When it comes to sizing, the Haul LT (and its sibling, the Haul ST) are remarkably well-engineered. Most e-bikes with a single body measurement wrestle to suit riders with 12 inches of distinction in top, however due to its telescoping stem and dual-telescoping seatpost, the Haul comfortably suits riders 4’5” to six’4”.
With roughly 14” of saddle top adjustment and 6” of flexibility in handlebar top, the LT’s match and driving place might be tailor-made to its rider. I discovered consolation in a largely upright place with a small quantity of weight on the handlebars.
Pedaling felt relaxed and comfy general, although it took a number of rides to regulate to the crank-forward design, which requires pedaling in a barely outward and downward movement. I’ve examined some bikes the place this felt excessive, however the Haul took solely a slight adjustment; general, the expertise was simple and pleasant.
The bike was additionally remarkably responsive on account of its torque sensor. The motor engaged easily with an adaptive really feel in most of its help ranges, nevertheless it may really feel considerably jerky and oversensitive in PAS 5. After a number of rides, I discovered that it was necessary to take care of regular stress and a constant cadence, which smoothed out the journey virtually fully.
When it comes to dealing with, the bike felt surprisingly nimble, given its size and weight of over 90 lbs. When transferring, I discovered it simple to overlook that the bike was so massive; it cornered shortly and steered exactly due to its 20” wheels and huge 700-mm handlebars.
The bike’s 3.5”-wide Carless Whisper tires added a shocking quantity of consolation and cushion to the journey—particularly because the Haul doesn’t embrace any type of suspension. The tires characteristic a central band of clean avenue tread for low rolling resistance and a knobby aspect tread so as to add stability and grip when cornering.
Little or no of my testing was executed on unpaved surfaces, however I took a number of brief journeys on dust and gravel surfaces. The Haul LT felt surprisingly rugged and succesful there, suggesting that it may very well be practical as an journey bike when hauling tenting gear, and so on.
Two areas with room for enchancment have been the LT’s show and its mild system. I appreciated the unobtrusive measurement of the show/management panel, nevertheless it was essential to pair it to the Globe app to show off the lights or see an correct battery cost readout. I would like the flexibility to entry these capabilities with out utilizing my cellphone.
Moreover, contemplating that one of many Haul LT’s most sensible makes use of is transporting youngster passengers, we hoped to see brake lights—and probably flip alerts—to extend rider security. Our testing confirmed the bike to be extremely sensible as a cargo/youngster service; this necessary characteristic would give it larger enchantment to cautious mother and father.
In any other case, we discovered the Globe Haul LT’s journey high quality to be wonderful, as we anticipated from its pedigree as a Specialised e-bike. It felt sturdy, highly effective, responsive, comfy, and very well-built. The bike doesn’t characteristic many bells and whistles, however its normal options and really feel usually appeared to be a step (or two) above the norm.
