Even at the lower end, the Devote 1 features Shimano GRX brakes and drivetrain , making the gravel-specific groupset more accessible. The Avow Advanced is the most affordable of the two, incorporating alloy finishing kit alongside the carbon frameset. The Shimano 105 gearing is paired with Tektro caliper brakes, to create an ideal first tri bike for any woman looking into getting into the sport. The Pro 0 Disc, however, appears to be continuing into 2021 in its original guise and comes equipped with a full SRAM Force eTap AXS groupset fitted with a Quarq power meter.
Its 3F Design Philosophy – Fit, Form and Function – is all about making sure women’s bikes are actually tailored to women’s bodies, and therefore their physical needs. Liv’s road bikes, for example, are designed to enable riders to maximise on the power from their quads. Founded in 2008 as a sister-brand to Giant, Liv produces a huge range of women’s bikes that cater for all kinds of riders, from the Lycra-clad roadie to the aggressive off-road shredder, and everything in between. Over the years Liv has refined its best road bike and mountain bikes, with entry-level options for each.
It’s also, unapologetically, a women’s bike, designed from anatomical and physiological data specific to women. So before I could throw a leg over Liv’s sparkling new rig, I first sat down to hear the case for women’s-specific bike design. giant ROAD BIKES If you’re a more recreational rider, there’s the affordable Bliss, which is a decent entry-level bike. For the more gnarly off-roaders, the brand new Hail and Embolden offer up some amazing performance, while the Pique caters to XC riders.
A chainguard and mudguards also make this a practical option that will protect you from dirt and road debris in all weather. Smoothing out rockier riding surfaces are Rove’s front suspension forks, which have 63mm of travel. This can be locked out for riding on the road and flipped open for the off-road.
It comes with integrated components including the D-Fuse composite seatpost and Contact XR D-Fuse handlebar to further absorb road shocks and vibrations. The frame is integrated for disc brakes and it has clearance for larger tires up to 45mm. Versatile gravel geometry – Frame is designed with endurance positioning and shorter chainstays for precise handling, agility, and control. The result giant mountain is confident speed in all situations, from out-of-the-saddle climbs to rugged dirt descents. Tuned compliance – Innovative Contact XR D-Fuse handlebar and D-Fuse seatpost work as a system to help absorb shock without sacrificing the stiffness needed for aggressive road performance. Added frame clearance for high-volume tires up to 45mm helps smooth out rough roads, gravel, and dirt.
Within this range, Liv has also swapped out the steel front fork for a front suspension fork in their Flourish FS model, which costs £499. It is a racing bike that delivers on speed and strength on the climbs and the flat. Starting the aluminium range at £625 is the Avail giant mountain 2 with a entry level Shimano Claris setup and Tektro calliper rim brakes. At the pricier end of these aluminium options is the Avail SL 1 Disc at £1399. This model has Shimano hydraulic disc brakes for optimal braking whatever the weather, and a Shimano 105 groupset.