Indeed it is! What forks have you fitted? Looks great btw.
Thanks for the kind words!
The rubbers are [url= 
]Spesh Crossroads[/url] 38c and the fork is off a Surly Disc Trucker.
Will have to re-consider tyres choice and I'm already lurking at the carbon forks with [s]more[/s] clearance.
Also need a narrower BB as 68x113mm is still too wide(68x107mm on order) and I might need a shorter stem(110mm so I'll try 100mm).
It seems that I've misplaced the gubbins to convert the lh shifter back to gears so the dropper project will have to wait.
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AndrewDeKerf - Member
Frankenstein - I bought an XL and wouldn't mind getting a pair of the original forks. Did the shop have these in stock? Worth me giving them a ring you think?
Cheers.
Andrew
Hi, I used Bristows Cycles in Peterborough, they ordered it in for me. LBS, not sure if they post? Colour and angle is spot on. Handles well.
The part number is FKCH14PLUG5BLK. The supplier actually sent me a Tange Premium instead, I'm not complaining if they sent me a better steel version lol. Around £70-77?
This bike and the parts I chose has made it lighter than my Boardman CX by a like. 8-9kg easily with a good CX wheel-set especially with roads around me.
Still rather enjoying the plug, so much that I can't see me riding skinnier tyres again!
Only fly in the ointment has been when wheeling the bike out the house the other day a lot of water ran out the chainstays. Not sure if it can be
wholly be attributed to the lousy weather, it's a lot more than I've noticed from any others bike. Might be worth a look and get some spray in there.
me too, had a good ride on Thursday and i was actually as quick on certain sections as my old road bike
Thanks to [b]YoKaiser[/b] suggestions I've decided to fit the CdF fork and what a great difference it made! The bike feels well balanced, not as twitchy and now I can inflate the front tyre without the risk of rubbing on the forks' arch. Happy days!
Not sure about fitting the dropper as it would be a tad too high, perhaps I could trim the seattube? 😈
Oh, and regarding the water leak from stays - I considered drilling a small hole underneath the bb so the water can escape and not turn my frame in to a lethal pile of rust?
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Good updates all.
Ive been out on mine again tonight. Built it up cheap but loving it.
Going to brave some bridleways soon I think.
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Took it on a bridleway or three tonight. Great fun
Now with mudgaurds fitted. Opted for the Radial Cycles gaurds, quite easy to fit I'd say. I modified the front with a bracket to lower the overall height and I drilled the rear gaurd to mount at the seatstay bridge. Came out quite neat I reckon.
[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8444/28888271720_c112ed0cac_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8444/28888271720_c112ed0cac_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/L1KWJm ]Charge Plug with mudguards.[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/28886706@N05/ ]Bigbroondug[/url], on Flickr
That looks great Yokaiser
What kind of riding are you doing on it?
@ kazafaza **waves** what size frame did you plump for?
It was bought as a commuter and occasional light tourer but has also usurped my road bike. Descending is a lot of fun and the big tyres take the edge off the back roads I favour. Really can't speak highly enough of it and the Schwalbe S-Ones too.
@[b]LMTTM[/b]: Hi, went for an XL which seems to be very similar in ETT to the old 58cm Reynolds DayOne(pre-Mjolnir ones when they changed geo).
BTW, I've someone who'd pay top £££ for 14' Longitude in 20,5" 😉
I'm thinking one of these frames might well be the next in mu build queue. Can anyone tell me what headset type the frame uses? Also, I am assuming its a standard British threaded BB?
Straight 1 1/8 headset and yes standard threaded BB. I fitted an FSA Orbit XL II, the lower cup tapers nicely at the bottom to meet the large crown of the carbon fork should you decide to go down this route.
You're right - standard threaded BB and the headset is a 1 1/8" or 34mm...
Good luck with your build!
Thanks folks. Just got to decide what gear / group mix I am going to use. Don't know if I want to go 1x or not.. Think I will just order the frame and then decide. 🙂
Here's mine, finally.
Frankenstein got the last fork from Charge, so I ended up buying a Soma one (made by Tange). It's Infinity and the same fork that appeared on the singlespeed Plugs, so I thought it matched the frame well. The main plus is that it comes with a mile long steerer, so unlike most forks you can get the bars up nice and high, which I like.
All the kit is from Sram, bought because i'd tried Shimano and Campag and I like experimenting. It's OK, and looks nice, it's just not Shimano. I don't ever want to try to fit a new gear cable to those shifters though.
I like the bike. It's not what I would call a supple steel frame, and the fork is too harsh for 28's, but it's just fun to hack around on.
I can't figure out how to put an image up here? Links below.
