E-road bikes continue to grow in popularity, with the Liv range recently launched. Our editor, Nicola Rutzou, put the top-of-the-line model through its paces.
The Giant women’s brand Liv might be a little late to the party, with many of their competitors having a range of e-road bikes for several years, but they’ve nailed it with the new Avail Advanced E+ Elite range of women’s specific e-road bikes.
It doesn’t look like an e-bike. The only giveaways are the control panel on the top tube and the oversized rear hub. Otherwise, it’s a sleek machine with a cool paint job that graduates from gloss black to unfinished carbon. Before we start, I should also tell you that Liv’s ‘brother’ brand, Giant, also has the Giant Defy Advanced E+ Elite range, which has the same specs as the Liv models. So, much of what you read here applies equally. The key differences are the frame geometry and saddle, plus the colour and graphics.
Since e-bikes entered the market, I’ve been lucky enough to ride several of them, including cruiser-style, mountain bike, and road bikes, so I’ve got a fair idea of what it feels like to ride one, although I don’t own one. Well, not yet anyway.
I’ve heard many riders say that e-bikes are ‘cheating,’ but I disagree. E-bikes are an awesome addition to the range of bicycles available. They enable people who might not otherwise be able to ride to get out there, and that has to be a good thing. […]
Continue reading the original article at: bicyclingaustralia.com.au