Liv Langma Advanced Pro 1: New generation with significantly more riding stability

The Liv Langma made its debut seven years ago, and now the women's brand of industry giant Giant is rolling out the third generation: as a competition all-rounder for ambitious female cyclists. As with the corresponding men's model, the Giant TCRmodern production technology, aero tuning and system integration should make the bike lighter, faster and more stable. The TOUR test will find out whether this also applies to the Langma Advanced Pro 1 from the mid-price segment.

Almost 240 kilometres in one go: sounds like a stage of a professional race? Not quite. The XXL distance gave our tester a multi-layered riding impression of the new Liv. Named after the Tibetan name of Mount Everest, the bike logically takes on the role of the mountain-ready model - alongside the aerodynamically optimised EniLiv and the comfort-oriented Avail. The Taiwanese have also revised both models in recent months.

Liv Langma Advanced Pro 1: More riding stability

When it comes to a bike for the mountains, it goes without saying that weight is a major consideration. At 7610 grams, the Advanced Pro 1 achieves a decent result, but the comparatively heavy components are noticeable. Shimano's 105 Di2 alone weighs around 300 grams more than a top-of-the-range groupset. The 941 gram frame is also somewhat less elaborately manufactured than that of the top model, which is characterised by a more exclusive carbon quality, among other things. According to the manufacturer, the high-end frame saves around 150 grams.

However, Liv has impressively rectified one of the main criticisms of the previous model: The frameset is significantly more torsionally stiff overall, which benefits the Langma on fast descents or in sprint situations. Our test rider, who says she takes a more leisurely approach to descents, felt correspondingly comfortable and set several personal records downhill.

The increased riding stability is supported by good-natured, smooth steering behaviour. The riding position is sporty, but not overstretched. Although the Liv does not achieve the best values in terms of comfort, thanks to the voluminous tubeless tyres, you can roll comfortably over bumps in the asphalt. The 25-millimetre standard tyres bulge to an effective 29 millimetres on the wide rims. With space for tyres up to 33 millimetres wide, the bike is also equipped for detours on gravel tracks. The saddle, which we found to be uncomfortably tight on the old model, was not a problem for our rider on her Granfondo.

No overall grade possible

Due to the lack of a wind tunnel test, we are not yet able to make a statement about the aerodynamic quality (and cannot determine an overall rating). Liv promises an improvement of almost twelve watts for the top model with fast full carbon wheels from Cadex. The old Advanced Pro 1 required 234 watts of pedalling power to overcome its own air resistance at 45 km/h. If the improvement is confirmed, the Langma would be in the range of comparable race all-rounders at around 220 watts.

As a specialist for women's racing bikes, Liv also thinks about details that women appreciate: The 340 millimetre wide aluminium handlebars, which are below the UCI minimum dimension, accommodate riders with narrow shoulders. Shorter cranks allow for smaller body sizes and shorter legs: At 160 millimetres, the shortest cranks from Shimano are bolted to the test bike in size XS. The new platform comprises three model series, with the 4799 euro test bike occupying the centre position. At the top is the exclusive Advanced SL; however, the workhorse of the professional Liv AlUla Jayco team costs more than twice as much as the Advanced Pro 1. The cheapest version with mechanical gears is available for 2799 euros.

Due to my passion for gravel biking, I rarely ride on the road. But the new Langma is the most suitable bike I've ridden so far. - Sandra Schuberth, online editor

>> The best tuning tips for road bikes can be found here.

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The Liv Langma Advanced Pro 1 in detail

• Price: 4799 Euro >> available here
• Weight of complete wheel: 7.6 kilos
• Frame sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L (test size greased)

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 419/505/121 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 533/361 millimetres/1.48
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 577/530 millimetres/1.09
• Wheelbase/caster: 975/69 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105 Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-34 t.) | Grade: 1.0
• Brakes: Shimano 105 (160/140 mm) | Grade: 1.5
• Tyres: Giant Gavia Course 0 25 mm (eff.: 29 mm) | Grade: 2.0
• Impellers: Giant SLR 1 40
• Impeller weights: 1233/1719 grams (front/rear)

Measured values

• Driving stability: 8.81 N/mm | Grade: 1.3
• Rear comfort: 142 N/mm | Grade: 2.3
• Comfort front: 145 N/mm | Grade: 2.3
• Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 68 N/mm | Grade: 1.0

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: First-class driving stability, well thought-out details
• Minus: Relatively heavy