Liv has up to date its climbing bike, the Liv Langma, in a race-ready package deal which the model says delivers extra for much less. Now seven years previous and three updates in, the Langma has reportedly gained pace and effectivity, whereas concurrently dropping weight.
When it comes to bike launch advertising and marketing bingo, the model has bought a full home, with lighter, stiffer and extra aero all headline statements.
Business adjectives apart, Liv clearly is aware of when it’s on to a very good factor; the Langma has all the time examined nicely at Biking Weekly and I’m relieved to disclose that it’s nonetheless enterprise as ordinary.
In line with the model, a mixture of modern manufacturing methods, in-depth analysis and improvement has enabled a grand improve for the bike: the frameset, wheelset and tyres are model new to Liv. They are not, nonetheless, all new to the biking world.
The extra astute amongst you should have observed that the Liv Langma Superior has closely lent on sibling model Big for inspiration, and it has very a lot been tickled with the identical reworking stick as its newest TCR. Sharing the identical factories and technological know-how, the duo revamp is hardly stunning.
It’s value noting that this launch sees updates to all three Liv Langma Superior platforms.
(Picture credit score: Liv)
The Body
Whereas all of them share the identical DNA of the Liv Langma Superior, the range-topping Superior SL, understandably, advantages the most important step change by way of efficiency enhancements.
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Essentially the entire vary shares the identical geometry because the earlier mannequin, and once more, the top-end bikes are restricted in measurement from further small to medium, whereas the Langma Superior Professional and Superior acquire a further massive.
Clarifying its race credentials, the small Liv Langma Superior Professional 0 that I’ve been using comes with a attain of 377mm, a stack of 532mm, a 72 diploma head angle, 977mm wheelbase and 405mm chainstays.
Our final assessment of the Liv Langma Advance in contrast geometry to different model bikes in the marketplace, however it will appear extra pertinent to reply the extra apparent questions: is the Langma only a smaller TCR? And, what does an aero facelift imply for the Liv Enviliv, the model’s aero bike?
The primary question is shortly boxed off with a swift have a look at the TCR confirming that whereas the 2 manufacturers might share development methods, the framesets are poles aside relating to geometry.
The EnviLiv comparability then again is a more durable query to reply. Clearly, they’re each very totally different machines, however lining the numbers up subsequent to one another, these variations are marginal.
An extended headtube on the Langma Advance, 120 vs 112mm, results in taller stack, by simply 9mm, and there is a barely longer path on the Langma Advance, 68mm vs 66.3mm.
It’s a revealing set of numbers, which, primarily based on paper alone, go away little to separate the 2 Liv fashions and does present meals for thought as to what this implies for the patron (or group alternative of motorbike), particularly as main manufacturers transfer away from differentiating aero and climbing bikes.
Light-weight aero design
Whereas we as soon as needed to determine between both going quick on the flat or going quick uphill, aerodynamic design and light-weight development methods are so superior, the hole between aero and climbing may be very near being utterly shut.
None extra so obvious than in our, scorching off-the-press, Race Bike of The Yr function, with us noting that manufacturers are more and more evaluating ranges, and transferring ever nearer in direction of a one-horse technique relating to a hero race bike.
If sturdy, gentle and quick are all on the desk, why would you solely choose two?
(Picture credit score: Andy Jones)
It’s the range-topping Langma Superior SL that good points, and loses, probably the most on this revamp.
At a look the SL mirrors the tenth era Big TCR development, inheriting the swap from laser chopping to ‘chilly blade’ chopping carbon sheets. On the time Big mentioned that “this method is extra exact and eliminates the danger of deformation attributable to extra warmth, permitting for fewer items of carbon for use”.
A change to a one-piece monocoque layup with an built-in seatpost, in addition to an improve in uncooked carbon materials and resin enhancements have considerably contributed to weight financial savings, improved stiffness and a rise in affect resistance from the earlier fashions.
Simply how gentle and stiff will be seen when learning the Liv-supplied dataset. It reveals that this third-generation Liv Langma Advance SL frameset is 123.03g lighter than the earlier mannequin, coming in at 1329.69g in comparison with 1452.63g.
Stiffness-wise, once more utilizing the earlier mannequin because the benchmark, Liv says the brand new SL affords a 2.50% improve in pedaling stiffness and a 6.75% improve in torsional stiffness.
