LIV INTRIGUE X ADVANCED E+ ELITE 1 REVIEW

Words by Emma Wooldridge | Photos by Cole Gregg

Given that Liv is a brand that aims to empower riders of all levels, from beginners to pros, it seems fitting that they’ve developed a trail-focused eMTB for women. The Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite is one of Liv’s latest designs, and is intended to power through technical climbs, thrive in the harsh descents, and push a rider’s performance to new levels as they make quick work of the trails.

I received the Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite test bike after my Sturdy Dirty enduro race, and I was immediately grateful to experience my home trails on an eBike. The test bike saw all sorts of conditions from dry kitty litter at Beacon, to chilly slush at Canfield, and even late season primo dirt. I took it for a pre-ride of the infamous Eastoberfest enduro race, and grew more comfortable with getting increased air time as the season wore on. After a full test period, I’ve compiled my thoughts on Liv’s Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite below.

ABOUT THE LIV INTRIGUE X ADVANCED E+ ELITE 1

DRIVE UNIT AND ELECTRONICS | The Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite 1 and 2 models use the Giant SyncDrive Pro 2 MG drive unit, powered by Yamaha, to deliver torque of up to 85Nm to the rear wheel at a weight of 2.5kg. The E+ Elite 3 uses the slightly heavier Syncdrive Pro2 at 2.7kg due to its heavier casing. Liv went the extra mile and co-developed the first e-bike specific battery cell in the world, in an effort to reduce the overall weight without sacrificing power. The 400Wh EnergyPak battery weighs in at 2.3kg (5 lbs) and sits discreetly in the downtube. It achieves the same amount of power as the typical larger batteries on the market, but with the new 22700 cells that are high-density and high-discharge to bring the overall volume down slightly. Range can be extended by 200Wh using the EnergyPak Plus range extender, giving you the option to accessorize this mid-weight e-bike and take capacity close to a typical full power e-bike.

The Syncdrive system uses their EnergyPak 4A charger and takes under 4 hours to achieve 100% charge, with a 60% charge being achieved within 1 hour and 45 minutes. A fully charged battery can last up to a claimed 150km depending on the rider and conditions. The Battery Management System prevents overheating, increases battery life, and optimizes charging performance.

Liv gave the Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite the updated RideControl Ergo 3 control system. The Ergo 3 is fully integrated into the handlebar grip on the left side, and uses three simple buttons to power up, power down, and activate the Walk Assist. Liv’s gives riders the option to adjust this based on their own personal preferences in the RideControl App. The RideControl GO console system is embedded in the top tube, and uses two rows of LED lights to indicate battery life and power mode. Additional tuning capabilities are available in the RideControl App, letting riders customize their support ratio, torque, and acceleration settings. The app can also track ride data, monitor battery life and health, and provide basic navigation.

The Liv Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite series comes equipped with Liv’s Smart Assist Technology. Six sensors located throughout the bike monitor the torque, speed, cadence, motor rotation, slope, and acceleration at any given moment. These sensors feed into the control unit to help it to determine how much power to supply, helping to ensure you’re given the boost when you need it and conserving energy when you don’t. Smart Assist ensures there isn’t a delay in assistance even when pedaling at a low cadence. This leads to a riding experience that is more intuitive and natural, yet still powerful.

FRAME AND FEATURES | Liv uses their advanced carbon fiber composite technology on all their bikes labeled “Advanced,” allowing them to achieve a high stiffness-to-weight ratio with the high performance grade carbon fiber. On all models, the front triangle is constructed as one cohesive piece out of advanced-grade composite. The “1” and “2” builds feature a carbon fiber rear triangle and upper rocker of the Maestro suspension system, while the “3” build has Liv’s Aluxx SL-grade rear triangle, and its linkage is advanced forged composite. All models use a flip chip in the upper rocker link to customize geometry, with high and low positions to choose from. This frame is only offered in a mixed wheel configuration to allow for nimble maneuvering on the trail.

