Let’s be honest for a moment. What are most of us looking for when buying a bike? Uncompromising geometry? Top specs? Or is it actually the colour scheme? If that’s what really matters you won’t get past the brand new LIV Intrigue E+ 1 Pro that easily. But we found out that LIV’s new women-specific eMTB has a lot more to offer than just flashy looks!

LIV Intrigue E+ 1 Pro | 150/140 mm (f/r) | 23.68 kg | € 4,399

Ever heard of LIV? No? Well, that’s no surprise! Until now the brand has kept relatively quiet in the eMTB-segment. Apart from one hardtail, LIV’s eMTB range was pretty limited. But now LIV is changing this by introducing two new models to its line-up — the Embolden E+ and the Intrigue E+. The Intrigue E+ Pro we tested costs € 4,399 and is the top of the range option. It’s no coincidence that LIV models look a lot like Giant bikes – because LIV is Giant’s women’s specific brand. Unlike other manufacturers, LIV doesn’t just splash pink paint on its unisex bikes to sell them as women-specific models, but actually develops the bikes from scratch, adapting them to the demands of women. But what exactly are the needs of female bikers? LIV considers the anatomical proportions of women to determine the average rider proportions for each frame size. The LIV team tweaks the geometry of its bikes to offer an optimal riding position combined with top riding fun. The head tube of our size small bike is 5 mm longer, the seat angle is 0.5° steeper and the freedom of movement is greater than on a comparable Giant model. This also makes for a more compact and upright riding position. And there is some even more exciting news: The LIV Intrigue E+ is also available in XS for very short riders.

The LIV Intrigue E+ 1 Pro in detail

Fork FOX Rhythm 36 Float 150 mm
Shock FOX Float DPS 140 mm
Brakes Shimano MT520 203/203
Drivetrain Shimano SLX/XT
Battery Giant Energypak 500 Wh
Motor Giant SyncDrive-Pro
Seatpost Giant Switch Remote 100 mm
Handlebar Giant Contact TR Risebar 760 mm
Stem Giant Contact SL 40 mm
Wheels Giant AM Disc
Tires Maxxis Minion DHF 2.6″ / Maxxis Rekon 2.6″
Weight 23.68 kg
Price € 4,399

LIV also adapts the spec of its bikes to the specific requirements of female riders. The handlebar width varies depending on frame size and is matched to the narrower shoulders of smaller riders and of course, there is also a women’s specific saddle. All the other components are carefully picked to harmonise with the overall concept. Shimano’s four-piston Deore brakes are powerful and efficient whilst the mixed SLX/XT groupset shifts reliably and with great precision. Alongside the women’s specific geometry, LIV also adapts the suspension to the needs of lighter riders. The Intrigue features a 150 mm FOX 36 Rhythm fork and a 140 mm FOX FLOAT DPS performance rear-shock. The bike is powered by a powerful SyncDrive Pro motor which draws its power from a fully integrated 500 Wh battery. Giant recently launched its own app which allows you to adjust and customise the motor support levels, as well as program your routes – although all functions are currently still very rudimentary. Instead of a display on the handlebars, small LEDs on the remote indicate the current motor assistance level and battery status.

Nice!
Depending on the sunlight, the paint of the LIV Intrigue E+ Pro 1 shimmers in different colours. This gives the bike a very individual look – we love it!
Minimalistic
The small remote controls the Intrigue’s motor – and there is also a walk-assist button. In addition small LEDs indicate the current support level and battery status.
Crazy amounts of power
In the highest support mode the motor of the LIV pushes powerfully and directly. We recommend riding the bike in the lower levels most of the time – especially at the beginning.
Very sensitive
The suspension works very sensitively even with light, female riders and inspires tons of confidence
In a stranglehold
Only a small bottle fits into the bottle holder of a size S frame. On top of that, the bottle cage holds the bottle so tightly that you’ll struggle to get it out while riding.

Before you put your weight on the pedals of the Intrigue E+ for the first time, you should be very careful. The motor reacts very sensitively and pushes on powerfully even at the slightest pressure on the pedal. If you’re an inexperienced rider we recommend starting with a low level of support. However, you’ll quickly develop a feeling for the bike and learn to appreciate the great amounts of power the motor churns out — especially when climbing steep hills.

The geometry of the LIV Intrigue E+ 1 Pro

Size XS S M L
Seat tube 380mm 406 mm 445 mm 482 mm
Top tube 565 mm 580 mm 595 mm 620 mm
Head tube 95 mm 100 mm 105 mm 125 mm
Head angle 66.5° 66.5° 66.5° 66.5°
Seat angle 74.5° 74.5° 74.5° 74.5°
Chainstays 470 mm 470 mm 470 mm 470 mm
Wheelbase 1169 mm 1185 mm 1201 mm 1229 mm
Reach 404 mm 418 mm 431 mm 451 mm
Stack 579 mm 584 mm 588 mm 607 mm
Helmet MET Roam | Glasses Oakley Jawbreaker | Shirt Mons Royal Phoenix Shirt | Shorts ION Bikeshort Scrub_Amp WMS | Shoes Five Ten Freerider Pro Women

The LIV Intrigue E+ 1 Pro on the trail

With a body height of 1.60 cm the riding position on a size S LIV Intrigue E+ feels rather compact but at the same time very comfortable — the ideal position for long rides. The suspension works so sensitively that sometimes you feel like you’re missing a few PSI’s even with the correct sag. Like a flying carpet the LIV glides over obstacles – it’s just superb! If you, like many other women, are struggling with suspension-setups that are way too hard for your body weight, the LIV Intrigue will spoil you with huge amounts of comfort and the 2.6″ MAXXIS are partly responsible for this. However, in our opinion a tire with a more aggressive profile on the rear would have been a better choice – unfortunately the Rekon+ lacks traction on climbs and grip on descents. It’s especially in the higher support levels, that the Maxxis Rekon+ is out of its depth and loses grip. Apart from that the LIV deals with technical climbs incredibly well and always stays composed. We recommend using a lower support level for technical sections and once the climb gets really steep you have to work actively to keep the front wheel on the ground.

Big Smile – the Intrigue E+ makes for lots of riding fun!

Despite its weight of 23.68 kg the LIV Intrigue E+ is easy to handle, it feels pleasantly agile and masters tight corners with ease. Simply superb! It literally flies through flatter trails and always feels playful and nimble. When the descent gets steep and technical the LIV inspires tons of confidence. Are you still worried about the plush suspension sinking away on bigger drops and catapulting you over the handlebars? Don’t worry the LIV won’t let you down on this one either. One point of criticism is the limited height adjustment range of the seat post. As the position of the seat tube bend is rather high, you won’t be able to use a dropper with long travel. It’s a shame because this would increase the riding safety significantly and inspire more confidence as a result.

Conclusion

The LIV Intrigue E+ Pro 1 is a great bike specifically designed for women. It impressed us with its good-natured, easy handling as well as its comfortable suspension. All of this makes it a great option for long relaxed days in the saddle as well as demanding off-road sessions. However, we’d recommend replacing the rear tire with one that offers more grip.

Strengths
  • Good natured, easy handling
  • Comfortable and confidence inspiring
  • Elegant look
Weaknesses
  • Motor characteristics need some getting used to
  • Rear tire offers poor grip
  • Limited dropper-post travel

For more info head to: liv-cycling.com


This article is from E-MOUNTAINBIKE issue #015

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Words: Antonia Buckenlei Photos: Christoph Bayer