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review

Liv Avail Advanced Pro 0

9
£5,999.00

VERDICT:

9
10
Impressive fusion of comfort and performance, with geometry suited to cyclists who want to ride all day
Light
Power efficient
Exceptionally comfortable
Sleek looking
No extra bosses for bags for endurance riding
Weight: 
7,620g
road.cc Recommends

This product has been selected to feature in road.cc recommends. That means it's not just scored well, but we think it stands out as special. Go to road.cc recommends

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Liv's Avail Advanced Pro 0 strikes an impressive balance between racing performance and long-distance comfort. With endurance geometry and clearance for up to 38mm tyres, it's perfect for the longest of days in the saddle. I've had about five weeks to test Liv's claims that 'this road warrior is ready to take you as far as you can go, which is always farther than you think' and, objectively, there's very little to dislike about it. The price might put some off, and I have to say it's a bike lower down the Avail Advanced range I'd be looking at – compromises don't look as drastic as you might expect – but if you want and can afford the level of equipment on the Pro 0, it's an excellent choice.

Our best road bikes buyer's guide covers our favourite machines from 300 quid to 13 grand…

Liv launched the fifth generation of its Avail Advanced bikes at the end of August. It's a bike intended to appeal to those who want a comfortable, less racy/aggressive riding position, and don't necessarily prioritise the need for speed. With this latest iteration Liv claims you don't have to wholly sacrifice the latter for the sake of the former, and after having put it through a range of rides over the last month or so, I'd certainly agree with that.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - riding 5.jpg

Suvi tested the previous model and really liked it, but Liv has made changes to the geometry for this latest version. On the medium size I've been testing, both the seat tube and top tube are shorter, while the head tube angle has been reduced from 72 to 71 degrees, leading to a 6.5mm increase in trail and a 4mm decrease in reach.

> A-Z of cycling jargon: Find out what over 150 strange terms really mean

I haven't ridden previous models, so I can't say how positive or not these changes are, but the 165mm head tube on the medium I tested made for a position that felt distinctly 'endurance' – much more upright than on a pure racing bike.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - riding 3.jpg

I never felt like I could get into an optimal tucked, descending or sprinting position, but this didn't come as a surprise – it's not a racing machine. But it felt stable enough in all situations, and power transfer was impressive by comparison to some other 'endurance' bikes I've ridden.

Liv Avail Advanced Pro 0: Ride

I've tested the Liv on rides ranging from 40 to 230km, primarily on road, and its biggest attribute, in my opinion, is the comfort it offers on rougher roads.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - riding 2.jpg

While it might have been tempting to come up with some newfangled design to rival Specialized's Future Shock/AfterShock or Trek's IsoSpeed, Liv has opted to put its efforts into refining existing technology and components.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - top tube.jpg

The Advanced-grade carbon composite frame and Advanced SL-grade carbon fork are dressed up with Liv's innovative Contact D-Fuse handlebar and D-Fuse seatpost, designed to 'absorb more road vibrations than round-shaped tubing without sacrificing efficiency on corners and climbs'. D-Fuse technology was first introduced in 2014 as a seatpost for pro-level cyclo-cross bikes, designed to absorb low-amplitude shocks and high-amplitude vibrations to deliver a smoother ride on variable terrain. Following its success in cyclo-cross, the technology was expanded to the rear of endurance road and gravel bikes – and later to the front half of bikes. Liv claims that the propriety seatpost used on the Avail Advanced offers up to 7mm of flex. Having tried it, I'm convinced Liv isn't far wrong – it flexes!

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - seat stays.jpg

As well as the geometry, the other significant change to the frameset is that it can accommodate up to 38mm tyres – a 3mm increase from the previous Avail – though it comes with 32mm rubber. And despite the seatpost's convincing impact on comfort, I'd be inclined to suggest that the 32mm tubeless tyres should take significant credit here. I tend to keep widths in excess of 30mm for my touring and gravel forays, but a few weeks on the Avail Advanced Pro 0 has convinced me that 32mm is well suited to our increasingly rough roads on a road bike too.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - down tube.jpg

At the end of a 230km audax, taking in plenty of rough roads and a couple of sections of bridleway, my usual lower back and shoulder niggles were unnoticeable. When coming off both 6km stretches of bridleway, I didn't feel as beaten up as I would have if I'd ridden my carbon bike with 25mm tyres.

