest Road Riding
It was a sunny day after rain. While riding this route in Enchanted Forest relying on the bike’s excellent 120mm Flexpoint suspension, I could feel it relieved a lot of the vibration from the rear wheel.
With the 130mm Giant Crest 34 fork, I was able to reduce the impact from the ground when landing on the fly, and I was still able to land very stable.
Also, the Giant Sole-O gave me a great grip, so I could hold on to the Giant Connect Trail and steer the bike without coming off under this heavy impact.
In addition, I rode into a large turn on this road, which was difficult with the narrow road. But thanks to my extensive experience and 67°head tube angle, I took my time making the turn while being ready to hold down the Tektro hydraulic disc to avoid hitting a tree.
Not only that, but with this bike’s dropper Liv Sylvia saddle, I was able to find the right seating position to deal with these situations whether I was changing turns or accelerating or decelerating.
Also, with the excellent geometry of this bike, I was able to ride through the woods in a very aggressive position, and that’s how confident the Liv Embolden 1 gave me.
Is that all?
The Maxxis Ardent Race was great when dealing with gravel or wet surfaces by the 27.5″ x 2.6 tires.
The Giant Contact Switch dropper helped relieve some of the vibration, and the Liv Sylvia saddle released the pressure on my hips. I didn’t feel any stiffness from the bumps throughout the descent.
Also, the 2.6 tire width allowed the loose pavement to give the bike greater support in wet roads without the tires sinking in, and I felt no obstruction as I sped through these loose surfaces.
All in all, the Liv Embolden 1 is an excellent full-suspension forest road bike, and I was able to fully immerse myself in the woods during my entire ride, which really captivated me.
Specification
The Liv Embolden 1 is an excellent full-suspension Lindau bike with a softer, more comfortable geometry tailored for women.
With 27.5 or 29-inch wheel sizes, the rider gets the best fit and handling.
Moreover, the bike has an ALUXX-grade aluminum frame, making the bike both lighter and stronger.
On top of that, it has tubeless tires, which can effectively avoid flat tires after puncture and protect the rider’s safety.
In addition, with the combination of Giant Contact Switch Dropper seatpost, Liv Sylvia comfort saddle and 1×12 drivetrain, the rider is able to make very nice moves with more confidence.
It is worth noting that this Liv Embolden 1 is currently on sale for only $1850$.
Video
Other versions
After many tests, we know this bike much better and it is a very good hardtail trail bike.
However, many riders may have their own requirements for performance or components, so we found the same type of bike for further review.
Liv Embolden 2
The two bikes have similar geometry and the individual components are consistent, but they don’t have the same drivetrain.
The Liv Embolden 1 has a 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain, while the Liv Embolden 2 is only a 10-speed Shimano Deore M5120, making the former easier to get up hills in comparison.
But in actual riding, the SRAM SX’s gearshift is not sleek. It is made of plastic, and there are some difficulties in using it.
In addition, Shimano’s Rapid Fire trigger shifter has a 2-way-release feature that allows the upshift lever to move in two directions, helping the rider to use either the thumb or index finger to upshift.
All in all, the price difference between the two bikes is not too great after the discount.
So if you want a wider range of shifts, the Liv Embolden 1 will work well for you. To get a slicker shift, you may need the Liv Embolden 2.
What do we like about it?
- Different riders will be able to adjust the air-adjustable suspension via the shock pump to better suit the Liv Embolden 1.
- The 120mm FlexPoint suspension provides an efficient, durable suspension system with good comfort on very bumpy roads.
- It has crisp shifts and a wide range of gears.
- Now on sale for only $1850$, it is very good value for money.
What don’t we like about it?
- In trail riding, the 680mm wide handlebars may be a bit narrow for some riders.
FAQs
- Is Liv Embolden 1 suitable for beginners?
Both beginners and experienced riders can handle it well.
- Is there a discount for Liv Embolden 1 right now?
Liv Embolden 1 is on sale now for only $1850$.
- How many wheel size options does Liv Embolden 1 offer?
It is available in two size options, 27.5″ and 29″.
- How to choose the right size?
