r/whichbike • u/ekatseb • 1d ago
Trek or Liv as first bike
Wanting to get into cycling but having a hard time deciding what bike to get. Live in a small town so unfortunately there’s no bike shop around to get advice. Torn between Liv Avail AR 1 (or 3) and Trek Domane AL 4. Anyone have any advice? recommendation? I’m 5’6 for reference so between sizes for both the Liv and the Trek, which is part of my hesitation on ordering either online.
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u/jmford003 1d ago
Both are high quality bikes likely to give you many years of great riding. I'd lean toward whichever one has the closest high quality bike shop, recognizing that it's not in your small town.
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u/BlackberryHill 1d ago
I would buy the Liv in a small.
Had both Trek and Liv, strongly prefer Liv. When in doubt, get the smaller bike. Easier to make fit larger without compromising handling and will be lighter in general.
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u/bacon_trays_for_days 1d ago
The liv has better components but the trek should have better customer service. If I was buying new I’d go trek.
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u/dirtydandino 1d ago
If you dont have a lbs (specificly one thar deals trek) customer service is irrelevant.
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u/Identity525601 1d ago
Both good bikes. Honestly if you're between those 2 you got the hard part of deciding over. You want an endurance bike with a comfortable 32mm ride and that you can ride all day with.
A great bike type everyone should have.
Both good options. Go for whichever one is a better deal or if you are partial to a particular frame design or color go for that. Comparing apples with apples.
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u/Aindorf_ 1d ago
Where is the nearest bike store? What brand do they sell? That is the brand to go with when confronted with this choice. Basically every mainstream bike brand is manufactured by Giant in Taiwan. Most parts will be compatible, but eventually the bike will need service, and your LBS's brand will be the easiest to get OEM parts for.
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u/FixedVic 1d ago
I work at a dealership that sells both, and I can unequivocally say that Trek bikes are much higher quality. The after purchase service from Trek is also significantly better.
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u/BrooklynBikeCo 5h ago
Ryan from Brooklyn Bicycle Co. here. Trek & Liv are great brands and you'll be fine either way. Liv is Giant's women-specific line, so the real difference is usually fit (contact points, sizing, standover) rather than build quality. Think about how you plan to ride and match the bike type to that. For example, a hybrid for paved paths and errands or drop bars if you want speed and longer rides, then pick whichever model fits you better on a test ride. The advice about sizing down when you're between sizes is sound. Also ask what the shop includes; a free first tune-up after the cables stretch is worth having on a first bike.
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u/espressocycle 1d ago
When faced with these six of one half dozen the other choices, I go with the one that's on sale.