WOMEN’S SPECIFIC TRI-BIKE
ILIV AVOW ADVANCE PRO 0 N 2014, GIANT Bicycles renamed its line of women’s bikes and accessories from Liv/ Giant to simply Liv. The change highlighted how the Taiwan-based company would design and market women’s bikes.
Some brands argue that there’s more physical variation within the sexes than across them. Giant, with its creation of Liv, was following a different route based on the concept that women need their own bikes not just based on differing physiques, but for the way they ride. Liv also has its own retail stores, apparel, strong ambassador programs with amateur and pro riders, along with a strong social-media presence. The goal is to empower women to get out riding. In 2015, Liv released its first official female-specific triathlon bike, the Avow, which puts performance and fit for female riders first.
Recently, I tested the Avow Advanced Pro 0, the high-end of the three versions available. Right away, the bike felt different than other unisex models I’ve tried. Using global body dimension studies, Liv designed the Avow Advanced Pro specifically for female physiology, an industry first according to the company.
The frame is crafted with Aerosystem Shaping Technology and an Advanced-grade composite layup tuned for female riders which keeps the bike weight low. Each tube is shaped to optimize aerodynamic performance.
The Avow Advanced Pro 0 is the “superbike” version, with every last detail designed to help you go fast. This includes a handlebarmounted aero hydration system perfect for taking sips while staying in an aero position and an aero water bottle on the downtube and a toptube integrated bento box, which will appeal to long course triathletes who need to pack extra nutrition along for their rides. The Giant SLR 1 Aero wheelset (1,700 g) uses 55 mm carbon rims and alloy hubs. The bike is also equipped with Di2 shifting, but lowerend versions of the bike come with mechanical shifting for a more affordable price.
Female riders can find a truly custom fit on the Avow thanks to an easily adjustable aero handlebar system. The bike uses the same carbon base bar as the top of the line Giant Trinity, with clip-on aero bars that can be positioned for optimal fit.
I found that, on the Liv Avow Advanced, I was able to dial in a considerably more comfortable position than other tri bikes. This helped me to stay in aero position longer, ultimately push harder and also be able to descend confidently. Giant’s Speedcontrol brakes paired with the supplied carbon specific pads and wheelset allow you to ride with confidence, too, providing lots of braking power.
The bike comes in four sizes from XXS up to M, so triathletes of all sizes will be able to find something that works perfectly for them in the Avow.
Women who haven’t been satisfied with traditional tri bikes, or are simply looking for something new, should look at the Avow as more than just a great tri bike offering good value. When you purchase a Liv bike, you’re joining a global community of female cyclists and triathletes who look to empower each other through the sport.