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I bought a Charge Cooker HI 29er!

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Dolbydarma

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
I decided to start a thread on my new bike... Mainly because there's so little out there about this bike, and also because this is my first 29er and I thought it be fun to get a conversation going about the differences and such. So here's the new bike, at home in the garage next to my trusty Specialized Stumpjumper.
 

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Discussion starter · #2 ·
So, why did I buy this one... Well, I guess I just wanted something different, and since I couldn't really find anything about this bike online, I gave it a try. I tested the only one Performance Bike had, luckily it was the right size (large). After comparing it back to back with a new Specialized (Rockhopper 29) I really felt like the Cooker was just more fun to ride, plus the components were a good step up from the "Hopper". So it was different and more fun to ride (in my opinion) than what I already had and had tested, so I got it.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
So initial impressions... This thing looks and feels huge (until I actually ride it that is), the obvious tire size, but also the handlebars - they're 5 inches wider than my Stumpy. The gearing is also differnent going from 3X9 to 2X10 plus I'm also getting used to triggers vs my old grip shifters. This bike is also heavier than my old bike by at least a few pounds (I'm guessing its primarily due to the steel frame). But all those differences go away when I actually go riding (except for the shifting, that is going to take awhile). The bike feels just as light as my other bike, maybe it's the bigger tires or just the excitement of a new bike. But it does feel nice and light, and nimble. The wider bars make sense when on the trail, I can really throw this bike around with the extra leverage those 5 inches allow. This is a fun package. And I've yet to bump into anyone who's heard of this bike, much less ridden one. Pretty Cool!
 
Discussion starter · #5 · (Edited)
Went riding at Ute Valley today (if you are from Colorado Springs you know where that it). It was my first real test of the Cooker. Some technical, some steeps, some tight, all the stuff that makes riding here in CO fun. The 29s eat up the bumps like crazy, I expected they would, but I really was surprised at the difference. The most unexpected thing (actually 2nd most unexpected, but I'll get to that in a second) was how fast this bike climbs. It makes it so easy to keep my speed up the hill. That just doesn't make any sense to me at all, but man I am loving it. It's early in the season and I am way out of shape, but I feel much faster with this bike.

As for the most unexpected part of my ride today. It was this:
 

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Discussion starter · #13 ·
Thanks for the link, I saw that review too. Looks like Charge made a few changes since then, or maybe just made the changes for the States. Mine came with X5 and X7 components and also a Rockshox Recon Silver front fork. I'm glad they didn't keep that shock in the review, from what I've seen and read it wouldn't really have sufficed for my size and riding style. I gotta agree with them on the speed part for sure, as for the tight stuff, I can't tell for sure if its this particular bike or 29ers in general that feel so different. Should be a fun summer getting a new feel on my old trails.
 
Discussion starter · #14 · (Edited)
Back on the dirt.

Nice cool morning (38 degrees) made for another chance to get on the new bike. I'm starting to get a bit more used to the SRAM shifters, and I added a bit more resistance to the front fork... All in all everything felt pretty damn good. I still haven't found my perfect seat height, but I'm getting pretty close. The sweet spot seems to be in a very small range of area for me to feel in the bike instead of on the bike, or on the other end of the spectrum where I just feel too low all together.

I'm really impressed with the pedal height, I found myself thinking, "I'm gonna smack the pedal into that rock... Wait, never mind, cleared it!" That happened over and over again. I've actually only had one pedal strike so far, pretty sure I would have had more with my last bike.

The new grips are really making a big difference too, hands have a great amount of grip on the bars, but I never get that numb feeling that was pretty much a guarantee on all my previous grips. Best $30 so far.

Oh yeah, got another bike on the way... Should have it sometime next week:thumbsup:

Can't wait!
 

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#17 ·
In defense of the OP, it's not as fun having a less popular brand bike (at least, in terms of discussing that model on the forums). Having owned (for instance), a Gunnar, a Blackbuck, and now a Soma, it's tough to find much lively discussion on them. Compare that to when I had a Salsa Fargo, which has a huge, lively thread over in the Salsa forum--it's a world of difference.
 
#19 ·
Big thread resurrection here!

I bought a Cooker Hi too, except mine os the 2011 Hi which I believe is now just the Cooker. It's black and white with a X7~X5 mix. LOVE IT. It is my second MTB the old girls was sold on, a Avanti Montari Comp. 26er. Reasons for this bike.
1: I am a noob to MTB, a good road rider. I wanted hard tail and tough.
2: This was supposed to be a fire road bike but already several jumps and falls with some tough (to me) single track (google Parklands QLD) my first time in there was in the dark!
3: I liked the retro style.
4: The reviews were very good.
5: The bike is way above my skill set, so a good entry component mix with a great frame to upgrade onto.
6: Steel, I weigh 100kg. My old retro racer is still going 20 years on.
7: It's not common and people like it, especially the gum walls, I have people who want them when they are nearly worn, don't know why I didn't ask!

Oh and my wife liked it too, so much so she now has one too, ladies saddle installed and pink grips have been ordered. Matching lycra is however BANNED.

We love 'em and as noobs it gets a lot of people coming and talking to us, a bit like having a cute puppy, people need to say hi to you to meet it!

My next upgrade will be whatever breaks first, but I am looking into a seat dropper for the wife and chain guides for us both, it's a bit rocky in places.

So anyway frst post, rambles on a bit but I had to join to help fend of the Cooker kickers, don't be a sheep be a lion.
 
#20 ·
First post so here goes.

I have been toying with getting a Charge Cooker Hi 2013 for a few months now. They are now on sale which is great.

Charge Cooker Hi 2013 - CycleSurgery

Only problem is that the sales and new 2014 models have made these Specialized Crave Comp 2014 and Fuji Tahoe 29 1.3 2013 bikes hit my radar and now I can't decide.

Specialized Crave Comp 29er 2014 Mountain Bike | Evans Cycles

Fuji Tahoe 29 1.3 2013 Mountain Bike | Evans Cycles

There is something about the Cooker i just love. My current bike is a rigid cromo Raleigh Dyna-Tech Encounter and although a great bike, she is hard work on the trails and it's time for an upgrade. I'm really drawn to the steel frame of the Cooker. The Tahoe seems to win spec wise though and the Crave is somewhere in between. There is barely any user info on the Cooker and Tahoe online.

Unfortunately I'll only be able to ride the Crave when it gets to my lbs. The other 2 are only available by mail order. If you were in my shoes what would you be thinking?
 
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