Specialized Globe Haul LT: Sometimes Size Matters

Last year, Specialized surprisingly brought its Globe brand back on the scene. It is supposed to be the playground on which the manufacturer wants to go wild in the future with ebikes that are explicitly geared to everyday use. In 2022, the Globe Haul ST demonstrated what this should look like in practice. Now the compact cargo bike is getting a companion. Or rather, a big sibling.

Specialized Globe Haul LT e-cargo bike

Twice as long = twice as good?

The Globe Haul ST is now followed by the Globe Haul LT. The name is almost identical. However, L instead of S means a big difference. ST stands for short tail, LT is the abbreviation for long tail. On a cargo bike, this determines how long the rear carrier is and, as a result, how much load you can transport from A to B with the bike. The Haul ST’s just over 39 centimetres becomes almost 80 centimetres on the Haul LT. And that’s where Specialized’s approach becomes apparent. Take your successful cargo bike. Increase its space considerably. Leave everything else as is. And all of a sudden, you might have the next successful cargo bike.

From a bird’s eye view, the different sizes of the Globe Haul LT and Globe Haul ST become clear.

In fact, this simple recipe might work. At least the effect of the double-length rear carrier is so impressive that people who found the Globe Haul ST exciting but just a size too small might consider buying it. For example, the rear carrier of the Haul LT fits four of the 19-litre baskets called Coolcave instead of just two. There is room for two child seats instead of just one. For older passengers, three seat pads can be combined to form a long bench seat. The smaller Haul ST can only accommodate one seat pad. On the carrier itself there is room for two slots for the MIK system instead of just one. There is an incredibly large pannier called the Cargo Side Bag, which holds 33 litres in its normal state and can be rolled out to a volume of 59 litres. And of course you could attach two of these to the Haul LT. The rear carrier can carry a maximum load of 80 kilograms. On the Haul ST it’s 60 kilograms.

Rear rack featuring two MIK compatible slots

Customisation becomes expensive

However, Specialized has not solved everything perfectly on the Globe Haul LT. Its showpiece, the rear carrier, can be cavilled at a little. The load capacity of 80 kilograms, for example, sounds great at first. But with a slightly shorter length, the rear carrier on the Tern GSD can even carry 100 kilograms. The running boards are part of the frame. With Specialized, you have to buy them as an extra for 200 US dollars.

In general, the manufacturer charges a relatively high price for accessories. The basic equipment does not include a basket, a bag or another rack. If you want to use the rear carrier as a bench seat for taller children and install three baskets on the fork to carry luggage at the same time, you will end up with the following accessories on your shopping list:

• Globe LT Running Boards: 200 US dollars
• 3 Globe Passenger Seat seat pads: 180 US dollars
• Mandatory Globe LT Adjustable Cargo Rails: 275 US dollars
• Globe Front Rack: 100 US dollars
• Globe Pannier Adapters Front: 100 US dollars
• Turbo Basket: 32.99 US dollars
• 2 Coolcave Panniers: 120 US dollars

The bottom line is 1,007.99 US dollars. At this point, the actually favourable starting price of 3,500 US dollars is put into perspective to some extent. At least the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty on the frame. For the ebike drive, it is the usual two years.

Version without any accessories

Suitable for many, but not available for all

According to Specialized, the cargo bike is suitable for riders between 135 centimetres and 193 centimetres tall. Mind you, this is with a one-size-fits-all frame and not different frame sizes. In relation to the competition, this range sounds quite large. At least there is a telescopic seatpost, similar to the one on the Tern GSD. And the height of the stem can be adjusted by 15 centimetres. How the bike really rides, especially for people who are at the lower or upper limits of the range, cannot be assessed from a distance.

Height-adjustable stem

Nothing has changed in the components such as the gears and brakes compared to the Globe Haul ST. The same applies to the electric drive. This is a special design for Specialized. The massive rear hub motor supports speeds of up to 45 kilometres per hour. In Europe, both models of the Globe Haul would therefore be classified as speed pedelecs. The battery placed between the two down tubes has a capacity of 772 watt hours. Depending on the load, the profile of the route, weather conditions and so on, this should be enough for almost 100 kilometres of support in the best case.

Cockpit with BMX style handlebars and a rudimentary display

The current version of both the Globe Haul LT and the Globe Haul ST with the 700-watt motor in continuous operation is currently sold exclusively in the USA. We do not know if Specialized is considering versions with a motor that meets European specifications.

Specialized Globe Haul LT at a glance

• Frame: Haul LT Premium Aluminum
• Frame size: Onesize
• Fork: 2022 Globe Fork
• Motor: Globe, 700 W
• Battery: Globe, 772 Wh
• Control unit: Globe handlebar remote
• Drivetrain: microSHIFT, 9-speed
• Brakes: Tektro HD-T535
• Maximum load rear carrier: 80 kg
• Weight: 40 kg
• Maximum permitted total weight: 200 kg
• Price: 3,500 US dollars

Pictures: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.