ExPo Build Project: Salsa Fargo

[Alltwistedup]

I am digging that laid back, load me up look of that frame. I ride a Salsa Las Cruces with 3 sets of tires dirt, dirt to the road and all road. I choose to build it up for all levels with strong wheels, disc brakes, drop bars, medium sized double road rings in the front and a wide gear range in the rear. Like the Tortoise and the Hare. My roady neighbor can drop me on a ride with speed, but I can take the gravel roads and beat him home.

[toddz69]

Once you get it assembled, you can wear this when you go for a ride . Threadbare vintage from the Ross Shafer days.

Todd Z.

[weezerbot]

I don't know how I missed this. I really look forward to seeing how this progresses. I'm in the market for a new 'do it all' as well and the Fargo was one that came up. I have read a few complaints about the BB height compared to other set-ups off road, but not many....those who have them seem to love them.

My current requirements are a bit different from yours:

1. commuting
2. On/off road touring

I plan on keeping my Voo Doo for the trails and super-light bikepacking, but I am on the hunt for an all around tourer that can get me both on (mostly) and off (think forest and minor trails) road.

Do the Alfine and be my guinea pig!

[Bike_Mech]

Those Fargo's are really neat! I have a similar idea in my Surly Crosscheck. I run 3x9 w/ 30,40,50 tooth chainrings and a custom stacked 13-30 cassette. I run 29x1.75 tires on this rig, and I find that gearing is great for road and trail with a decent load. I've experimented with several handlebar settups on this bike, and a few months ago I switched to the Origin8 Spacebar Offroad. I run it upside down with barends mounted really far in. Good leverage and lots of hand positions. I normally don't run gripshift, but I didn't like the angle of shimano shifters/my fingers/grip with these bars.

Have fun with it!

-Chris

[Flounder]

That is one kooky bar set up, Mike. I totally love it. I was thinking of running Civia's commuter bars upside down to create a "drop" mustache bar.

There have been some interesting Interbike related developments with this project as of late. We've taken on a new partner in this build adventure. It's going to be really fantastic. The Crank Brother Cobalt wheels go back in the box.

We're going in a much different direction now.

I'm now on the search for rims, tires, and bars.

[Flounder]

I installed a few parts on the frame today. I've made the decision to stick with drop bars on this bike, probably as it should be. I went with the Salsa Woodchipper, and think I'll really like the wide wingspan and shallow drop they offer. I also chose to deck this bike out in silver bits where possible. I like the retro look of raw or polished aluminum and brown.

Headset: Cane Creek. I went with this because...I had it.

Seat Post and Stem: I'm a long time fan of Thompson components. I have them on almost all of my bikes and have come to like the symmetry of matching post/stem combos. I also like how raw aluminum doesn't fade like annodized aluminum, or show scratches as badly. http://bikethomson.com/

Seat: It's brown. That's why I chose it. Okay, it's actually not a bad sitter. I wanted something with more padding than my usual seats so it will be more forgiving on short commutes.

Victorian: You suggested a Brooks saddle. We agree. That's the way to go. Per your suggestion, we will seek out a proper leather Brooks.

The remaining components should arrive next week. As I said above, we're going in a fun direction with this bike. I'll do a full write up on the components and the amazing company behind them prior to hanging them on the frame.

It's coming along better than I expected!

[nwoods]

Looking forward to it!

[Flounder]

I've been looking for this saddle for a while now. This is the Alp d'Huez limited edition saddle from Brooks.

Pretty awesome. Perhaps a bit too high brow for this bike project.

[Squatchout]

I'm looking forward to watching this build. I've been toying with a Fargo for a while. I like the 2012's as they are now suspension fork friendly if one decides to do that. I like the color better than the old mustard as well. The problem with Hydro brakes is unlike my old Rockcombo you can't just add some Bruce Gorden quick connects to the gear cables and switch back and forth from drop bars to flats quickly and easily. I prefer drops but In the winter with extra duds on it's nice to run flat bars. I like the shape of your drop bars. Needs a Brooks saddle though. Great choice on the Thompson seatpost. I bought one last year and was real impressed with the quality and strength.

[keezer37]

Where'd that fancy Brooks saddle go?

Perhaps the B17 Aged with the silver rivets would be in keeping with your "silver bits" theme.