Salsa Fargo Review (A Comprehensive Look)

If you’re in the market for a bike that can handle any terrain, the Salsa Fargo might just be what you’re looking for. With its sturdy frame, wide tires, and versatile gearing, this bike is built to take you on any adventure you can dream up.

The Salsa Fargo has long been a favorite of bikepacking enthusiasts and for good reason. Its combination of comfort, durability, and off-road capability make it an ideal choice for long-distance trips on rough terrain. Whether you’re planning a multi-day tour or just want a bike that can handle a variety of conditions, the Fargo is a solid choice.

History of Salsa Fargo

If you are a fan of adventure cycling, you have probably heard of the Salsa Fargo. This classic bike has been around since 2009 and has gained a loyal following among bikepackers and gravel riders alike. Salsa Cycles, the Minnesota-based company that produces the Fargo, has a reputation for designing bikes that can handle a variety of terrains and conditions.

The Fargo was designed as a drop-bar mountain bike that could handle long-distance rides on unpaved roads and trails. It quickly became a favorite among bikepackers, who appreciated its versatility and durability. The Fargo was also popular among riders who wanted a bike that could handle both on-road and off-road riding.

Over the years, Salsa Cycles has made several updates to the Fargo. In 2012, they introduced a new frame design that made the bike more stable and comfortable on rough terrain. They also added more mounts for water bottles and gear, making it easier for riders to carry everything they need for multi-day trips.

In 2021, Salsa Cycles released the latest version of the Fargo, which features a carbon fork and a new frame design that is even more comfortable and stable than before. The bike is available in several different configurations, including a 1x drivetrain and a drop-bar option.

Despite the updates, the Fargo remains a classic bike that has stood the test of time. It has inspired countless bikepackers to explore the world on two wheels and continues to be a favorite among riders who want a bike that can handle anything they throw at it.

Design and Frame

When it comes to the Salsa Fargo, the frame is one of the most important aspects of the bike. The Fargo frame is made of steel, which is known for its durability and strength. The steel frame is paired with a carbon fork, which helps to reduce the overall weight of the bike. For those who want an even lighter bike, the Fargo Ti is available with a titanium frame.

The Fargo frame is designed with bikepacking in mind. It has a longer wheelbase, which provides stability when carrying a heavy load. The frame also has a lot of clearance, which allows for larger tires to be used. This is important when riding on rough terrain, as larger tires can provide more traction and a smoother ride.

One of the standout features of the Fargo frame is its graphics. Salsa is known for its unique and eye-catching graphics, and the Fargo is no exception. The graphics are bold and colorful, and they help to give the bike a distinctive look.

Components and Specs

When it comes to components and specs, the Salsa Fargo is a well-rounded bike that can handle a variety of terrains. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features:

• Fork: The Fargo comes with a variety of fork options, including the Firestarter 110 carbon fork, the Salsa Guide carbon fork, and the Fargo Salsa Classico rigid fork. The fork is an important part of the bike, as it helps absorb shocks and vibrations from the road or trail.
• Drivetrain: The Fargo is available in a variety of drivetrain options, including SRAM Apex, SRAM Apex 1, and Shimano XT. The 2×10 drivetrain is a popular choice for gravel road riding, while the belt drive is a great option for those who want a low-maintenance bike.
• Brakes: The Fargo comes with a variety of brake options, including mechanical disc brakes like the TRP Spyre-C and hydraulic disc brakes like the Avid BB7 Mountain cable disc. The 160mm rotors provide plenty of stopping power, no matter what terrain you’re riding on.
• Wheels and Tires: The Fargo comes with a variety of wheel and tire options, including the WTB ST i25 TCS 2.0 rims and Teravail Sparwood tires. The 27.5+ tires provide plenty of traction on loose terrain, while the tubeless-ready rims make it easy to set up a tubeless tire system.
• Handlebars and Saddle: The Fargo comes with the Salsa Cowchipper handlebars and WTB Volt saddle. The flared drop bar provides a comfortable grip, while the saddle is designed for long hours in the saddle.
• Alternator Dropouts: The Fargo’s alternator dropouts make it easy to switch between different wheel sizes, including 29er, 27.5+, and even fat bike wheels. This makes it a versatile bike that can handle a variety of terrains.

