There are a few reasons why urban cyclists find single-speed bikes so endearing. They're generally lighter and less expensive than the other options, and they exemplify utilitarian simplicity — parts are plentiful and interchangeable, and they require little maintenance. When you're ready to ride to work, you just squeeze the tires, squeeze the brakes... and that's pretty much all you have to worry about.
But yes, they're trendy. Bike messengers brought a level of cool to the fixed-gear and single-speed form factors that has since spilled over into the larger, global urban-cycling subculture. Nowadays, a lot of people ride them just to be hep. And don't even get me started on bike polo.
Given a target market of twenty-somethings who want to look good while rocking one gear, Globe is doing everything right with the 2011 Roll 2. It's a simple and well-designed single-speed that doesn't skimp on the styling. Actually, it barely skimps anywhere.
For a base price of $830, you get a tight and compact Reynolds 520 CroMoly frame and fork, deep V-rims and custom high-flange hubs. Also, for the 2011 model, Globe has ditched the Roll's old unified stem-and-bar assembly for a tidy two-piece with a quill stem and a 50-mm riser bar.
Down below, the Sugino crankset has a 42-tooth ring attached, and there's a flip-flop hub at the back of the drivetrain, so you can choose between fixed or free. If you do go free (i.e., you're not insane), the Roll comes pre-drilled for brakes.
There's also a cheaper version (the $580 Roll 1) that cuts a few corners and a limited edition version of the Roll 2 with funky paint job – ours, shown above, is a Roll SE Raw, priced at $860.
Like any good city bike, there isn't a single bit of quick-release hardware to be seen. Both hubs attach using a unique hex-bolt system instead of the standard track lugs, making the wheels less attractive to thieves. They're tricky to manage, so it's more work to get the wheels on and off when you're locking it up, but I did appreciate the added security.
