Charge Plug Racer vs Langster

I'm currently trying to decide between a new Charge Plug Racer and a s/h Langster with upgraded wheels, same price for both. Just been and test ridden a standard Plug and enjoyed it, but then again most half-decent new bikes will seem nice compared to my current beater. Can't find a Langster to test out.

Believe me, I've used TFS and have been reading up on both all day today instead of doing any work (soz work), but I cannot make up my mind.

So apart from the fact that they're both crap (plug heavy, langster ugly yadda yadda yada) I'd be very interested to hear opinions from people who have used both.

Will be using it as my main bike (12mile round commute, out and about on evenings and weekends).

Thanks very much.

I will go for a Bianchi Pista

The Langster isn't crap. I've owned a couple and for an OTP it's light, handles well and is comfortable. The weakest point is the wheels which seems to have been taken care of.

I don't know what the Plug Racer is like though so can't actually help you decide between the two.

Actually, rik is right - get a Bianchi.

Thanks for the input.

re the crap comment, I was joking really, it was more a reference to how much they get dissed by people; I'm sure that once I actually make a decision I'll be stoked with either of them.

As for the Bianchi, bank balance says no.

look for deals, both good bikes, the main difference is weight and geo, langster is light weight with compact/sloping geometry where as the plug will be quite a bit heavier and have a traditional/horizontal geometry

I'd go Langster. Haven ridden both and owned/trash talked the Langster, I'd still say Langster every time. Especially as the previous owner had eliminated their problematic wheels. Comfy geometry and once you've enlarged the gearing (if they haven't already), thy're a nice ride.

I'd say Langster but for a main bike (commuting, errands etc.) I prefer steel. Luckily there's the Langster Steel, which I'd probably choose over a Charge Plug.

See therein lies the rub; the Plug I tested earlier felt nice and solid yet comfy, so good over the shite road surfaces. My current beater is a hardtail alu hybrid (yeah I know) and it's pretty jarring. I know the Langster has carbon fork and (wrapped?) seatpost so I guess this'll offset the alu frame somewhat.

My head is saying Langster (better wheels, lighter) but I'm also really tempted to get the shiny new Plug.

Yeah carbon forks are heaps more comfortable than alu. I prefer steel for cummuting because it tends to be a bit more comfortable and doesn't challenge you to ride real fast all the time like a stiffer alu frame does. Despite my earlier comment, if you can get an alu Langster with carbon forks for the same price as a heavy steel Plug, I'd definitely go with the Langster because it's just far better value. Especially if it's your only bike, or if commuting and errands aren't the only things you plan on doing and you'll also take it on some longer, faster recreational rides.

A plug is a tough city hack bike.
A Langster (alu) is a fixed gear road bike.
A Fuji Track is a track bike.

The plug racer is a tough city hack bike pretending to be a Bianchi Pista.
A Bianchi Pista is a dodgy hack bike pretending to be a nice old Bianchi.

The Langster Steel I haven't ridden. Don't know what it is.

Don't come back until you test ride both of them.

then go for the one that you find the most comfortable, other says go for this, but another said no, go for that, but in the end of the days it's just opinion and preference that have little roles in your choice of bicycles, it is down to you how you find it, you might prefer the Langster, or the Charge, like I originally said - test ride them both, even if there's no langster for you to test ride, go to a shop and order it in to try it out.

end of.

Thanks again for the replies. Yeah I really should try out the Langster. Maybe I'll just hang around the student area 'till I see someone riding one, chase them down and ask for a go.

Is the bianchi pista really that good ? I mean I didn't see in Italy that big of a price...it costs just a bit more than how much I am paying the fuji classic track. It is too much for me, but I don't see the price is so high. How much would that be ?

ok i checked again the price, in italy a complete bianchi pista (the aluminium dalmine one) is around 1000 euros, which is more than double what i am paying for the fuji.

Anyway I repeat, I think 1000 euro for a complete bike with what I think to be some very nice components....is a good price! Isn't it?

It depends what you want from a bike. The Bianchi might be a bit better than a Fuji classic track but it's not twice as good to justify the price. The Bianchi is also made in Asia btw.

But it looks so good...I like 'fatter' frames. And yes, I like aluminium...I am talking only about the look. Then I am not so experienced to talk about vibrations, loss of energy with frames bending below the pedals and so on....so yeah I think a very good rider can notice differences between CrMo, alu and carbon frames.

Definitely, even a very shit rider will feel the difference between an alu and a steel frame. Maybe not in the way of absolute performance, but you will definitely feel more in control of an alu frame, it's sharper and more on point than steel. That is, an alu frame constructed like they are today. Aluminium is a far softer material than steel, so an alu bike that's constructed like a steel bike will be very compliant, even more so than steel. Think about early Vitus and Alan frames for example. Alu frames get their stiffness from the shape and thickness of the tubes. It's very much possible to make a steel frame as stiff as an alu one, but it would weigh a lot more. With carbon fibre the possibilities (and thus the properties of the finished frame) are endless, there's not much to say that applies to all carbon frames.

Edit: we're getting a bit off topic here though :D Kirkov make sure to let us know which bike you've chosen once you've made up your mind!

Get a Genesis Flyer baby!

Wiggle have the racer for £299 at the moment.

I chose the langster for lightness since I live on the 4th floor, no life. I really enjoy the lightness and speed, it feels really responsive and i like the frame geometry. New front wheel (i have a 2010 model) seems to have made it even faster.