Liv Tempt 4 Review
- Price: $600
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: Kenda Booster 27.5″ or 29×2.2″
- Gear: 1×8
What we like about it: Cost-effective and the perfect partner for newbies.
What we don’t like about it: Some riders don’t think mechanical disc brakes are sensitive enough.
Rating: (4.6/5)
Off-road cycling is becoming a trend, and more female riders want to challenge nature on their bikes. That’s why we found the Liv Tempt 4.
Priced at just $600, it meets the off-road needs of women riders exceptionally well. After a week-long ride, I believe it’s an outstanding hardtail mountain bike.
In the following sections, we’ll analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Liv Tempt 4.
In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it to several top bike models. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
As a hardtail mountain bike, the Liv Tempt 4 performs remarkably. I tested it on the off-road trails at Maydena Bike Park, which I booked through Skyscanner.
Off-road Riding
It’s the season of rampant plant growth, and the off-road trails here are inevitably prone to slippery conditions due to the grass. Because of this, I had some concerns about whether Liv Tempt 4 could handle these challenges.
However, during actual rides, the specialized tread of the Giant Sole-O allowed me to have flexible control over the Giant Connect Trail, adapting well to both grassy and mountainous trails.
Considering the bike size for a portion of riders, we opted for an XS frame. The SR Suntour XCM fork may appear short with its 80mm of travel, but its soft top and bottom rebound absorb shocks and ensure stability while riding.
These factors make maneuvering easier, even for beginners, resulting in better off-road performance.
Furthermore, the Tempt series places great emphasis on ride comfort. Its exceptional geometry provides greater adjustability, allowing riders to find their optimal riding posture. I must admit that this is crucial for every rider.
Overall, after testing it extensively off-road, I believe this is an excellent bike that offers a comfortable riding experience that truly captivated me.
Campus Riding
The Liv Tempt 2 is a hardtail mountain bike. However, Liv’s marketing claims that it also suits campus riding. Is this true? So, we decided to test it on campus.
The campus roads present a mix of conditions, with some wide and others narrow. Riding on the wide roads isn’t challenging, so we focused on the narrow ones.
Despite the higher number of people on the narrow paths, this bike maneuvered well through the crowds. Thanks to the Giant Connect Trail Handlebar and its 68.5° head tube angle, it displayed exceptional maneuverability.
The higher standover height, coupled with the TKB-172 mechanical disc brakes, allowed me to stop the bike stably in emergencies, providing good safety for both myself and others.
Additionally, I tried riding the bike downstairs (although, for your safety and the safety of others, I don’t recommend doing so).
The Kenda Booster tires’ supple tread handled the pressure of riding down the stairs, while the Giant Sole-O helped me grip the handlebars securely. I must admit, the exhilarating feeling of riding a bike downstairs deeply fascinated me.
Specification
The Liv Tempt 4 is an excellent women XC hardtail mountain bike, perfect for off-road and campus riding.
The Liv Tempt 4 features an ALUXX-Grade aluminum frame and comes in two color options for riders to choose from. It offers the option of SR Suntour XCE with 80mm to 100mm of travel, providing excellent suspension performance.
Additionally, the specialized tread of the Giant Sole-O offers a strong grip, allowing better control of the Giant Connect Trail handlebar and the entire bike.
Moreover, the top tube lengths ranging from 542mm to 610mm (XS to LG) allow riders to have a better stretch during their rides.
The standover heights of 663mm to 757mm, paired with Tektro HDC TKD 149 Hydraulic brakes, provide riders with a sense of calm and better safety in emergencies.
Video
Other Versions
After numerous tests, we have gained a deeper understanding of this bike. It is an outstanding hardtail mountain bike.
However, many riders have their own performance requirements or component preferences. Therefore, we have found similar bikes to conduct further research.
Liv Tempt 1
The geometry of these two bikes is identical, and all the components are the same. However, Liv Tempt 1 is $300 more expensive than Liv Tempt 4. The price difference may be due to the brakes and components.
The Tektro HDC TKD 149 Hydraulic Disc brakes on the Liv Tempt 1 are more responsive and provide quicker braking than the TKB-172 mechanical Disc brakes on the Liv Tempt 4. However, the latter is easier to maintain.
In addition, Liv Tempt 1 is equipped with a Shimano Deore M5120 10-speed drivetrain, offering smoother shifting and a wider gear range. It also has 2.4″ tires for a more stable ride. On the other hand, Liv Tempt 4 comes with the microSHIFT RD-M619 8-speed drivetrain, which is relatively inferior in off-road riding.
Therefore, if you prefer a more affordable price, the Liv Tempt 4 would be more suitable. But if you value a larger gear range, I would recommend the Liv Tempt 1.
What do we like about it?
- It offers a relatively low price compared to similar bikes, providing excellent value for money.
- The Liv Tempt 4 features an ALUXX aluminum frame that is lightweight and durable, offering long-term use.
- The Tempt series is specifically designed with excellent geometry to meet riders’ demands for both performance and comfort, enabling comfortable and fast riding.
- It offers a choice of two colors to meet riders’ aesthetic preferences.
What don’t we like about it?
- Some riders feel that mechanical disc brakes are not sensitive enough.
FAQ
- Is this bike suitable for beginners?
Both beginners and experienced riders can handle it very well.
- How does its ability to go up and down hills compare to bikes in the same price range?
The uphill capability is stronger than that of bikes in the same price range, and the off-road capability has its characteristics compared to others.
- What are the tire sizes available for this bike?
It offers two tire sizes: Kenda Booster 27.5″ and Kenda Booster 29×2.2″.
