First Look! Charge Cooker’s new 27.5+ mountain bike range

Written by Tyler Benedict Jun 04, 2015 5:15 p.m. ET

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Last month, Charge let loose that their Cooker mountain bike range would switch to 27.5+ wheels and tires, dropping the 29er altogether. That announcement came with a very entertaining video, but no real information on the lineup.

Now, we’ve got pics, frame materials and USD retail pricing for the six-bike collection, and they range from very entry level pricing up to titanium dream bike pricing.

At the low end is the only steel frame, the Cooker 0, which is also the only one with an eccentric bottom bracket and singlespeed build. Retail is just $1,099. Full spec’s won’t be announced until next month, but bikes are expected to hit shop floors this September.

The Cooker 1, above, switches to an alloy frame and fork with what appears to be a standard (as in, not extended range 1×11) 1x drivetrain. Retail is $1,199.99.

The Cooker 2 runs $1,499.99 and upgrades to a suspension fork. The Cooker 3, below, jumps to $1,799.99 with a proper wide range 1×11 drivetrain.

The Cooker 4 will be $2,399.99 thanks to better cockpit parts and a Rockshox fork upgrade.

At the top of the range is the Cooker 5 titanium bike for $4,499.99.

These bikes get the moniker Cooker Midi, playing off the existing Cooker Maxi 26″ fat bike, which will stay in the queue.

ChargeBikes.com

Tyler Benedict

11,184 articles

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com. He has been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel to killer riding locations throughout North America.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler loves family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part to make his bikes faster and lighter.

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hair

8 years ago

Wonder how long until we see 650b+ at the walmart or target? Not that there’s anything wrong with these Charge’s or anything.

Sprat

8 years ago

This 27.5+… Who is asking for this? 29+ is where it’s at. 29+ at least has the rolling diameter to make up for other inefficiencies associated to these inbetweener fat concepts.

The only place I see 27.5+ in the long term is on a full fat, positioned to replace 26 full fats.

This 27.5+ phenomena is a result of a few bike nerds and industry nerds getting excited over modding existing 29r’s. No one really wants these bikes and LBS’ are going to have to pitch them, often reluctantly imo

pdxfixed

8 years ago

I got really excited about these until I remembered that the Trek Stache+ is what I really need in my life.

Zachary Brown

8 years ago

Well everyone thought 29er and 650b were not gonna work when they first tried. Look where that is now. Two years ago dirt rag said who’s idea is this 650b? Well IMHO this is close to 29 and has benefit of lower preessure, more contact area, less chance of rim strike. It just makes complete sense I think. I am gonna build a set when ever I have funds to spare.

benzo

8 years ago

How embarrassing that a whole industry is playing around with wheel sizes and frame clearances. Zero innovation, but huge amount of smoke in the eyes!

Veganpotter

8 years ago

Sprat…I don’t really like them either but people are buying them. I know because I’m selling them. I’d much rather have a 29er that fits 2.5s that I could potentially run 3.5″ or wider 650s for useable snow riding to not need a real fat bike…hopefully this gets made at some point but unless you’re pretty darn small, I don’t know why you wouldn’t want a 29er for the dirt unless you’re a downhill rider

RustyM

8 years ago

These bikes are fun to ride and mountain bike riding is about fun. There is no conspiracy in the industry its just an exciting new way to measure riding in smiles not miles.

Sprat

8 years ago

I see your point Rusty, but this still appears to me like a beast bourne with no concern for real demand. Perhaps consumers that don’t know what they want will stumble upon the best bike ever, because they are sometimes nervous on bikes, but in my opinion this is very niche, and not really ideal to most seasoned riders.

Sure I’d buy one, if I were an n+1 rider with a good amount of disposable income, an if I lived near endless barely blazed mountain trails and wanted more confidence than what current FS 29ers deliver.

Peter R.

8 years ago

To those who “don’t understand” 27.5 +, try being under 65″ tall and you’ll understand why some of us don’t like the concept of 29+
26″ fat will work, but why can’t we have other options too?

Mike

8 years ago

I really don’t get these fat tire bikes and sizes…each to their own. I just feel the industry is forcing us to asccept these. I hope the regular 29 and 27.5 get ignored. I am still dealing with the death of the 26 inch hardtail.

mateo

8 years ago

Why the hate for 27.5+? The OD is similar to more traditionally sized 29″ wheel/tire combos, so in theory you can swap in some new wheels and run 29×2.3 tires on the same bike. If you like 29″, this just gives you some extra versatility with the same bike.

Jeff

8 years ago

I like the precise steering & power transfer of a rigid bike. The big tires take the edge off the rough stuff + give you immense amounts of grip. These should be nice. I have one of the Charge 29er single speed bikes. Frame & fork are chrome plated. I get a lot of compliments on it.

Andy

8 years ago

My favorite ride center has a LOT of loose gravel or CO Kitty Litter as some like to say. I set 10 pr’s on my first ride out there with 27.5+. I have almost 30 years of mtb experience so I’m not a newb & I know how to shred! It’s awesome!!

ste j

8 years ago

Are the forks tapered, what is the geometry of these bikes? I am in the market for a new bike in a few months but want to know if it will climb and desend, i nearly bought a 29, i still may as i think they are great bikes.