I have a strong sense of déjà vu as I write this. In fact, it’s more than that — I actually had to check back to August 2024 to ensure I hadn’t simply reused the same headline.
Essentially, I’ve been here before. It’s not just about my earlier reviews on the best aero bikes; it specifically concerns the last Liv bike I reviewed, the Langma Advanced Pro 0. At the time, I was completely smitten, rated it five out of five stars, and told the brand to dismiss all other models.
Luckily, it didn’t listen to me, because here we are just two years later, and I find myself falling head over heels for the Liv EnviLiv Advanced SL – something I was quite determined I would never do again after it lost its way in 2023.
As I wrote at the time of the Liv EnviLiv launch, this model marks 13 years since the brand launched its flagship aero bike, making this the fourth generation of the race-ready performance bike.
I’ve pretty much sat on every model since then, and have generally raved about the handling, comfort and speed. After riding the Liv EnviLiv Advanced 2020 model, I was torn between buying the bike and retiring from riding, fearing I would never see such impressive ride data again.
Like some weird prophecy predicting tech writer, my fortune telling came true with the Liv EnviLiv Advanced 2023, which frankly broke my heart. It was reincarnated as an ‘endurance aero race bike’, which, in reality, was an underwhelming update that made it ponderous with an overbearing wheelset.
Then, the Liv Langma Advanced rolled into my life. It delivered such an incredibly rapid and responsive ride that, in another future-predicting statement, I actually wondered what the point of the Liv EnviLiv.
The point, it seems, was that it was moving on to bigger and better things, and with its first Pro win under its belt, thanks to Australian National Champion, Mackenzie Coupland, at the Vuelta a Extremadura Femenina, it’s clear that the all-new Liv EnviLiv is really something special.
Design details
(Image credit: Liv)
It’s worth revisiting the launch piece (linked above) if you want more detailed information, but in summary, the Liv EnviLiv has been designed to remain a women’s specific bike.
Working with the cycling world’s only female moving mannequin for wind tunnel testing, Liv states this has allowed them to gain a much better understanding of airflow and resistance around a female form and has ensured the geometry of the new model caters to these needs.
That said, the EnviLiv was not designed in isolation. A quick look at its sibling brand Giant’s Propel reveals EnviLiv’s inspiration. Launched simultaneously, the bikes clearly share more than just DNA, with similar frame Advanced SL-grade composite frame and fork lay-up and tubing profiles.
This redesign also updates the EnviLiv silhouette to align with other aero bikes, such as the Canyon Aeroad and even the Specialized Tarmac.
Compared with the previous EnviLiv Advanced, the differences are striking. Key updates, according to Liv, include a 120g weight reduction – a 7.7% decrease – which, based on our calculations, brings this new EnviLiv frameset (frame, fork, and seatpost) down to 1,450g, making it much closer to most high-end aero bikes. #
The new EnviLiv also boasts a 19% improvement in frameset stiffness-to-weight ratio, including a 14.7% increase in torsional stiffness over the previous model, and somewhat surprisingly, 25% more compliance. Liv attributes this to the carbon layup, refined rear triangle shaping, the new proprietary Vector Integrated Seatpost, and the new Cadex SLR Aero integrated cockpit.
Additionally, the 2mm extra clearance between the fork legs now allows for tyres up to 32mm, offering a significant advantage in compliance.
Specifications
It’s worth noting that the EnviLiv SL is the top-of-the-range bike, meaning everything onboard has been selected by Liv to enhance performance. Therefore, it is not surprising to find a SRAM Red e-tap AXS groupset fitted.
What is more notable is that it runs a 2x chainset.
We’ve become so accustomed to seeing 1x on aero bikes that encountering this 35/48 setup is curious- is it forward-thinking or behind the curve? The onboard power meter, which works with almost any head unit, is a really nice touch.
On either side of the chainset sit the brand-new Cadex Max 50 Wheelsystem, another sibling brand to Liv, launched just a week before the new Cadex Max 50, which features 50mm, 22.4 mm inner diameter carbon fibre hookless rims, an ultra-thin hub flange, bonded carbon aero spokes, and weighs 1290 grams.
Paired with the new 40 TPI casing Aero Tubeless Tyres, Cadex claims this is a fully engineered, integrated wheel-tyre system, which is 18 watts faster than Cadex’s existing Ultra 50 wheels.
Unfortunately, these were never specc’d on the previous EnviLiv, so claiming that speed improvement is questionable, but extra watts are extra watts, and who are we to complain about where they come from?
The EnviLiv isn’t just about watt savings; Liv also emphasises that speed doesn’t have to equate to extra weight and bone-shaking stiffness. The days when speed meant a weight penalty are long gone, and there has been a general shift among bicycle manufacturers to blur the line between strong, stiff aero bikes and light, comfortable climbers- the EnviLiv Advance SL exemplifies this.
