Liv Tempt 2 Review
- Price: $730
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: Kenda Booster 27.5 or 29×2.4″
- Gear: 1×9
What we like about it: The Tempt is both performance-focused and has a comfortable geometry that makes this bike as good for trail riding as it is for school rides.
What we didn’t like about it: The color wasn’t very nice.
Rating: (4.6/5)
Actually, our team didn’t initially plan to review the Liv Tempt 2. However, due to its affordable price, many users wanted to see our evaluation of this bike. So, we conducted a comprehensive review.
The results of this review surprised me, and I take back my previous skepticism. I believe that for beginner female riders, this bike will meet your needs.
There’s no doubt that the Liv Tempt 2 is an excellent bicycle. It features an ALUXX-grade aluminum frame, known for its lightweight, durability, and impressive functionality, providing a comfortable riding experience.
Now, let’s analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Liv Tempt 2. In the second half of this article, we’ll also compare it with several other top bicycle models. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
Off-Road Riding
As a hardtail mountain bike, the Liv Tempt 2 performs exceptionally well. We purchased plane tickets through Skyscanner to go to Stromlo Forest Park, where we tested it on the off-road trails.
On these trails, I had precise control over the Giant Connect Trail handlebars. Whether riding on grassy tracks or mountain trails, I was able to adapt smoothly. The 80mm travel SR Suntour XCM fork may seem short, but its responsive rebound and reduced shock absorption ensured stability during the ride.
These features make it beginner-friendly, allowing riders to confidently handle off-road riding.
Furthermore, the Liv Sport saddle reduced pressure on my hips, making off-road riding more comfortable and even giving me the confidence to tackle steeper slopes.
At the same time, the Tempt series emphasizes riding comfort. With its excellent geometry design, I had better an extension, allowing me to find the most suitable riding position. I must admit that this is a dream come true for every rider.
In conclusion, after completing the entire off-road riding test, I consider this bike to be outstanding. Riders can enjoy a highly comfortable experience by riding this bicycle.
Campus Cycling
Although the Liv Tempt 2 is a hardtail mountain bike, it performs exceptionally well for campus cycling.
Riding on the wide roads within the campus is not particularly challenging. However, Liv Tempt 2 excels in navigating smaller paths as well.
On narrow paths with a lot of people, I had excellent control over the Giant Connect Trail handlebars. The Tektro HDC TKD 149 allowed me to promptly reduce speed and avoid collisions.
Furthermore, the cobblestone roads on campus can be quite bumpy. However, I found that standing while riding reduced the impact.
The 2.4″ wide Kenda Booster tires rolled smoothly over raised cobblestones, ensuring the bike remained stable and preventing it from tipping over.
When riding the bike downstairs, I could feel the Giant Sole-O providing significant friction, allowing me to have a better grip on the handlebars.
This exhilarating sensation got me excited (though I must note that I don’t recommend doing this for the sake of safety).
In summary, during campus cycling, I could feel the bike’s strong adaptability to different road surfaces.
If you’re looking for a bike that can handle both daily campus commuting and off-road mountain biking, I recommend giving it a try.
Specification
The Liv Tempt 2 is an ideal XC hardtail mountain bike for women, whether it’s off-road or campus cycling.
The Liv Tempt 2 features an ALUXX-Grade Aluminum frame, which is lightweight and durable. Additionally, it comes with two tire size options: 27.5″ or 29×2.4″, providing riders with more choices.
The Liv Sport saddle, following Liv’s 3F design concept, is specifically designed for female riders, offering a highly comfortable riding experience.
Moreover, with XS to LG sizes and top tube lengths ranging from 542mm to 610mm, riders can achieve better extension during rides.
The standover heights of 663mm to 757mm, combined with the Tektro HDC TKD 149 hydraulic brakes, enable riders to handle emergencies more confidently and ensure their safety.
Video
Other versions
After conducting numerous tests, we have gained a deeper understanding of this bike. It is an outstanding hardtail mountain bike.
However, many riders have specific performance or component requirements. Therefore, we explored other bikes of similar types for further investigation.
