Specification & geometry

Both of the bikes in this test have geometry adjustment features built into the rocker links of the suspension. To go from one setting to the other you simply unbolt the alloy inset and flip it around. Typically, the low position slackens the head angle by about half a degree and chops 7mm off the bottom bracket height. These flip-chips can be used to change the handling of the bike, like raising the BB for extra pedal clearance in rocky terrain. They also give the designers a degree of wiggle room in the choice of wheel size, Liv switching from 29in wheels to 27.5in on the S and XS sizes, while Scott offers smaller 27.5in wheel options on all three Contessa frame sizes.

A Head angle

C Effective SA D BB height E Chainstay F Front centre G Wheelbase H Down tube I Top tube J Reach