Liv and Giant prototypes spotted at Unbound: here’s what we know

New prototype gravel race bikes from Giant and its sister brand Liv have been spotted at this year’s Unbound Gravel event in Emporia, Kansas, signalling a significant evolution in their gravel offerings. These machines appear to preview a new generation of the Revolt and Devote platforms, moving away from the previous models’ versatile “do-it-all” ethos towards a more specialised, race-focused design. The Liv prototype stood out with a striking fuchsia pink and gold colour scheme, while the Giant bike featured a monochrome black-and-white graphic, both showcasing a cleaner, sharper aesthetic. The new prototypes reveal several notable technical changes, including the removal of fork mounts and accessory bosses, fully integrated cable routing, and a streamlined silhouette aimed at improving aerodynamics. Both models seem to be designed exclusively around 1x drivetrains and offer increased tyre clearance, with Liv athlete Peta Mullens testing unreleased 55mm Maxxis Aspen tyres. Additionally, the finishing kit suggests a closer partnership with CADEX, with some bikes equipped with top-tier CADEX components such as deep-section carbon wheels and integrated one-piece cockpits, underscoring their focus on elite gravel racing performance. Riders testing the new Liv bike have reported tangible improvements beyond looks. Melissa Rollins described the bike as noticeably stiffer and more responsive compared to the outgoing Devote, while Mullens highlighted a more aggressive fit and lower front end, which she credits with alleviating longstanding back issues thanks to a longer stem setup. These feedback points reinforce the impression that Giant and Liv are targeting a high-performance niche within the gravel market, prioritising speed and race readiness over the all-round versatility of previous models. This shift reflects a broader industry trend where gravel bikes are increasingly divided into two categories: versatile “Swiss Army knife” models and highly specialised “scalpels” designed for racing. While the current Revolt Advanced Pro was praised for its adaptability, these prototypes suggest Giant and Liv are now focusing on creating lighter, stiffer, and more aero-optimised gravel race machines. With the prototypes set to be ridden by top athletes such as Tessa Neefjes, Peta Mullens, Brendan Johnston, and Cole Paton in the upcoming Unbound races, it is likely that more detailed information and official launches will follow soon after the event.