Specialized Globe Haul LT Review | The Full-Size Cargo King?

Using the process described above, we achieved remarkable results from the Globe Haul LT in our Range Test! Our PAS 1 result, which was over double the range that Specialized advertises for the bike, is the longest distance we’ve seen from any cargo bike. It’s also the second-longest result from any e-bike we’ve ever tested!

As always, we did this test without cargo or passengers; the advertised range of 60 miles may be more applicable when riding with extra weight.

Compared to other cargo bikes we’ve tested, the Haul LT’s results were relatively average in PAS 5, but as I’ve indicated, well above average—by over 55 miles—in PAS 1. Our data from all other cargo bikes we’ve tested shows an average of roughly 68 miles with low assist.

There are likely two main factors that helped the LT achieve one of the best Range Test results we’ve ever seen.

First, the LT’s 772 Wh capacity is well above average for a single-battery cargo bike; the average is roughly 670 Wh based on our test data. Some e-bikes we’ve tested could carry dual batteries with a greater total capacity, but the Haul made excellent use of its single high-capacity power supply.

Second, the Haul’s torque sensor effectively made it more efficient than average. Most of the cargo bikes we’ve tested used cadence sensors, which tell the motor to output a constant flow of power. The Haul’s torque sensor allows its motor output to fluctuate, which helps to conserve energy and extend the battery life.

Ultimately, our testing showed that the Globe Haul LT will likely go at least as far as the average cargo bike. Depending on how you pedal, how much weight the bike is loaded with, and what assist level you choose, it might just go further than most other bikes out on the road.

As shown in the graphic above, the Globe Haul LT proved to be among the best hill climbers in the cargo e-bike category. Once again, we were not able to evaluate the bike’s optional throttle, but its pedal test results were above average by a significant margin.

The LT finished 9 seconds faster than the cargo category average—currently 1 minute and 10 seconds at the time of writing. The bike’s results landed it in second place when compared to all the cargo bikes we’ve tested, and it is tied with two other non-cargo bikes for third place when including every e-bike we have ever pedaled up the path at Hell Hole.

The Haul’s strength is obvious when going by feel; the bike’s motor can produce an impressive 90 Newton meters (Nm) of torque, making the pedaling experience remarkably easy.

We spoke with a member of Specialized’s development team, who explained that the brand custom-tuned a motor to optimize overall power, speed, durability, and power delivery. This effort seems to have paid off, as evidenced by the numbers—as well as my personal experience on the bike. The LT was extremely fast and nearly effortless to pedal uphill!

To understand the Haul’s climbing ability when carrying cargo, I performed additional testing at our secondary location called Pilot Hill. This test hill is similar in scope to Hell Hole, but not quite as extreme. I tested it first with no cargo, again with a 55-lb sandbag on the cargo rack, and finally with 75 lbs of additional cargo in four hard-shell panniers.

With no cargo, I pedaled up the hill in 1:00 at 20 mph. The addition of 55 pounds of cargo had almost no effect; I finished in 1:05 at 18.4 mph. The full load of 130 pounds had a much larger effect on speed, but the bike still pedaled easily and effectively. I finished that test in 1:27 at an average of 13.8 mph.

The bottom line is that the Globe Haul LT is incredibly effective at climbing hills with and without cargo. You can add a throttle at (or after) purchase to make climbs truly effortless, but with no throttle, you’ll likely have difficulty finding an easier bike to pedal uphill.

Using the process described above, we determined the Globe Haul LT’s average stopping distance to be a highly impressive 16’5”. This is currently the shortest stopping distance of any full-size cargo e-bike we’ve tested!

The LT exceeded the cargo e-bike average (currently 19’10”) by nearly 3.5 feet, though it wasn’t quite able to exceed the short-tail Globe Haul ST’s slightly better result of 15’9”. Regardless, we’re extremely pleased with its performance!

We attribute the bike’s success solely to its Tektro Volans/T535 brake system. Where many other cargo e-bikes we’ve reviewed had effective (but basic) entry-level 2-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors, the Haul ST uses a 4-piston system with larger and thicker 203 mm rotors. This system dissipates heat quickly and is ultimately more powerful.

During my testing, the bike felt stable and controlled when braking. Ironically, the “Carless Whisper” tires often squealed loudly, but otherwise they seemed to have excellent grip and a wide base to keep the bike balanced.