Liv Langma Advance Professional 0’s very neat high tube, seat keep, seat tube and seat put up junction
(Picture credit score: Andy Jones)
The fashions additional down the Langma Superior vary nonetheless utilise the earlier ‘modified monocoque’ method. This implies a three-piece meeting (tube high, seat tube, down tube) is moulded as one, earlier than the rear half (chainstays and seat stays) are joined in what Liv calls a ‘secondary course of’.
This extra processing method does add a little bit to the general weight, ranging between 270.4g and 274.66g greater than the SL model relying on the mannequin. Once more in contrast in opposition to earlier fashions, there is a claimed saving of 44g on the Langma Superior Professional, and 77g on the Langma Superior framesets.
It additionally means there’s a stiffness compromise, with 4.12% much less pedaling stiffness for the Superior Professional, and eight.09% for the Superior, plus 3.81% and 11% much less torsion accordingly.
The Liv Langma Superior Professional 0’s entrance finish is now very tidy.
(Picture credit score: Andy Jones)
Aero optimisations
The entrance finish of the bike is the place I’m, personally, most delighted by the replace. The messy nest of cables has gone. Arguably built-in cabling is simply passing the headache on to mechanics to cope with, however from an aero and aesthetic standpoint, this non-cluttered method to cable porting has been lengthy overdue.
Cockpit-wise, once more this relies on the Liv Langma Superior mannequin chosen, but it surely contains the not too long ago redesigned Big Contact SLR/SL AeroLight stem and new flared Liv Contact SLR/SL handlebar with inside cable routing.
This does restrict choices to personal model, however I’m assured that there’s carbon or alloy to select from and loads of sizes to swimsuit all rider necessities.
The final factor to focus beneath the bike launch lens is the wheel and tyre mixture.
It is a large replace for the Liv Langma Advance on the whole with a soar to the Big SLR 1 40mm hookless wheelset, to a good deeper rim from the earlier fashions, which had been outfitted with a 36mm model.
The opposite improve right here is the transfer to the Big Gavia Course 0, tubeless, 700x25c (28mm when inflated) tyres, though Liv say that there’s as much as 33mm of tyre clearance, a marginal acquire of round 2mm on the earlier model.
Once more, each these modifications are in sync with the Big TCR updates, the place you’ll be able to learn extra in regards to the affect of wheels and tyre alternative on aerodynamic drag, and comparisons throughout different wheel system platforms.
Bundling all of the Langma Superior enhancements collectively and looking out as soon as extra on the Liv-produced datasets, the underside line reveals a marked enchancment all spherical on the discount of drag.
Even with what the model refers to as real-world testing, two water bottles and dynamic rider within the wind tunnel, the top-end Langma Advance SL saves almost 13 watts when hitting 40kph in comparison with the earlier model.
Unpicking this dataset to confirm is close to not possible. Liv use the earlier Langma Superior SL wattage of 256.27 and evaluate it to the brand new SL wattage of 243.7 to proof this sort of energy saving.
Utilizing extremely crude back-of-an-envelope maths, it will seem that if two riders set off on each new and previous variations of the Liv Langma Superior SL to finish a 25mile (40km) time trial, the rider on the brand new model would end over a minute faster, with a time of round 58.52. In different phrases it is 0.77km/h quicker.
However this does convey me again to the theoretical quandary between the Liv Langma Advance and EnviLiv.
I agree, I’m not evaluating apples with apples. The EnviLiv is a devoted aero race bike, and its tubing profiles alone spotlight this categorization. I’d have to do some correct empirical information testing to really cite which was the quickest in any given set of circumstances, however I am unable to assist however marvel if the advised watt and weight saving spells the tip for the Liv EnviLiv.
Out within the hills on the Liv Langma Advance Professional 0.
(Picture credit score: Andy Jones)
First Trip
It has been six years since I final rode the Liv Langma, and hopping on board once more is making me realise that it’s been far too lengthy.
I’ve had a couple of week with the Liv Langma Superior Professional 0, and from the very first pedal stroke I used to be, once more, immediately smitten, reminding me why I initially rated it as worthy of an Editors Selection Award.
Climber, sprinter, aero – but once more this bike delivers all in spades.
As a do-all bike, it’s simple to experience with a point-and-shoot angle, permitting me to overlook my less-than-race pedigree health standing.
After testing out the braking effectivity with a few instantaneous descents, I swiftly realised how naturally the bike oozes functionality, the Shimano Ultegra Di2 does assist right here. There’s no method that I might usually throw myself down the Peak District declines inside the first couple of miles of a check experience.
