LIV Avail Advanced: All-round update for the endurance road bike for women

The LIV Avail has been around since 2008 - 15 years already - a classic, so to speak. The last innovation came for the 2020 model year: time for a comprehensive update and the 5th generation of the road bike. LIV has split its Avail into two lines: the Avail Advanced Pro and Avail Advanced, with the addition of "Pro" standing for a higher-quality carbon fork and better equipment options. For example, they feature carbon rims, while the Advanced models come with aluminium wheels. Of course, the "Pro" versions are also correspondingly more expensive. We take a look at the new features of the bike announced by Giant subsidiary LIV.

First of all, according to the manufacturer, the frame and fork of both series of the LIV Avail Advanced have been updated. The frame and forks should now be lighter, but also stiffer.

An important focus of the Avail Advanced series is on riding comfort; the bike is designed as a comfortable long-distance road bike or endurance bike, similar to the Defy from parent brand Giant. The frameset is equipped with ultra-thin, lowered seat stays, which are designed to be particularly compliant in order to effectively reduce shocks and vibrations from the rear wheel. In addition, the newly designed fork - available in either Advanced SL or Advanced Carbon - provides damping for the front wheel.

Added to this is the use of the improved, so-called D-Fuse components. The Liv Contact SLR and SL D-Fuse handlebar models have been specially developed to meet the needs of women's hands. They are characterised by ergonomically shaped, D-shaped tubes and an 8-degree flare drop.

Furthermore, the D-Fuse SLR and SL seatpost has a flexibility of up to 7 mm, which serves as an integrated shock absorber for bumps in the road surface.

D-Fuse - what is that?

The D-Fuse technology was first introduced in 2014 and was initially intended as a seatpost for professional cyclocross bikes. The main aim was to improve shock absorption and vibration reduction to allow for more comfortable riding on different routes. The technology is based on a "D-shaped" tube with a round front and a flattened rear section. By using D-shaped handlebars and seatposts at the key contact points, LIV/Giant aims to achieve greater flexibility without using complex mechanisms and thus adding weight. In addition, the current models of the D-fuse handlebars - as fitted here on the LIV Avail Advanced - are said to be up to 40 per cent more flexible and lighter than round handlebars compared to the previous generation.

LIV Avail Advanced: trimmed for efficiency

The Avail Advanced Pro frameset is the top model in the LIV series and weighs 128.4 grams less than its predecessor. In-house tests at Giant are said to show that the stiffness in relation to the weight has been improved by a good 30 per cent. According to the manufacturer, the Avail Advanced series should also offer a weight reduction of 104.9 grams and an increase in efficiency of a good 16 per cent compared to the previous generation.

In the new, slightly more affordable LIV Avail Advanced range, all models are equipped with tubeless wheels and large-volume 32 mm tubeless tyres. They also offer tyre clearance of up to 38 mm. The Avail Advanced Pro series, on the other hand, comes with wide, hookless carbon rims and a rim depth of 36 mm.

The LIV Avail Advanced series also offers two new stems: the Contact SL AeroLight and the Contact AeroLight. Both are made from a lightweight alloy with an aerodynamic shape and feature internal cable routing for a slim cockpit that is also designed to be easy to maintain.

In 2008, the Avail marked a significant step in Liv's commitment to developing high-performance road bikes for women. It wasn't just a smaller, 'prettier' version of a men's bike; we started from scratch to optimise every detail - from the frame geometry to the choice of components. - Meg Hung, Global Liv On-Road Category Manager

All models of the new LIV Avail Advanced Endurance bikes are available in sizes XXS, XS, S, M and L.

Prices and availability

LIV Avail Advanced Pro 0: 6,499 euros - from 01/2024

LIV Avail Advanced Pro 1: 4,999 euros - from 11/2023

LIV Avail Advanced 1: 3,699 euros - from 10/2023

LIV Avail Advanced 2: 2,899 euros - from 10/2023

Liv Avail Advanced - Features at a glance

1. ADVANCED CARBON FRAME: The frame is manufactured in-house by LIV's parent company Giant from high-quality carbon fibre. The front frame triangle is made from a single piece using a special manufacturing process called "Modified Monocoque Construction".
   
2. OVERDRIVE: The oversized steerer tube has been specially developed for precise steering behaviour. It has oversized headset bearings (1-1/4" at the bottom and 1-1/8" at the top) made of stainless steel.
   
3. D-FUSE SEAT POST: The seat post, also produced in-house by Giant, has a D-shaped carbon shaft. This means that road vibrations are better absorbed without the need for additional mechanics or special inserts.
   
4. CONTACT SL D-FUSE BARS: The carbon handlebars of the LIV Avail series have been specially developed for women and are also characterised by D-shaped tubes. It also has a higher tensile stiffness for more efficient sprints and climbs.
   
5. CONTACT AEROLIGHT STEM: The carbon stem has internal cable routing for an aerodynamic cockpit.
   
6. POWERCORE: The bottom bracket area, which is larger than usual, enables a fully integrated design with a width of 86 mm. The asymmetrical chainstays provide additional stiffness on the drive side and stability on the opposite side.
   
7. INTEGRATED DISC BRAKES: The bicycle frame and fork have been specially developed to accommodate disc brakes with 12 mm thru-axles at the front and rear.
   
8. BOTTLE HOLDERS: The LIV Avail Advanced comes with two bottle holders as standard.
   
9. COMPUTER MOUNT: Three mounting brackets for Garmin, Wahoo and Giant computers are also included. It is also possible to install a GoPro and light.
   
10. Mudguard mounts: The frame is equipped with mounts for mudguards.
    
11. MAXIMUM TIRE FREEDOM: Tyres with a width of up to 38 mm can be fitted.

Liv Avail Advanced Pro - Features at a glance

In addition to the above-mentioned features of the Liv Avail Advanced, the Pro version also has the following:

1. ADVANCED SL CARBON FORK: According to the manufacturer, the fork is made of high-performance carbon, which optimises strength, stiffness and steering precision to achieve even better control and responsiveness.
   
2. OVERDRIVE AERO: The D-shaped steerer tube and the corresponding spacers offer an aerodynamic, maintenance-friendly system with internally routed brake and shift cables.
   
3. D-FUSE SLR/SL SEAT POST: The proprietary seatpost features a D-shaped carbon shaft that better absorbs road vibrations without the need for mechanical devices or special inserts. The optimised carbon layup increases compliance and ensures a smoother ride.
   
4. LIV CONTACT SLR/SL D-FUSE HANDLEBAR: This lightweight carbon handlebar is not only said to be 40 % more compliant than its predecessor, but also offers greater tensile stiffness.