Liv has consistently redefined what it means to design performance-orientated bikes for women. Founded by one of the most influential figures in the global cycling industry, Bonnie Tu, in 2008 under the Giant Group – where she served as chairperson and CEO until her retirement in January 2025 – Liv’s mission has always been clear and simple: to empower female cyclists at all levels, from enthusiasts to professionals. The brand has built a reputation for developing bikes that are not reconfigured men’s models but instead are created from the ground up, using data-driven research to optimise geometry, aerodynamics and handling for female riders, as well as involving female professionals at every stage of the design and engineering process.
The third-generation Langma Advanced SL is the latest evolution of Liv’s all-round performance road bike, built for elite racing and high-performance riding. Making its highly anticipated debut in June 2024, the Langma Advanced SL was unveiled at the Giro d’Italia Women, where Liv-Jayco-Alula put it to the test on some of the toughest climbs in women’s racing. The bike has since been a consistent presence at the sharp end of the peloton, contributing to multiple top-five finishes and cementing its status as a race-proven machine.
Now, I am not a pro racer by any means, but I can certainly put a bike through its paces on the roads around Hertfordshire. (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy imagining themselves in the breakaway on their way to glory?) So, out of the peloton, how does the cutting-edge machine perform? I put the bike to the test.
Frame and build
Liv’s Langma range consists of three models – Advanced, Advanced Pro, and Advanced SL – catering to different performance needs and budgets. At £11,999, the Advanced SL 0 sits at the very top of the range. It is the exact bike used by the Liv-Jayco-Alula WorldTour team, which is a testament to its ability to withstand both the pressures of professional racing and daily use by enthusiasts.
The third-generation Langma Advanced SL is a product of extensive engineering refinements, making it 123 grams lighter than its predecessor, according to Liv, while increasing pedalling stiffness by 2.5% and torsional stiffness by 6.75%. These incremental but meaningful improvements should translate into more efficient power transfer and improved responsiveness – crucial factors when climbing, sprinting, or cruising at high speed. Liv has also claimed that “the advances in composite technology, tube shaping, and internal cable routing, combined with a redesigned handlebar, stem, and WheelSystem, have resulted in a 12.57-watt gain in aerodynamic efficiency.”
There are strategically engineered airfoil sections in the frame and fork, developed through wind-tunnel testing. The bike’s frame also features an oversized down tube and top tube, which Liv has said provides superior lateral and torsional stiffness, with a rectangular down tube profile to enhance steering precision and pedalling performance.
The Langma Advanced SL 0 I tested had undertaken quite the journey – manufactured in Taiwan, shipped to America, then to Giant UK in Leicester, before finally landing on my doorstep. The SL 0 comes fitted with SRAM’s latest Red AXS 12-speed groupset, delivering quick electronic shifting with a wireless setup. This flagship build has the ultra-light Cadex Max 40 wheels (claimed 1,249g) with Cadex Race GC 28mm tyres. The other SL model in the range, the Advanced SL 1, is equipped with Shimano Ultegra and Giant SLR 0 40 wheels and is priced at £8,999.
Both Advanced SL models are based on the same frame, which means both feature an integrated seatpost. This is said to reduce weight, enhance aerodynamics, and improve compliance, helping to smooth out road vibrations. The bike also boasts an upgraded cockpit build, with the Advanced SL featuring the OverDrive Aero steerer tube, redesigned stem, and new flared handlebars for improved precision and control. The fully internal cable routing not only enhances aerodynamics but also contributes to a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Liv has designed the top cap, cables, and spacers as a unified system, claiming it provides better adjustability and maintenance access without compromising performance.
Ride impressions
At first glance, the bike has a very clean and minimal aesthetic, thanks to the internal cable routing, which not only makes the cockpit more streamlined but also adds an aero advantage, along with the integrated seatpost. The bike’s paint job also caught my eye. As I stood in the sunshine, the bike’s iridescent colour changed from brown to blue to gold, a colour Liv has named “Gloss Tahitian Pearl/Chrome” – the only colourway this model comes in.
When it came time to ride, the Langma Advanced SL 0 truly lived up to its billing as a performance bike. The lightweight frame, combined with the stiff, efficient drivetrain, made for a bike that was quick to accelerate and eager to climb. On punchy climbs, the bike seemed to effortlessly propel me forward, responding instantly to my pedal strokes and handling changes in terrain with ease. I felt very smug when on one of my local climbs, I seemed to effortlessly overtake two riders.
On fast, open roads, the bike felt incredibly stable, even at high speeds. The aerodynamic geometry and frame design kept the bike streamlined, reducing drag and allowing me to maintain a higher average speed with less effort. While I’m not a pro racer, I couldn’t help but feel the thrill of power transfer when pushing through the pedals, and the responsiveness of the bike made every ride feel fast and efficient.
The comfort was also notable, especially on longer rides. The combination of the integrated seatpost and the carbon frame helped to absorb road chatter, and even when tackling less-than-perfect roads, the ride remained smooth and stable. On tight corners or fast descents, the bike’s precision and control were clean – there was no sense of instability, even in challenging conditions.
Verdict
At £11,999, the Langma Advanced SL 0 is undoubtedly a significant investment. However, for riders who demand the best in performance, aerodynamics and handling, it delivers exceptional value. Liv’s focus on creating a bike that is both lightweight and stiff while offering unparalleled aerodynamic efficiency makes this bike one of the top choices for serious cyclists.
The bike comes in three sizes – XS, S, and M – across the entire Langma range in a variety of colours from spec to spec. However, only one colour is available if you want the Advanced SL 0 – it is a beautiful colour, though.
Whether you’re aiming for a podium finish or just seeking a bike that can handle the demands of racing, training, and everything in between, the Langma Advanced SL is a top-tier choice. It offers the perfect balance of speed, comfort, and handling – qualities that are essential for elite-level competition. If you want to ride like the pros, this bike will let you do exactly that.