- How do I 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 on.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’11” – 5’5″ | XS |
| 5’2″ – 5’7″ | SM |
| 5’4″ – 5’9″ | MD |
| 5’6″ – 6’0″ | LG |
Specs
Build
| Frame | ALUXX-Grade Aluminum, disc Tire Clearance: 2.4″ Colors: Black Chrome; Terra Roza |
| Fork | SR Suntour XCE XS: 80mm travel (27.5) S: 100mm travel (27.5) / 100mm travel (29) M: 100mm travel (27.5) / 100mm travel (29) L: 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 RD-M619 |
| Front Derailleur | N/A |
| Crank | ProWheel A10XPP, 30t (27.5) or 32t (29) XS: 165mm (27.5) S: 165mm (27.5) / 170mm (29) M: 170mm (27.5) / 170mm (29) L: 175mm (29) |
| Shifters | microSHIFT SL-M718, 1×8 |
| Cassette | microSHIFT CS-H083, 12-46 |
| Chain | KMC 8.3 |
| Brakes | TKB-172, mechanical [F]160mm, [R]160mm rotors |
| Brake Levers | RS360A, mechanical |
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 29×2.2″, 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 |
| Specialized Rockhopper Expert 27.5 | Click View | Fast Trak Control 2Bliss Ready T5, 27.5×2.35″ | 1×12 | Aluminum | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Marin Palisades Trail 2 | Click View | WTB Trailboss Comp, 27.5×2.25″ | 2×9 | Aluminum | Shimano Altus,Acera |
| BMC Twostroke AL FIVE | Click View | Maxxis Rekon Race 2.25″ | 1×11 | Aluminum | Shimano Deore |
Liv Tempt 4 vs Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2
Taking the example of the XS size, the Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2 has a 100mm travel, which is longer than the 80mm travel of the Liv Tempt 4. A longer travel allows for more effective shock absorption, enhancing the rider’s cycling experience.
Furthermore, the Liv Tempt 4 features a more common 1×8 drivetrain, which prevents chain drops and ensures smoother shifting.
On the other hand, the Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2 has a 3×7 drivetrain, which is heavier and less advanced. Nowadays, mountain bikes rarely have front derailleurs as they are designed to reduce weight.
In summary, if you prioritize a more comfortable ride, please choose the Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2. If you prefer a lighter-weight bike, the Liv Tempt 4 would be the better choice for you.
Learn More: Is Trek Marlin 4 Worth Buying? [Trek Marlin 4 Review]
Liv Tempt 4 vs Specialized Rockhopper Expert 27.5
The Specialized Rockhopper Expert 27.5 is equipped with the SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, which enhances the rider’s cycling experience. Whether on uphill, downhill, or flat terrain, riders can easily select the appropriate gear and enjoy a smooth ride.
The Liv Tempt 4 features the TKB-172 mechanical disc brakes, which are not as responsive as the SRAM Level hydraulic disc brakes on the Specialized Rockhopper Expert 27.5.
However, the brakes on the former are lighter than the latter, and they each have their advantages in off-road riding.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a better riding experience, the Specialized Rockhopper Expert 27.5 would be more suitable for you. If you prefer a lighter-weight bike, the Liv Tempt 4 can still meet your needs effectively.
Liv Tempt 4 vs Marin Palisades Trail 2
The Liv Tempt 4 comes equipped with the Kenda Booster, a race-proven XC tire. It offers fast speeds, lightweight construction, and excellent traction.
Additionally, it features a competition-grade compound that performs well on dry, loose sand or rugged, rocky terrains. Being a tubeless tire, it provides added safety with its puncture-resistant capabilities.
Now let’s take a look at the Marin Palisades Trail 2. The WTB Trailboss Comp tire is a versatile all-around tire designed to minimize rolling resistance with its blocky tread pattern.
The center and intermediate knobs are siped in a direction that enhances acceleration and provides greater cornering traction. This tire utilizes a TCS tubeless casing, allowing for lower tire pressure to improve comfort.
If you frequently ride on uneven or soft terrain, I would recommend the Liv Tempt 4. If you primarily ride on winding roads, the Marin Palisades Trail 2 would be better suited to your needs.
Learn More: Is Marin Headlands 1 A Perfect Selection? – [Marin Headlands 1 Review]
Liv Tempt 4 vs BMC Twostroke AL FIVE
The Liv Tempt 4 has a Stack/Reach Ratio of 1.49, which is greater than the BMC Twostroke AL FIVE’s ratio of 1.31. A larger ratio indicates that this bike offers a very comfortable riding experience, allowing riders to maintain a more comfortable riding position.
However, the BMC Twostroke AL FIVE’s taller stack height, combined with the excellent SHIMANO BR-MT200 Hydraulic Disc brakes, allows for quick and stable stopping, minimizing the risk of accidents.
On the other hand, the Liv Tempt 4 has a head tube angle of 68.5°, which is greater than the BMC Twostroke AL FIVE’s 67°. A larger head tube angle makes steering easier, making it particularly well-suited for riding on winding roads.
Therefore, if you desire a comfortable riding position, the Liv Tempt 4 will suit you well. If you prioritize a higher standover height for safety, the BMC Twostroke AL FIVE would be a better choice.
Learn More: Is BMC Fourstroke 01 LT TWO Worth Buying? [BMC Fourstroke 01 LT TWO Review]
Summary
Above is our review of the Liv Tempt 4. This bike is a women-specific hardtail mountain bike that offers an excellent riding experience.
In my opinion, the Liv Tempt 4 is a bike worth considering for purchase. Based on our evaluation, we give it a high rating of 4.6. If you would like to find more information about bicycles, please feel free to check out our other reviews.
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