The trail bike for women has a completely redesigned frame with adapted geometry and more suspension travel. Liv relies on hydroformed aluminium and a size-dependent wheel strategy for the current model.
With 140 millimetres of travel at the front and 130 millimetres at the rear, the Embolden falls into the trail bike category. In frame size M, it should weigh around 15 kilos without pedals.
The XS and S frame sizes rely on a mixed-wheel configuration with 29-inch wheels at the front and 27.5-inch wheels at the rear, while the M and L are based entirely on 29-inch wheels. The new trail geometry is characterised by a slacker head angle, longer reach and longer wheelbase.
ALUXX aluminium with hydroforming
The frame is made of hydroformed aluminium of the ALUXX class. The special alloy technology enables targeted moulding of the tubes for strength and rigidity. A semi-integrated rear shock increases frame rigidity and protects the suspension from dirt. The design centralises the mass in the frame.
The oversized OverDrive head tube and the PowerCore bottom bracket area increase stiffness and efficiency. This improves power transmission when climbing and makes steering behaviour more precise. The frame is compatible with the UDH standard, which simplifies the replacement of derailleur hangers.
The cable routing runs outside the cockpit and then merges into an internal routing. A large chainstay protector dampens chain slap. Tubeless-ready wheels allow lower tyre pressure for more grip. Tyre widths of up to 2.6 inches are possible.
FlexPoint suspension with 130 mm
The FlexPoint suspension system offers 130 mm suspension travel at the rear. The front suspension travel is 140 mm. The system is based on a single-pivot design with low complexity. The design is intended to provide traction and control on changing surfaces such as roots and rocks and actively keep the rear wheel on the ground.
The design makes the bike low-maintenance. Ludi Scholz, Liv Off-Road Category Manager, explains: "The Embolden has always stood for offering riders a reliable trail bike right from the start. With this new generation, we have significantly expanded the range of applications so that the bike can grow with your needs."
Trail geometry with flatter steering angle
The revised trail geometry brings a slacker steering angle, greater reach and longer wheelbase. These changes should ensure smoother running at speed and stability on steep descents.
The size-dependent mixed-wheel configuration is a key innovation. Previous generations in XS and S used two 27.5-inch wheels. In these sizes, the new model combines a 29-inch wheel at the front with a 27.5-inch wheel at the rear. This is intended to improve rollover behaviour and front stability, while maintaining manoeuvrability and standover height for smaller riders.
Sizes M and L rely on two 29-inch wheels. This configuration is intended to ensure maximum momentum and stability in technical passages such as rock gardens and roots. The strategy is aimed at balanced riding behaviour in every frame size.
Available in four sizes
The Embolden is available in frame sizes XS, S, M and L. Further information is available at liv-cycling.com/embolden.
Equipment:
- Fork: Giant STL 34 Air, 140 mm travel
- Shock: Giant Crest FloTrac air
- Handlebars: Giant Contact TR35
- Grips: Liv Tactal Pro Single Lock-On
- Stem: Giant Contact SL 35
- Seatpost: Giant Contact Switch AT Vario 30.9 mm
- Saddle: Liv Ergo Contact Trail
- Shift lever: Shimano Cues SL-U6000
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Cues LinkGlide RD-U6020 10-speed
- Cassette: Shimano CS-LG300-10 11-48
- Chain: KMC X-11
- Crank: Shimano Cues FC-U6000 30
- Bottom bracket: Shimano BSA Hollowtech II
- Brakes: Tektro Gemini HD-M535, 180 mm/180 mm
- Rims: Giant TRA 2
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29x2.5 / Maxxis Dissector 27.5x2.4 (XS, S), Maxxis Minion DHF 29x2.5 / Maxxis Dissector 29x2.4 (M, L)
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L
- Price: 1999 €
- Accessories: Tubeless Kit
Technical specifications:
- Frame: Hydroformed aluminium ALUXX class, semi-integrated shock absorber
- Suspension: 140 mm front, 130 mm rear (FlexPoint system)
- Suspension system: single pivot design
- Wheels: XS/S: 29 inch front, 27.5 inch rear; M/L: 29 inch front and rear
- Tyre width: up to 2.6 inches
- Head tube: OverDrive oversized
- Bottom bracket: PowerCore
- derailleur hanger: UDH standard compatible
- Wheels: Tubeless-Ready
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L
- Weight: Approx. 15 kilos (size M)
- Availability: available immediately
Laurin Lehner
Editor