With the EnviLiv frameset weighing just 1450g, it is only 120g heavier than its climbing sibling, the Langma Advance, which, according to The Measure of Things, is just over half the weight of a Syrian hamster, if you need some perspective.
The total package weighs 6.8kg for a size medium. As shown in the Liv-supplied dataset, this third-generation Liv Langma Advance SL frameset is 123.03g lighter than the previous model, coming in at 1329.69g compared to 1452.63g.
Performance
Launching the Liv EnviLiv in the mountains of southern France was the first sign that this bike was moving away from its ‘aero endurance’ traits.
The idea quickly proved itself in practice, and after 130km of mountain riding, I was already quite convinced of what the all-new Liv EnviLiv could deliver. Back in the UK with the bike, riding on my local roads, the EnviLiv truly is impressive.
I live in an extremely hilly area, with the Peak District as my playground, and I’m gradually conquering all the major climbs simply for fun. It’s on this challenging terrain that the double chainring setup makes much more sense. Choosing SRAM Red for this top-tier model keeps the weight down — although I’ve already managed to drop the chain, which makes me wonder if a lower-spec Shimano Ultegra might be more reliable, despite a slight weight penalty.
Overall, the EnviLiv is happy to tackle any road you point it at. Out of the saddle, it instantly transfers your power into speed, with the chain of command from pedal to wheel feeling immediate.
Once at speed, the EnviLiv sustains it effortlessly, allowing you to shift gears swiftly and maintain a comfortable, aerodynamic position, whether on flat terrain or while climbing.
The wheel system is clearly a major factor in the bike’s performance, but unlike the 2023 model, where they felt more dominant, now they complement the bike well, balancing climbing and fast flat rides. I’ve only once avoided a ride due to gusty winds over 50mph.
With 50mm wheels and experiencing some minor buffeting from sudden crosswinds, I wasn’t willing to risk being fully exposed in strong gusts. This makes me curious about how the bike will perform if I need to swap wheels, especially considering that the bike’s smaller, female-specific sizes likely mean lighter riders.
For now, I’m thinking of requesting a set designed specifically for introverted riders — like myself — who really dislike waking up the small towns and villages of the Peaks with the loud freehub when coasting.
I’m even thinking of adding some more grease to quieten it, as I’ve started pulling on the brakes slightly while still pedalling in some small towns, because the constant eye-turning from pedestrians and café-goers can be quite embarrassing.
Speaking of brakes, their stopping power has been top-tier— anyone who’s ridden along the narrow UK back lanes will appreciate this more than most. Even on wet days,
I’ve yet to hear the brakes squeal like a howler monkey. This is reinforced by my descents in the Peaks, which can be quite challenging, and by knowing that modulation, combined with the bike’s excellent handling, has given me far more confidence than I’ve had in a long time.
Value
Once a bike’s price reaches the five-figure mark, its value is closely scrutinised, especially when the EnviLiv Advanced Pro costs around half that amount, and the entire range starts at just 20% of that price.
Looking at bikes with similar prices, such as the aforementioned Canyon Aeroad CFR with comparable specifications, including SRAM Red and slightly deeper DT Swiss ARC 11000 Dicut 55 wheels, it comes in at $10499/ £8349, $2000/ £2000 cheaper. That doesn’t include the integrated seatpost but claims a weight of 7.0kg for a size medium.
The Specialized Tarmac SL8 with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and Roval Rapide CLX III 48.5 mm deep wheels will set you back $14,000/ £11,500 – $1000/ £1000+ more and weighs around 6.6kg for a 56 cm size.
Sitting between these two bikes in terms of spec and weight (6.84kg), the price of $13,500/ £10,499 feels about right, and based on our reviews of all of them, when it comes to making a choice, it really comes down to what fits and feels best.
The biggest issue for me is the impact of an integrated seatpost and having to cut it to size. Luckily, there is an SL ISP clamp listed that should give you around 4cm of adjustment, but it’s something to consider regarding future resale or if you change your crank length.
Verdict
At this stage, I’m really convincing myself to buy the Liv EnviLiv. It’s fast, comfortable, lightweight, and handles exceptionally well. Any worries—like ‘what happens when it’s really windy’ or ‘what if I cut down the seatpost and then dislike it’—are quickly dismissed by just spending money…..
After all, what’s another couple of thousand for some good shallow wheels or a hundred or so for the ISP clamp? There are cheaper options out there, but once you’re spending that much on a bike, why settle for something that compromises on fit or feel? We’ll ignore the fact that the price tag is close to my annual salary, and if I were to buy a superbike, this would be it without hesitation.
Spec
- Weight: 6.8kg
- Frameset: Advanced SL-grade composite
- Groupset: SRAM RED AXS
- Wheelsystem: Cadex Max 50, Cadex Aero Tubeless 28c
- Cockpit: Liv Contact SLR 0 Aero Integrated
- Sizes: XXS – L
