Specialized Globe Haul Vs Velotric Discover 1: Which One Wins?

Both the Specialized Globe Haul and the Velotric Discover 1 are fantastic choices for anyone in the market for a new e-bike. From adjustable heights to unbeatable ranges and power, it can be tough to choose between two top of the line options for whatever e-bike needs you may have. While both bikes are incredible, we’ll go over the details and help you decide which one may be right for you.

Both of these bikes were designed with peak comfort and ease of use in mind. The Velotric Discover 1 was created with the ability of being able to maintain an upright, straight back position while you ride providing optimal ergonomic comfort. The Specialized Globe Haul has a fairly similar design also allowing you to ride upright with ease, but does come with a few more adjustment options allowing riders to adjust their seats and heights according to their preferences a little easier.

The differences in the bikes’ frames and comfortability is not super significant. They both come with a step-thru style frame for ease of mount and dismount as well as similar weight bearing capabilities. More on that later. One of the main differences is actually in the handlebars which possess slightly different degrees and sizes, the Specialized Globe Haul’s handlebars have a 700mm width with a 12 degree backsweep while the Velotric Discover 1 has 660-680mm width on its handlebars with durable economic grips.

Both the Velotric Discover 1 and the Specialized Globe Haul come with small LCD displays that portray things like the battery life, speed, distance traveled, and more. The LCD’s are both backlit so they can be easily seen in broad daylight or at nighttime. With that said, the Velotric Discover 1 might win in the display category, as their display is quite a bit larger at 3.5 inches long and is in the center of the handlebars for easier visibility versus the Specialized Globe Haul display being on the left side of the handlebars and is much smaller. 

The batteries of these two bikes do differ a little. The Specialized Globe Haul, despite having a shorter expected range, has a larger external battery at 772Wh manufactured by the company themselves. With that said, if you live in particularly rainy conditions or find yourself taking a bike ride near water regularly, the Specialized Globe Haul is the one for you. Their battery has an IPX7 rating, meaning that this bike and its battery can be submerged in up to 3 feet of water for a maximum of 30 minutes without having to worry about corrosion. 

On the other hand, the Velotric Discover 1 has a longer expected range with a smaller battery of 691Wh. Their battery is UL 2271 recognized, meaning safety is their top priority and it has been given the stamp of approval for it. Both batteries are removable and both bikes come with similar ranges, but depending on your local weather one may be better for you than the other. 

If you prefer your bike rides at night or simply value the safety that comes with added lights, both of these bikes do provide headlights and tail lights. However, the Specialized Globe Haul might take the lead on this one given that the headlight is 1500 lumen, has a remote control, and comes with multiple mode options for optimal visibility as well as a 50 lumen tail light on the rear. The Velotric Discover 1 has an LED headlight with an adjustable angle and a tail light attached to the rear fender.

Both the Velotric Discover 1 and the Specialized Globe Haul are great options for everyday commuters or city explorers. However, unless you live in a house, on the ground floor, or have an incredibly reliable elevator, the Velotric Discover 1 might be the better choice for those looking to haul their bikes around. At a whopping 77 pounds on average, the Specialized Globe Haul will give you quite the workout going back and forth from your apartment each day.

The Velotric Discover 1 is a class 2 electric bike with a step-thru design for ease of mount and dismount, but actually comes in two different sizes in order to accommodate riders anywhere from 5’0” to 6’9” tall. If you’re on the taller side, this is the bike for you. It also has an incredible 440 pound weight limit, so no worries if you’re hauling groceries back home.

The Specialized Globe Haul is a class 3 e-bike that also has a step-thru design so you can get on and off quickly. However, despite only coming in one size, this bike can accommodate riders anywhere from 4’5” to 6’4” tall. In contrast to the Velotric Discover 1, if you’re on the petite side this is probably the bike you want to choose. This bike has a weight capacity of 419 pounds, so it’s also a great choice for those looking to carry multiple or potentially heavy items with them.

Both of these bikes are great options for any commuters or leisurely strollers looking for comfort and reliability. While neither bike is technically cut out for crazy adventures, if you think you might stray off the beaten path every once in a while, the Specialized Globe Haul is the one for you with its waterproof rating and overall durability. However, if you’re more of a city dweller, the Velotric Discover 1 would be a better choice for its lighter weight and ease of transport.

Both bikes are designed with maximum safety and optimal comfort in mind, so you can focus on the ride worry free. However, they did execute these ideals with slight differences. For example, the Velotric Discover 1 is made with Hydraulic disc brakes and 180 mm rotors to go with them, while the Specialized Globe Haul is also made with Hydraulic disc brakes but has 203 mm rotors. This isn’t a massive difference, but e-bike enthusiasts have said a larger motor can make a difference in lurching during the ride.

Both the Specialized Globe Haul and the Velotric Discover 1 come with 36h, double-walled alloy rims. The Specialized Globe Haul has Careless Whisper Effect, 20 x 3.5 inch tires while the Velotric Discover 1 has puncture resistant lining tires with size of 26 x 2.5 inches. The Velotric Discover 1 also comes with a KMC-Z7 chain and 42T chainrings while the Specialized Globe Haul has a KMC e9S EPT chain with an anti-rust coating and 50T chainrings. 

