Speedway2

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/rol...Text=8215-2102

I have an opportunity to trade one of my geared bikes (prob the Norco Indie) to my buddy for his Globe Roll 2. I think its a 2012 and may have only seen ~500kms since new. My buddy also has a SS Bad Boy (with locking headshock) that he actually prefers more so wants a geared bike.

I would love a steel framed SS bike I'm having mixed feelings about the yellow rims/white tire combo. I'll probably get some black tires asap and then consider painting the rims. I know....first world problems.

Any thoughts on the bike itself and the colour combo?

acoustophile

Quill stem is kind of a deal breaker.

Speedway2

Mechanically or visually? I'm starting to appreciate the clean simple lines of quill stems (again) but appreciate your comment.

IAmSam

I don't know much about Specialized Globe bikes besides they didn't stick around very long - but I run into bicyclists all the time who really like and want quill stem bikes...

Wendell F

I had a Roll 1 and it was decent enough. Ultimately the lack of braze ons became an issue for me. It doesn't even have bottle cage mounts.

And some really like a quill though some take issue cause it makes experimenting with different bars harder than a stem with an open face. Wouldn't know cause I still ride those Globe bars on my Steamroller 8 years later.

Speedway2

I did not notice this. Thanks for pointing it out. I'll have to look for a seat cage.....

the sci guy 

i love the simple elegance of a quill stem but it definitely depends on the aesthetics of the rest of the bike.
but trust me as someone who has 2 vintage Raleigh bikes that neither have any bottle cage mounts - it's a pain the butt. Behind the saddle cage holders interfere with your saddlebag, and using clamps to hold it to the frame in the normal places means tempting scratches/rust where the clamps meet the tubing, and also finding bottle cages that have large enough tabs to even be clamped down securely.

Koyote

I wouldn't worry about the quill stem at all. As long as it holds the handlebar in place, it's a non-issue.

Ditto the rims. With black tires, they'll look good. And if that bike still has the original white tires, they are likely in need of replacement.

As a city bike, for running around, you can live without water bottle mounts. And that is exactly what this bike is designed for. If you want a fixie to ride over longer distances, you probably want a different bike.

It's really a pity that the Globe line didn't last. I still commute on my Globe Daily 1, and it's a terrific, inexpensive bike.

Speedway2

I think the quill stem works with the overall aesthetics of the Globe Roll 2. Nothing overly "in your Face"....except for the white bits

Speedway2

While the tire's are original equipment, the bike's only seen about 500kms. However, the white tires are kinda dirty. Hopefully, a new set of black shoes will look OK with the yellow rims(I'm not a flashy kinda guy)
I have my Langster with dual bottle cages for longer rides so you may be right about not needing a bottle carrier on the Roll 2 for shorter rides.
I'm encouraged reading that you're having a good experience with your Globe.....I may have to close the deal with my buddy this weekend

Koyote

Bear in mind that mine is very different: aluminum frame, basket and fenders, etc. Though my old buddy Ashton rode one like your friend's - or at least it was very similar - and seemed pretty happy with it.

TejanoTrackie 

I use these >>> https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...s.php?id=44338

veganbikes

It is a meh bike from Specialized not complete crap but nothing to write home about. The 520 is fine steel but nothing great. Honestly there are plenty of other frames that use quill stems or could be had with quill stems I would rather have but honestly I would rather just have a good steel frame with a threadless headset. A bike like that just isn't really worth upgrading and the stock stuff is mostly cheap.

Speedway2

veganbikes....appreciate your comments. I agree, nothing special about the Specialized. I've seen it at my buddy's place collecting dust in the corner of his garage over the years and never really paid attention to it until I recently re-discovered riding my SS Langster.

My geared bikes have been collecting dust so when I saw the Globe (again) and he mentioned he wanted a geared bike the wheels in my head started turning. There's something about the classic lines and simplicity of the Roll2. Love the grey frame with black bits (still thinking about the yellow rims/white tires) and I miss riding a steel frame.

Besides, with a geared Hybrid gone it make room to shop for another one to fill the void.......

veganbikes

The Langster isn't bad I have certainly had one for a while. The SS Roll is worth dusting off and riding assuming it doesn't need anything but a trade for a geared bike may not be worth it.

Speedway2

Well I did the deal and brought home the Roll 2. Dusted it off and made some ergo adjustments.
Took it for a quick ride around the hood. This bike is smooth and quiet. Feels great to be on a chrome-moly framed bike again!
Some quick pics.......

the sci guy 

Nice. Now, time to swap the bars and stem for something black to match the crank. I don't care for the grey matching the frame, personally.

rewop12

Are you going to ride it fixed?

Speedway2

Thanks! I had plans to change the look of the bike eg. swapping the white tires for black ones and doing something about the loud rims....but I'm starting to think I'll keep the bike just the way it is.
I see what you're saying about the bars and stem. Going to think about that mod.

Speedway2

I haven't ridden a fixed "bike" since my Big Wheel in the early 60's Now in my 60's I don't plan on learning and just happy to be able to ride a bike (period).

Martinleeds

Looks nice, I've just bought one black frame, with black wheels had trouble finding 9mm nuts of mine as I lost one from the front.
Yours looks sweet, can't wait to get it on the road might respray not sure yet.
Was thinking about a 7 or 8-gear hub but don't know if it's worth it, as I have to buy peddles yet. Hoping to get mine looking like yours.
and my seat post is stuck fast , think I need a pipe wrench, any ideas to get it moving?

Speedway2

If your terrain is mostly flat I would keep it a SS.
My Roll2 is very smooth and is my first choice whenever I'm going for a ride.

Speedway2

As for your stuck seat post you might find some good tips in the Bicycle Mechanics Section.

Cruisin4bruisin

That's a very clean set up. I once had a Globe roll 1 and one of the few things I wasn't a huge fan was that I was limited to those wheels which were pretty heavy. I'm sure there's a work around but I was very lazy at the time.

Also I like the look of Quill stems on steel bikes, but I would recommend getting one the same color as your seat post (purely for aesthetic purpose)