Embolden
Origin
Liv's first dedicated entry-level women's trail full-suspension MTB — replaced earlier Embolden 1 and Embolden 2 standalone models, consolidating the line. Liv engineering team (in-house Giant Manufacturing women engineers) Embolden — to give courage to. The name signals the bike's intended psychological function: to give a woman the confidence to drop into trails she might otherwise refuse on a hardtail. Trek Cali (women's hardtail), Specialized Camber Women's (discontinued 2018), Cannondale Habit Women's (entry full-sus)
Specifications
- Frame
- Liv ALUXX-grade Aluminum, women-specific tubing/geometry, 130 mm FlexPoint suspension, 12×148 mm Boost thru-axle, UDH interface, internal routing, ISCG-05.
- Weight
- kg
- Drivetrain
- 1×12 — Shimano Deore (Embolden 2) or SRAM SX Eagle (Embolden 1), 32T, 10-51T/11-50T.
- Brakes
- Tektro HD-M5141 4-piston hydraulic disc, 180/180 mm rotors.
- Wheels
- Giant TRA 2 alloy, 30 mm internal, tubeless-ready, Boost 110/148. Size-specific: mullet (29F/27.5R) on XS/S, 29"/29" on M/L.
The verdict
- Best-in-class entry price for a true women's-specific full-suspension trail bike (€1,999)
- Liv 3F geometry actually felt different from unisex bikes — multiple owners report easier reach to brakes, more comfortable seated climbing position
- FlexPoint suspension forgives sloppy line choice — small-bump compliance very good for confidence building
- Mullet on XS/S is a genuine functional advantage, not marketing
- UDH interface = future-proof upgrade path to SRAM Transmission when budget allows
- Tektro 4-piston brakes deliver real stopping power — unusual at this price
- Maxxis Dissector/DHR II tire combo is genuinely good (most entry full-sus skimp on tires)
- Liv Approach saddle and slimmer grips reduce hand/wrist/saddle pain reports compared to unisex equivalents
- Dealer network in Baltics through Giant/Liv shops — service accessible
- FlexPoint pedal bob noticeable on smooth climbs — lockout the shock or accept it
- Giant STL 34 fork (not Fox) — performs fine but no aftermarket support, parts harder to find
- Shimano Deore-level brakes have reach adjust but not free-stroke — some smaller hands still want shorter lever
- Cable-actuated dropper (not wireless) — Giant Contact Switch AT works but lacks finesse of AXS Reverb
- Saddle is acceptable but not great — many women upgrade to Ergon SR Pro or SQlab within first year
- Headtube angle of 66.5° is in trail-conservative territory — riders who push descents may want slacker
- No alternative wheel size on M/L (must order specific 27.5/29 build at purchase)
- Frame paint chips relatively easily — protective film highly recommended
Who it’s for
Versions & builds
Every official build side by side — differences highlighted.
| Spec | Embolden (alloy, FlexPoint 130mm, €1,999 — 2026) | Embolden E+ 2 (electric, entry — €3,999, 2027) | Embolden E+ 1 (electric, mid — €4,499, 2027) | Embolden E+ 0 (electric, top — €5,499, 2027) |
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