Episode 19: Specialized Globe eBikes with Saul Leiken

Specialized Globe eBikes are poised to be significant. And we haven't even seen what's behind the cactus yet. Why? Specialized is perhaps the most well-known bicycle brand on the planet. With name recognition like that, Specialized Globe bikes will become a formidable space in the mobility world.

Keep in mind, of course, that this isn't Specialized's first foray into eBikes. The California company has been making performance eBikes for quite some time. But Specialized Globe marks a distinct departure from the performance rider. Instead, It's all about getting more people to replace car trips with bike trips.

Saul Leiken is the global category leader for Specialized Globe. And his focus isn't on the high-performance athlete. It seems baked into the DNA of Specialized. But Leiken says the goal with Globe is to appeal to a broader audience.

That audience is, well, just about everyone who drives a car. Specialized wants to replace the majority of car trips with eBike trips instead. Most car trips, says Leiken, are short. Yet it's more efficient, and often quicker, to simply hop on a bike. To appeal to those drivers who might want to ditch the car but are intimidated by the physical requirements, Specialized Globe will make a lot of sense.

On top of that, Leiken says these bikes are designed for the budget-conscious consumer. Pricing hasn't been released yet. But Leiken says these eBikes shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. That's a big draw for consumers looking to add a transportation option to the stable rather than replace the car altogether.

Theme music: "This Year" by Angela Sheik

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Theme music: "This Year" by Angela Sheik