Despite developing a cult of adoring fans, the Fargo remains a bit of a bicycling anomaly: a disc brake only, drop bar mountain bike designed for off-road touring. Now suspension-corrected for 80mm travel forks, the Fargo lets the user choose whether to run rigid or with front suspension. Drop bars provide multiple hand positions for long days on singletrack, path, or roadway. A full compliment of braze-ons on the frame and fork allow for both front and rear racks and fenders. The investment cast chainstay-mounted disc brake mount is conveniently tucked out of the way, eliminating accessory mounting interference. Load as much or as little gear as you choose for your next adventure.
Submitted by
seat_boy
a Cross Country Rider
from Dublin, OH, USA
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2012
Strengths: So versatile, as fast as my cross bike on the road (with the right tires), as good as any rigid 29er off road (with the right tires again)
Lots of well thought out braze ons. Six bottle mounts!
Weaknesses: A bit heavy, although I really only notice when I pick it up.
I wouldn't mind a rim braked, flat bar version. I guess that's an Ogre.
Bottom Line:
It's amazing how much this frame does well. With fat knobbies, it's a fine rigid off road 29er. With 35mm slicks, it'll go along on the road as fast as you can pedal. Load it up with panniers and it's a great tourer. Who needs a Long Haul Trucker? The spectrum of riding this bike cover well--not just making do, but doing well--is very wide. Salsa clearly put a lot of thought into this frame, and it shows. Well done!
Before this, I had the Peregrine, which often gets compared to the Fargo. I find the Fargo to better in all respects: more tire clearance and standover clearance off road, and a more lively ride on road. It also works better with racks and fenders.
I'm 6'3" and ride an XL (22") first gen frame. I'm happy with the fit.
Similar Products Used: Cross bikes, HT 29ers, Singular Peregrine
Bike Setup: Currently set up with a flipped over Mary, I've also used various drop bars on this. I built it from the frame up.
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Submitted by
fox1965
a Weekend Warrior
from US-Europe
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2011
Strengths: Universal - road, trail, commuting. Comfortable for long rides
Weaknesses: heavy
Bottom Line:
This bike just rocks! I crossed the US on it ocean to ocean, 100 miles a day. It is very comfortable, yet it rides well. Could be my only bicycle. I use it for commuting, MTBiking, advantures
Submitted by
Lscproducts
a Cross Country Rider
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2011
Strengths: Does what it was designed for. Really great for wet weather funky riding with full wrap fenders, handles great. My wife lived hers after the first ride.
Weaknesses: None so far but the fsa bottom bracket is junk or at least mine was. Maybe fsa will replace it after only 4 months of normal use. Been a shimano man until now so I was a bit surprised to see that part fail so soon. I have had even low end shimano last 2 seasons of serious rain ridiing. A larger front rotor would be nice. You will burn thru pads pretty quickly with such a heavy machine.
Bottom Line:
Super fun gravel road and smooth trail machine with 30 psi and can make a club road ride no problem if you can spin and are strong with 60 psi.
No need for a cross bike with this machine anymore.
A TI version with bling parts would be pretty sweet.
Similar Products Used: None like this really. My rigid 29r was close but the higher front end and funky road style bars make it way more comfortable to ride
Bike Setup: Stock but added a longer stem on mine. The wife's bike is stock.
Added planet bike full wrap fenders and two layers of bar tape
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Submitted by
adubb25
a Weekend Warrior
from Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2011
Strengths: Salsa made the Fargo in a frame that is not only big enough for me but is actually visually appeasing. The Woodchippers combined with the frame mounts and tire clearance allows one to use the Fargo as a commuter, touring rig, xc bomber and a winter ride. The quality of the frame, its sizing, and its versatility make the Fargo a 'jack of all trades and master of none."
Weaknesses: Thee only issue was that from the factory. The front disc mount had to be 'modified' (bent where I am from) in order to allow the caliper and disc to align correctly.
Bottom Line:
My car has gotten plenty of rest because of the Fargo. At first it was my commuter, then my winter transporter, and soon to be my gravel hauler. This bike is the Gerber Multiplier Tool of bikes. If you do not know if you are a commuter, weekend warrior, roadie, xc'er, or a drinker this is the bike needed to float your boat. NO REGRETS...!
Similar Products Used: Its a FARGO...nothing quite similar...
Bike Setup: SLX build with Planet Bike fenders (two thumbs up), Nokian Gazzas for the winter and Spec Infinity Reflects for summer, several bottle cages (24oz can holders), some lights, and a wisecracker...
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Submitted by
johnnyb
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfax, CA
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2011
Strengths: Versatile, steel frame and quality build and paint.
Weaknesses: Maybe a little heavy, about 27 pounds without water but all my trail bikes come out to about 26 to 30 pounds.
Bottom Line:
This bike is set up as a long distance "discovery" bike. I've taken it over fifty miles at a time and have no problems dealing with whatever the trail type is.
My setup with a short stem gives me a slightly upright position and is very comfortable. There are six bottle mounts, fender and rack mounts--amazing.
I can set up with all my water and equipment on the bike and it saves my back from sweating or getting achy from a pack. I'm not sure if this is the type of bike for "ripping" up the trail with, but its certainly one of the most comfortable.
This is my fourth 29er bike; not as nimble as my Redline Flight, Access XCL or as adaptable as my Karate Monkey but for touring its amazing!
I think Salsa hit the touring niche with this one.
Bike Setup: XTR drivetrain (8 speed) with thumbies, Avid mechs, Titec j-bar and seatpost, FSA headset and stem, Brooks saddle
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Submitted by
Toby
a Cross Country Rider
from Carson City, NV, USA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2010
Strengths: Does what the specs say it will do. Great ride unloaded or loaded down with gear on the trails, fire roads, and/or pavement. Climbs wonderfully, takes bumps better than expected for a fully rigid, and descends pretty well.
Weaknesses: Not real keen on the Tektro brake levers, but so far they work.
Bottom Line:
This is a cool bike. Great for winter riding, off road touring, around town errands, etc. It really gives me a shi*t eating grin ever time I ride it. Not as responsive as my Vassago Bandersnatch or Jabberwocky, but I never expected it to be. Fun, fun, fun!
