Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1496826
RIDE REVIEW I LIV INTRIGUE X ADVANCED E+ ELITE eMTB P102 The grip-integrated controls are as narrow and streamlined as the chassis, the lady-finger- sized buttons activating shifting and power modes with the lightest touch. This sleek design is very appealing at first, but I found it a little difficult to alter the power modes at speed through bumpy terrain. Buttons with a more tactile press would make it easier to "shift" on the fly, but perhaps the slick controls simply take some getting used to. Actual gear shifting is handled seamlessly by SRAM wireless electronic shifting, which never skipped a beat across the 12-speed cassette. SRAM hydraulic disc brakes are another premium component, their stopping power a proportionate response to the Intrigue's beefy pedal power. TRX rims and hubs are wrapped in Maxxis rubber, which provided a surprisingly confident grip, even across tricky surfaces like wet, sandy rockface. At one point I experienced some slip on an uphill, but a little less tire pressure was all it took to get rear-wheel grip back on point. BOTTOM LINE Liv's premium offering comes at a premium price. The Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite that we rode carries an MSRP of $10,000. Multiple trim levels will also be available, with the Elite 2 and Elite 3 coming in at $7200 and $6000, respectively. These options both feature the same frame, motor and battery, but complete the package with different suspension, drive train and brake components, as well as differ- ent rims and hubs (same mullet wheel sizes). But if it's the top-shelf option you're looking for, be prepared to cough up five figures. It's rare to come away from an all-new platform wondering "How good can it possibly get?" but this was one of the rare moments. Liv has a real game changer on its hands that I feel will make its way to riders seeking a potent lightweight trail weapon, regardless of gender. Of course, the Giant Trance version is also worth checking out, and is equally upping the ante with incredible power packed into a sleek design. It's always a bonus to have more options for sizing, ergonomics and suspen - sion. CN LIV INTRIGUE X ADVANCED E+ ELITE ($10,000) MOTOR: SyncDrive Pro2 85Nm, powered by Yamaha CONTROLLER: RideControl Ergo 3, RideControl GO integrated in T/T DISPLAY: ANT+ Wireless display compatible BATTERY: EnergyPak Smart Compact 400 SIZES: XS, S, M, L FRAME: Advanced-grade composite frame, Advanced-grade rear triangle, Advanced forged composite upper rocker, 140mm Maestro suspension system MX (front 29", rear 27.5") FORK: Fox 36 Performance Elite Live Valve, 150mm travel, 44mm offset, Grip2 damper, Boost 110x15QR, electronic adaptive suspension, e-bike integrated SHOCK: Fox Float X Live Valve, 185x52.5mm Trunnion mount, electronic suspension, e-bike integrated HANDLEBAR: Giant Contact SLR Trail, carbon, 760mm (XS-S), 800mm (M-L) STEM: Giant Contact SLR Trail, integrated,40/45/50mm Reach, 7/9degree Sweep Adjust System SHIFTERS: SRAM AXS Rocker Paddle, wireless electronic shifting FRONT DERAILLEUR: MRP 1X HD2 custom co-molded chain guide REAR DERAILLEUR: SRAM GX Eagle AXS FRONT BRAKE: SRAM Code R, 220mm hydraulic disc REAR BRAKE: SRAM Code R, 200mm hydraulic disc CASSETTE: SRAM XG-1275, 10-52T, 12-speed CHAIN: SRAM GX Eagle PowerLock CRANKSET: Praxis Performance Carbon e-crank arms SRAM X-Sync Eagle 36T chain ring RIMS: TRX 2 Hookless Clincher, 29-in front, 27.5-inch rear, 30mm inner width HUBS: TRX 2 MTB Alloy Hub, 6 Bolt, Pawl Driver (3 Pawl 30T) SRAM XD, 110 x 15 [F] / 148 x 12 [R] Thru-axle FRONT TIRE: Maxxis Minion DHF 29x2.50" Foldable, TLR, EXO REAR TIRE: Maxxis Dissector 27.5x2.4" Foldable, TLR, EXO S P E C I F I C AT I O N S