Even with Liv's damping technology and running relatively low tyre pressures, the bike didn't feel sluggish or lacking in efficiency. The frame's claimed increased stiffness is perhaps compensating for the increased flex in the seatpost, alongside an oversized bottom bracket area (with a press-fit bottom bracket). Whatever the scientific explanation, I certainly didn't feel like the bike was lacking in terms of efficiency while I was out with faster paced groups, or pressing on up climbs.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - riding 1.jpg

I rode the bike on some decent gravel stretches beside the river Wye, as well as in the Wyre Forest – a good test of Liv's claim that the Avail Advanced can handle 'short gravel sections'. By comparison to the bikes I raced over the Flemish cobbles (granted, more than 10 years ago), the Avail Advanced Pro 0 is superior with regards to comfort. You can put the power down and still feel relatively comfortable atop the D-Fuse bar.

In short, Liv has produced a frameset and build that offers a level of comfort that will be very much appreciated when riding on rough roads, as well as embarking on endurance outings.

Liv Avail Advanced Pro 0: Frame & fork

To say the bike is pleasing to the eye is an understatement. Yes, that's personal opinion, but I'm not a fan of oversized tubing, bright colours and minimal exposure of a seatpost, so the Liv ticks a lot of my preferences where aesthetics are concerned.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - fork.jpg

The internally routed cables create clean lines and a sleek look, and the raw carbon appearance finishes it all off perfectly. And it looks even more impressive close up than it does from a distance.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - UCI sticker.jpg

The Advanced Pro 0 comes in Gloss Carbon, Matte Carbon and Chrome, while models lower down the range are available in a variety of other colours.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - seat tube junction.jpg

It's worth noting that sizes are limited, rather: if you need a large frame, you'll only be able to invest in the Advanced Pro 1 or Advanced 2. Similarly, if you want an XXS, your only option is the Advanced 2. Liv says this is simply down to 'demand based on sales history'.

I've got reservations about the use of a press-fit bottom bracket, and think it's rather interesting that Liv has opted to use something that the rest of the industry appears to be moving away from (except for the pure racing machines of the pros).

While the front end is tailored for an upright position, you can adjust the saddle height and set-back to achieve the riding position you're most comfortable with, and there's plenty of scope here since the seatpost clamp can be turned to achieve extreme dimensions of off-set (-5mm to +15mm).

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - head tube badge.jpg

All of the bikes in the Avail Advanced range come fitted with two bottle cages.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - bottle cage.jpg

In addition to this you get an out-front mount (Garmin/GoPro) and a bridge for mounting a rear mudguard. The inclusion of mudguard eyelets on the frame is a big plus for the bike.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - compter mount.jpg

Long distance riding inevitably requires a certain amount of extra kit and supplies. For my first audax on the Avail Advanced, I used a top tube bag to carry this cargo, and by the end of the ride small patches of the gloss finish had worn away. I've not experienced this using the same bag on other bikes (doing one-day rides), which might suggest that the gloss coating on the Avail is somewhat delicate. Given the bike's endurance prowess, I'd say the omission of top tube bosses for a bolt-on bag is a bit of an oversight.

Giant's PowerPro (dual-sided) power meter is a great feature if you are serious about training and incorporating power into your programme, or you want to start doing so. The associated app wasn't the best, though, and I chose to pair the power meter with my Garmin Edge 830, without issue.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - power meter.jpg

Liv Avail Advanced Pro 0: Groupset

This has been my first experience of Shimano's Ultegra Di2 and I've been thoroughly impressed with how smooth and effortless the gear changes are.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - front mech.jpg

It's good to know it can stand up to 230km of horrendously wet roads, interspersed with torrential rain – I live in the UK and hate indoor trainers. I'm honestly won over by the system. Charging is simple and fast, and the system has worked brilliantly throughout testing.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - drivetrain.jpg

