- Specialized teased information about a new line of Globe electric cargo bikes, in order to help more riders replace car trips (or cars altogether) with e-bike trips.
- Globe will begin taking orders in 2022 and deliver bikes in early 2023.
Specialized has been in the e-bike market for years, but with the relaunch of its Globe brand and a line of utilitarian cargo commuter e-bikes, they’re taking a step toward helping people fully replace cars with bikes.
“Most everyday car trips are short, joyless, and bad for your wallet and the planet,” Specialized’s press release explains. “Globe is an extension of the Specialized brand that will focus on bringing more fun to local living while reducing the number of car, truck, and SUV trips needed for everyday transportation.”
There aren’t many details available just yet, but what we can see by the adorably cactus-strewn image released by Specialized is that the e-bike has burly wheels and tires, full fenders and lights, a rear hub motor, highly adjustable seat heights, and cargo mounting options. Cacti, presumably, are not included. (Nor would we recommend riding surrounded by them, this seems like a recipe for disaster.)
“Cargo and kid-carrying are two of many uses for Globe, as we’re taking the concept of ‘everything bikes’ quite literally,” Saul Leiken, global category leader for Globe, told The Verge. “Globe isn’t boxed into any particular rider experience.”
The Globe brand itself has been around as a more utilitarian arm of Specialized since the 1990s, The Verge reports, and emphasizes longevity as well as affordability when it comes to its products. Globe bikes won’t impact Specialized’s current e-bike offerings, but rather will supplement them for a different sector of the cycling market.
While it’s not clear how customers will be able to purchase the bikes, there’s a good chance that ordering direct from the website will be an option. (Though the company does cite a “continued partnership with independent local bike shops” through its Globe brand.) Earlier this year, Specialized made waves when the brand announced that it would be offering direct-to-consumer purchasing options on its website for U.S. customers. And just last week, Specialized announced a new hire: Armin Landgraf is now the chief of worldwide markets, after serving as CEO for Canyon Bicycle, a company built on direct-to-consumer bike sales.
The goal for Globe is to begin taking orders later this year, with the first bikes coming in early 2023 for U.S. customers.
Bikes for Commuting
Aventon Level Commuter Ebike
It has some great performance, is spec’d smartly, comes out of the box almost 100 percent ready for commuting use, and is priced well.
kona Kona Dr. Dew
The Dr. Dew is built for those looking for a bit more flash in their daily commute. It’s more sleek through the frame than the average commuter and comes equipped with tubeless-ready wheels.
Priority Bicycles Priority Ace
This option from Priority gets a lot of performance in under $600 and is a fantastic way to get into bike commuting.
City Electric Bike
We gave this bike an award last year because of its long range, ease of use, and general adaptability to a range of riding styles.
