Liv’s latest Langma evolves from climbing specialist to versatile all-rounder, offering improved aerodynamics, reduced weight and increased stiffness across a range of models
Words Imogen Smith
he third-generation Liv Langma has hit the road in Australia with improvements across its range, most notably in the top-of-the-line Advanced SL 0, the bike of Liv AlUla Jayco Women’s WorldTour team.
While earlier iterations had the Langma pitched as a climbing bike, it has been reborn as an all-rounder in 2024 to provide lighter, more efficient models that suit everyone, from racy to reccy.
Exploring the range
With a huge 12 models internationally, Australia will be seeing six – that’s two in each of the three series.
The Advanced SL 0 at the top is all about race-winning thoroughbreds, light enough for the mountains, aero enough for the winds.
The Advanced Pro in the middle suits a wide range of riding styles, and the Advanced provides some great value models.
Hitting our shelves are the Langma Advanced SL 0 ($14,199) and SL 1 ($9,499); the Langma Advanced Pro 0 ($8,199) and Pro 1 ($6,799); and the Langma Advanced 1 ($4,999) and 2 ($3,799).
The range is based around two different framesets.
The Advanced SL is built on Advanced SL Grade Composite with an integrated seatpost, while the Pro and Advanced models are made of Advanced-Grade Composite material and feature a Giant Variant seatpost, which offers the sheer practicality of being able to move your seat height up and down.
Both frames feature fully internal routing for that aero advantage, and increased tyre clearance of 33mm for big rolling energy and, of course, comfort.
While the optimum weight and stiffness gains of the Advanced SL models won’t be realised in lower models, a lot of the handling features around the contact points and geometry will benefit all.
In Australia, the sizes range from XS to L, which Liv says should fit women between 152cm and 183cm.
Weight savings
The Advanced SL frameset has dropped 123g, weighing in at 1,329.60g in the medium – that’s light! The Langma Advanced Pro and Langma Advanced framesets have also dropped weight, with the Langma Advanced Pro frameset shaving 44g, and the Langma Advanced frameset losing 75g.
It may not sound like much, but every gram makes a difference, and it’s impressive to see a dedicated climbing bike that’s transforming itself into an all-rounder shedding grams.
Aerodynamics
Speaking of metrics, Liv tested the new Langma models at top facilities globally, including the Immenstaad wind tunnel in Germany.
At the top of the range the Langma Advanced SL posts a pretty impressive 12.57 total watt increase in aerodynamic efficiency compared to its predecessor.
Advanced Pro and Advanced models benefit from the same internal cable routing and tube shaping, while Advanced SL and Pro models also have a Contact SL handlebar with aero shaping, featuring flat tops and a flared design that enhances aerodynamics.
Notably, these bars yield a 3.08-watt efficiency alone.
Further, both the Langma Advanced SL and Advanced Pro series are outfitted with OverDrive Aero, which includes a D-shaped fork steerer tube and provides easy access for servicing those internal cables.
Stiffness
Compared to the outgoing SL model, the new top model is 2.5% stiffer under pedalling and has a whopping 6.75% better torsional stiffness, which will impact the handling, providing that ‘corners on rails’ sensation.
The Langma has had an almost 12% improvement in stiffness to weight ratio for the new top model.
While we don’t have comparisons of other models along the range, the improvements will surely trickle down.
Looking deeper into what’s hitting the market in Australia, the Langma Advanced SL 0 tops the range with a ticklist of exemplary parts and components, including a full Sram Red AXS 12-speed groupset, Giant’s new Contact SLR aero stem and bars and zippy Cadex Max 40 carbon wheels.
Costing $14,199, this is definitely one for serious racers, and to showcase Liv’s commitment to providing a bike for all women, no matter their riding style.
Much of this top-end tech is available for $9,499 in the Advanced SL 1.
This beauty has a Shimano Ultegra Di2 12-speed groupie, the Contact SLR bar and stem for aero gains and Giant SLR 40 wheels.
Another sweet spot for $6,799 is the Advanced Pro 1 (Pro Compact), which stands out as a high-end but budget-friendly buy, with Shimano’s value 12-speed 105 groupset with electronic shifting, and the Advanced grade composite frame and SL fork, Contact SL bar and stem and an integrated Giant power meter.
The Langma Advanced 2 (Pro Compact) gets you in the door at $3,799 with Shimano 105 mechanical 12-speed, the Advanced grade composite frame and fork and Giant P-R2 wheels.
It’s a great value package with many of the design features of the Langma’s highest models, including 33mm max tyre clearance for comfort and rolling efficiency.
Providing such a deep women’s offering is testament to Liv’s dedication not only to building bikes, but also to building women’s cycling.
It’s great to see a range that includes a WorldTour-worthy specimen, all the way across to an affordable, entry-level performer with some of the same technology.
The new Liv Langma is 123g lighter than its predecessor with a claimed stiffness-to-weight improvement of 11.98%
Liv Langma Advanced SL 0, $14,199, liv-cycling.com/au
