2021 Salsa Fargo - Can it singletrack?!?!?!

[@benwigginsbikes]

Gravel bikes on singletrack!!!! Is this my worst idea ever?

[@Lepercurtidoo]

Except that a Fargo is not a "gravelbike" ;)

[@benwigginsbikes]

@@Lepercurtidoo I mean...are we splitting hairs now? lol. I feel ya on that statement.

[@RN82131]

I ride easy single track quite a bit on my Trek 520 Grando. Not crazy at all and pretty fun. Now, last weekend, I rode black diamond single track with my full squish buddies. I made it, but I have the abrasions and torn jersey to prove it.

[@novlk]

Salsa is considered DropBar MTB. 2018 Model had 27.5 wheels with 3.0 tires. With the addition of a dropper - it's really good on mtb trails

[@benwigginsbikes]

@@novlk good to know! I don't have much experience with these bikes but I sure do love it! I think ill just use my though when it comes time to ride trails.

[@dominiczuckswert]

Great informative review. Much appreciated. It's been 2yr since you said you were going to get into bikepacking. We need a status update. Fargo is the legendary bikepacking bike. I ordered one today. Let's hear it!

[@tuan2144]

So glad this video exists! I had a similar experience on my 2021/2022 Fargo recently. Not fun for my old bones! I’ve made up my mind to install a Rockshox Judy on it just so I can enjoy a Cadillac-like, tranquil ride through the woods.

[@benwigginsbikes]

im glad you enjoyed it Tuan!

[@davehoover8853]

You are upright and not bleeding! Congratulations. - I was worried for you in the root section! Simple take on this: Mtn bikes are made for that terrain. Ride one there. The Fargo is on the very capable end of the gravel spectrum. Perfect for touring, bikepacking or going over rougher gravel trails and smoother single track. You will love it loaded up and bikepacking as it is stable. If things progress along and you really want to bikepacking more ambitious MTB trails, you would be better served on a hardtail. I think Fargo’s go a lot of places that might break other bikes or their riders, but suspension is a good thing if you are going to push. Have fun and always stay in the drops when descending!

[@benwigginsbikes]

I love my mountain bike and I also learned that my Fargo is capable....but it isn't my MTB. It was fun experiment that I will never repeat.

[@todd92371]

The Redshift suspension stem and suspension seatpost are heaven.

[@devoidbmx1]

I frequently ride a Salsa Fargo with 27.5x3 tires on single track. Big tires help with cushion. Works just fine! Of course lack of suspension can be tiring after a long day of trails are rough. My previous bike was a hard tail 26 inch mountain bike from 2004 set up for XC racing. I’d say the Fargo is just as capable as that bike.

[@benwigginsbikes]

I bet that is a fun setup with the 3.0 tires!

[@Doubclik]

I’ve got a gen2 2012 Fargo that is set up for singletrack. Definitely makes you look at your old familiar trails in a new light. If it helps I run a 2.2 Conti RaceKing in the rear but a 2.4 X-King in the front for extra squish and bite. You should definitely be in the drops for technical stuff - I’ve had the bars rip right out of my hands on the hoods from a rouge root. I found that moving to a really shallow bar with wide flair keeps my hands where they feel most in control (Ritchey Beacon). The Fargo really is a drop bar 29’er, but you need to spec it right if you want it to do singletrack duty.

[@benwigginsbikes]

I am loving this bike so much and it truly is super capable

[@BUILTLIGHTWOUNDTIGHT]

I bought a Fargo in 2022 and spent 9 hours on it the first serious ride. It was all asphalt riding though lots of steep hills and it was a total blast!! The only thing I would like to change, is the high gear. I feel like I am needing a little more top end gearing, however I get its a gravel Bike and that I can load it up with everything but the kitchen sink. And still be able to climb decent hills, but I like the road race feeling on the asphalt! Maybe someday when its not allergic to dirt, I will find a single track to tear down.

