Liv Langma Advanced Pro 0 Review

 

When the latest Liv Langma debuted in mid-June, I recognised it would become one of the most attractive bikes in the pro peloton. It was ridden by the Liv ALUla Jayco team at the Giro d'Italia Women, with a handful of top ten finishes by Mavi Garcia helping to secure the overall team victory. 

So it’s about time we took a deep dive into the climbing bike’s DNA to tell you how it’s made, and most importantly, how it rides.

Introduction of the Latest Liv Langma

When the latest Liv Langma launched in mid-June, it was clear that it would become one of the standout bikes in the professional peloton. Ridden by the Liv ALUla Jayco team during the Giro d'Italia Women, Mavi Garcia's multiple top-ten finishes helped secure the overall team victory.

The Third Generation of the Liv Langma

As noted in the launch coverage, this is the third generation of the Liv Langma range within seven years. The design evolution mirrors many of the construction techniques and material improvements seen in the latest Giant TCR, which isn't surprising given the close relationship between the two brands.

The Langma’s Construction and Ride

Now is the perfect time to dive into the DNA of this climbing bike, exploring both its construction and, crucially, how it rides. Although the geometry remains unchanged from the previous model, maintaining its race-ready credentials, it's clear that the latest iteration offers significant advancements. The small Liv Langma Advanced Pro 0 I’ve been riding features a top tube length of 524mm, a reach of 377mm, a stack of 532mm, a 72-degree head angle, a wheelbase of 977mm, and 405mm chainstays.

Advanced Frame Technology

Despite the unchanged geometry, it's not the same bike. According to Liv, they've shifted to a monocoque frame layup, using upgraded carbon and resin materials. This has reduced weight, increased stiffness, and improved impact resistance compared to previous models.

Aerodynamic Improvements

The numbers Liv shared at launch show the Langma Advanced Pro 0 frame and fork weigh 1600g, which is just 150g heavier than the 2021 top-tier model—quite impressive given the enhancements. Aerodynamics have also been improved, with redesigned tubing profiles, particularly on the down tube, seat post, and fork, aimed at reducing drag across a wider range of angles compared to traditional teardrop shapes.

 

The Complete Langma Package

It's important to consider the whole Langma Advanced Pro 0 package. The updated Liv Contact SLR flared handlebars, the new CADEX Max 40 wheelset, and integrated cabling all contribute to the bike’s aerodynamic efficiency.

Comparison to the Giant TCR

For any Giant enthusiasts, this might sound familiar, as it shares a lot of design elements with the latest TCR. However, rest assured, the Langma’s geometry proves it’s not just a downsized version of the TCR.

Liv Langma vs Liv Enviliv

One lingering question is what these aero upgrades mean for the Liv Enviliv, Liv's dedicated aero bike. While the two are distinct, their differences on paper are becoming less significant. For instance, the Langma Advanced has a slightly taller stack (9mm) and a marginally longer trail than the Enviliv.

The Ride
During the month I’ve spent riding the Langma Advanced Pro 0, it’s proven to be exceptional. Whether climbing, sprinting, or on longer rides, it feels flawless. It makes me feel like I’ve regained my youth, tackling tough hills for the fun of it.

After taking it through many Peak District climbs, I decided to challenge myself further by heading up Cragg Vale, the longest continuous gradient in England at nine kilometres. Despite not being in peak climbing shape, I made it to the top without feeling completely drained, a testament to the Langma’s quality.

Had I been following a proper training plan, I could’ve paced myself better using the data from the Giant Power Pro cranks displayed on my Garmin. While I’m not fully utilising the integrated power meter now, its inclusion makes it easier to do so in the future, which is a key feature of this model.

The Langma impressed me further with its stability during a windy ride across the exposed Peak District moors. Typically, deep-section wheelsets make for a wobbly ride in strong winds, but the Giant SLR 40 wheelset paired with CADEX Race GC Tubeless tyres handled beautifully, providing confidence in less-than-ideal conditions. The Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset also delivered impeccable shifting and braking performance, making the overall ride experience even more seamless.

The Langma manages the balance between comfort and responsiveness, offering enough road feedback to keep you engaged without being overly harsh. It's as close to the Wilier Filante as I've experienced, delivering the same sense of urgency without sacrificing comfort. Whether on a fast, twisty circuit or a long, leisurely ride, the Langma Advanced Pro 0 shines as a versatile and impressive machine.

Value for Money

Looking at similar bikes on the market, the Langma Advanced Pro 0, priced at £6,499/$6,500, offers good value. Compared to the Wilier Filante, it feels like a steal, priced nearly a third cheaper for a comparable spec.

Considering Other Models

I suspect that the lower-specced Advanced Pro AXS and Advanced Pro with Shimano 105, which use the same frameset but downgrade the wheelset and handlebars, would still deliver an excellent ride. However, once you've experienced the Pro 0, it’s hard to settle for anything less.

Technical Specifications

  • Frame: Advanced-Grade Composite, 12x142mm thru-axle, disc
  • Fork: Advanced SL-Grade Composite, full-composite OverDrive Aero steerer, 12x100mm thru-axle, disc
  • Groupset: Shimano Ultegra Di2, 36/52, 11x34 with Giant Power Pro power meter
  • Stem: Giant Contact SL AeroLight (XS: 80mm, S: 90mm, M: 100mm)
  • Handlebar: Liv Contact SLR 31.8mm, 8-degree flare drop (XS: 34/36cm, S: 36/38cm, M: 38/40cm)
  • Seatpost: Giant Variant, composite, -5/+15mm offset
  • Saddle: Liv Alacra SL
  • Wheels: Giant SLR 0 40 WheelSystem, hookless
  • Tyres: CADEX Race GC, tubeless, 700x28c

Aero Testing Insights

When I asked Jen Audia, Liv’s Global Marketing Manager, about the aero testing for the Langma Advanced Pro 0, she confirmed that only the top-tier Langma Advanced SL made it to the wind tunnel. However, she also noted that the Pro and Advanced frames received similar tube shape refinements, aside from the integrated seatpost design (ISP), which offers a slight aero advantage on the SL.

 

Shop the Liv Langma Advanced Pro 0 Now!

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This article was originally published by Cycling Weekly – Hannah Bussey.