Liv Thrive 1 Review
- Price: $1849
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: Giant S-R3 AC, 700x32c
- Gear: 2×11
What we like about it: The carbon fork brings less weight and better damping, making the rider more comfortable when riding.
What we didn’t like about it: It may not support to install a luggage rack and to ride very far away.
Rating: (4.7/5)
In today’s increasingly harsh global environment, the concept of green travel is becoming more and more popular.
In order to better protect the environment, commuting or short trips by bike are going virus.
For this reason, I found this Liv Thrive 1, a very good hybrid bike that can be a very good companion for people’s daily travel.
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
Commuter Riding
On my first bike commute, I was worried that the Liv Thrive 1 would seem to struggle in traffic and changing road conditions.
But thanks to his steep 71° head tube angle, the bike steered very well and I was able to move and change direction very freely through the crowd. I love the great handling.
Riding up to the intersection, I didn’t notice the sudden appearance of the brakes, but I hit the brakes with a very quick reaction time.
I had to admit that the Liv Thrive 2’s Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc brakes really didn’t disappoint me.
The 706 height also allowed me to get both feet to the ground quickly and they worked together to stop nimbly and safely, adding to my sense of security.
From this, I think many people will be interested in the fact that braking ability is the most critical factor in keeping people safe.
Not only that, but when climbing, you could set the Shimano Sora gearbox to the lowest gear ratio to get maximum power without much effort, thus making the climb less scary.
Overall, with the help of all this, I didn’t feel very fatigued.
Recreational Riding
On my weekends off, I always want to take a bike trip.
This time I took the Liv Thrive 1 to the outskirts of Washington.
First of all, the bike had two water bottle holders so I could rehydrate in time when I was thirsty, which reduced my worries.
In addition, the road conditions were always changing from urban to suburban areas.
The Giant S-R3 AC had a specially-designed tread pattern that could handle both dry and soft surfaces.
Even when I encountered extreme weather, I was able to achieve a smooth ride on the wet suburban ground.
On top of that, I could find the perfect gear ratio for each section and ride fast and free thanks to the Shimano 105 derailleur.
I had to admit that I felt more comfortable with the Liv’s D-Fuse seatpost that absorbed some of the impact.
Even on winding roads, I could take control of the bike with the Giant Connect, and the grip provided by the Giant Connect Ergo ensured that my hands wouldn’t get hurt from excessive friction or dislodged from vibration.
Besides, the Liv Sport saddle reduced pressure and friction, so I could sit on the saddle for long periods of time without squeezing my hips too much. I could always find the right position for the current trail to ride in.
All in all, it’s a very good hybrid bike and it captivated me.
Specification
The Liv Thrive 1 is an excellent hybrid bike with an ALUXX grade aluminum frame that provides very good stiffness and light weight, and a composite fork that better suppresses front wheel vibration and greatly improves ride comfort .
Giant S-R3 AC tire size is 700×32C, suitable for all-weather, all-road high-speed riding. While high volume casing provides excellent comfort and enhances the performance of the whole bike.
In addition, this bike also has two water bottle holders. So, even in the remote suburbs, you do not have to worry about hydration, giving you more peace of mind.
Other versions
After many tests, we know this bike much better and it is a very good hardtail trail bike.
However, many riders have their own requirements for its performance or components, so we found the same type of bike for further comparison.
Liv Thrive 2
The two bikes are very similar and the differences are not that big.
The main difference between them is his two components, the Shimano 105 and the Shimano Sora.
In terms of drivetran, the 105 is 11 speeds while the sora is 9 speeds. The former has the advantage of smoother and more efficient climbing. So the Liv Thrive 1 is more suitable for climbing than the Liv Thrive 2.
In addition, the Sora’s shifter is not as refined as the 105’s and is clunkier to operate.
Apart from that, the 105 dual-pivot brakes are more responsive, reliable and aerodynamic, while the Sora also has excellent braking performance, but lacks agility and braking power.
In fact, the Liv Thrive 1 is $400 more expensive, so if you’re on a budget, the Liv Thrive 2 is the better choice. When you’re looking for a really good riding experience, then the Liv Thrive 1 is the way to go.
What do we like about it?
- The carbon fork brings less weight and better damping, making the rider more comfortable when riding.
- All-road, all-weather Giant S-R3 AC tires.
- Giant D-Fuse seatposts mitigate vibrations from the ground.
- The ALUXX-Grade aluminum frame balances weight and stability.
What don’t we like about it?
- It may be a bit difficult to install luggage rack and ride to very far places.
FAQs
- Is Liv Thrive 1 suitable for beginners?
Both beginners and experienced riders can handle it well.
- What is the braking system of Liv Thrive 1?
The braking system of it is the Tektro HD-R210 hydraulic disc.
- How well does the Liv Thrive 1 go up and down hills?
It has excellent uphill and downhill capabilities.
- How to choose the right size?
