Originally Posted by
dpe743
I'm having a hard time finding information on this particular bike, since it is an "exclusive edition" to this retailer. The price seems good ($599), but I was wondering what similar models I should compare this to. Did they take a lower end Charge model, such as the Plug 1, and upgrade the components? Or did they take a higher end model (Plug 3/4) and downgrade the components? They list the frame as being "Tange Infinity CroMo", same as the Plug 3 (except the Plug 3 is "Tange Infinity Double Butted Seamless CroMo" -- is this different, or did they just not feel like typing all those words in the other bike's description?).
I ended up picking up this bike a couple days ago, as it is a steel frame road bike with disc brakes (I hate aluminum, and wanted the disc brakes for a future ebike modification down the road). Just wondering what I actually got for my money.
Edit: this is actually the "Charge Plug Sora Performance Exclusive" -- they had a another version, sold out, that had the Shimano Caris groupset instead of Sora.
Last January I bought the Performance Charge Plug with the Shimano Caris groupset (9 speed x 2). This is my main commuter and I have been very happy with a couple of notes. The threads for the rear rack and fenders are non-standard. They were something like M6 medium pitch, and they had pain on the threads so it was a little difficult to mount the fenders and rack. On the plus side, because of the rear disc brake caliper placement, I think I could have used a standard rack width. However I bought a slightly wider rack and after having the bike fall twice (once with me on it) I think the wider rack protects the gears et al better. The front fork mounting threads worked with the bolts supplied with the fenders. I would have liked smoother street tires, but the Kenda 32s with "knoblets" have worn in a little and been rotated and I'm happy with them (I installed tire liners after 6 months). With these tires the clearance for fenders is tight, but doable. I bought a flat, flathead bold and drilled a hole in the fender to take advantage of the bridge on the seat stays that has a thread facing the wheel.
I had read the reviews and agree, it is not a quick sprinter, but then neither am I. However for high-speed commuting it is sure-footed, fast and just rugged enough without being too heavy, and while not as "rubber band-y" as my 1984 Nishiki road bike, it definitely has some pliance in the frame. I paid $699 and noticed it in the store recently for the $599 you mentioned. As far as I'm concerned I got a tremendous deal, and having been ridden 3-4 days a week for 10 months it has performed spectacularly.