Liv first launched the Embolden in 2016 as an entry-level option, and it has remained in that position for the last decade. Its smaller-size options and a price tag hovering around $2,000 (sometimes less) made it a solid choice for ladies looking to get into the sport.
And, it still is, especially with Liv announcing an update to the Embolden today. Well, more than “an update,” but an all-new frame design that bring the trail bike into the modern era.
Liv Embolden Updates
Before I mention what is new, let me start with what is staying the same. Liv will continue to use an aluminum frame, a FlexPoint suspension system, and a price tag of around $2,000.
Other than that, quite a bit has changed. Liv said that the Embolden was first developed to help new riders build confidence on the trail. While that remains a cornerstone of the Embolden, the updates are geared toward helping riders take their skills to the next level on more challenging terrain.
“Confidence changes the way people ride,” Ludi Scholz, Liv Off-Road Category Manager, said. “The Embolden has always been about giving riders a trail bike they can trust from the start. With this new generation, we expanded what the platform can handle, so it keeps up as riders ride further, try new lines, and spend more time on the trail.”
Liv accomplished this by making some significant changes to the Embolden platform. Some are fairly obvious, while others are not.
Obvious Changes
Perhaps the most noticeable change is a new shock location. Rather than the vertically mounted shock we saw on previous iterations of the Embolden, the new bike has a semi-integrated rear shock mounted beneath the toptube.
To be clear, while the suspension layout is new, the Embolden still uses the FlexPoint suspension system. Liv says the new shock layout serves a few purposes. First, it increases frame stiffness. It also helps centralize mass within the frame, which improves stability and handling. Lastly, the new design is more protected from debris and has a cleaner aesthetic.
Along with a new suspension layout that is easy to spot, you might also notice bigger wheels. On the previous generation of Emboldens, Liv used dual 27.5” wheels on the smallest (SX & S) frames, and dual 29” on the larger frames, including an option of dual 29” on size S.
Moving forward, the smaller sizes will receive a mixed-wheel setup, while the larger sizes (M & L) will continue to roll on dual 29ers. The larger front wheel improves rollover and front-end stability, while the smaller rear maintains maneuverability. Having a 27.5” rear wheel also helps with standover clearance for smaller riders.
More Subtle Changes
Liv uses hydroformed ALUXX-grade aluminum for the Emolden frame. The frame has been redesigned, with hydroforming allowing engineers to optimize tube shapes. This means added strength and stiffness where it is needed.
An OverDrive headtube (usually a 1 1/8″ Top and 1.5″ lower headset bearing, though this head tube looks straight with a larger upper bearing cover) and a PowerCore bottom bracket (92mm wide press fit) further stiffen the Embolden frame. These not only enhance pedaling efficiency but also create a stiffer front end and frame for more precise and confident handling.
And, during this frame redesign, Liv also adopted the Universal Derailleur Hanger standard.
Suspension travel also increases from the older iteration of the Embolden. The new Embolden now delivers 130mm rear travel paired with a 140mm fork. More travel is helpful when the trail gets a bit spicier, and doesn’t hinder the pedaling performance of the FlexPoint platform.
Perhaps the most significant change the Embolden has undergone is to its geometry. Overall, the bike follows the industry trends of longer, lower, and slacker, albeit a few years behind.
But better late than never.
And the changes are pretty significant. Reaches have grown by nearly 10mm, seattubes are steeper by 3°, headtubes are slacker by 2°, and the wheelbase has grown by nearly 30mm. The chainstays also grew and are size-specific, at 440mm (XS & S) and 442mm (M & L).
One interesting note: the chainstays are longer than the reach on the new XS, S, and M Embolden.
Embolden Details
Liv prices the updated Embolden at $2,300. One build and two color options (Red Clay and Pale Moss) are available.
- Fork: Giant STL 34 Dual Air, 140mm
- Shock: Crest Flo Trac Elite TR, 2-position lockout, 130mm
- Drivetrain: Shimano CUES 1×10
- Brakes: Tektro HD-M5141, 180mm rotors (F/R)
- Wheels: Giant AM 30
- Tires: Maxxis Dissector (F) / DHR II (R)
- Touchpoints: Giant / Liv
liv-cycling.com
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