Liv Embolden E+ Adds More Accessible Entry Point for Women’s eMTB

Liv is adding a completely new e-bike to its stable. The new electric offering will bring the brand’s assisted pedaling options to three. Liv already had a hardtail and a full-suspension bike in the eMTB category: the Tempt E+ and Intrigue Advanced E+.

Now, Liv adds the Embolden E+ to the mix, which, on paper, is relatively similar to the Intrigue Advanced E+. Both are 140mm bikes paired with a 150 fork, and both have fairly similar geometry. However, the new Embolden E+ shaves a few thousand dollars off the price tag when compared to the Intrigue.

Liv Embolden E+ Details

Liv Embolden E+ e-bike with 140mm of travel and 150mm fork

Liv’s ethos for the Embolden E+ is to “help riders explore farther and progress with confidence.” In both price and design, the new e-bike aims to encourage new riders to get out there a bit further. But Liv also feels they have built a quality platform that will allow them to provide a thrilling experience to even higher-level riders.

The Embolden E+ features a linkage-driven, single-pivot called FlexPoint Suspension. Liv specifically tuned the suspension system to focus on stability and traction, delivering predictable handling when the trail gets chunky. The suspension system isolates the shock, providing incredible small-bump sensitivity throughout the entire wheel path.

The rear stays flex somewhat, providing greater traction and predictability, especially under braking. This means fewer pivots, less weight, and less (and easier) future maintenance, and an overall easier system to live with. Also helping with braking traction is a good amount of anti-rise tuned into the FlexPoint system. Here, the suspension system helps prevent the fork and shock from squatting into the travel while helping maintain quality traction on the rear wheel.

Likely keeping the price down a bit is the use of an aluminum frame across all three Embolden E+ builds. Liv uses its lightweight ALUXX SL-grade aluminum, crafted using advanced hydroforming and gravity casting techniques. Liv claims these frames deliver best-in-class strength-to-weight ratios.

Plus, the incredibly smooth welds give a clean, nearly carbon look. Internal cable routing keeps things clean, and the motor and battery don’t need to be dropped in the process.

Also helping to keep the price down is a rather simplistic frame design. Don’t get me wrong, everything looks well sorted, there just aren’t any adjustments or much to fuss with. Angle adjust and flip-chips are fine, but likely unnecessary with the slot the Embolden E+ is trying to fill.

Drive Unit

Liv uses two SyncDrive versions in the Liv Embolden E+ models. The higher spec’d Embolden E+ 0 and 1 see the SyncDrive Pro 3X drive unit, delivering up to 800W of peak power and 100Nm of torque.

PedalPlus 6-Sensor technology helps detect pedaling cadence, force, speed, and rotation. Collecting real-time data, the system then creates the customized support the individual rider needs, providing smooth power when and where it is needed.

Paired with the SyncDrive Pro 3X motor is an 800Wh battery. The system also includes the RideControl Dash 2 control screen, which mounts to the handlebars. Further tuning and control can be accessed through the RideControl App.

The Embolden E+ 3 build features the SyncDrive Sport 3 drive unit, with 625W of peak power and 85Nm of torque. The SyncDrive Sport 3 has many of the same features as the Pro 3X, but with a bit less power and torque. However, it is also lighter, weighing in at 2kg (4.4lbs), whereas the SyncDrive Pro 3X weighs 2.6kg (5.7lbs).

The SyncDrive Sport 3 is paired with a 625Wh battery. Both the Pro 3X and Sport 3 offer a 200Wh or 250Wh range extender for those wanting to go a bit further.

E-Tuned Suspension

Liv equipped both the Embolden E+ 1 and 2 with their own suspension tuned specifically for e-bikes. According to Liv, “this E-optimized suspension delivers consistent support, confident traction, and controlled stability throughout the entire stroke.”

“E-optimization” was achieved by increasing air volume, such as a larger air can on the shock. They also reworked the air spring curve to provide consistent support throughout the Embolden E+’s travel range.

They also wanted to provide a quality suspension package that is easier to set up but is robust enough to handle the extra weight and torque of an e-bike. To accomplish all this, they used the Giant STL 36 fork and Giant Crest FloTrac shock.

However, on the Embolden E+ 0, Liv decided to spec the bike with a Fox 36 Rhythm fork and a Float X shock.