Buy a Charge for the frame?

__zero__

Hi all,

Just had my Boardman Comp MTB stolen and am looking to replace it. I'm thinking of going for a 29er for a change.

However, I've recently started a new business and apparently a bike is not a necessity :P So I'm thinking of going for a bike with a good frame and not worrying too much about the fork or components. I'll just upgrade as things wear out, so I can spread the full cost over a period of time.

I've been looking at the Charge Faucet and am tempted. The components are cack but I can't find much said about the frame. Is it a keeper? Is it a good basis for a custom-build single-track bike?

If not, can anyone recommend something that is? I like the fact that Charge are British so British alternatives would be good too.

Tx

thelonegroover

Charge are more comonly known for steel hardtails, which do get good reviews, not sure about the alu frames.

The Rookie

I doubt the ally Charge frame is any more British than a Carrera frame or Orange hardtail frame.

Buying a bike for the frame can make sense, but I suspect here, not.

Started new business, offer yourself a cycle to work scheme, as a self employed you can really take advantage of the tax avoidance it offers, you can set your own rental amounts and time period and deduct it ALL against tax!

__zero__

Thanks guys.

I've looked into cycle to work, in my position it makes more sense just to buy the bike as a company asset - essentially a 'pool bike' for commuting to work Then I can claim the tax relief without the added complexity that the scheme brings.

Anyways, can anyone recommend an ally frame at about that level that's ripe for upgrading over time? I do like the retro, skinny tube look. Must be a throwback to my cycling times in the 90s...

Huckfinn

not ally but an on one frame might be an option?

rockmonkeysc

The Charge Cooker is very good, really nice ride. The Faucet is not, very harsh ride. Feels like a budget frame.

The Rookie

On one whippet?

felix.london

The Beginner wrote:

On one whippet?

An On-One build is probably a good call, decent frame loaded with cheap components for a good price...sounds perfect for the OP

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FBOO4561X5/on_one_456_evo_x5_sektor_mountain_bike



...and skinny tubes

The Rookie

felix.london wrote:

The Beginner wrote:

On one whippet?

An On-One build is probably a good call, decent frame loaded with cheap components for a good price...sounds perfect for the OP

Or just get the frame....

felix.london

think the idea is to have a bike that he can ride while he's slowly upgrading bits as they wear out or funds allow...

felix.london

oh, 29er required - so a Scandal or Inbred? - both bikes knocking around the £700-£800 mark

thelonegroover

__zero__ wrote:

Thanks guys.

I've looked into cycle to work, in my position it makes more sense just to buy the bike as a company asset - essentially a 'pool bike' for commuting to work Then I can claim the tax relief without the added complexity that the scheme brings.

Anyways, can anyone recommend an ally frame at about that level that's ripe for upgrading over time? I do like the retro, skinny tube look. Must be a throwback to my cycling times in the 90s...

If you're after the skinny tube retro look, you may be better looking for a steel frame. Genesis, Charge, On-One, Pipedream, Cotic. All designed and developed in Britain but none made in Britain.

__zero__

29er not a requirement. I've decided to put my foot down and expand the budget a bit to £1000, or a shadow more.

Doing that makes Charge look like a less economic option based on equipment levels. On-one were looking good, had really fancied a Sektor. But they've got no stock in my size. Apparently a new 456 Evo frame is due in July so I'm guessing they won't have any new stock until then. I did ask via Twitter if that's the case but no response yet.

I can't find any other options in the sub-£1000 bracket without going down the self-build route, but that's obviously costlier than buying a complete bike from the off.

So basically - skinny, retro, (probably) cro-mo - and after more and more research I can now add long travel to the list. So my options seem really, really limited! Shame about the On-One, will just have to keep an eye on stock levels and keep looking around for alternatives.

Thanks all for the opinions and advice, much appreciated.

__zero__

Thelonegroover wrote:

__zero__ wrote:

If you're after the skinny tube retro look, you may be better looking for a steel frame. Genesis, Charge, On-One, Pipedream, Cotic. All designed and developed in Britain but none made in Britain.

Hmm, I'll take a look at Genesis, thanks. The others are going to be a bit over budget, but may be options as a frame upgrade in the future.

paul.skibum

Check the CRC sale pages - some reasonable deals going on there

felix.london

IF you could find one of these, it might suite?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=59003