Sport has always been at the forefront of my life and from an early age I immersed myself into training and competitions. Whilst my background was in dancing (glitter, fake tan... the works) and middle distance running, starting university in 2014 seemed like the prime time to try something new. A week training with the University of Birmingham Triathlon Team and I was hooked on a new sport that could offer so much in terms of variety, training and competition. I haven't looked back since.
Laura Smith is a locally based Time Trialist and runs 'Rocket Coaching', a personal training program designed to help develop peoples skills within the disciplines of triathlon (running,cycling and swimming).
Having only taken up the sport at the start of her time at Birmingham University, Laura has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and has picked up a lot of admirers along the way. We're proud to be able to sponsor Laura via our Giant Store in Rutland and support her in reaching her goals. Having won the Rutland Dambuster challenge last year, we are excited to see what the new year holds for Laura and are confident that she can build and improve on the successes in the 2017 season.
Having ridden last years Envie to victory, Laura is switching to the all-new Langma for the 2018 season. We caught up with Laura after she had road tested the 2018 Liv Envie and Langma and her initial impressions on the merits,demerits,similarities and differences between the two models before concluding with which one comes out on top in terms of performance on the road. Find out what she thought by reading the blog below!
The battle of Liv's racing road bikes
Last year I saw my season out on Liv's aero road bike (The Envie), this season I have opted for Liv's answer to the Giant TCR road bike (The Langma). Question is, which of these road bikes comes out on top?
Geometry
Both the Langma and Envie are made with women in mind which makes unisex bikes a thing of the past. As I am not the tallest girl in the world, the smaller frame sizes and altered geometry make finding a bike that fits a piece of cake. When I started riding, I was clueless to how an Ill-fitting bike could cause so many problems: a reduced power output, an uncomfortable ride, and a higher probability of developing an injury. Finding the right fit is probably the most important part of purchasing any bike and Giant's 'Power Fit' and 'Retul Fit' services make sure that you walk away with a bike that is custom built for you.
Bottom line is there is no clear winner when it comes to the two model's geometries. Both bikes are made with performance in mind whist still making riding a comfortable and pleasurable experience.
Bike Fitting With Rutland Cycling >
Design
Let's be honest, as women we like our bikes to look the part and Liv seem to have nailed the design of both bikes. They stand apart from the men's bikes without the need to be plastered with pink flowers and glitter. The Envie demands respect with its bolshie racing strips and chunky aero frame. So, if you're wanting a bike that screams attention then this is your go-to machine. You won't be missed anytime soon riding around on this bike and will definitely be the 'envie' of your friends.
If big and bold isn't your thing then the Langma offers a subtler design and a frame that puts elegance back into racing. The black frame with accents of orange create a stealth like appearance. The Langma has no need to shout about its obvious good looks...again a bike that will make anyone jealous!
So, which one trumps it?
Both models will see you riding in style but in the battle of design the Langma just edges it over the Envie... You can't beat a bit of orange on black to feel like the 'dark horse' in a race.
Handling
How different can bikes handle, right? WRONG! Any rider will agree that different bikes are worlds apart when it comes to handling, and the Langma and Envie are no exception.
The Envie was always a pleasure to ride. Handling was smooth and stable which meant my confidence on the bike was at an all-time high... cornering, descending, and taking risks were never an issue. The Langma also offers a smooth ride and gives a little extra in terms of responsiveness, making quick acceleration and technical routes a breeze.
Whilst I love the responsiveness of the Langma, the added confidence my Envie gave me out on the road and in races means that it slightly takes the lead.
Speed
Both built with performance in mind but both very individual when it comes to speed.
Obviously, the Envie was created with everything aero in mind, from top to toe this bike is built for flat speed. So, no surprises that this model gets top speed marks from me. It is sure to make achieving PBs easy peasy!
While the Envie may beat the Langma in a flat TT, the Langma would trump it on any hilly terrain. My Langma absolutely fly's up climbs, weighing in at only 0.2kg more than the UCI minimum weight limit... I can't wait to see what this bike can do next hill climb season!
There's no way to determine a winner here as both bikes offer a speedy ride, whether that's on the flat with the Envie or up a hill on the Langma. The only solution I can foresee is to add both to your bike collection... You can never have too many Livs!
View All Liv Road Bikes >Browse The Full Range Of TT Bikes >
Conclusion
It's a tough call as to which bike I prefer... but as I'm a fan of the timeless design and ability to climb, the Langma is my top choice for a 2018 racing bike that delivers the performance goods.
So whether you opt for the aerodynamic 'speed machine' or the lightweight 'mountain goat' for your 2018 ride, remember ladies...LIV TO RIDE!
Liv Langma Advanced Pro 1 2018
The Liv Langma Advanced Pro 1 is a lightweight racing bike that delivers speed, strength and responsive control so you can take your racing to a higher level.
- Frame - Advance-Grade Carbon Composite
- Fork - Advance-Grade Carbon Composite w/Full-Composite OverDrive 2 Steerer
- Drivetrain - Shimano 105 2x11 Speed
- Brakes - Shimano 105 Calliper
Liv Envie Advanced TRI 2018
The Liv Envie Advanced TRI is an aero road machine, designed to harness the power of women and slice through wind. Get on and get ahead of the pack!
- Frame - Advanced-Grade Carbon Composite
- Fork - Advanced-Grade Carbon Composite w/Hybrid OverDrive Steerer
- Drivetrain - Shimano Ultegra 2x11 Speed
- Brakes - Giant Speed Control Calliper
#TeamRutland: Apply to be an Ambassador! >New Giant & Liv Bikes for 2018: Our Picks >Visit Laura's Blog >
Find your nearest Rutland Cycling store
You can browse the entire Liv range online, or you can get your hands on it in your nearest Rutland Cycling store.