Built one of these up myself, quite a nice ride. However I've read that the newer Tange Prestige isn't *that* strong. Should I be worried at 190lbs?
Have aquired one of these and am wondering what is the widest tyre I can get away with based on real world feedback. Got a 32 hutchinson piranha in the back. Leaves plenty of room between the stays but the chainstay brace is tight.
I'm currently running 38mm Schwalbe G-ones on mine. Fits fine but its a bit 'tight' on the rear. No rubbing issues or mud clearance problems, but you won't be getting any sort of mudguard on!
Thinking of upgrading my fork to a carbon version to lighten the build a bit. If anyone's interested in an original 3 month of steel version then drop me a message.
Specialized Crossroads 38c on mine and there's only circa 5mm clearance to the bridges. They are tall tyres though! Schwalbe Smart Sam offered more clearance.
Side clearance is better but I wouldn't really try anything bigger than 38c!
Clement ush 35mm on mine with quite generous clearance
My old was hit by a car (driver on another planet) and totalled the Plug.
The old man is ok but injured his neck and having physio.
Hoping the 3rd pays up soon so I can build him a new one or something similar. Shame really as it was a really nice ride and do it all without worrying about carbon cracking from a fall and rode really well.
Looking at ebay and I'm tempted to order a frame and fit a carbon fork.
Frankenstein hope your Dad recovers quick.
bjhedley have you any carbon forks in mind? Probably my next upgrade along with wheels as both were cheap and weigh a lot.
There are a few sellers online of exotic straight legged carbon forks. Designed for 26" wheels but axle crown of 390 or 400mm so assume that's what I'm after.
So seriously thinking about going for the plug 5 too, but same question about a carbon fork for it. What are people saying?
Also size wise, 5'9 with 30 inseam, thinking about a small, but currently ride a genesis equilibrium 2010 which a 54 and fits well.
It's been a similar decision as others trying to pick between croix de fer and the Cotic Escapade, but the plug just looks good and better on the wallet.
Inspired by some of the beautiful builds on this thread I have decided to take the plunge; my plug frame arrived today.
Box was a bit battered but the frame looks great.
Should be able to manage most of the build with things I already have, but I do need a fork.
Can't decide between the carbon Kinesis DC37 and the steel Soma straight blade disc cx fork.
Anyone tried both?
Not sure why but I don't like the Dawes Galaxy ones.
Any other suggestions?
Had hoped RC31s would fit but they look too long...
Thx
Thanks for the comments re tyre size.
Not used a soma fork but used the kinesis and a steel croix de fer fork. Both rode well but the kinesis is noticably lighter. On the road comfort between the 2 was not massively different, i was using 26mm road tyres when I had the cda fork in the bike.
Have used an old pace rc31 on a cross bike a few years ago. It worked ok off road and i did a few cross races on the bike. but it rode better with shorter fork.
My Plug may be up for sale soon as foolishly entered the dirty reiver and want more clearance at the back for a wider tyre.
Lynsky do a straight 1 1/8" carbon/alu steerer fork for gravel/disc that has decent clearance.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/lynskey-endurance-disc-carbon-road-fork-2016/rp-prod89254
[Lynsky do a straight 1 1/8" carbon/alu steerer fork for gravel/disc that has decent clearance.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/lynskey-endurance-disc-carbon-road-fork-2016/rp-prod89254 ]
Cheers, will have a look at this.
Can't find the Kinesis DC37 any where, been a few on ebay but missed them.
Also any advice on the sizing?
Sorry that was meant to be quoted from RustyNissanPrairie but cant work out how to do it... 😳
Thanks for the links and comments gents. Hopefully a fellow forum user has a kenesis fork for me else I'll probably go for the above.
RustyNissanPrairie - MemberLynsky do a straight 1 1/8" carbon/alu steerer fork for gravel/disc that has decent clearance.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/lynskey-endurance-disc-carbon-road-fork-2016/rp-prod89254
Thanks for the various suggestions chaps. Have some carbon kenesis forks incoming.
Then onto new wheels in the summer for a bit more weight saving.
Leop, I think I've mentioned fit on one of my posts and a carbon fork. I'm 5'10 btw. I picked up a large as I wanted to have a more road bike fit rather than cx. Going large gave me a longer headtube, more frame and the top tube wasn't any bigger than on a road bike I'd ride.
Leop
Im 6" 2" and find the xl a great fit. Much better fit then my 58cm cannondale synapse road bike.
Steerer on the RC31 too short, so managed to snag a pair of DC37s from Velo29 (online) today. Spoke with them first, seemed good. May have been the last pair they had in stock, but were happy to try to get more in. Mine were £115, which seemed reasonable.