The size chart for Liv Thrive 1 is as follows:
These sizes are only a general guide, the true fit may vary from person to person. The easiest way to find your size is to go for a test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’11” – 5’5″ | XS |
| 5’2″ – 5’7″ | SM |
| 5’4″ – 5’9″ | MD |
Specs
Build
| Frame | ALUXX-Grade Aluminum Tire Clearance: 35c Color: Milky Way |
| Fork | composite, alloy steerer, disc |
| Rear Shock | N/A |
| Bottom Bracket | FSA MegaExo |
| Stem | Giant Contact, 8-degree XS:80mm, S:80mm, M:90mm, L:100mm |
| Handlebar | Giant Connect, flat XS:58cm, S:58cm, M:62cm, L:62cm |
| Saddle | Liv Sport |
| Seatpost | Giant D-Fuse, alloy, 350mm |
| Pedals | platform pedal |
| Grips | Giant Connect Ergo |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano 105 |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano 105 |
| Crank | FSA Omega, 34/50 XS:165mm, S:170mm, M:170mm, L:172.5mm |
| Shifters | Shimano SL-RS700, 2×11 |
| Cassette | Shimano CS-HG700, 11×34 |
| Chain | KMC X11 |
| Brakes | Tektro HD-R210, hydraulic [F]160mm, [R]140mm |
| Brake Levers | Tektro hydraulic |
Wheels
| Rims | Giant GX Disc wheelset |
| Spokes | Giant GX Disc wheelset |
| Front Hub | Giant GX Disc wheelset |
| Rear Hub | Giant GX Disc wheelset |
| Tires | Giant S-R3 AC, 700x32c |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Tires | Driveline | Frame material | Components |
| Co-op CTY 1.2 | Click View | Kenda Kwick Trax, 700 x 35mm | 3×9 | Aluminum | Shimano Alivio |
| Specialized Crossroads 3.0 | Click View | Nimbus II Armadillo Reflect,700x38mm | 1×9 | Aluminum | microSHIFT Advent |
| Trek FX Sport 5 | Click View | Bontrager GR1 Expert,700×40c | 1×11 | Carbon | Shimano GRX 800,105 |
| Cannondale Bad Boy 1 | Click View | WTB Byway, 650bx40c | Belt Drive, Internally Geared Hub | Aluminum | Shimano Alfine |
Liv Thrive 1 VS Co-op CTY 1.2
The Liv Thrive 1 has carbon fiber forks, which are lighter and provide higher vertical compliance than the aluminum forks of the Co-op CTY 1.2.
This vertical compliance gives the forks greater damping capability. However, the stiffness of the aluminum fork on the horizontal axis allows for a faster response at high speeds, but at the expense of ride comfort.
Not only that, but the aluminum fork is stronger and you don’t have to worry too much about it bending or breaking, while the carbon fiber fork may pose some concerns.
So if you want a sturdier fork, the Co-op CTY 1.2 will serve you well. Considering that you want to ride a little more comfortably, the Liv Thrive 1 will be a better choice for you.
Liv Thrive 1 vs Specialized Crossroads 3.0
The Specialized Crossroads 3.0 uses microSHIFT Advent components, and its 1×9 derailleur is not as silky smooth as the Liv Thrive 1’s 2×11 derailleur with its wide range of shifts.
But the 1×9 derailleur prevents the chain from falling off, and today’s bikes rarely have front derailleurs in order to reduce weight.
In addition, Specialized Crossroads 3.0 has Suspension Seatpost, which can alleviate certain bumps and provide some comfort. But Liv Thrive 1’s rigid seatpost is lighter in weight.
If you want a more comfortable ride, I recommend the Specialized Crossroads 3.0, or if you want a smoother, wider range of derailleurs, the Liv Thrive 1 is the way to go.
Liv Thrive 1 vs Trek FX Sport 5
The Trek FX Sport 5 has a carbon frame. While this makes the bike lighter and faster to ride, the carbon frame cannot withstand impacts from the side and is prone to breakage.
However, the Carbon frame has a longer life span and some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on carbon frames, while the life span of aluminum frames is usually 5 to 10 years.
In addition, the Trek FX Sport 5 has a lighter weight 1×11 derailleur, which will bring faster speeds.
Plus, when you buy the Liv Thrive 1, it comes with platform pedals, allowing the rider to find pedals that fit the bike without spending too much time.
If you like carbon forks, the Trek FX Sport 5 will be perfect for you.
Learn More: Is Trek FX Sport 5 A Good Hybrid Bike? [Trek FX Sport 5 Review]
Liv Thrive 1 vs Cannondale Bad Boy 1
Liv Thrive 1 has 700c wheels, and its performance is better than Cannondale Bad Boy 1’s 650b in terms of passability, but it is not as agile as the latter.
In addition, the Cannondale Bad Boy 1 has a Belt Drive, Internally Geared Hub drivetrain, which has the advantage of requiring very little maintenance, roughly one oil change every 5,000km, to keep the chain under normal tension.
Whereas the Liv Thrive 1 derailleur requires more frequent cleaning and replacement of the chain and flywheel.
Besides, when riding the Cannondale Bad Boy 1, there is no need to be afraid of sand, water and other dirt entering the profile.
With proper maintenance, the Belt Drive, Internally Geared Hub can even last a lifetime.
In short, if you want a bike with better passability, the 700c Liv Thrive 1 will serve you well. For those who want to use the bike for a long time, I would recommend the Cannondale Bad Boy 1.
Learn More: Is Cannondale Bad Boy 1 Worth Buying? [Cannondale Bad Boy Series Review]
Summary
These are our full reviews of the Liv Thrive 1. This is an excellent hybrid bike that gives a very comfortable riding experience. All together we give it a high score of 4.7.
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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