Giant Envie Advanced Pro 1 Bike In-Depth Review: What you need to know

Our latest bike review comes from Natalie with a beautiful aero road bike designed and built for female cyclists. It delivers the solution for a single bike across training and racing. Read about the the Giant Envie Advanced Pro 1 Bike review.

Bike Manufacturer – Giant

Bike Model – Envie Advanced Pro 1

Overall score – 9/10

Price when purchased – £3,500 (2016 model)

Bike type – full carbon aero road race bike

How long have you owned the bike – 3 years  

Pros & Cons of the Giant Envie Advanced Pro 1

Pros 

• Woman specific in the design
• Comfort 
• Speed
• Frame
• Wheels

Cons

• Seat (SLR forward)

Introduction to the reviewer

My name is Natalie Curgenven. I am a triathlete. I compete in my age group for Great Britain and I have been to three world championships and I am heading for my fourth this year in Canada.  Last year I also took part in my first ironman 70.3 in Barcelona and managed to qualify for the world championships in Niece. Unfortunately due to other commitments I decided not to pursue. I also ended my season worth another 70.3 this time in Mallorca and came first in my age group qualifying me for the challenge championships this year. 

I have only been doing triathlons for three years but have I have always had a passion for sport (the tougher the better). Biking is the newest sport for me so the investment in 2016 in a good bike was really important to me.

Why I selected the Giant Envie Advanced Pro 1

I did lots of research because I was shocked at how expensive bikes were. Following months of research I decided on a ‘LIV’. The reviews were great and I loved the fact that the design was women specific.  

I popped into a local dealer who had a range of ‘LIV’ bikes and as soon as I tried the envie advanced pro 1 – I fell in love! It also helped that a girl who raced was in the shop getting her biked service and guess what she had this bike ☺.

Getting a bike fit

The fit was amazing. I am 5ft 6 so I needed a small.  I decided to get a bike fit just purely because of the money I was spending. The bike fit was great small changes but it made the bike feel even better. My only criticism is the seat.  I didn’t like it and ended up buying a ISM saddle. 

Bike Frame & Components

The frame is all carbon. I chose the Shimano Di2 groupset which I have to say has been faultless. Faultless shifting. It has literally not skipped a beat. It is smooth and a pleasure to ride. 

The bike is fast. I have ridden up some big hills (alpe du heuz), ridden on the flat and road raced. This bike is truly amazing. I have had long days in the saddle and short sharp races all of which have been comfortable. 

Upgrades made to the bike

I have added clip on bars – which is not straight forward because of the design of the bars on the front, however it has not limited my positioning or my ability to use this bike for TT’s.

The bike still looks as good as new – I am pleased with how it looks after endless miles.

Summary of the Giant Envie Advanced Pro 1 bike review

I love this bike ☺. I love the ‘Liv’ bikes that much that I have a winter bike and mountain bike all of which are a pleasure to ride. 

This bike is built for speed but is comfortable enough to hold the positions for long periods. I might need to look at a TT bike if I continue to race 70.3 because it lacks options for nutrient without adding loads to the bike. It is easy to maintain and has aged well.

Buy the latest Giant Enviliv Advanced Pro 2 – £3600

Read our review of 5 of the best women’s road bikes 2020 for further options well worth considering.

Alternatives to consider –

Giant Liv Avail Advanced Pro 2 womens road bike – £3500

Giant Liv Avow Advanced Pro 2 womens TT bike – £3000

Read our review of the equally amazing Giant Trinity TT bike from Trivelo test associate Shayne who has owned and raced it for over 2 years.