Thanks for the advice folks.
Looking forward to getting building!
What is the biggest tyre people have managed to use on the back ~ anyone got a needle type treaded 40c to fit? Mines going to be used as a dry and dusty type of bike rather than thick mud, so was hoping that 40c would be OK as mud clearance wont be an issue, but am starting to think that 38c might be my max. Any thoughts?
managed to snag a pair of DC37s from Velo29 (online) today. Spoke with them first, seemed good. May have been the last pair they had in stock, but were happy to try to get more in. Mine were £115, which seemed reasonable.
Ah good to know, still showing in stock, will bell them tomorrow.
Reckon I'd go for a medium.
Hesitating for some reason, can't think of a reason not to pick one of these up over the croix de fer or escapade or something similar. Seems like a no brainer?
Same seller had a charge grater ss cx frame up for sale in my size so i jumped on that and swaped parts from my langster
The plug and grater are same geo i used a kona 700c p2 fork and it handles lovley chuck on some 38c gravel tyres and its a fun commuter that can play around the trails aswell
My Plug may be up for sale soon
@Picto - what size is it please? I'm after an xs for the OH, love my plug (a t shirt slogan if ever I saw one...) and she needs a commuter/ tourer for the spring
It's a medium. I am about 5'10" in cycling shoes. I ride a 54cm road bike and it feels right for me.
Heads up for anyone still looking for suitable forks;
[url= http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/fs-genesis-croix-de-fer-carbon-fork ]Carbon forks[/url]
...and here's an XL Plug with these fitted:
https://goo.gl/photos/m8RKR2xCMo74xXoT8
https://goo.gl/photos/S2bdS5DoeeqRPBUH7
Has anyone noticed that it's a bit flexy around the BB or am I paranoid and over-sensitive(215 lbs though)? No iffy creaks or cracks that I can see...
Just bought one (last night), it'll be a mix of carbon Cx and mtb parts should be built in a week or so. Will post pictures when I can.
I am only choosing a bb, skewers and narrow wide chainring away from having all my bits. Oh, and tyres. And bar tape. Cables. Getting the cranks re-anodized in a different colour. Perhaps a different stem.
It's turning into one of them sort of builds, lol. I hope it's worth it!
Mines pretty much there... Just need to put the chain on andd fettle the gears / brakes.
I've shaved and resprayed the torture gearmounts as I've a pet hate for top of the top tube routed cables - I'm not running a front mech so the rear gear cable is tape to the brake cable.
Spec is:
Chris king headset
Carbon fork
Helix stem
Love mud bars
Cannondale save carbon seatpost
Sram bartape
Cane-creek levers
Trp spyres
Wtb volt saddle
38mm carbon clinches
Deore chainset running a 40t hope ring
Deore shadow plus rear mech
SLX shifter with customised mount to run it on the drop bars.
I'll try to get pictures up tomorrow.
Just finished building it up so here are a couple 'in the untidy she'd photos :
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Saddle will be swapped for a Fabric Alm.
Weight is a smidgen under 23lbs.
Looks really tidy.
Thanks - shaving off the toptube cable stops really helps clean up the look. But I really did it to stop the toptube getting scratched up by the open cables.
I just use the donut things. Does same job. But yours looks better than mine.
@eviljoe, sent you an email, I have a XS frame sitting around if your interested.
I have an XL frame, forks and a load of parts sat in the loft that i dont think i will build up now if anyone interested. PM me please.
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First ride today - great little bike.
I can't feel my toes now.
Love the build...out on mine tomorrow, will probably have similar conditions 🙂
Anyone got a medium they're looking to shift?
I've just bought a frame from ebay and now looking for a suitable fork - preferably carbon. It seems like all the stores recommended thus far in the thread are out of stock. Any other recommendations? Ideally I would like to spend less than £200.
Cheers
CRC website says they are expecting that lynksy one back in stock 1st march if you can wait that long; but I can't find the Kenesis one anywhere.
Are you willing to do the China thing?
[url= http://s.aliexpress.com/riiU3euU ]aliexpress[/url]
I managed to find a Surly Disc Trucker fork (also out of stock everywhere) to see me through the next month or two.
Paul Milnes' has Genesis CdF forks in at the end of March, I'm quite tempted to get one of those. Also by this https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/radon-carbonfork-1-1-8-for-disc-83031 Any opinions?
Monkey boy - I've never done the China thing but would consider it. Seems like a bit of minefield finding the right supplier, decent quality, import taxes etc. Is that the same fork as you have on your bike? If so, it looks the part!
