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 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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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
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!