Liv Tempt 3
These two bikes have very similar overall frames, with minor differences. The Liv Tempt 2 features the Shimano Altus and microSHIFT groupset, while the Liv Tempt 3 has the microSHIFT Advent.
The latter is better suited for entry-level riders, providing a beginner-friendly experience. Shimano, on the other hand, offers greater professionalism and lower maintenance costs.
The former utilizes a 1×9 drivetrain, while the latter has a 2×8 drivetrain, offering a wider range of gearing options.
Considering the relatively small price difference between the two bikes, if you prefer Shimano components, I recommend choosing the Liv Tempt 2.
If you prefer a more versatile gearing system, then the Liv Tempt 3 is a better choice for you.
What do we like about it?
- The Liv Tempt 2 offers a balance of performance and comfortable geometry, making it suitable for both off-road and campus cycling.
- The ALUXX-grade aluminum frame is lightweight, powerful, and durable.
- The 80mm or 100mm fork provides excellent control, comfort, and stability on rough terrain.
- Impressive climbing capabilities.
- The Giant Connect Trail handlebars are well-suited for challenging mountain trails.
What don’t we like about it?
- The color options are not very appealing.
FAQ
- Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, it can be ridden confidently by both beginners and experienced riders.
- Does the Liv Tempt 2 have any special features?
Yes, this bike can accommodate the largest tire size (2.4″).
- What tire sizes are available for the Liv Tempt 2?
Kenda Booster 27.5″ or 29×2.4″.
- How to choose the right size?
The size chart is as follows:
These sizes are only general guidelines and the true fit may vary from person to person. The easiest way to find your size is best to try it out.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 150cm-163cm | XS |
| 158cm-169cm | SM |
| 164cm-175cm | MD |
| 170cm-181cm | LG |
Specs
Build
| Frame | ALUXX-Grade Aluminum, disc Tire Clearance: 2.4″ Colors: Liquid Metal; Ocean Wave |
| Fork | SR Suntour XCM, QR, steel steerer XS: 80mm travel (27.5) S: 100mm travel (27.5) / 100mm travel (29) |
| Rear Shock | N/A |
| Bottom Bracket | cartridge |
| Stem | Giant Sport, 7-degree XS: 40mm (27.5) S: 40mm (27.5) / 40mm (29) M: 50mm (27.5) / 50mm (29) L: 50mm (29) |
| Handlebar | Giant Connect Trail, 31.8mm XS: 670mm (27.5) S: 670mm (27.5) / 670mm (29) M: 750mm (27.5) / 750mm (29) L: 750mm (29) |
| Saddle | Liv Sport |
| Seatpost | Giant Sport, 30.9 XS: 300mm (27.5) S: 300mm (27.5) / 375mm (29) M: 375mm (27.5) / 375mm (29) L: 375mm (29) |
| Pedals | MTB caged |
| Grips | Giant Sole-O |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | microSHIFT Advent |
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Crank | ProWheel Charm, 30t XS: 165mm (27.5) S: 165mm (27.5) / 170mm (29) M: 170mm (27.5) / 170mm (29) L: 175mm (29) |
| Shifters | microSHIFT SL-M9295, 1×9 |
| Cassette | microSHIFT, 12×46 |
| Chain | KMC X9 |
| Brakes | Tektro HDC TKD 149, hydraulic, Tektro rotors [F]180mm, [R]160mm |
| Brake Levers | Tektro TKD 149 |
Wheels
| Rims | Giant GX03V 29 or 27.5, alloy, double wall, 21mm inner width |
| Spokes | stainless, 14g |
| Front Hub | alloy, ball bearing |
| Rear Hub | alloy, ball bearing |
| Tires | Kenda Booster 27.5 or 29×2.4″, wire bead |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2 | Click View | Bontrager XR2 Comp | 3×7 | Aluminum | Shimano Tourney |
| Cannondale Trail 8 | Click View | WTB Ranger Comp, 29×2.25″ | 2×7 | Aluminum | microSHIFT |
| Giant XTC SLR 29 2 | Click View | Maxxis Recon Race 29×2.25 | 1×12 | Aluminum | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Specialized Chisel | Click View | Specialized Fast Trak,29×2.35 | 1×12 | Aluminum | SRAM SX Eagle |
Liv Tempt 2 vs Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2
The frames of these two bikes are relatively similar. They both have aluminum frames and wheels. The difference lies in the braking systems.