Based on our data, we can confidently say you’d be hard-pressed to find a cargo bike with a more effective brake system. The Haul LT is specced extremely well with safe and reliable brakes!

A wide range of factors influence the feel of every e-bike, and the Globe Haul LT is no different. The subject of ride quality encompasses elements of sizing and fit, comfort, motor engagement, the user interface, and beyond.

In terms of sizing, the Haul LT (and its sibling, the Haul ST) are remarkably well-engineered. Most e-bikes with a single frame size struggle to fit riders with 12 inches of difference in height, but thanks to its telescoping stem and dual-telescoping seatpost, the Haul comfortably fits riders 4’5” to 6’4”.

With roughly 14” of saddle height adjustment and 6” of flexibility in handlebar height, the LT’s fit and riding position can be tailored to its rider. I found comfort in a mostly upright position with a small amount of weight on the handlebars.

Pedaling felt relaxed and comfortable overall, though it took a few rides to adjust to the crank-forward design, which requires pedaling in a slightly outward and downward motion. I have tested some bikes where this felt extreme, but the Haul took only a slight adjustment; overall, the experience was easy and enjoyable.

The bike was also remarkably responsive due to its torque sensor. The motor engaged smoothly with an adaptive feel in most of its assist levels, but it could feel somewhat jerky and oversensitive in PAS 5. After a few rides, I learned that it was important to maintain steady pressure and a consistent cadence, which smoothed out the ride almost completely.

In terms of handling, the bike felt surprisingly nimble, given its length and weight of over 90 lbs. When moving, I found it easy to forget that the bike was so large; it cornered quickly and steered precisely thanks to its 20” wheels and wide 700-mm handlebars.

The bike’s 3.5”-wide Carless Whisper tires added a surprising amount of comfort and cushion to the ride—especially as the Haul does not include any form of suspension. The tires feature a central band of smooth street tread for low rolling resistance and a knobby side tread to add stability and grip when cornering.

Very little of my testing was done on unpaved surfaces, but I took a few short trips on dirt and gravel surfaces. The Haul LT felt surprisingly rugged and capable there, suggesting that it could be functional as an adventure bike when hauling camping gear, etc.

Two areas with room for improvement were the LT’s display and its light system. I liked the unobtrusive size of the display/control panel, but it was necessary to pair it to the Globe app to turn off the lights or see an accurate battery charge readout. I would prefer the ability to access these functions without using my phone.

Additionally, considering that one of the Haul LT’s most practical uses is transporting child passengers, we hoped to see brake lights—and possibly turn signals—to increase rider safety. Our testing showed the bike to be highly practical as a cargo/child carrier; this important feature would give it greater appeal to cautious parents.

Otherwise, we found the Globe Haul LT’s ride quality to be excellent, as we expected from its pedigree as a Specialized e-bike. It felt sturdy, powerful, responsive, comfortable, and extremely well-built. The bike does not feature many bells and whistles, but its standard features and feel generally seemed to be a step (or two) above the norm.

Clearly, the Globe Haul LT is a winner. Our series of tests showed solidly above-average (and, in many cases, record-breaking) performance in terms of speed, braking, range, and climbing ability. Further, the LT comfortably and correctly fits one of the widest ranges of riders we’ve seen.

With a price between $3k and $4k at the time of writing—you can check current pricing using the link below—the LT exists firmly in the premium tier of cargo e-bikes. As such, it’s likely best for those actively seeking the best of the best. As shown by our test data, it doesn’t get much better!

We consider the Haul LT to be extremely well-suited to a variety of uses. With no cargo, it provides power levels appropriately for those seeking a workout or simply a fast and fun ride. Kitted out with accessories, the bike can carry kids, groceries, camping equipment, or nearly anything else.

As with any e-bike, there will always be room for improvement. In the Haul LT’s case, we’d prefer some changes to its display and light system. Otherwise, the bike has the potential to effectively fulfill its mission of reducing the need for cars.

With its powerful hub motor and throttle capability, we see the Haul as an acknowledgment of the achievements of the many other brands that established themselves before Globe’s arrival. It successfully blends the thoughtful design and precise execution we expect from Specialized while adding a few extra splashes of power and fun.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Specialized Globe Haul LT down in our comments section.