Charge Cooker

14 reasons to buy

• The Cooker’s chromoly frame was held in high regard for its durability and strength, in particular the Tange Infinity tubing on the 29er.

• Stability and confidence were included in what was often described as a smooth and solid ride.

• The Midi 3’s Hydraulic brakes and the Cooker 4’s Shimano SLX were considered outstanding. Tektro cables on 29ers were also rated highly.

• Simplicity was a big drawcard; in construction, maintenance and aesthetics.

• Tires were fast-rolling and came either tubeless-ready or tubeless-equipped (Cooker 2). WTBs were lauded for their traction and fatties rolled right over downed branches.

• Rigid steel forks were forgiving. Adjustability of the suspension fork was praised on the Cooker 2, as was the lockout on the Midi 2.

• Wide 40mm rims were well-liked on Cooker wheels, as was the rollover on 29 models.

• The Cooker was considered as good bang for one’s buck, by most owners.

• Handling was considered snappy and quick, due to the bike’s XC geometry. This rig was also called capable on technical sections, agile, responsive and great at both descending and climbing.

• Both Shimano 1x10 and SRAM 1x11 drivetrains were given big props.

• The presence of rack mounts was appreciated.

• Charge risks outstanding colors, such as the fire-engine red on the Maxi 1 and brilliant blue on the Midi 2.

• The geometry was considered intermediate and offered a compromise toward versatility in different conditions.

• Winter adventurers found the Cooker liberating as a great bike to ride in all conditions, especially on hardpack snow.