The Liv Tempt 2 features the highly reliable Tektro HDC TKD 149 hydraulic disc brakes, while the Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2 is equipped with the Tektro MD-M280 mechanical disc brakes, which are easier to maintain.
Additionally, the Liv Tempt 2 uses components from microSHIFT, while the Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2 uses Shimano Tourney components.
Shimano gears are known for their durability and strong performance, providing greater torque.
Shimano gears are larger and come at a higher price point, but they offer a slightly narrower gear range compared to microSHIFT.
In summary, if you prioritize a bike with a high-performance braking system, I recommend choosing the Liv Tempt 2. If you prefer Shimano components, then the Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2 would be more suitable for you.
Learn More: Is Trek Marlin 4 Worth Buying? [Trek Marlin 4 Review]
Liv Tempt 2 vs Cannondale Trail 8
The Cannondale Trail 8 features a 2×7 drivetrain. Compared to the Liv Tempt 2’s 1×9 drivetrain, it offers a wider gear range. However, the Liv Tempt 2 provides the option for two different tire sizes.
In addition, there is a significant difference in the braking systems.
The Cannondale Trail 8 has a mechanical disc brake that offers better maintainability than hydraulic disc brakes, but it is not as safe as the hydraulic disc brakes on the Liv Tempt 2.
At the same time, the Cannondale Trail 8 has a reliable Deore drivetrain. However, it has a more traditional XC shape, which limits its upgrade options.
Additionally, the rattly internal cable routing of the Cannondale Trail 8 can make it less easy to maintain.
If you prefer smaller tires, you can choose the Liv Tempt 2. If you value a wide and smooth gear range, the Cannondale Trail 8 would be a better choice for you.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Trail 8 Worth Buying? [2022 Cannondale Trail 8 Review]
Liv Tempt 2 vs Giant XTC SLR 29 2
The Giant XTC SLR 29 2 is a lightweight bike with versatile racing geometry. It features durable components, such as the Giant Crest 34 fork that offers increased accuracy. However, one downside is that it requires lock-on grips.
In terms of overall geometry, the Giant XTC SLR 29 2 has a larger reach and stack compared to the Liv Tempt 2.
This provides better extension and allows riders to have a more comfortable and personalized riding position that suits their body size.
However, the Giant XTC SLR 29 2 is nearly $800 more expensive than the Liv Tempt 2.
If you have a sufficient budget and prioritize a comfortable riding experience, the Giant XTC SLR 29 2 would be a better choice for you.
If you value more tire options, I would recommend choosing the Liv Tempt 2.
Learn More: Is Giant XTC Advanced 29 3 Worth Buying? [Giant XTC Advanced 29 3 Review]
Liv Tempt 2 vs Specialized Chisel
The Specialized Chisel features a great RockShox Judy Silver Solo Air fork, which offers better stability and value compared to the Suntour XCM fork on the Liv Tempt 2.
Additionally, the 1×12 drivetrain on Liv Tempt 2 provides a wider range of gears, allowing for smoother shifting during rides.
However, the 27.2mm seatpost of Liv Tempt 2 may limit riders, and in terms of sizing, it is more suitable for female riders.
After all, Liv is a brand dedicated to meeting the needs of female cyclists. Moreover, when it comes to tire options, the Specialized Chisel only accommodates 29″ tires.
If you prioritize maneuverability during your rides, the Liv Tempt 2 with 27.5″ tires would be a better choice for you.
However, if you have a sufficient budget and prefer the Solo Air feature, then the Specialized Chisel is a suitable option.
Learn More: Is the Specialized Chisel Comp worth buying? [Specialized Chisel Comp Reviews]
Summary
Above is our complete evaluation of the Liv Tempt 2. It is a women-specific hardtail mountain bike that can save riders a lot of energy by mitigating the vibrations encountered on the road and reducing fatigue during rides.
In my opinion, the Liv Tempt 2 is a bike worth purchasing, and based on our evaluation, we give it a high rating of 4.8.
If you’d like to access more information about bicycles, feel free to check out our other reviews.
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