The cables are internally routed through the headset on all Liv Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite builds, including Live Valve’s suspension control wires on the “1” model. A junction box attached to the battery is waterproof and dustproof; and provides an organized solution to the multitude of cables for the eBike. The front triangle leaves room for a standard water bottle, even with the Live Valve control module placed within the underside of the top tube on the “1” model. Rubber protectors are in place to protect the chainstay and the lower part of the downtube, which houses a hatch to access the battery. An MRP upper chain guide helps to keep the chain in place.

Another feature on Liv’s “1” model is Giant’s Contact SLR trail cockpit, crafted out of full carbon. The lightweight cockpit is a fully integrated one-piece bar and stem combination, with a clever insert that still allows a rider to slightly adjust the stem length and backsweep. A built-in mount on the stem fits your typical bike computer with a Garmin mount, so you can see your stats in real time. The lower end models “2” and “3” come equipped with Giant’s Contact SL 35 trail handlebar and separate stem, which do not provide a built-in computer mount.

SUSPENSION | The Maestro suspension system on the Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite delivers 140mm of travel to the rear wheel. Using four pivot points combined with two links, Maestro creates one single floating pivot point, with kinematics selected to counteract the pedaling forces to prevent squatting and bobbing. With a near vertical wheel path and linearly progressive spring curve, the rear suspension is intended to withstand the hits and remain active among the impacts along the trail. As if there wasn’t enough customization of the Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite, Liv combines the Maestro system with Fox’s Live Valve suspension damping control system to ensure maximum performance and opportunity for rider-programmed preferences.

GEOMETRY | Liv offers the Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite in sizes Extra Small to Large, accommodating riders from 5’ to 5’11” (152-181cm). Reach numbers range across the sizes, with a 419mm reach on the XS frame in the low position to 466mm reach on the Large. The size small I tested sported a 434mm reach in the low position paired with a 606mm stack height.

Across the size range there’s a potentially longer than expected 447mm chain stay length. The head tube angle and bb drop varies depending on the flip chip position selected – the slacker end being 65.7 degrees and steepening to 66.5 in high, and bottom bracket drop of 30mm in low or 20mm in high. The seat tube angle varies from 77.2 degrees to a steep 78 degrees in the high flip-chip position. Total wheelbase measures in at 1188mm.

BUILD SPECS | Like Giant, Liv offers specific builds with no customization or frame-only options. They do give you a choice between three different models: an entry-level “3” at $6,000, a mid-spec “2” for $7,200, and the high-end build “1” topping out at $10,000. Many specs remain the same between all models, including the Advanced Grade Composite front triangle.

While Giant offers a super fancy “0” build on its Trance X Advanced E+ Elite with an even fancier price tag that’s decked out, the “1” is Liv’s highest-end build and was loaned to me for testing. It comes equipped with Fox 36 Performance Elite 150mm up front and Float X 140mm in the rear. SRAM provides a wireless GX Eagle AXS drivetrain and the Code R brakes. Praxis Performance Carbon e-crankset in either 160mm or 165mm depending on the size with a 36t chainring add the drive to the motor. There’s a Tranz-X Rad+ dropper post, and Giant’s in-house TRX 2 wheelset and hubs. The “1” is the only model that features Fox’s Live Valve and Giant’s Contact SLR Trail integrated handlebars and stem.

Notably, this high-spec model had the most subdued color of the three builds, potentially making it more valuable across the spectrum of riders. This also means that Liv didn’t make the raddest color known to mankind just to be greedy and use it for their priciest builds – the Elite 3, marked $4,000 less than the “1,” comes in the transcendent Mirage.

A previous hang-up I had with Liv’s Intrigue LT is the tire casing spec, which seems to be repeated with the X Advanced E+ Elite. While the LT was intended to be more aggressive and could’ve used a burlier casing, the Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite is an e-bike that not only can handle the extra weight, but almost certainly warrants the protection of at least EXO+ while barging down the trail. Instead, all models come with EXO casing and 29×2.5” Maxxis Minion DHF and 27.5×2.4” Maxxis Dissector tires.

THE DIRT

SETUP | Initial set-up followed Fox’s Live Valve tuning guide. At 130 pounds, I was running 160 PSI in the rear and 68 PSI up front.