The size chart for Liv Embolden 1 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 |
| 4’11” – 5’3″ | XS |
| 5’2″ – 5’7″ | SM |
| 5’4″ – 5’9″ | MD |
| 5’6″ – 6’0″ | LG |
Specs
Build
| Frame | ALUXX-Grade Aluminum, 120mm FlexPoint Suspension Tire Clearance: 2.6″ Color: Black |
| Fork | Giant Crest 34 SL RCL, 130mm, 15×110 |
| Rear Shock | RockShox Monarch R, 184.15/44.45, custom tuned for Liv |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB, press fit |
| Stem | Giant Contact For 27.5: XS:40mm, S:50mm For 29: S:50mm, M:50mm, L:60mm |
| Handlebar | Giant Connect Trail, Alloy For 27.5: XS:730mm, S:750mm For 29: S:750mm, M:750mm, L:780mm |
| Saddle | Liv Sylvia |
| Seatpost | Giant Contact Switch dropper, remote For 27.5: XS: 75mm travel / 30.9 x 295mm S: 100mm travel / 30.9 x 345mm For 29: S: 100mm travel / 30.9 x 345mm M: 125mm travel / 30.9 x 395mm travel / 30.9 x 395mm L: 125mm travel / 30.9 x 395mm |
| Pedals | N/A |
| Grips | Giant Sole-O |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Crank | SRAM SX Eagle DUB, 30t For 27.5: XS:165mm, S:170mm For 29: S:170mm, M:170mm, L:170mm |
| Shifters | SRAM SX Eagle, 1×12 |
| Cassette | SRAM SX Eagle, 11×50 |
| Chain | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Brakes | Tektro, hydraulic, Tektro 6 bolt rotors [F]180mm, [R]160mm |
| Brake Levers | Tektro, hydraulic |
Wheels
| Rims | “For 27.5: Giant AM 27.5, tubeless ready, sleeve-joint rim, 30mm inner width For 29: Giant AM 29, tubeless ready, sleeve-joint rim, 30mm inner width” |
| Spokes | Sapim |
| Front Hub | alloy, loose ball |
| Rear Hub | alloy, loose ball |
| Tires | For 27.5: [F] Maxxis Rekon 27.5×2.6 WT, EXO, TR, tubeless [R] Maxxis Ardent Race 27.5×2.6 WT, EXO, TR, tubeless For 29: [F/R] Maxxis Forecaster 29×2.35 WT. EXO, TR, tubeless |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click View | Tires | Driveline | Frame material | Components |
| Giant Stance 29 1 | Click View | Maxxis Forekaster 29×2.35 | 1×12 | Aluminum | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Cannondale Habit 3 | Click View | Maxxis Dissector, 29×2.4″ | 1×12 | Aluminum | SRAM NX Eagle |
| Fezzari Abajo | Click View | Maxxis Minion DHF 29×2.5 | 1×12 | Aluminum | SRAM NX Eagle |
| Salsa Horsethief Deore | Click View | Maxxis DHF 29 x 2.5″ | 1×12 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore,FSA |
Liv Embolden 1 vs Giant Stance 29 1
In fact, the Liv Embolden 1 is the female version of the Giant Stance 29 1.
The two bikes are extremely similar, but the Giant Stance 29 1 does not come with 27.5″ wheels due to male body size issues.
On top of that, in terms of saddle use, the Giant Stance 29 1’s Giant Remero is a saddle designed specifically for off-road and enduro use that offers flexibility and comfort.
It uses Side-Flex technology to improve leg comfort and reduce friction and impact on the thighs while riding.
In addition, its Side-Wrap technology provides high-elastic padding to cover the edges of the saddle, reducing vibration on the sides and rear of the saddle.
Secondly, designed and tested by the Liv team of professional racers, the Liv Sylvia by Liv Embolden 1 is capable of very aggressive trail riding, with a saddle nose that can tilt down slightly for aggressive climbs, helping the rider to shift their weight forward.
It also features High-Elastic Particle Technology that gives support where you need it and pressure relief where you don’t.
Both of these are excellent bikes, please choose the bike you want according to your characteristics and needs.
Learn More: Is Giant Stance 29 2 Worth Buying? [ Review]
Liv Embolden 1 vs Cannondale Habit 3
The Cannondale Habit 3 has a 140mm front and 130mm rear travel, both longer than the Liv Embolden 1’s 130mm front travel and 120mm rear travel.
The Cannondale Habit 3 has better shock absorption and is more comfortable to ride.
The Cannondale Habit 3 only has 27.5″ wheels, which are flexible but not good for passing, while the Liv Embolden 1 has two sizes of wheels, giving customers more options.
The rest of the two bikes are relatively similar. If you want a more comfortable ride, I’d recommend the Cannondale Habit 3. Suppose you want more options for wheel size, the Liv Embolden 1 will suit you better.
Liv Embolden 1 vs Fezzari Abajo
Liv Embolden 1 has two sizes of wheels, while Fezzari Abajo has only one 29″. Speaking of 29″ wheels, Liv Embolden 1 has 2.35″ tires, however, Fezzari Abajo has 2.5″ tires.
The wider tires are able to ride on looser sand and can adapt to more difficult terrain.
In addition, Liv Embolden 1’s SRAM SX Eagle and Fezzari Abajo’s SRAM NX Eagle are both in the more general SRAM range, but they don’t lack top features and performance either.
The major difference is that the SX uses a basic, wider handlebar clamp, while the NX uses SRAM’s Matchmaker clamp.
The latter takes up less space and can be connected to compatible brake levers and dropper post levers.
However, the SX’s discs are made of stamped steel, which is stronger than the NX’s stamped alloy, while the latter is lighter in weight.
In short, if you want to be able to ride on very varied terrain, the Fezzari Abajo is better for you. If you want a bike with a more robust cassette, the Liv Embolden 1 is the way to go.
Liv Embolden 1 vs Salsa Horsethief Deore
The Liv Embolden 1 has a somewhat larger Stack/Reach Ratio than the Salsa Horsethief Deore, which means that the Liv Embolden 1 is more comfortable to ride and the rider can stretch themselves out better.
The former’s 67° head tube angle also gives the bike better shifting ability than the latter, allowing the rider to change direction better in winding trails.
In addition, the Salsa Horsethief Deore’s higher 759 standing height with the Shimano MT4100 Hydraulic Disc allows the rider to stop the bike steadily and quickly to avoid accidents, thus keeping themselves and others safe.
So, if you want a safer ride, I would recommend the Salsa Horsethief Deore. Provided that you want a more comfortable ride and excellent shifting ability, the Liv Embolden 1 will serve your needs well.
Summary
These are our full reviews of the Liv Embolden 1. It’s an excellent full-suspension forest bike that can be powerful on forest road rides. That’s why we give it a high score of 4.8.
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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