The handlebars on these two bikes are both exceptionally designed, but do have their differences. The Specialized Globe Haul comes with 12-degree backsweep, alloy handlebars with an 80 mm adjustable rise in the bars for peak comfort and visibility while riding. The Velotric Discover 1 also has aluminum alloy handlebars with a much larger backsweep, however the exact measurement isn’t specified and the width depends on which size you choose.

The Velotric Discover 1 has a maximum speed of 20 mph or 25 mph unlocked while the Specialized Globe Haul has a maximum speed of 28 mph. Both bikes have a pretty fast top speed for the average daily commute, but if you enjoy the occasional joy ride these speeds might come in handy. Just remember that the faster you go, the less distance you can travel before you have to re-charge.

The Velotric Discover 1 does have an IPX6 rating, one notch below the Specialized Globe Haul, so it’s not at much risk from a little rain here and there. With a heavy-duty wide foot aluminum kickstand, this is not a bike that you have to worry about toppling over while you take a break. You can also trust that the full coverage front and rear fenders will keep your bike’s tires well protected for years to come.

The Specialized Globe Haul, as previously mentioned, does have a higher waterproof rating of IPX7 for optimal durability and protection in all types of weather. This bike has a short tail, center mount kickstand for the best balance possible in keeping your bike upright and stable when not in use. The Specialized Globe Haul also comes with both front and rear fenders manufactured by Globe Cargo.

The Specialized Globe Haul is made with Haul ST Premium Aluminum and comes with a post mount disc brake. This bike comes in two colors, Satin Obsidian and Gloss White Mountain for a gorgeous finish regardless of which color you choose. This bike lacks a top tube but comes with multiple adjustment options so you always feel secure when riding. While this bike does not have a suspension, it does have a Globe Steel fork to establish security and ensure a smooth ride. 

For the Velotric Discover 1, the frame is made of aluminum alloy with internal cable routing and a fully lockable tube battery for optimal theft protection and security. In comparison, this is the smaller bike in this case and is slightly more compact in measurement, making the bike more transport friendly. The Velotric Discover 1 has an 80mm travel, hydraulic suspension and Lock-out capabilities in case you run into a gravel road here and there.

As for what these bike frames have in common, both of these bikes are designed to allow you to sit up with a straight back for the best ergonomics. They are both step-thru style bikes that lack a top tube, but you won’t miss it when you realize how easy it is to slide on and off. 

There are several accessories that already come with the Velotric Discover 1, including rear and front reflectors and fenders, a bell, a toolkit, a front light, and the necessary battery and charger. There are plenty of other accessories that Velotric sells, including various helmets, a secondary back-up battery pack, a rear rack, a front basket, and replacement items such as new handlebar grips or brake pads. This bike comes with everything you need, but Velotric also sells many additional accessories worth checking out.

When it comes to accessories though, the Specialized Globe Haul takes the cake. This bike was designed for whomever might need it, but if you’re someone who wants to bring a passenger along, this is the bike for you. This company sells something called the passenger kit that includes a cushion for them to sit on in the back, their own handlebar, foot pegs, and more. They also sell baskets that can attach to the rear, the front, or even a coolcave pannier that has a 19 L cargo capacity and can attach to the front or the rear.

Both the Velotric Discover 1 and the Specialized Globe Haul are designed with a step-thru frame without a top tube

The Velotric Discover 1 has a 1 year warranty while the Specialized Globe Haul has a lifetime frame warranty and a 2 year e-system warranty

The Velotric Discover 1 has a suspension while the Specialized Globe Haul does not

The Velotric Discover 1 bike comes with several color options while the Specialized Globe Haul only has 1

The Specialized Globe Haul has only one size option but accommodates riders as petite as 4’5” while the Velotric Discover 1 comes in two sizes that can accommodate riders up to a height of 6’9”

The Velotric Discover 1 is a class 2 electric bike with throttle capabilities while the Specialized Globe Haul is a class 3 electric bike and is therefore slightly faster

Both bikes are great choices for commuters however the Velotric Discover 1 is a bit more transport friendly due to its lighter and more compact size

Both bikes are capable of carrying heavy loads, however the Specialized Global Haul has much better accommodating accessories for passengers and heavier items

It’s a pretty touch choice to make. Both the Specialized Globe Haul and the Velotric Discover 1 are incredible bikes with astounding capabilities for commuters or any bike enthusiast. Both bikes have optimal safety features and were designed with peak comfort in mind, allowing you to ride worry free and enjoy yourself. The Specialized Globe Haul is a force to be reckoned with and comes with incredible accessory options, however, at a price of $2,700, it might be a little too hard on the wallet for some. With that said, given its more compact size, versatility, and comparability for a much cheaper price, we have to go with the Velotric Discover 1 at a price of $1,399 as our top choice.