• Shock – 28% Sag – 160 PSI with stock volume spacers – Compression 8 clicks from open
• Fork – 20% – 68 PSI – Compression 7 from open

Set-up also included connecting Live Valve’s control module to an app on my iPhone, where I could select different modes and sensitivities, as well as pairing with Giant’s RideControl app. I’d guess that most people that are buying e-bikes are likely grateful for the intense technology integrations, or at the least indifferent to the electronics. I personally still live in the Dark Ages, and when given one too many apps or buttons, my brain short circuits. I just like to ride my bike with as little tweaks as possible. I’m a simple woman. And with that, no adjustments were made to the one-piece bar and stem set-up, as I felt quite comfortable with it out of the box, the flip chip mostly stayed in the Low position to feel more aggressive, and I rode the spec’d tires until I couldn’t anymore due to punctures.

I do want to note that I’ve more consistently been in the Medium range on Liv’s bikes, but at 5’4ish, I’m riding the cusp between sizes. I opted to size down to a Small for this review in an effort for better handling and to be able to muscle the extra weight of the e-bike around. I felt slightly cramped with the reduced reach, but had loads of fun on jumps and still had room to maintain aggressiveness on the more technical trails.

ELECTRONICS & INTEGRATION | Even with a loaded set of electronics, the Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite 1 presented as tidy and sleek. While the Intrigue LT had an obnoxious Live Valve control module under the top tube, the Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite had the controller more discreetly placed and almost flush within the top tube.

The e-bike itself isn’t camouflaged as well and it’s apparent that you’re powered by a motor, not your huge muscles. The LED display on the top tube was particularly helpful for me when I needed to chance a quick glance on the downhill to power up or down. My smaller hands had to be a little flexible, but still managed to use the RideControl Ergo3 controls on the grip fairly easily.

The day-to-day operation and maintenance of the bike was simple. If a dinosaur like myself can manage, you can too! Powering on or off using the LED display with a simple press and hold was intuitive and charging periods weren’t long. Live Valve thrived in the e-bike environment and charging occurred simultaneously for both batteries, which meant one less thing for me to forget about. While not the norm, I did experience a couple rides where I had full battery indicated at the start and within 5-30 minutes, the battery had been drained. This happened during the frigid winter which may have played a part.

I did notice that the SyncDrive Pro motor was especially sensitive, so when I came to rest on the trail with my foot on the pedal, I experienced frequent surges of power, rocking me forward a bit. But it was a small, annoying sacrifice to make for the natural feel when climbing on the trail. The e-bike motored up with me well on the climbing shortcuts that normally had me considering my life choices at the halfway point and felt smooth on the typical climb routes. At times though, it was slightly too powerful for me starting from a stop on those steep pitches.

CLIMBING | Liv delivered on the balanced geometry for this trail focused e-bike. I felt comfortable on a variety of climbs, including technical rock gardens, steep and loose access roads, and the average uphill trail. The mixed wheel made it easier to maneuver in tricky sections and the head tube angle was steep enough to swing around tight corners on the steep climbs. There are certainly people who disagree, but it does take a slightly different skillset to start excelling on the uphill eBike climbs. The Smart Assist was incredibly helpful when ascending at a lower RPM, but it did feel like my horse was galloping away from me when starting from a stop on those climbs. It torque me a while to adapt…anyways.

Live Valve was useful if you took the time to switch settings in the app. Climb mode provided more traction and a firm platform for pedaling, but I often found myself in Sport or Comfort mode, as I didn’t experience any negative side effects on the climbs and I could set and forget it without massive regret on the downhill. Liv’s Sylvia E+ saddle has been a solid match for my body and is one of the components designed specifically for women. Never underestimate a better saddle, ladies.

I ended up using this electric mountain bike quite a bit in preparation for a fall enduro race. It may have been cheating, but it was insanely helpful to put down the laps without my legs suffering. And it allowed me to session significantly more than I could on my pedal bike, transforming me into a better rider over the course of the season. I used to shy away from some of my local technical XC or uphill trails, but the Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite powered me through them and after getting the feel for it on the eBike, I’ve been able to replicate it on my pedal bike. Although I view climbing only as a necessary evil, Liv’s bikes have consistently made me reconsider my perspective, especially this Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite 1.

