Best value: 2014 Charge Plug 1 vs 2014 Fuji Track Classic

I am thinking about buying one of these, i can get both for the same price.

I have come to the conclusion that the Fuji seems to be the better made bike? Cro-mo frame and fork compared to the Plug only having a cro-mo frame etc. I see the new 2014 plug also has a sloped frame, i take it this is a cost cutting exercise.

I am just looking for a bike to get out on in the morning for a fun cycle about and for fitness as i have another geared bike for longer rides, touring etc.

What would you recommend?

http://www.pictoncycles.co.uk/images/IMG_0025%20copy.jpg

http://rideonagain.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/img_2497.jpg

Can i get an amen?

I've not ridden the new plug. Seems tubing diameter is thinner. Old ones were heavy and stiff and not really much fun.

The Fuji is a good frame – basically as good as any steel track frame I've ridden. The forks ugly but not heavy and 28mm tyres fit.

Both bikes come with basic bits, just ride them 'till they're worn and replacements will probably last a little longer.

I should add... the plug has no bottle bosses which is a joke.

If you're riding with any exertion you're going to want fluid.

Charge wheels look nicer. Don't really fancy riding that Fuji front wheel.

I prefer the reflectors on the Charge, but then on balance I'd probably want a bottle cage as Miro mentions..

32 spokes not pifkoproof?

Perhaps sir should consider losing weight?

#rapha

Thanks for the replies.

I had not noticed the lack of bottle carriers on the Charge and now you say it i think you are correct about the thinner tubing, but how else are you meant to carry a bottle?

Are there any other bikes any of you would recommend that i should look at that are single speed / fixed in this price range? I also want to be able to take it out in the winter.

I would build a bike like a Surly Steamroller, but i don't have the knowledge to source the correct parts..

How does the Pompino compare to the Fuji and Charge, is it worth the extra £150 premium?

Why not spend a little time reading a few threads on here and seeing what people ride and what they do/don't like about the various options. Also be sure to look at the classifieds section on here and see what you can get for your price range, ready to ride away and helping out someone here in the process.
They're all popular frames but consider what you want to do. Racks and mudguards, clearance for big winter tyres, etc. Stuff like that might help you decide if you go for an otp bike.

Well there is no info here about the Charge Plug 2014 model so i thought i would be the one to start the thread and how it compares to the popular Fuji Track.

I wouldn't compare it to popular forum favourites like the Langster or Dolan Pre Cursa as they are not steel bikes.

The reason i am looking at the Charge Plug vs Fuji track is i have already narrowed my search down to these two or possibly the On One Pompino. Paddywagons, Cinellis etc have already been disregarded from my search due to price.

The secondhand market where i live is crap, i haven't seen one of the above for sale in the last month.

A lot of you are better informed than me and have experience with these bikes, hence why i asked the original question.

The Charge Plug was my first SS bike and I still recommend them to novices who ask me - I think they're good if you're not too hung up on performance but want something user-friendly, something you can switch the components around on and learn to fix and maintain, make your own, etc.
However, now you've said it, I'd go for the On One. Or have you considered a Surly?

I have considered a Surly but they are at least double the price, the steamroller is another £100 on top of that.

Is the On One £150 better than the Charge / Fuji? If i spent the spare on £150 on better parts for the Charge / Fuji would they then be the better buy?

Anyway lets go back to my original question about the Plug / Fuji. Why is the Charge Plug nomrally £150 more than the Fuji Classic track?

What would you buy?

Looks like the Fuji now comes with eyelets for guards? You could probably get guards and 25mm tyres in there so unless you want big tyres there's no reason to pay for the surly, pomp or paddywagon.

What would you buy?

A Fuji and budget to change the saddle, pedals and levers.

A Fuji and budget to change the saddle, pedals and levers.

http://i.imgur.com/lMEa58i.jpg

What would you base your decision on miro? Also what about the Fuji's wheels and tyres? Are the tyres much use for road? By the way i weigh 200lbs, would this make a difference?

Thanks Miro, i am going to look at a Fuji tomorrow. Lucky there is a new one near me.

http://i.imgur.com/lMEa58i.jpg

What would you base your decision on miro? Also what about the Fuji's wheels and tyres? Are the tyres much use for road? By the way i weigh 200lbs, would this make a difference?

I owned one and liked it. I should add the only stock part was the frame (and that was powdercoated). We had a plug1 as a pool bike at work and it I liked it far less.

You could ride a Fuji on the track no worries. Now it has eyelets it makes a fine winter road bike too.

Are the wheels sealed? That matters. Tyres are probably junk so use-them/don't-use-them it's up to you. You're not going to sell them.

I've no idea about weight. People say heavy riders are harder on wheels.

You also might need to tinker with gearing. They come setup for track I believe.

Thanks for the insight. I have no idea if the wheels are sealed on either, i won't lie, i don't even understand the relevance of them being sealed.

fuji for more fixed riding and road
charge for more fucking about on trails as well as road

So at the end of the day i should just buy a Pompino?

No

or Yes?

The reason i am looking at the Charge Plug vs Fuji track is i have already narrowed my search down to these two or possibly the On One Pompino. Paddywagons, Cinellis etc have already been disregarded from my search due to price.
.

For what its worth the paddy wagon i had was the most fun bike ive owed until it was pinched by some bastard! Bombproof I put it through hell. Not to say the other bikes arent good.
My house mate had a plug for a while but it didnt ride/feel as good to me.

has this been bought yet??
ffs