I spent much of the time on the hoods which, in addition to offering a slightly more stretched-out position, are remarkably comfortable. In comparison to the 11-speed Shimano Ultegra shifters I am used to, the 12-speed levers seem to have a longer level top-edge profile, offering a great platform for the hands to rest on. Being narrower, they are also more 'grip-friendly' – my hands wrapped around them easily – which in turn gave a stronger sense of control when throwing the bike about.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - lever.jpg

At just 7.6kg, the bike is a luxury to climb on. The 11-34T cassette combined with a 50/34T chainset meant I never ran out of gears, even on the steepest of Cotswold climbs.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - cassette.jpg

On the flat I did miss the 16-tooth sprocket; if I had the choice I'd opt for an 11-30T cassette. Given the bike's 'endurance' label, it's not surprising to see a 50/34T chainset, but if you are riding primarily on the flat or like to hold your power on descents, you might miss a bigger gear.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - crank.jpg

Braking has been reliable and sharp, as you would expect from a hydraulic setup at this level. Sadly, it's taken a long time for screeching (at an ear-piercing level) to subside, though repeated outings in rough weather have likely compounded the issue for me. Persistence with 'heat-cycles' has gradually dumbed down the squealing to a tolerable level.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - front disc brake.jpg
2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - rear disc brake.jpg

Liv Avail Advanced Pro 0: Finishing kit

The medium size comes with a 400mm bar, which I found spot on – my wrists haven't been strained, and engaging my upper body and arms (when out of the saddle) has felt comfortable and efficient. But it's worth noting that the small size also has a 400mm bar, and I'm not sure this will suit all riders who fit that frame size – something Suvi echoed in her test of the previous model. The bar has an 8-degree flare which, along with the 32mm tyres, might be considered a sprinkling of 'gravel', though I can't say I really noticed the flare. It might be gently angling the levers, but it's very subtle.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - bars 1.jpg

The Liv All Condition bar tape is thickly wrapped, and riders with smaller hands (on the S and XS frames) might struggle to get their hands around it if it's similarly wrapped. For me, the comfort it offered on the tops (while on gravel) was appreciated, and on the drops it provided a decent level of grip.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - head tube.jpg

One niggle I had with the handlebar is that it doesn't lend itself to all front light mounts. A Lezyne was the best fit I could find, but using it at night while I had a GPS unit on the mount wasn't ideal – the computer interfered with the light's beam so much that I resorted to removing the GPS in order to fully light up the road in front of me. It's worth noting that the GoPro adaptor (supplied with the bike) for the underside of the GPS mount can accommodate certain lights, so the situation I experienced is surmountable with the right light.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - stem.jpg

Likewise, I ride with a rear light and camera at all times, and frustratingly only one of my lights comfortably wrapped around the D-shaped post. All the others have mounting systems for round or aero tubes. And while the camera mount worked, it was far from optimal – the fit wasn't snug.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - drop bar and lever.jpg

The saddle is Liv's own Alacra SL, an ergonomic design with cutout intended to relieve soft tissue pressure and numbness for the female anatomy. I gave it a few weeks but didn't get on with it, but this is a personal matter and easy to fix. You might even be able to negotiate an alternative upon purchase.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - saddle.jpg

Given that my second week of testing coincided with the back end of storm Ciaran, I was happy that the bike could accommodate full mudguards. Not all guards are guaranteed to be compatible, though naturally Liv's own are. They're an aftermarket purchase, but their design suits the dark colour scheme of the bike and, while any guard distracts from the beauty of a bike, they certainly add to its versatility (assuming you want to get out in wet weather). I've had them out in torrential rain and ridden them through flooded roads. Clearance is good and there's been no rattling or signs of failure, despite not having the most sturdy of appearances. They are a better solution than any kind of clip-on guard, even if they don't quite offer the comprehensive coverage of a conventional fixed fender.

Liv Avail Advanced Pro 0: Wheels & Tyres

I've been impressed by the Giant Gavia Fondo 0 tyres in the dire testing conditions I've had – no sketchy moments to report. The tyres handled the wet roads impressively, not to mention leaf-strewn surfaces. They felt grippy over gravel too. Unfortunately, I've had no real opportunity to push the tyres on dry roads, so can't say if they excel here or not. Stu reviewed them in 2020, though it's possible they've been refined since then.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - rim.jpg

Given the high-end spec of the bike, taking it out in wet conditions might not be everyone's preference, so having a tyre that's better in the dry than the wet would be logical, but Stu seems to suggest they are actually better in wet conditions than dry.

