frame and fork
Like its stablemate, the Globe Haul LT features an aluminum frame and steel fork. Because this is a Specialized model, the frame and fork come with a lifetime warranty, which is no small feat considering this e-bike is designed to carry heavier loads than your average e-bike.
The Globe Haul ST features a design that better suits a wide range of riders than any other one-size e-bike we tested, and the Haul LT uses the same design elements. First, the seat tube is very short and features a telescopic design (a seat post within the seat post) that can be adjusted from just 20.4 inches to a height of 33.5 inches (a design that has lost popularity, but for E-bikes make a lot of sense) from just 41.4 inches above the ground to up to 46.9 inches.
An e-bike with a long tail needs a reinforced frame if it is to carry more weight than its short tail counterpart. Specialized has not only lengthened the loading area and the chainstays and moved the rear wheel backwards. Yes, the load deck is longer, but Specialized added a tube behind the seat tube that runs from the bottom bracket back to the load deck tubes. They also added two tubes per side that run from the chainstays to the cargo deck. There’s no word yet on load capacity, but the Haul ST’s load capacity was 419 pounds. And since many parts of the frame design are similar and the fork and wheels are the same, it’s likely that the Globe Haul LT will have a similar, if not higher, weight rating.
Motor and battery
With the Globe Haul ST, Specialized has equipped the e-bike with a 700W brushless geared hub motor and a 772Wh battery that takes up most of the space between the head tube and seat tube as well as the top and down tube. While Specialized could opt for a larger hub motor, in our most recent test of the Globe Haul ST we found it to be one of the best climbing e-bikes we’ve ever tested. This is a Class 3 engine that can support riders at speeds of up to 28 miles per hour (and there’s an optional throttle).
In our test of the Globe Haul ST, we found real-world range figures of 38 miles. (PAS 5) and 54 miles. (PAS 1). The Globe Haul LT’s longer frame increases the overall weight of the e-bike by 5 to 15 pounds depending on the accessories mounted, reducing the range slightly, although not dramatically.
One of our favorite features of the Globe Haul ST was the torque meter, which gave it the ability to accelerate immediately as soon as someone pedaled and respond to changes in the rider’s effort.
Components
Like the Globe Haul ST, the LT is equipped with a motorcycle-style double-legged stand that keeps the e-bike upright while loading and unloading. This is just as practical for handling children as it is for groceries.
In the many years we’ve tested both bikes and e-bikes, we don’t think we’ve ever seen anything with as many attachment points as the Globe Haul LT. It features two sets of water bottle mounts, one on each side of the head tube, as well as mounts for a luggage rack or basket on the front of the head tube. The fork includes mounts for racks, mudguards and more.
Behind the rider, the frame features a dozen mounting points per side as well as a set of footpegs, while omitting the mounting points for the luggage rack, which could potentially be replaced with a different type of rack.
Specialized is showing the Globe Haul LT in a variety of configurations, including six panniers that look like large oval buckets, as well as running boards and an aluminum body that not only provides support for children, but also keeps all but the smallest Houdini in it , to escape in the middle of the journey.
To help drivers customize the Globe Haul LT even more to their comfort level, it is equipped with the same aluminum riser bar as the Globe Haul ST. And as mentioned, it features the same stem as the ST, which can be raised and lowered with a single Allen key.
In addition to the luggage rack, Specialized also offers front and rear fenders as well as front and rear lights.
Drivetrain, brakes and wheels
Many of the Globe Haul LT’s component choices are likely carryovers from the Haul ST. Why do we think this? In many cases, Specialized has made upscale choices, such as the Tektro 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 203mm rotors.
The Globe Haul LT appears to be equipped with the same 9-speed microshift transmission as the Haul ST. It is equipped with an 11-36 cassette to provide riders with a gear range of more than 300 percent, making it a great option for riders who need to conquer hills on their daily rides.
We expect the Globe Haul LT to ride on the same 36-spoke wheels as the Globe Haul ST and be equipped with Specialized’s 20 x 3.5-inch Carless Whisper tires.