Are you willing to do the China thing?
aliexpress
FWIW I've got the 470mm tapered steerer version of that fork on my 29er and it's brilliant.
Looks great in matt UD
Ignore "womens", thats just the colour. Which is matt and I think would look great on the front of a matt black frame.
420mm with a 53 offset would slacken the plug slightly and reduce toe overlap nicely. Would give a trail figure to suit front loading too (bar bag/rack)
that looks like a good option actually. 410mm according to the qa section - that would work just fine on the plug.
I stripped mine to build up a CAAD. This thread is making me look at "cheap" groupsets to rebuild it. Naughty people.
Yep, I asked that q, but ended up sticking my pompetamine fork on mine instead.
I love mine, but I think it's a bit over geared - 39/53 and 11-28 and a short cage mech. Any cunning plans for widening it cheaply? I'd almost consider 1x.
coomber - Member
Frankenstein hope your Dad recovers quick.[quote/]Thanks Coomber. Sorry for the late reply.
He's ok now but British Cycling legal cover is trying to claim off Stevie Wonder for the fork and frame.
I can get the frame but not the fork.
I love mine, but I think it's a bit over geared - 39/53 and 11-28 and a short cage mech. Any cunning plans for widening it cheaply? I'd almost consider 1x.
Assuming it's a 130BCD crank you could fit 50/38 rings and depending on the rear mech a 11-30 or 11-32 cassette might also be an option...
I put a Disc Trucker fork on my frame in the end. I'm surprised by how fun it is off road on hard pack, toe paths etc, it reminds me a little of my first MTB in the 90s. But to be honest, it's a bit dull on road. I had a Specialized Diverge before and that was much more of a lively ride. This bike feels a lot more solid for better and worse. Still, it was a cheapish built at around £500. Maybe I will grow to love it, we shall see!
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That looks very nice demizen
Slight thread resurrection, I'm tempted by one of these, along with, probably, a Dawes Galaxy fork.
What's the sizing like on the L/XL frames? I'm 6'1", 33" inside leg, feel like I'm stuck right between the sizes. My proper road bike has an effective TT of 570mm, the L Plug has 560 and the XL is 574 (and they don't have any in stock anyway). I'm guessing that for winter/commuter/light-touring duties I don't want something quite as long and low as my roadie, so to go for the L?
I'd go for the large and get a longer stem to make up any remaining reach you want/need.
If your going to use it off road/gravel/Cx, then you maybe better off with a shorter reach than your regular road bike anyway.
I'm 5'10" which puts me in the middle of the medium / large sizing. I went with the medium and glad I did as I'm running a sortish 90mm stem and can only just fit the Cannondale save seatpost I wanted to fit.
so to go for the L?
I'm 5'9" and find the reach on the medium quite long (not in a bad way though). I can imagine a med fitting riders up to 6'0" quite easily, so i'd definitely be thinking the L for you.
Did anyone get their bb shell faced before building theirs? I am finally ready to start my build and am wondering if I really need to havev this done.
I didn't and had no issues (facing the BB).
Re sizing above. I have xl and I've a 34" inseam. I don't think it's that long.
If you are near Devon IHN welcome to take mine for a spin for size.
I've had a Filter since 2012 and it's been great for everything from the Lakeland Monster miles to daily commutes. Two sets of wheels with road and gravel tyres on. I think the frame sizes come up quite big and have just changed from the small frame to the Plug 5 in xs. Ive had to file off the mudguard bosses on the rear bridges to get 40mm tyres in and it is tight. I found Triton cycles selling The Light Blue Darwin forks for £100. They're a bit longer at 420mm, but you can choose 45 or 50mm rake. Also have loads of rack and mudguard attachments. I went for the 50 to give more toe clearance. I can't wait to give it a test.
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Converted a deraileur pully (shimano 600) on a cirdless drill with a stanley blade and a dental pick.
Converted to 40c capacity using a countersink and file. Still threaded for mudguard and slightly smaller tyre.
Just treated my frame with boiled linseed oil, so a few days to dry and my build can finally begin!
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Done!
Bars dropped a bit and tubelessed up.
Nice forks!
I have a set of Tange Infinity Soma disc cross forks for sale which match the A-C of the original Plug forks, 395mm. Steerer still very long! I think they're the fork that was fitted as OE on the US version of this bike. Black but not matte. Let me know if interested
Just about to click buy on one of these frames to replace my ageing and knackered Dawes commuter.
Any idea what headset I need? What diameter is the inside of the headtube?
Struggling to find any detailed specs for the frame. Ta.
Edit: Hmm, is it EC34 top and EC34/30 bottom? Confirmation of this would be great!