If you do want to change the tyres, you should definitely check the bike manual for compatibility with Giant's (hookless) SLR 1 Carbon Disc Wheel system. In their favour, the tread is still looking like new – not bad given the number of hedge cuttings they've rolled over and potholed roads they've endured.

For me, the wheel rims were a touch too deep for some of the gustier, autumnal conditions we've recently had. But if you tend to avoid rough weather then this will be less of a concern for you.

2023 Liv Avail Pro 0 - rim and tyre.jpg

Liv Avail Advanced Pro 0: Value

Price-wise, the Avail Advanced Pro 0 is in line with its competitors. Drawing comparisons with Trek's £6,025 Domane SL 7 Gen 4 is interesting: it includes parallels with the Avail – Shimano Ultegra Di2, carbon wheels, 32mm tubeless tyres – but the 54cm Domane I'd need comes with 172.5mm cranks and a 42cm bar, so it's not 'ready to ride' for me, and given the price tag I wouldn't be keen to start making changes.

Specialized's Roubaix SL8 Expert also costs £6,000 but comes with SRAM Rival eTAP AXS (and significantly different gear ratios), and has a threaded bottom bracket. The 54cm Roubaix matches Trek's Domane where bar width and crank length are concerned, though.

Liv remains the only bike manufacturer to cater solely for the female market, and cases like this suggest it's not only needed, it's getting it right.

As I said at the start of the review, £6,000 is a significant outlay, but Liv does offer more affordable options of the Avail Advanced. At £4,599 the Advanced Pro 1 is hardly cheap, but it's a great choice if watching watts and Ultegra gains (over 105) are not a priority for you. Further forgo carbon wheels, Shimano rotors (for Giant) and settle for a slightly different fork and you can have the Avail Advanced for 'just' £3,199.

Liv Avail Advanced Pro 0: Conclusion

Overall, I've been thoroughly impressed with the Avail Advanced Pro 0. It's a super result of Liv's commitment to creating a female-specific endurance bike that's versatile and comfortable, without compromising on performance. Despite minor personal preferences, the overall package of this bike is impressive and, if you've got the money to spare, it's definitely one of the best options on the market.

Verdict

Impressive fusion of comfort and performance, with geometry suited to cyclists who want to ride all day

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Liv Avail Advanced Pro 0

Size tested: Medium, 535mm

About the bike

List the components used to build up the bike.

Frame: Advanced-grade composite, 12x142mm thru-axle, disc

Fork: Advanced SL-grade composite, full-composite OverDrive Aero steerer, stainless steel bearings 12x100mm, disc

Handlebar: Liv Contact SLR D-Fuse, 31.8mm, 8-degree flare drop. XS: 410/380mm, S: 430/400mm, M: 430/400mm

Grips: Liv All Condition

Stem: Giant Contact SL AeroLight XS: 70mm, S: 80mm, M: 90mm

Seatpost: Giant D-Fuse SLR, composite, -5/+15mm offset. XS: 350mm, S: 350mm, M: 350mm

Saddle: Liv Alacra SL

Shifters: Shimano Ultegra Di2 ST-R8170 2x12

Front Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 FD-R8150

Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Di2 RD-R8150

Brakes: Shimano Ultegra Di2 hydraulic, Shimano RT-CL800 rotors [F]160mm, [R]160mm

Brake Levers: Shimano Ultegra Di2 hydraulic

Cassette: Shimano Ultegra, 12-speed, 11x34

Chain: KMC X12

Crankset: Shimano Ultegra, 34/50 with Giant PowerPro power meter. XS:165mm, S:170mm, M:170mm

Bottom Bracket: Shimano, press fit

Rims: Giant SLR 1 36 Carbon Disc WheelSystem, [F] 36mm, [R] 36mm

Hubs: [F] Giant Low Friction Hub, CenterLock, 12mm thru-axle. [R] Giant Low Friction Hub, 30t ratchet driver, CenterLock, 12mm thru-axle

Spokes: Sapim

Tyres: Giant Gavia Fondo 0, tubeless, 700x32c (33.5mm), folding

Extras: Factory tubeless set up, two bottle cages, fender mount, computer mount

Tell us what the bike is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?

