Specialized has teased details of the launch of a new sub-brand, focused on electric urban bikes, aptly named, Globe Bikes.
A statement posted in May said Globe Bikes “is an extension of the Specialized brand that will focus on bringing more fun to local living while reducing the number of [car journeys used in] everyday transportation”.
The Globe brand was used previously by Specialized for its range of practical urban bikes.
The bike is built around large 3in+ fat bike tyres. These have a smooth central section with a light chequered tread on the outside edge of the tyre.
The bike is decked out with a full complement of accessories, including mudguards, a kickstand, pannier racks and integrated lighting.
The new bike is also powered by a rear-hub motor. This is a notable diversion from Specialized’s previous electric bikes, which have almost exclusively used mid-drive motors.
Hub motors are usually more affordable than mid-drive motors. This suggests Globe Bikes will be aimed at a significantly lower price point than the brand’s existing premium electric bikes.
Specialized expressed that- after the October launch, the brand aims to start taking orders in “late 2022 and deliver our first bikes to riders in early 2023”.