Charge Plug review

Charge Plug
Cycling Weekly Verdict

The Charge is incredibly good value for money at £499. For a bike at that price, expectations would usually be low, but actually it’s a great bike that looks cool and rides well. We haven’t had ours for long enough to find out, but judging by the amount of Plugs you see out and about, they are perfectly suited to hacking in and out of work, every day, all year round.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Tough

  • +

    Cheap

  • +

    Stylish looks

  • +

    Geometry just right for street hacking

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Bar is a bit out of date

  • -

    Brakes take some getting used to

  • -

    Tyres a bit slow

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

British company Charge started out in 2004, with three off-road bikes, designed in the UK, built in the Far East and sold at highly competitive prices. The Plug was conceived in 2006, influenced by the customised courier bikes lean-locked all over the pavements of London. The aim, Charge says, was to build a distinctive bike that had classic looks.

Charge says it was a conscious decision to spec all-silver components, going against the trend for black (or white). The idea was that the Plug would provide a blank canvas for riders to customise their bikes. Charge particularly wanted the frame to be as clean as possible, so there are no cable stops, mudguard eyelets or rack mounts.

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Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.