Tires and Wheels

When it comes to the Salsa Fargo, the tires and wheels are a crucial part of its design. The bike’s frame has the capacity for both 27.5+ and 29+ wheels and tires, which is made possible by the Alternator dropouts. The wheels that come with the Salsa Fargo Apex 1 build are the WTB ST i25 TCS 2.0 rims, which are well-suited for bikepacking. These rims have an internal width of 25mm and are tubeless-ready, which means that you can run lower tire pressures for better traction and a smoother ride.

The Salsa Fargo comes with Teravail Sparwood 29er tires, which have a width of 2.2 inches. These tires are great for off-road riding and offer excellent traction on loose terrain. If you prefer wider tires, you can opt for 27.5+ or 29er Sparwood tires, which are also available from Teravail. These tires have a width of 2.8 inches and 2.2 inches, respectively, and are ideal for rough terrain.

If you want to switch up your tires, you can also consider the WTB Vulpine tires. These tires are designed for bikepacking and offer excellent puncture protection and durability. They come in a variety of widths, including 2.3 inches and 2.5 inches, and are tubeless-ready.

When it comes to the wheels, it’s important to note that the Salsa Fargo is designed for off-road riding. The 29er wheels are great for rolling over obstacles, but they can be a bit heavy and slow on pavement. If you plan on doing a lot of road riding, you may want to consider a different bike or switch out the wheels for something more road-friendly.

Riding Comfort and Handling

When it comes to riding comfort and handling, the Salsa Fargo is a top performer. Its modern take on a roughstuff tourer offers big wheel comfort and the tradition of drop handlebars, which provide multiple hand positions for a more comfortable ride. The WTB Volt saddle is also a great addition for those who plan on spending long hours in the saddle.

The Fargo’s handling is also impressive. The power of disc brakes and the simplicity of a rigid fork make it easy to handle on gravel roads and during commuting. The bike’s geometry is designed to provide stability and control, which is especially important when riding with a loaded bike.

The drop bars are a great feature for those who want to switch up their hand positions during long rides. This allows you to reduce fatigue and stay comfortable during extended periods of riding. The bike’s handling is also great for those who like to ride on mixed terrain, making it a versatile choice for bikepacking adventures.

Bikepacking and Touring Capabilities

The Salsa Fargo is a drop bar mountain bike that is built for off-road touring and bikepacking adventures. It is designed to handle rough terrain and carry heavy loads, making it a great choice for those who want to explore the outdoors on two wheels.

One of the key features of the Salsa Fargo is its versatility. It can be outfitted with racks and panniers for traditional touring, or it can be set up with bikepacking bags for a more minimalist approach. The frame has mounting points for both types of gear, so you can choose the setup that works best for your needs.

The Fargo’s geometry is designed for stability and comfort on long rides. It has a longer wheelbase than most road bikes, which helps to smooth out rough terrain and provide a more stable ride. The drop bars provide multiple hand positions, which can help to reduce fatigue on long rides.

The Fargo is also built to handle rough terrain. It has a suspension-corrected frame, which means that it can be outfitted with a suspension fork if you want to tackle more technical terrain. The frame is also built to accommodate larger tires, which can help to provide more traction and cushioning on rough roads.

Weight and Geometry

When it comes to touring bikes, weight is always a concern. The Salsa Fargo strikes a balance between durability and weight, with the steel frame coming in at around 5.5-6.5 lbs (2.5-3 kg) depending on the size. The titanium frame is even lighter, weighing in at around 4.5-5.5 lbs (2-2.5 kg). This makes it a relatively lightweight option compared to other touring bikes on the market.

The geometry of the Salsa Fargo is designed to be versatile, allowing it to handle a variety of terrain types. The bike has a longer wheelbase than most touring bikes, which makes it more stable and easier to handle on rough terrain. The head tube angle is also slightly slacker, which helps with stability at higher speeds.