DESCENDING | I was a little skeptical at first as to how the bike would perform descending, since it was such a breeze on the climbs. But Liv’s Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite was meant to do it all (except bike park, sorry). The head tube angle wasn’t too steep to the point that I couldn’t push the bike on the downhill or clobber the occasional tricky rock roll. The bike was truly enjoyable whether I was climbing, sprinting, or descending. I had fun transitioning from the uphill tech sections straight into slow, precise rock features, and out into the open and fast areas on the XC trails. It’s stable and planted feel allowed me to advance my jumping skills, and I could easily lap the skills park without breaking a sweat.

On my home mountains like Beacon and Canfield, the 150mm travel was just right and the smaller rear wheel made cornering effortless. I used the Intrigue to practice for an enduro race that included an overwhelming amount of tech, both downhill and uphill, and some fast and loose sections. I never hesitated to take this eBike down any of the trails as it felt perfectly capable. To me, it felt playful without having the usual twitchiness that accompanies that description.

I’m not particularly a fan of the decision to spec the Code R brakes over the Code RSCs, especially with such a high-ticket bike price. It was a learning curve trying to adjust to different braking points, which was partially due to being on a heavier bike, but with the Code Rs I had to apply more pressure to the levers and still didn’t feel a strong initial bite. On longer or steep descents, the increased pressure required to engage the brakes caused some arm fatigue. Contrary to popular belief, eMTBs do require rider effort to muscle around, and I could’ve used some relief in the form of sharper brakes.

While on the human-powered Intrigue LT Advanced Pro 0, I felt like either Live Valve or Liv’s Maestro suspension system was causing a hang-up in the rear that made consecutive hits feel like hitting a wall, but I didn’t experience this at all on the Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite 1. Overall, I felt like the Maestro system soaked up the impacts on the trail well and recovered quickly. I did experience the majority of my popped tires this season on this eBike, though. It was a pain to be dealing with the late season dryness of the trails on a bike with EXO casing tires, and the rocks mostly seemed to target my rear wheel. As a diehard born and raised 29er, I quickly ran out of spare 27.5” tires. I’d like to see EXO+ or even a burlier Double Down tire spec on the rear of this bike for some improved peace of mind.

FINISH AND VALUE | The Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite 1 is a sleek, playful, confidence-building machine. Named “Airglow”, the paint is another win for the Liv designers. I personally love any jewel tones, and this emerald-blue-black color does not disappoint. It does tend to look dirtier more quickly, but it’s another one of those finishes that looks different in every light.

The spec choice that I feel most detracted a little from the eBike’s value was the brake selection of Code Rs over RSCs. Although I enjoyed taking the bike out for an occasional quick lap, I primarily used it to have more descents in one ride, usually doing at least 2,000 feet of elevation gain and up to 3,000 feet. On the majority of these rides, my arms were fatigued early on from having to apply more pressure to the levers.

While Live Valve adds an extra component to manage, it blends in well with the other electronics and gives riders more customization. The one-piece bar and stem is lightweight and may have reduced fatigue, but a future replacement seems like a spendy headache and this area of the bike sees a lot of rider personalization, which has been limited here.

For a price tag of $10,000, it isn’t the most expensive e-bike on the market, yet it could have been packaged a little differently. I want so badly to have a frame-only option from Liv, as their geometry has meshed well with me, but alas, they have not changed their ways.

The Wolf’s Last Word

The Liv Intrigue X Advanced E+ Elite is an extremely capable, lightweight-ish, all-around eBike. Pedaling is easy-breezy on the mellow flow trails or you can put the hammer down to hit big jumps or cruise through the technical rock gardens, but you’ll feel comfortable in both environments. Whether you’ve been looking to enter the mountain bike world via the soft push of a motor, or you’ve slowly warmed up to the thought of joining the eMTB club, this bike is a perfect contender for conquering a variety of trails.

Price: $10,000
Website: LIV-cycling.com/