Since Duncan posted his review of his Globe he’s been getting on my case to write my own. Between work and the great weather we’ve had in Toronto I’ve been riding my Globe a lot. Some days I run errands, most days I’m commuting and other times I’m just getting around town.
On a strangely sunny February day, Duncan and I took a few photos of my Globe. The bright blue wall of a martial arts studio made for a fantastic backdrop.
Since moving to Toronto I’ve been using a bicycle much more than ever before. Even with the mild weather back in British Columbia and the three years I spent in Amsterdam for school, I’ve been biking more here. It probably helps that my boyfriend encourages me and I can’t ignore that I also have a beautiful bicycle on loan from Globe.
Even with biking in the rain my chain looks brand new. The chain cover may be why. I’m quite thankful for this feature as it means I don’t have to worry about getting grease on my clothes even if the chain isn’t very greasy.
I was a little worried about riding around with just one speed at first. There aren’t many hills in Toronto but the few I do have to go up seemed like they would be really hard. The strange thing is that I don’t notice it being any more difficult than on my other bicycle that has 20 something speeds. Maybe it’s because I get into a smooth rhythm with one speed. Actually it even feels like I’m able to go faster with this set up. I know it’s probably just in my head. But I love the feeling.
The bicycle I used in Amsterdam had a coaster brake just like my Globe. So I’m pretty comfortable using it. You just have to make sure you stop in a good position with the pedal of your stronger foot up. This makes it easier for starting again at stop signs and after red lights and takes only a little while to get used to. There’s also a front brake so I get both a back brake from the coaster and a front brake for quicker stops.
Perhaps the best part of my Globe is the front rack. It’s really big and can carry a lot. I’ll usually place my purse and my backpack on the rack and secure them with a long bungee cord. The platform area is large enough to carry groceries, boxes and pretty much anything I would consider carrying on my bicycle. Having everything up front means I can keep an eye on things and make sure nothing is bouncing loose. And since there are a lot of potholes and some construction on my routes I end up doing a lot of bouncing around.
My only complaint about the front rack is that the side rails aren’t high enough to keep anything in on their own. Bungees are necessary for carrying anything up there. It’s certainly not a big deal, and using bungees keeps everything very steady so it’s probably better than having my stuff bounce around in a big basket.
Fenders are something you must have when biking in Toronto. The streets right now are covered in salt and sand and other dirt and when it rains or the snow melts it makes for a disgusting mixture. Luckily my Globe has full metal fenders on the front and rear. They are the same colour as the frame so everything looks nice and tidy. I’m pretty surprised at how nice the brown colour is. The Globe site says the colour is “Java Brown” which I guess makes this bike like my morning coffee. It’s like a little perk that helps me get through the day.
My Globe and Duncan’s both put you in an upright riding position. The comfortable curve of the handlebar places you in a position that allows you to steer around potholes while still able to keep your head up and look around. It’s a very similar riding style to the bicycle I had in Amsterdam. Only this Globe is much lighter.
While I don’t have too many suggestions for improving this Globe I would probably add a rear rack for more space for carrying items. I recently spotted a rear rack with a wood platform that would look great and match the wood platform of the front rack on my Globe.
Riding around town I’ve had a lot of people ask me about this bike. There’s no denying that this Globe is a bike that commands a second and third look. With cycle chic web sites popping up all over the place, the bicycle is not only a great way to look good but it also helps you feel better.
I’ll finish my review by stating that even I was sceptical about using a bicycle in Toronto. The harsh cold of winter and the humidity of summer seemed enough to want to stay inside and enjoy the air conditioning. But once you start exploring this town on your bicycle you begin to realize that there’s no reason to stay inside and that a little sweat (or chill) isn’t worth giving up the outdoors.
Any bike will do in Toronto but if anyone wants to know I certainly would recommend the Globe Live 1.

