New Liv Pique Advanced SL 2026: Technical Analysis, Photos, Price, Specs, and Versions
New Liv Pique Advanced SL 2026: Technical Analysis, Photos, Price, Specs, and Versions
The Liv Pique Advanced SL represents Liv's Cross-Country (XC) and Marathon platform, developed specifically for competition. The project focuses on weight reduction, increased structural stiffness, and optimization of the suspension system to maximize efficiency and control on technical courses.
1. Frame Architecture and Materials
The Pique Advanced SL frame is constructed using Liv's Advanced SL-Grade Composite technology, the brand's highest-tier carbon material. The construction is monocoque, a process that produces the main triangle as a single component, contributing to a high stiffness-to-weight ratio.
Technical data on structural performance, compared to the previous generation:
Weight Reduction: The frameset has recorded an overall mass reduction of approximately 297 grams.
Torsional Stiffness: A 6% increase for greater steering precision.
Pedaling Stiffness: A 10% increase in the bottom bracket area, aimed at optimizing power transfer.
The bottom bracket area is oversized, named PowerCore, with a 92 mm integrated design, which, along with asymmetric chainstays, contributes to lateral stiffness during the pedaling phase.
2. FlexPoint Pro Suspension System
The Pique Advanced SL introduces the FlexPoint Pro suspension system, replacing the previous Maestro design in this category. This is a linkage-driven, single-pivot system, engineered to minimize weight through component reduction.
Travel: The system delivers 120 mm of rear-wheel travel, paired with a 120 mm travel fork.
Kinematics: The kinematics are optimized for pedaling efficiency and responsiveness, crucial elements in XC racing.
Integration: The system's upper rocker arm is made from Advanced Forged Composite, a high-pressure molded composite material that ensures greater stiffness and durability with reduced weight.
The system includes a suspension lockout to achieve efficiency comparable to a hardtail during climbs or sprints.
3. Geometry and Handling
The geometry has been updated to reflect the evolution of XC courses, which are increasingly technical and fast. The Pique Advanced SL features a Flip Chip, a mechanism that allows the frame's attitude to be adjusted in two positions:
Position Head Tube Angle Seat Tube Angle Bottom Bracket Height Handling Characteristics
High Steeper Steeper Higher Agility and responsiveness on climbs
Low Slacker Slacker Lower Stability and control on descents
These modifications, combined with a longer reach and a shorter chainstay, aim for a more aggressive riding position and greater agility in tight sections and accelerations.
4. Integrated Components
The bicycle adopts integration solutions to improve aerodynamics and reliability:
Integrated Cockpit: The monocoque stem with fully internal cable routing contributes to clean lines and direct steering response.
OverDrive Headset: Uses oversized bearings (1-1/2” lower and 1-1/8” upper) to increase front-end stiffness and steering precision.
Wheels: The models are equipped with Giant WheelSystems (XCR or XCA) featuring hookless rims and Wide Guard technology, designed to operate at lower pressures for increased grip and pinch-flat resistance.
5. Competitive Validation
The platform's validation took place through the Liv Factory Racing team. The use of the prototype by professional athletes like Tyler Jacobs, who achieved 1st place at the UCI MTB World Cup in Lake Placid (U23 XCC), is an indicator of the design's effectiveness in extreme race conditions.
The available models include, among others, the PIQUE ADVANCED SL 0 and the PIQUE ADVANCED SL 3.
Price List (Italy)
The Liv Pique Advanced SL range is available on the Italian market in two main configurations with the following list prices:
Model Price (VAT Included) Color
PIQUE ADVANCED SL 0 €9,999 Raw Carbon / Steampunk
PIQUE ADVANCED SL 3 €4,499 Deep Cove / Sea Sparkle