Charge Cooker 0

My diet was low on iron and I felt B+ hungry so I’ve bought a Cooker 0 – entry level steel single speed goodness from Charge Bikes.
It only came in today and I haven’t had enough time for a good spin, so I’m hoping to put it to a proper test during the next weekend.

So far I’ve fitted some of my old bits and made a few pics of clearance on the forks and frame. I was wondering if I could squeeze NobbyNics at the back or at least Fart B Nimbles(I’m sure the forks will be fine for extra fat). Anyone has either of those tyres mounted on 40mm rims please?

Last picture is the 34T in the most rearward position of the EBB, it’s the original chain(as comes with 32-18), once it’s stretched I’ll move the chainring away from the stays…or replace with a longer one as was thinking about 34-19T anyway.

I quite like that. Reminds me of my old grey Karate Monkey.

It’d be good to see what you think of it.

Ouch, 32:18 would be a struggle for me up any decent hill with low pressures. Looks great though

Can’t wait to rag it! If my memory serves me right the KM was one or two tones darker and the black decals didn’t highlight the colour as is the case with the Cookie.

32:18 was ok for me with “normal” 29er tyres, we shall see if I’ve made the right gearing choice or am I going to grind my kneecaps to a slag.

Definitelly not a weight weenie but the bike felt reasonably light. Or maybe I’m just used to previous hefty Longitude(but that’s 29+ and geared) that also happened to be grey colour.

FBNs on 45mm Scrapers are about 75mm. I’d not expect a huge difference on a slightly narrower rim.

3.0 Nobby Nics are also 75mm. I believe the 2.8s are noticeably thinner

Looks nice.

Out of interest, do you think there’s any point in having the extra heft of a steel frame? I’m sold on steel for other uses (my Kona Sutra on 28mm tyres is noticeably comfortable). Maybe the weight difference isn’t such an issue when your wheelsets already hefty?

@Scotroutes: many thanks for the measurements! I’ve already ordered one FartNimble tyre…if it doesn’t fit the stays it will decorate the front rim!

I’ve chosen steel for comfort, my last alloy HT was a Banshee Paradox quite a few years ago(and a full sus in the meantime) and I don’t care about the extra weight that much(unless it’s the wheels that act as an anchors). I know there are stiff steel bikes and comfy alloy ones but somehow I prefer the feel of steel. Only had one Ti bike(Titus Fileline) and it was comparable if not…softer which I didn’t quite liked. Steel seems to hit the perfect balance between cheese and a brick for me 😉

Boooom battleship/primer grey the winner of 2016 colour top trumps even better than turquoise, ooooo the two together 8)

There’s enough clearance for the 29+ tyres up front – Knard on Ryde Trace Enduro:

This looks lovely. Be interested to hear your longer term thoughts.

I have bregante’s karate monkey and it does look very similar, guess a light grey singlespeed would.

Post back up some thoughts after a while.

Initial thoughts after 50~ish miles.

The frame feels stiff but not uncomfortable – it might be because of the non-profiled seatstays. The only other frames that I thought were stiffer were the 21″ Inbred(but that was a bit of a gate for me anyway) and the NS Eccentric(that came with 142x12mm axle though).
No noticeable flex when pedalling, it’s quite nippy and seems to be happy in tight corners.

The position on the bike feels relaxed but slightly on the racier side of things – definitely not the gnarly aggro bike, more of a good ol’skul xc racer.

I’m not a big fan of the TB tyres – I hate when baloon is wider than the thread. Could’ve try harder but they didn’t washed out, I had a feeling that the front wants to skid under heavy-ish braking but the rear one seemed ok. Couldn’t find the sweet spot when it comes to pressure either. I just don’t like this rubber…

As I’ve already changed the cockpit and drivetrain there’s not much to add there.

I was hoping for a more agile, trailworthy bike than my last Longitude(29+ in 20,5″) and I’m not disappointed. The plan is to use it with drops and dynamo/hub gear 29″ wheels for longer trips. I will post pictures of the bike with 29er hoops as soon as I have some more time to fettle. I reckon a 2.2″ roundish tyre should squeeze at the back.

tbc…

There’s enough clearance with 29×2.25″ Ardents on Alexrims MD23:

This thread needs updating 🙂

Just took the plunge and got myself a cooker 0.
Can anyone point me at the correct size powerlink I need to buy?

What made you go for the bike, and how are you finding it?