Liv says, 'The Avail Advanced Pro is that riding partner who's up for any challenge on the road - from long winding ascents to short gravel sections, and from solo endurance training rides to the 'friendly' competition of a Gran Fondo. Designed for performance and built without compromise, this road warrior is ready to take you as far as you can go, which is always farther than you think.'

I'd say Liv has managed to create an endurance bike that offers the performance of a top-of-the-range road racing bike. It's perfect for long and short rides alike offering a sprightly, enjoyable ride.

Where does this model sit in the range? Tell us briefly about the cheaper options and the more expensive options

The Advanced Pro 0 sits at the top of the range of Liv's new Avail bikes. The primary difference between it and the Advanced Pro 1, the next 'cheapest' in the range, is Shimano Ultegra on the Pro 0 versus the Pro 1's Shimano 105, plus a Giant PowerPro power meter.

Liv has also released three further models that sit below the Avanced Pro 0 and 1: the Advanced 1, Advanced 2 and Advanced 3. Naturally, components begin to slide as you move down the range – right down to Shimano Tiagra on the Advanced 3. The list of compromises continues, but the frame remains unchanged.

Full details are here

Frame and fork

Overall rating for frame and fork
 
9/10

Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?

The quality of build is excellent. The finish is impressive to look at, both from a distance and close up.

Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?

Liv says the Advanced-grade composite frame is constructed from high-performance grade raw carbon material in its own composite factory. It adds that the front triangle is assembled and moulded as one continuous piece using a proprietary manufacturing process called Modified Monocoque Construction.

The fork is crafted from high-performance carbon material. The fork steerer is D-shaped with corresponding spacers to accommodate an easier-to-service system of internally routed brake and derailleur cables.

Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?

Endurance geometry.

How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?

The front end is set up for a more upright position; I'd say it's in line with most manufacturers' endurance geometry. I was able to raise the saddle and adjust the set-back to achieve a position that was spot on. Since the age of 22, I have never ridden anything other than an M (normally equating to a 54cm) so it's fair to say that it's in line with others.

Riding the bike

Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.

Exceptional. I'd attribute a huge part of this to the 32mm tubeless setup, but let's not ignore Liv's efforts to cater for the female geometry and the technologies used.

Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?

If you're used to very stiff racing bikes, you will notice a difference, but in reality the bike is perfect for its intended purpose – it's not a pure racing machine but, geometry aside, it does a great job of mimicking one!

How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?

Yes it felt efficient.

Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so was it a problem?

No

How would you describe the steering? Was it lively neutral or unresponsive? Neutral

Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?

It's a very light bike so climbs beautifully. It took me a while to get used to the endurance geometry while descending – I couldn't get into the tucked position I'm used to.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?

The bar, levers and tape make for exceptionally comfortable positions – tops, levers, drops. The 32mm tubeless setup meant significant stretches of gravel were tolerable rather than bone shaking and teeth chattering (as they would be with narrow tyres and tubes).

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's stiffness? would you recommend any changes?

The frame and fork offer a level of stiffness that's spot on for endurance riding.

Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's efficiency? would you recommend any changes?

The only thing I resorted to changing (after a week of persevering) was the saddle... but it's a personal thing. The tyres are a potential swap if you are doing a lot of riding in dry conditions.

Rate the bike for efficiency of power transfer:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for acceleration:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for sprinting:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for high speed stability:
 
7/10

Flex in the seatpost is a little disconcerting at speeds in excess of 60km/h if you're not used to it.

Rate the bike for cruising speed stability:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for low speed stability:
 
10/10
Rate the bike for flat cornering:
 
9/10
Rate the bike for cornering on descents:
 
8/10
Rate the bike for climbing:
 
10/10

The drivetrain

Rate the drivetrain for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the drivetrain for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the drivetrain for weight:
 
9/10
Rate the drivetrain for value:
 
8/10

Tell us some more about the drivetrain. Anything you particularly did or didn't like? Any components which didn't work well together?

