The Cooker’s chromoly frame was held in high regard for its durability and strength, in particular the Tange Infinity tubing on the 29er.
Stability and confidence were included in what was often described as a smooth and solid ride.
The Midi 3’s Hydraulic brakes and the Cooker 4’s Shimano SLX were considered outstanding. Tektro cables on 29ers were also rated highly.
Simplicity was a big drawcard; in construction, maintenance and aesthetics.
Tires were fast-rolling and came either tubeless-ready or tubeless-equipped (Cooker 2). WTBs were lauded for their traction and fatties rolled right over downed branches.
Rigid steel forks were forgiving. Adjustability of the suspension fork was praised on the Cooker 2, as was the lockout on the Midi 2.
Wide 40mm rims were well-liked on Cooker wheels, as was the rollover on 29 models.
The Cooker was considered as good bang for one’s buck, by most owners.
Handling was considered snappy and quick, due to the bike’s XC geometry. This rig was also called capable on technical sections, agile, responsive and great at both descending and climbing.
Both Shimano 1x10 and SRAM 1x11 drivetrains were given big props.
The presence of rack mounts was appreciated.
Charge risks outstanding colors, such as the fire-engine red on the Maxi 1 and brilliant blue on the Midi 2.
The geometry was considered intermediate and offered a compromise toward versatility in different conditions.
Winter adventurers found the Cooker liberating as a great bike to ride in all conditions, especially on hardpack snow.

11 reasons not to buy

Componentry on the 29er was descibed as ‘downscale’ by one expert, who saw most of the cost of the bike as going into the frame.
Geometry was sometimes considered old-fashioned.
The lack of a quick-release or dropper-post was a source of frustration for some riders.
The Tektro brakes that featured on some models, were considered underpowered.
Rear hubs lacked boost-spacing, which limits upgrade and wheel-replacement options.
WTB tires received multiple criticisms as to being difficult to manage in wet and slippery conditions. 2.8”s were narrow for plus-size or fat-bikes.
The Maxi 1 was heavy, even for its type – contributing to truck-like steering.
Quick-release or bolt-thrus begged for an upgrade to thru-axles.
On some models, 2.8” was the maximum tire clearance, striking reviewers as inadequate.
While the Cooker annihilated on hardpack, it struggled on soft snow or slush.
Some owners said that the 29er’s rear derailleur required regular maintenance and adjustment.

Bottom line

There are currently six models of Cooker available, with more being offered in the recent past. They range between rigid and suspension models, as well as frame materials including steel, aluminum and even titanium. What they all share is a simplicity that seems to act as both the major drawcard and drawback of this bike. Some upgrade options may be limited, but this is due to the fact that the Cooker ensures a reliable and low-maintenance ride that is almost always described as big, fat fun.

By Owen Jesse

Expert Reviews

70/100 based on 2 rated expert reviews

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BikeRadar

Level 5 expert

Charge Cooker 29er Review

Level 5 expert

Excellent ride feel but it’s heavier and not as well equipped as some mainstream brand complete bikes.

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Mountain Bike Rider

Level 5 expert

Charge Cooker 2 Review

Level 5 expert

There’s no denying that the Charge Cooker 2 is a comfy, mild-mannered hardtail. It rolls fast too, even with the 27.5 Plus-size tyres, and it’s easy to control on mellow trails.

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W2 Racing-Recycle

Level 1 expert

Fat-Tire Bikes: Charge Cooker Maxi Review and What You Should Know

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Fat Man Biking

Level 1 expert

Test Ride and Review – Charge Cooker Maxi 2 Fat Bike

Level 1 expert

Overall this fat bike is a lot of fun. But it’s going to need to get ‘sorted’ before I can give it a real positive endorsement.

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Fat Man Biking

Level 1 expert

Charge Cooker Maxi 2 Fat Bike Review – Update

Level 1 expert

So with the above adjustments I can say that I’m pretty happy with the Charge Maxi Fat Bike. It does everything I expected and for a mid-level bike I think it has probably exceeded my initial expectations.

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mtbr

Level 5 expert

Charge Cooker Maxi 1 Fat Bike Review

Level 5 expert

If you fall in love with wintry big wheeling, you’ll have a great time on this bike, though our bet is you’ll quickly yearn for a lighter, more modern steed.

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Bicycling

Level 5 expert

Tested: The Simple, Super-Fun Charge Cooker

Level 5 expert

After months spent ripping on bikes from other manufacturers with the newest plus tire size, I was surprised to find the Cooker stood out and surprised me.

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Cool Hunting

Level 1 expert

Test Ride: Charge Cooker Maxi 2

Level 1 expert

The Maxi did everything the full suspension would do in a quintessential manner. With three conditions of riding, the Maxi 2 was a solid bike, and since it is a such simple one, it would be easy to modify to maximize for all seasons.

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Dirt Rag Mag

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Review: Charge Cooker 4

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The Cooker is definitely set up to tackle most things you’ll run into on your next adventure. If you are looking for a cross-country oriented hardtail and wanted to try the plus-sized thing, this could be a decent choice.

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Gear Junkie

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Minneapolis Police Cruise On Fat Bikes

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The MPD said that two Charge Cooker Maxi fat bikes were brought onto the force this year so officers could continue bike patrols during nasty winter weather.

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