Charge Grater 4 vs Charge Plug 4

[jermaine-jetson]

Hi All,
Currently riding a Quella Signature One (single speed), but looking to buy a new bike, this time something more suited to commuting (60 miles a week), with the occasional longer rides (20 miles on roads and paths).

I have narrowed my search down to 2 bikes from Charge:
Grater 4 - £700 - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-grater-4-2016/
Plug 4 - £665 - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-plug-4-2016/

Grater pros: hydraulic brakes, 1x11 gears (less maintenance and it is flat where I live)
Plug 4 pros: I prefer drop handlebars to straight, I like the aesthetic slightly better
If I were to get the grater, I would fit bar ends to have the bullhorn position (roughly + £10)
If I were to buy the plug, I would need to get mudguards and consider upgrading the brakes to Avid BB7 or TRP Spyre (roughly + £100)

Which one would you go for? Any other options to consider at that price? Thanks for the help in advance!!

 

[Tin Pot]

Hmm, I actually think singlespeed is better for long commutes.

I'd choose this over the charge grater
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cinelli-bootleg-hoy-hoy-rats-2016-1/

And a gazette over the plug
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cinelli-Gaz...le_shopping&gclid=CI-q6-m3588CFQ0o0wod78sJnw#

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Hmm, I actually think singlespeed is better for long commutes.

I'd choose this over the charge grater
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/cinelli-bootleg-hoy-hoy-rats-2016-1/

and to think I once thought Charge Plug was a stoopid name for a bike.

 

[jermaine-jetson]

Thanks for the input guys.

The idea behind the 2 charge bikes is that they can handle roads that could handle surfaces rougher than smooth tarmac (tyres 32mm+). I can barely ride my current bike to work without wincing every 20 seconds (25mm tyres). The gears are for the longer rides where I may encounter some hills.

Perhaps charge need to hire a 10-year-old to name their bikes, along the lines of 'hyperblade'

 

[Julia9054]

I think it comes down to whether you prefer to ride drop handlebars or straight.
I love Charge bikes just because they look so stylish. I have the grater 2 - bought on a whim, I don't really ride it enough. I find that on longer rides, the wide flat bars and hand position make my wrists ache. I think bullhorn bar ends would ruin how it looks. For your purposes, I would probably go for the plug - also a gorgeous looking bike.

 

[jermaine-jetson]

Hi Julia, I think you are right. The only thing I am worried about is the brakes. I am 80% sure I want the plug 4. My plan is to get the plug, and think about upgrading the brakes to try spyre or avid bb7 later

 

[vickster]

Do Evans sell them? If so, order them in if necessary, test ride to see which works best for you. Get Evans to match wiggle on price if more costly

 

[jermaine-jetson]

Cheers vickster. The links from wiggle are on sale because they are the 2016 stock. I'll check with Evans today If they can order them in though. Thanks for the tip!