Crisp and reliable gear changing. Ideal ratios for climbs, but if you are used to lots of flat riding and pushing a big gear, you might feel a bit short-changed.

Wheels and tyres

Rate the wheels for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the wheels for durability:
 
8/10

Difficult to comment after a short test period but they seem a quality build.

Rate the wheels for weight:
 
9/10
Rate the wheels for comfort:
 
9/10
Rate the wheels for value:
 
8/10

Tell us some more about the wheels.Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the wheels? If so what for?

I wouldn't look to change the wheels. They handled everything I threw at them, which might be more than most riders would put them through.

Rate the tyres for performance:
 
9/10

Great in wet conditions and on light gravel.

Rate the tyres for durability:
 
8/10

Haven't had any issues in the test period and they don't look particularly worn despite ample riding on rough roads and gravel.

Rate the tyres for weight:
 
9/10
Rate the tyres for comfort:
 
9/10
Rate the tyres for value:
 
9/10

Tell us some more about the tyres. Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the tyres? If so what for?

Great in the wet and on light 'gravel', but I haven't had any real dry weather to test them in.

Controls

Rate the controls for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the controls for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the controls for weight:
 
9/10
Rate the controls for comfort:
 
9/10

Levers were perfect in terms of grip and positioning.

Rate the controls for value:
 
9/10

Tell us some more about the controls. Any particularly good or bad components? How would the controls work for larger or smaller riders?

I couldn't fault them. I found the levers smaller than many I've used, so I'm not sure if a large-handed rider might find them too small.

Your summary

Did you enjoy riding the bike? Yes

Would you consider buying the bike? If I had £6,000 to spare, most definitely. I'd definitely consider the Avail Pro 1 – I'd be happy to forgo the power meter and settle for 105.

Would you recommend the bike to a friend? A financially comfortable one, yes, unreservedly.

How does the price compare to that of similar bikes in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

Direct comparisons are possible with Trek's Domane and Specialized's Roubaix, both for £6,000.

Rate the bike overall for performance:
 
10/10
Rate the bike overall for value:
 
5/10

Use this box to explain your overall score

The bike and its components are near faultless in terms of quality and performance. An off-the-peg bike won't tick all the boxes for everyone, though, hence not scoring full marks.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 42  Height: 173cm  Weight: 64kg

I usually ride: Road  My best bike is: Carbon road.

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, club rides, general fitness riding, Getting to grips with off roading too!

Emma’s first encounters with a road bike were in between swimming and running. Soon after competing for GB in the World Age Group Triathlon Championships in Edmonton in 2001 she saw the light and decided to focus on cycling. 

After a couple of half decent UK road seasons racing for Leisure Lakes, she went out to Belgium to sample the racing there and spent two years with Lotto-Belisol Ladies team, racing alongside the likes of Sara Carrigan, Grace Verbeke, Rochelle Gilmore and Lizzie Deignan. Emma moved from Lotto-Belisol to Dutch team Redsun, then a new Belgian team of primarily developing riders, where there was less pressure, an opportunity to share her experience and help build a whole new team; a nice way to spend her final years of professional racing. 

Since retiring Emma has returned to teaching. When not coercing kids to do maths, she is invariably out on two wheels. In addition to the daily commute, Emma still enjoys getting out on her road bike and having her legs ripped off on the local club rides and chain gangs. She has also developed an addiction to touring, with destinations including Iceland, Georgia and Albania, to mention just a few. There have also been rare sightings of Emma off-road on a mountain bike…

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3 comments

Avatar
kil0ran | 1 month ago
1 like

Lovely looking bike, the ability to reverse the saddle clamp is very useful - on my old Defy I had to buy a whole new post to get more setback.

Avatar
tomascjenkins | 1 month ago
0 likes

The press fit bottom bracket would be a real concern.

Avatar
kil0ran replied to tomascjenkins | 1 month ago
0 likes

I've had a couple of Giant bikes with PF - the absolutely battered 2015 Defy I had was still on its original BB when I sold it last year, zero creaks. That included many many winter miles. The Avail is basically the same bike with female-specific sizes and finishing kit.

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