ABOUT THE PIQUE RANGE
The Pique Advanced SL series is designed for the modern crosscountry racer, while the Pique X Advanced SL series tailors to trail riders seeking a powerful and playful bike. At a quick glance, the two series share essentially the same DNA – a reengineered FlexPoint Pro rear suspension system, Liv’s Advanced superlight (SL) grade composite used for the first time on a mountain bike frame, and a two-position flip-chip to modify the bike’s geometry. There are also new Giant components such as the integrated handlebar and stem, and the wheel systems, all which were designed as part of the platform.
Where these bikes stray from each other at the proverbial (suspension) fork in the road, the Pique X Advanced SL series takes the one with more travel – the downcountry bike has 130mm of front suspension compared to the crosscountry’s 120mm, giving more aggressive geometry that lends itself to technical terrain while still being a lightweight climbing machine.
The crosscountry racers should know that the Pique has progressed with the new Pique Advanced SL, and is more capable, lightweight and efficient than the last iteration. Boasting dramatic differences like a 7% increase in overall system stiffness, 10% improvement in stiffness-to-weight ratio, increased rear travel (120mm vs the 115mm previously), and 85.1 grams lighter on the Medium frame compared to the Pique Advanced 29, the Pique Advanced SL is ready to race at the highest level.
SUSPENSION | One of the first changes you’ll notice is Liv’s FlexPoint Pro suspension has been reengineered. This change not only sheds weight, but also allows room for two water bottles on the frame (available for sizes S-L). FlexPoint Pro is Liv’s linkage driven single pivot design that was already lighter than their Maestro suspension system used in earlier versions of the Pique. The new design with the different shock location creates more space and isolates the shock from frame flex and forces. Liv intended on an accurate suspension system with minimal deformation, leading to fewer uncontrolled spring forces transmitted to the rider. Additionally, Liv co-developed upgraded products with their suspension manufacturers to maximize performance while still reducing weight.
GEOMETRY | The Pique X Advanced SL’s geometry is slightly different than the XC Race model due to the difference in travel, but the Advanced SL doesn’t differ much from the Advanced 29, either. Given that the Pique Advanced SL is intended to be the cross country race bike for Liv’s factory team, it might be best to compare the changed geo between this bike and the Pique Advanced 29. Any real geometry changes in this update come from the introduction of a two-position flip chip for adjustable geometry. The high setting offers steeper headtube and seat tube angles and a higher bottom bracket, while the low flip-chip position creates slacker angles (0.5 degrees) and more stability for technical descents.
BUILD SPECS | Liv is offering a range of four build kits in the Pique X Advanced SL and five for the Pique Advanced SL, in addition to Framesets. International pricing will vary, but for now we have confirmed pricing of $4,800 and $5,600 for Pique X Advanced SL 3 and SL 2 builds, respectively.
THE WOLF’S FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Like most brands, I hover around the small to medium cusp in bike sizing. I opted for the Medium to give a little more stability and a confident feel to the Pique X Advanced SL downcountry bike. Like with other Liv bikes I’ve tested, I felt centered on the bike and happy with my selection. I only have two 10-mile, 2,000 feet rides on the bike so far, but the terrain was varied enough to give some good insight. Conditions were damp, although the soil was sandy and well-drained, so there was still quite a bit of grip. The trails had plenty of roots, rocks, and a plethora of canyon-like ruts from the rain, which made for a fun time testing!
CLIMBING | Climbing the Pique X Advanced SL was an effortless activity. Regrettably, I did not get as much time in the saddle this summer as I would’ve liked, and my fitness has been reflective of that. However, hitting 2,000 feet elevation was an easy task on this machine due to its light weight and efficient power transfer. I enjoyed having an option for two water bottle cages as well as the in-frame storage, which would avoid the need for a pack on quicker rides. I have been frequently opting for carrying less on my rides near home and this combination makes it easy to throw in a light jacket, tool, and enough water to be comfortable.
Although I typically sit a little lower for a comfortable climbing position, I did notice that I looked quite a bit lower than normal on my saddle. This may be due to the selection of a medium, as my legs and reach are quite a bit shorter than the typical medium, even for Liv’s sizing specs. Although climbing was comfortable for me, I had less control over the front end when trying to make my way up more technical sections, and it felt like a lot of bike to handle at times. Luckily, it’s a very, very light bike, which makes the struggle a bit of a wash since I was able to overcome the difficulties once I had more time on the bike.
DESCENDING | I had an absolute blast ripping this bike down some of Spain’s singletrack trails. Compared to the outgoing Pique Advanced 29, I noticed a slight difference due to the increased travel and lower position. The bike felt a tad less skittish, more stable, and gave me more confidence to tackle the tech. It was easy to transition from all-out pedal smashing with lots of support, to the technical climbing and descents. The Pique X Advanced SL thrived on quick sections of steep trail with roots, and handled the rain ruts with ease.
For long term testing, I’lll be looking to swap the Maxxis Rekon race tires for tires that I’m more comfortable running on my local terrain, cutting down the bars, and playing with suspension set-up to test the Pique X Advanced SL’s downcountry limits. I had felt a little limited on the Pique Advanced 29, specifically because I wished I had slightly more travel to back me up when I got a little too inspired on the trail, so I’m excited to see that Liv has made the changes to boost the capabilities in the Pique X Advanced SL bike. For the long term review, I intend to have some serious fun on it! 
Website: Liv-cycling.com
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