Both of these are available locally on the used market in my price window.


Which would YOU pick for my internally geared bike project this winter and why? I am worried the Langster OLD might be too narrow (110mm being too narrow, 120mm-ish = OK). I know it can be done on the Globe because I have seen it done and I am less worried about the OLD (I THINK it's 130mm but not sure) because it's not a track frame.


I would be putting straight bars on either frame.


(note: these both being Specialized products is purely coincidence, I am not loyal to any one brand. I have looked at EVERYTHING including Nishiki, Peugeot, Pure, even an old AMF frame which I still might get if she's willing to trade an old gas BBQ for it)

I've done a few IGH conversions. Can't quite tell from the pictures, but some things I would look for:

* Horizontal dropouts, to avoid need for chain tensioner
* Crank with bolt-on rings, so you can choose a preferred size
* Clearance for wider tires
* Fit and comfort. The Globe looks like a tiny frame.
* As many parts as you can re-use, to keep your finished project cost under control

If it's an aluminum frame, then don't expect to be able to bend it to accommodate a wider OLD

Thanks! I am not into bending metal so I am looking for a frame which will work as is (120-130mm OLD probably)

probably be bringing a metric ruler with you right?

110 is old track .. Brompton Sturmey archer hubs are 117, the narrowest 3 speed.

Haha for sure! The Langster is less than 10 years old thinking that it's probably a 120, I'm not sure about the globe but it's not a track frame so I'm not as worried about that one.

I'd be curious to know for sure on either frame if anybody on here has one or the other and knows the OLD for sure, it will help me narrow down my search

I couldn't open that picture, but I have an old langster. Mine is a 2008 I think?

it has 120mm spacing
* Horizontal dropouts, to avoid need for chain tensioner
* Crank with bolt-on rings, so you can choose a preferred size
* Clearance for 28mm tires

It is an amazing bike. I paid $600 new, weighs ~19lbs (or less with better wheels), and is very fast/responsive. For me, it is a perfect flat land commuter.

those two bikes look pretty different. My langster can easily cruise at 20mph (when I am in shape and commuting regularly) largely because it is a responsive light drop bar bike. The other bike in the picture looks like a bike for leisurely cruising. pretty different direction.

I made an offer on the langster.


I plan on putting the flat bars off my Fuji on it and a 3sp rear hub, but no other mods other than maybe a small fender to keep my backpack dry and maybe powder coating the frame white just for fun.


I don't do drop bars due to scoliosis and also I enjoy a little more upright position, the Globe would be similar riding to my current bike if I switched out the cruiser bars but I still fear that frame will be short and heavy.


One question - What's the largest tire you can run? 28?

Yep, 28mm is the largest. I've run a 32mm on the back, but that is really too big.

true 30mm tires like the 28mm Conti 4000S2 or the 28mm thickslick (both of which are about 3mm bigger than my other 28mm tires) will work too.

Langster works well with flat bars (many were sold that way). A seat post fender is great for commuting.

That's awesome! I will let you know if we work out a deal! I think we're settled on a price but you know how craigslist goes...


...If I am unable to find what I want on the secondary market I am tempted to buy a Pure Fix frame-and-fork and start from scratch....

The Globe Live 1 was probably 2008 or so. It might have been interesting with the original front rack and fenders. Without those I'm not sure I'd be interested even at $100.

The compact frame looks similar to the frame used on my Globe Carmel, which is massively overbuilt and heavy. Great errand bike for hauling groceries and heavy stuff, but a chore to ride uphill loaded down with 50 lbs of groceries. I wouldn't even consider a single speed, and an IGH would need a good granny gear. However the Carmel is probably much heavier because of the suspension fork.

You'd probably also want to flip the riser bar or replace it with something lower or a flat bar. While I found the riser bar on that frame comfortable at first when I wasn't in shape, after awhile it was very inefficient on hills or into the wind. It makes poor use of the adductor muscles in the hip, so I was always leaning forward or even draping my arms across the bars. A slightly arced flat bar was much better and still comfortable (I also have back and neck injuries).

Despite my nitpicking, the Globe compact frame models are great values. Really sturdy and they don't look like something anyone would steal. And if mine was stolen it'd be affordable to replace. So it's still my favorite errand bike. I always worry about my Univega when I take it for errands and grocery runs.

I think I am going to take a chance at 30mm - there's a set of Specialized Espoir Sport tires for sale for $15 I am going to snag. Never used. By the way, I bought the Langster!!!!!

I bought the langster, it's 120. I measured.

Yeah! Those should work (but to get past the brakes you will have to both flip the lever near the calipers and push the little pin in on the brake hoods (allowing the brake levers to fully retract).

Great idea! I picked the tires up for $10 yesterday when I was out of town for work. I was working in Pullman, WA which is a college town with a ton of cycling going on!!


Speaking of brakes, the bike came with Shimano 105 series calipers. The bike's former owner and I both think they were upgraded at one point in time because those aren't the line of components which came with the bike originally!! Yay me I guess!

Here is a pic of my $10 find!