It’s a testomony to the holistic Langma Superior Professional 0 platform that I instinctively trusted the bike’s setup, and felt secure. After all, the wheels and tyres play an enormous function on this confidence-inspiring experience really feel.
The Big SLR 40 wheelset, shod within the Cadex Race GC Tubeless tyres, appears to be the proper partnership. I’m a little bit of a tyre nerd, and whereas I prefer to really feel in all probability extra highway suggestions than most, I additionally don’t need to undergo eyeball vibration.
This wheel/ tyre combo seems to have nailed that candy spot, offering me with sufficient of a surefooted sensation, whereas additionally being malleable when leant over or on the questionable highway surfaces that the majority highways within the UK appear to be peppered with.
Liv Langma Superior Professional 0 first experience, with Manchester on the skyline
(Picture credit score: Andy Jones)
My issues about facet winds whipping the 40cm deep wheels with bladed spokes didn’t come to fruition. I didn’t appear to undergo wherever close to as a lot buffering as I used to be predicting.
Even on fairly gusty rides within the hills, and into Manchester Metropolis Centre the place wind tunnelling results can catch even probably the most skilled rider off guard. I wouldn’t say I used to be able to experience hands-free to don a raincoat, however I actually did not discover any snatching.
The frameset in fact additionally performs an enormous function within the experience really feel and I am happy it is carried over geometry from the earlier mannequin, which was so nicely executed.
It nonetheless delivers such a pinging experience. Like a shaken-up can of fizzy pop, the bike feels pressing and explosive, instantly making me deal with a few of the extra grotesque native climbs that I usually need to keep away from.
My preliminary ‘going for a spin’ experience was all of the sudden a surprisingly simple 30 miles within the hills, and I’ve not wished to cease using Langma since, regardless of one of many coldest begins to June, it’s always luring me out to experience.
After which there’s the Liv Langma’s attractiveness.
Even probably the most stoic of hearts could be exhausting to not recognize these. I personally assume it’s the closest rival to the Wilier Filante within the Professional Peloton. Hand on coronary heart I’d truthfully wrestle to decide on between them if compelled to choose only one.
The Liv Langma Superior Professional 0 is comfy, fast, light-weight, sure-footed, agile… all of the superlatives and extra. Which simply begs the query, why does the model even trouble with the EnviLiv?
Fashions and Pricing
(Picture credit score: Liv)
The highest-end Liv Langma Superior SL 0 is specced within the new SRAM Purple AXS with built-in energy meter, Cadex Max 40 wheels and Race GC tyres and Contact SLR bars and stem. Prime finish does imply high price ticket too, with this mannequin setting riders again £11,999/ $12,500
Holding the identical frameset and ending equipment, the Superior SL 1 simply has a drive practice swap out to Shimano Ultegra Di2 and a Big Energy Professional energy meter. These compromises do add up, assuming you are within the UK that’s.
The RRP drops to £8,999 for the SL1, however sadly, this mannequin is not accessible within the USA.
LIV Langma Superior Professional 1
(Picture credit score: Liv)
Subsequent in line is the Langma Superior Professional 0, the bike I have been using. The massive change right here is the frameset swaps to the modified monocoque development method and the lack of the built-in seat put up. However apart from that it retains the identical spec because the Superior SL1 and prices £6,499/ $6,500.
Marginally under the Professional 0 sits the Superior Professional 1. This retains the identical frameset and wheel system because the Professional 0, however swaps out to both SRAM Rival AXS with a Big Energy Halo energy meter for £4,999, or Shimano 105 Di2 and Big Energy Professional energy meter for £4,899, each transferring to a Liv Contact SL handlebar. The Professional 1 is not accessible within the USA.
(Picture credit score: Liv)
Finishing the vary is the Langma Superior 0, 1 and Superior 2.
The Superior 0 retains an analogous setup to the Superior Professional 1, ditching the ability meter and swopping the bar to a Liv Contact, and the deep part wheels for Big SLR 2 36 wheel system in Big Gavia Course 1 tyres. The value tag is available in at $4,700, with the UK shedding out on the Superior 0 availability.
The Superior 1 once more retains lots of similarities to the Superior Professional 1, however this time loses the ability meter, swaps the bar to a Liv Contact, drops the Shimano rotors and chain for Big personal model and KMC accordingly, and loses the deep part wheels for Big P-R2 shod in Big Gavia Course 1 tyres. This is available in at £3,199.
The Superior 2 follows swimsuit, however leaves the digital shifting in favour of mechanical 105 for £2,699/ $3,200
