Charge Sink Review

A steel framed single speed for a nifty commute around town.

Ride Quality

Of the different bikes I’ve tested recently, the Charge Sink was one of my favourite to ride. The set up is for quite an aggressive riding position. There is little scope for lifting the handlebars so make sure you’re quite happy with that position.

The handlebars are straight and low down; this enables a very responsive ride and makes it ideal for dodging around obstacles in the city.

The single speed means you don’t have to give much thought to finding the optimal gear. The whole bike has a minimalist feel and is geared towards simplicity. It gives it a refreshing feeling

The Tetro brakes were powerful and responsive, which is what you want on this kind of bike.

The saddle was also great to sit on and looks good too. For the distance you are likely to cycle on this bike, saddle comfort is perhaps not such a big deal but it is a nice touch.

Design

The bike catches the eye in a distinctive and vivid blue. It is all put together well and the blue frame is nicely complemented by the silver stem and handlebars.

Limitations

Apart from the obvious limitations of riding a single speed in some very hilly areas. The other limitation is that there is no mudguard eyes for fixing a pannier rack. If you really want a pannier rack you could buy a clip on system, but that will add over £50 to the final price and reduce its value. I guess many people thinking of buying this bike would think it sacrilege to put mudguard panniers on such a sleek single speed, so in that case it’s not a problem.

Who Would Enjoy this bike?

If you are confident a single speed is the best for you, it will be great for the rider looking to zoom around town. When you see and ride the charge sink, the first thing that springs to your mind is ‘ideal bike for cycle courier’ I wouldn’t be surprised if the biggest buyers of the Charge Sink were men in the 18-39 age bracket.

Would I Buy the Charge Sink?

Yes I would buy it because it is great fun to ride. It is also quite a practical bike for me, except it would mean riding with a courier bag rather than panniers. I guess the image of a charge sink doesn’t quite fit with pannier racks and bags, but, it’s still a shame that for the sake of two small holes, it puts me off buying it. Nevertheless, if I ever felt inclined to have a single speed bike just for when I didn’t need panniers I’d like to have this.

If it was a Car?

A VW golf. Compact and fast. Has a certain image and reputation.

Weight: Equipped with a lightweight steel frame, and with few add ons the Charge Sink is light.

Value for Money?

Well single speed bikes are a little more for what you get. Also Charge single speed bikes are more expensive than some brands like Create. However, for your money you do get some good value components. Not for someone looking for cheapest bike, but I think it is fair value.

Alternatives

• Specialised Langster Steel
• Charge Plug -similar to Sink though has different handlebars
• Single Speed Bikes

Buying Charge Sink

• Charge Sink at Evans cycles £449

Specifications

Frame: Tange heat treated with Horizontal drop outs
Sizes: Sml, Med, Lge
Colour: Galvanised Plug Cromoly / Baby Blue
Fork: Baby Blue / Tange Plug Cromoly
Brakes: Tektro R316
Levers: Promax 239A
Headset: FSA TH industries
Stem: Alloy 3D forged, with Laser Charge logo
Handle bar: Charge urban flat bar
Grips: Surface lock on special edition
Chain Wheel: Charge Masher silver
Crankset: Charge SS, 36t
Cassette: Dicta 16t freewheel
Pedal: Wellgo
Rims: Alex DM18
Tires: Kenda Amberwall
Hubs: Charge Fix/SS, Looseball
Saddle: Surface Spoon special edition
Seatpost: Lee-Chi SP222, alloy, silver
Seat Clamp: Kalloy Single Bolt, Black

thanks to Evans cycles for test ride