Salsa Fargo, differences/opinions??

[gmcampy]

Looking at 2012/2013/2014 Fargo 3's.

The 2012 is a 3x9 has second best final drive of 26/34 and is the cheepest by $400

The 2013 is also 3x9 has the BEST Final drive of 24/36 BASELINE price.

The 2014 is a 2x10 with final drive of 28/36 but has a REALLY cool rear dropout, but is $300 more than the baseline price of the 2013.

Assuming money is no issue what are the advatages/disadvantages of the final drives? Are they REALLY that much different, I'm a road bike rider and have never ridden these really low gears before.

Also the 2013 is a larger frame, I rode it and LIKED the riding position but I GENERALLY ride a 54/medium

Thanks
Glenn

[JAGI410]

You will be riding in the drops more than your road bike, size accordingly. If the +/- of the cost isn't a huge issue, go with the one YOU like most. Fargos are amazing bikes, I don't know anyone that has bought one and hated it (although a few who sold theirs just to get the titanium version). If you have the slightest interest in gravel, touring, exploring, super commuting, or plain fun, then the Fargo is for you. If you wouldn't be caught dead riding in jeans, look elsewhere. If you don't get sucked into the latest issue of bunyunvelo.com, look elsewhere.

[bluesea]

It ticks all the boxes for my next commuter bike, except that its frame/fork are designed for loaded touring. This probably harshens the ride more than I need, although I do want most of the braze ons. The SS friendly dropouts, tire/fender clearance, discs, and braze ons really set it apart.

[Schmed]

As far as gearing goes, I think it depends on your (road) riding style and how you plan to use the bike. Most mountain bike gearing is going to be way more than you need unless you do technical / steep / sustained climbs. Or... if you are going fully loaded up with gear, then I'd go for the lower gearing.

I'd go 2x10 unless you plan on doing some serious touring (loaded up) with steep climbs.

This doesn't address your questions, but the Fargo is a hoot to ride. I demoed one at a Salsa demo day, and they had one setup with a Fox fork, and I rode it about 15 miles through twisty single track. Big smile the whole entire time.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j192/schmed123/fargo_zps75e39a7f.jpg

[josephr]

It ticks all the boxes for my next commuter bike, except that its frame/fork are designed for loaded touring. This probably harshens the ride more than I need, although I do want most of the braze ons. The SS friendly dropouts, tire/fender clearance, discs, and braze ons really set it apart.

The Fargo is designed for a suspension fork with 100mm of travel. :)
Joe

[gmcampy]

Thanks all, I will be doing loaded trail/road rides with grades in the 20's and some 30's so gearing will be the primary factor.

Glenn

[benb]

30% grade loaded?

That will be an accomplishment to get up with any gearing.

[Schmed]

30% grade loaded?

That will be an accomplishment to get up with any gearing.

Mountain goats go on strike at those grades!

But.... if you have the engine.....

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/06/29/article-2166394-11D09268000005DC-97_306x490.jpg

[cromo900]

I have only heard good things about the alternator dropouts that are on the 2014, but if you don't intend to run it single speed or with an IGH, they are just added complexity. However, for me, the carbon fork on the 2014 would be a plus; might be a minus for many others. Regarding gearing wouldn't it be a cinch to switch 28t for 24t? I would guess most shops would do that for free on a new bike purchase.

[gmcampy]

bought the 2013 today. the grades on the next trip are over 30% so i will be pushing for a while. i will post link :)

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3773409

Look at mile 10 to 11 :0

[josephr]

bought the 2013 today. the grades on the next trip are over 30% so i will be pushing for a while. i will post link :)

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3773409

Look at mile 10 to 11 :0

have you thought about going south to north???? With a full-load, I hope you don't blow out a knee!
Joe

[cp43]

bought the 2013 today. the grades on the next trip are over 30% so i will be pushing for a while. i will post link :)

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3773409

Look at mile 10 to 11 :0

With that steep of a grade, you might want to consider getting a 22 tooth small ring for your cranks. Something like this (http://www.aebike.com/TruVativ-Trushift-22t-64mm-Ring-Steel-Black_p_7675.html). It'll give you that little bit lower gear. This assumes that you have the common 104-64 BCD 4 bolt MTB cranks.

Have fun on the ride, it looks tough!

Chris

[gmcampy]

have you thought about going south to north???? With a full-load, I hope you don't blow out a knee!
Joe

ride leader makes the call, lol he is training for the divide ride.....me im pushing lol

[josephr]

ride leader makes the call, lol he is training for the divide ride.....me im pushing lol

Those dudes are badass...I've heard some wild training stories of guys riding a trainer for 6 hour staring at a corner in their house, etc. Of course, those guys make a lot of sacrifices too and some have lost their families in the process. I'm not even that heavily committed and I'm pretty sure the wife has some attorney's number programmed into her phone. :)

Depending on how this winter/spring/summer goes, I may aim for TNGA in the fall or spring '15.

When is he aiming for the TD? Is he doing the mass start next June or an ITT?
Joe

[gmcampy]

he is starting in june hoping for a respectful finish....17 hour days in the saddle i hear

[gmcampy]

Those dudes are badass...I've heard some wild training stories of guys riding a trainer for 6 hour staring at a corner in their house, etc. Of course, those guys make a lot of sacrifices too and some have lost their families in the process. I'm not even that heavily committed and I'm pretty sure the wife has some attorney's number programmed into her phone. :)

Depending on how this winter/spring/summer goes, I may aim for TNGA in the fall or spring '15.

When is he aiming for the TD? Is he doing the mass start next June or an ITT?
Joe

i have a hard enough time commiting 8 hours a week without getting grief...cant imagine the amount required. his wife is a cyclest too so she almost gets it...lol

[p nut]

gmcampy - Still liking the Fargo? It's been on my radar for the last few weeks. Local shop has one at a good price I wouldn't mind picking up.