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TECH FEATURES: SPECIALIZED LAUNCHES GLOBE BRAND
Philip Booth
June 12, 2009
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The Specialized Globe line of bicycles has been around since the early nineties with a focus on short distance commuter and city bikes.
With the recent economic downturn, rising gas prices and a renewed
interest in urban riding, Specialized has taken the bold step and
converted the Globe line into a complete brand. The new Globe brand,
which will launch in 2010, was introduced Thursday in the bike friendly
city of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The new Globe brand is big
departure for Specialized, which has built its reputation on road
and mountain bike race courses around the world. Instead of using the
Specialized name to drive sales of Globe bikes, Globe is now separate
and focused on changing the way people use bicycles in their daily
lives. The Globe brand’s vision is to “Inspire everyone to a cycling
lifestyle.” To achieve this vision Globe as its own team of designers
and engineers separate from Specialized and dedicated solely to the
Globe’s vision.
When developing the brand the Globe team set out
to create a line of bikes that they hoped will become integrated into
people’s lives, essentially replacing their cars whenever possible. To
establish the brand, the Globe team created a line of five bikes that
while all serving different functions are united by the brands vision
and several unique design features.
The consistent theme throughout the Globe line is the ultra clean
design and muted color palette that was inspired by the classic
Volkswagen bug. Another theme of note is the absence of branding on the
frame and components. Without looking closely at the head tube badge it
is virtually impossible to tell the make of the bicycle. This is a
refreshing change compared to the heavily branded offerings of other
manufacturers. There are also subtle chevron shaped elements on the
seat clamp, fenders and head tube badge. The head tube badge is another
element that is carried through the Globe line and is unique in that
allows the rider to insert a 2 x 3.5-inch business card or picture for a bit
of customization – see Chewy above.
Globe Roll
The
Roll line is designed for messengers and urban dwellers and comes in
two models, the Roll 1 ($610) and the Roll 2 ($830), and features a
full chromoly frame with Reynolds 520 main tubes and adjustable
dropouts. The straight blade chromoly fork was designed specific for
the Roll, and has a custom designed crown. The roll is equipped with
42-tooth single speed crank, mated to either a fixie or freewheel
flip/flop rear hub. The drivetrain is finished off with platform
pedals, toe clips and straps. The wheels on the Roll are deep section
aluminum rims with specific designed Globe hubs. The top of the line
Roll 2 features an integrated keyed front wheel retention system that
merges seamlessly into the fork for a clean look. The Roll line comes
with a one piece flip flop bar stem combo that includes integrated
grips for a slick, clean look. The grip area of the bar is a smaller
diameter compared to bar/stem junction. This allows the use of
non-Globe grips and the mounting of optional hand brakes. Globe
finishes off the cockpit of the Roll line with an injected molded
saddle. The Roll comes in four sizes; small, medium, large and extra
large. The Roll 1 is available in three colors including black, gray
and green. The Roll 2 features two color options, a dark green and pale
blue.
 The
Roll features a fixie or freewheel flip/flop rear hub and adjustable
dropouts. Other than the subtle design elements and the head tube
badge, the dropouts were the only place the Globe logo appeared on the
Roll.
 The
one-piece bar stem combo can be flipped upside down to create a
positive rise stem. The Globe grips are designed to have the appearance
of being integrated into the bar/stem combo.
 The Roll 2 features an integrated keyed front wheel retention system that merges seamlessly into the fork for a clean look.
Globe Live
The
Live is a three-bike line that blurs the line between cargo bike and
urban commuter. At the top of the line is the Live 3 ($1550) that
features a Shimano Alfine 8 speed internal rear hub mated to a belt
drive system with hydraulic disc brakes. The Live 2 ($990) comes with a
Shimano 8-speed Nexus drivetrain, while the Live 3 ($550) is a single
speed. The Live line comes in two frame styles, standard and
step-through "mixte". The Live uses a Globe A1 Premium aluminum frame
that feature smooth double pass welds and an integrated porteur basket
with wooden base. For geared models the Live has internal cable routing
to aid in a clean appearance. Globe finishes off the Live line with
color matching aluminum fenders, integrated chainguard and Body
Geometry saddle. The Live is available in small, medium, large and
extra large. The Live 1 comes in dark brown, the Live 2 a cool gray and
the Live 3 a dark blue. The step through models are available in brown
and ruby red.
 The
front basket on the Live features a wood bottom and the frame is
painted to match the frame and fork for clean and simple look.
 The chainguard on the Live is minimal but effective. Globe uses classically styled pedals to add a retro touch to the bike.
Globe Haul
The rear dropouts on the haul include gusseted supports for the integrated rack that double as mounting islets for the fenders. The integrated rack features a built in LED light with wooden deck. The rack's target capacity is 100-pounds.
Globe Vienna
The
Vienna line is designed as a clean and simple short range commuter and
offers five options, the Vienna 4 ($880) the Vienna 3 disc ($770),
Vienna 3 ($610), Vienna 2 ($500) and Vienna 1 ($420). The Vienna uses a
Globe A1 Premium aluminum frame that features rack/fender islets as
well as a kickstand mount. The Vienna continues the versatility theme
of the Live and Haul by offering both standard and step through frame
options. The Vienna line is equipped with Globe city grips and Body
Geometry grips and saddle. The Vienna is available in small, medium,
large and extra large sizes with multiple color options.
Globe Carmel
Designed
for cruising to beach or the coffee house, the Carmel uses a Globe A1
Premium aluminum frame and is available in five models, ranging in
price from $330 to $550, in both 26-inch and 700c wheels. All five
models are available in standard or step through versions and feature
Globes Ground Control geometry that puts the rider in a more upright
and stable riding position. The Carmel line features a 63-millimeter
suspension fork, Globe comfort grips and a Body Geometry saddle.
Aside
from a full line of bikes, Globe is also jumping head first into the
commuter accessory market with saddles, grips, fenders, pedals and
tires, All together it is an ambitious and idealistic undertaking, but
after a day of riding various Globe bikes and products around
Minneapolis it appears that the team at Globe is up to the task. The Globe website www.globebikes.com will officially launch on June 28th, 2009 |
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