The Fargo also has a relatively low bottom bracket, which can make it easier to handle on technical terrain. However, this can also make it more prone to pedal strikes, so riders should be careful when navigating rocky or rooty sections.

Additional Features

The Salsa Fargo is a versatile bike that comes with a variety of features to make your riding experience more enjoyable. Here are some of the additional features that make the Fargo stand out:

Racks and Bottle Cages

The Fargo comes with a variety of mounts for racks and bottle cages, making it easy to carry all the gear you need for your adventure. The bike features three-pack mounts on the fork legs and the frame, as well as six bottle cage mounts. This means you can carry plenty of water and gear on your ride.

Firestarter 110 Fork

The Salsa Fargo comes with a Firestarter 110 fork, which provides excellent stability and control on rough terrain. The fork is designed to accommodate 29×2.1 inch tires, which provide a smooth ride on gravel and dirt roads.

Plus-sized Tires

The Fargo can accommodate plus-sized tires, which provide excellent traction and stability on rough terrain. The bike can handle tires up to 29×3.0 inches, which is perfect for riders who want to tackle more technical terrain.

Bar-end Shifters

The Fargo comes with bar-end shifters, which provide smooth and precise shifting. The shifters are easy to use and allow you to quickly change gears on the fly.

Classico Chromoly Frame

The Fargo features a Classico Chromoly frame, which is durable and designed to handle rough terrain. The frame is also lightweight, which makes it easy to handle and maneuver on the trail.

WTB Vulpine Tires

The Fargo comes with WTB Vulpine tires, which are designed to provide excellent traction and stability on rough terrain. The tires are durable and can handle a variety of terrain, making them perfect for long-distance rides.

Spares

The Salsa Fargo comes with a variety of spares, including a spare derailleur hanger and a spare seatpost collar. These spares can come in handy if you experience any issues on the trail.

The Salsa Fargo is a versatile bike that is perfect for gravel riding, bikepacking, and touring. With its variety of features and durable design, the Fargo is a great choice for riders who want to tackle rough terrain and go on long-distance adventures.

Variants and Models

When it comes to adventure bikes, Salsa has a great reputation for producing top-quality models. The Fargo is one of the most popular models, and it comes in different variants. Let’s take a closer look at the different variants and models of the Salsa Fargo.

Fargo Ti

The Fargo Ti is the most expensive variant of the Fargo, but it is worth the price if you are looking for a durable and lightweight bike. The frame is made of titanium, which is known for its strength and lightness. The 2023 Fargo Ti comes with updated graphics and includes the Salsa Firestarter 110 Deluxe fork, headset, seatpost collar, and thru-axles.

Deadwood

The Deadwood is another popular model in the Salsa lineup. It is designed for riders who love to tackle technical terrain and long-distance rides. The bike features a full suspension system, which makes it more comfortable to ride on rough terrain. The Deadwood comes in both carbon and aluminum frame options.

Marrakesh

If you are planning a long-distance tour, the Marrakesh is the perfect bike for you. It is designed to handle heavy loads and long rides. The bike features a steel frame, which is known for its durability and strength. The Marrakesh comes with a range of features, including front and rear racks, fenders, and a Brooks B17 saddle.

Vaya

The Vaya is a versatile bike that can handle a range of terrains. It is designed for riders who love to explore new routes and ride on different surfaces. The bike features a steel frame, which provides a comfortable ride. The Vaya comes in both drop bar and flat bar options.

Final Thoughts on the Salsa Fargo

After considering all the aspects of the Salsa Fargo, it is clear that this bike is a fun and versatile option for any bikepacking enthusiast. With its durable framesets and wide range of gearing options, the Fargo can handle a variety of terrains and conditions.

One of the standout features of the Fargo is its ability to handle heavy loads without sacrificing performance. The Salsa racks can support up to 75 pounds of gear, making it an excellent choice for longer trips. Additionally, the Fargo’s large wheels and longer spokes provide a smooth ride, even on rough terrain.

If you’re in the market for a new bikepacking bike, Salsacycles.com is a great resource for exploring the different options available. The Fargo is just one of many options, but it’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile bike.