[@benwigginsbikes]

I totally get that feeling about the gearing for sure. I did install a new chainring that was larger by two teeth and it has worked out well. I was spinning out at times on the long flat sections that connect some of my gravel routes.

[@novlk]

Stay in the hoods for climbing/flat riding and use drops while descending on a trail!

[@benwigginsbikes]

that seems to be the consensus for sure!

[@a234633]

There is very little the Fargo can't do front rack with panniers it gets wobbly but I have no reference the Fargo is only bike that is have loaded up excellent bike how far can you go

[@coreygonzalez6890]

Cool video. I’m a mountain biker but would like a gravel bike of some sort when weather is bad n this one has the fun/cool factor. You done any upgrades since?

[@benwigginsbikes]

Hey Corey and thanks for the question! I have indeed made a few upgrades. I swapped the brakes to Rival1 hydraulics, swapped the 32 tooth ring for a 34 and put a set of Industry Nine 1/1 wheels on. Short of adding the rear rack and cargos bag that's it. I will hopefully be doing a bike check of both of my bikes soon.

[@theMTBeffect]

Nice. Just recently started taking my gravel bike on some singletrack, pretty fun!

[@towtowstrailtalk6853]

I have a steel frame States Allroad Gravel bike that I’ve ridden on single track before I always grab a hold of the brake hoods , doesn’t mean it’s right but that’s how I do it, I watch the whole video I liked it all

[@benwigginsbikes]

I am always conflicted as to whether I should hold the hoods or the drops! Maybe ill try the hoods next time.

[@RN82131]

@@benwigginsbikes Hands have a higher chance of getting bounced off the hoods. Also, being in the drops keeps your center of gravity lower and less endo chance plus better handling of the bike cornering. Plus better purchase on the brake levers themselves.

[@benwigginsbikes]

@@RN82131 yeah I quickly realized the drops are the place to be!

[@todd92371]

I believe the geometry of the Fargo makes it far easier to stay in the drops

[@morningtidefilms]

Thanks for doing this review, looks like a great addition to your stable. How have you been using it since? You should try this again with bigger tires and much, much lower pressure. Made a world of a difference for me.

[@benwigginsbikes]

Hello morningtide! I ride this bike a lot in town and have been stocking up miles on it. I have been accessorizing it for some bike packing adventures as well. I did put some Maxxis MTB tires on it and ride a more difficult trail with it. Hopefully ill sneak out for an overnight ride soon and combine that with an update video of its current build.

[@jonburlew302]

Nice. Bet it's fun to fly down some gravel roads on

[@benwigginsbikes]

It certainly is!

[@chuckwalla2967]

I guess it could, but doesn't mean one should.

[@benwigginsbikes]

very true.

[@davidmatheson7391]

Drop bars on singletrack? No thank you. Feels like I'm too hunched-over and can't really maneuver the bike compared to reg mtn bike bars. Good vid, tho!

[@benwigginsbikes]

Yeah buddy! It was not the most comfortable experience. I am glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Baksan_Dog1988]

I used it on my blue trail single track if I’m bored..😅

[@benwigginsbikes]

Ill be upping the game on Sunday riding it on a local trail called Kitsuma.

[@miguelm5806]

amazing...

[@benwigginsbikes]

Thanks!!!

[@thedanyesful]

Looks like fun!

[@benwigginsbikes]

It was a good time for sure.

[@KaijaKastepisara]

Suomessa on vain polkuja, loputtomasti polkuja. Ja metsäautotietä. Onneksi mullakin on Salsa Fargo.

[@Jeffro248]

Drop bar at Bent Creek?? Wth? Lol. i hope you still have your MegaTower

[@benwigginsbikes]

Yeah man! Figured, why the hell not? The Mega isn’t going anywhere for quite some time I assure you of that.

[@pgreenx]

Are you sure about the 24 pounds???

[@benwigginsbikes]

24lbs 8oz is what they claim....

[@pgreenx]

@@benwigginsbikes Thanks - I weighed my medium and it was over 28

[@paolo108]

Stop smoking! 😁

[@paolo108]

Lol ..