Comments on: Salsa Cycles “Fargo” 29″er: Sneak Peek! http://twentynineinches.com/2008/09/04/salsa-cycles-fargo-29er-sneak-peek/ 29er Bike Reviews, Rumors and News Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:00:01 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 hourly 1 By: montclairbobbyb http://twentynineinches.com/2008/09/04/salsa-cycles-fargo-29er-sneak-peek/comment-page-1/#comment-52674 montclairbobbyb Tue, 28 Oct 2008 02:46:07 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/?p=1229#comment-52674 Tourguy, you suggested an EBB... I stumbled upon this bike a few months ago; you may have heard of the Steelwool Tweed http://www.steelwoolbicycles.ca/bikes/tweed.php Steelwool is a small Canadian company... The Tweed is unique.... They describe it as "The Swiss Army Knife of Bikes".... It's a great-looking steel lugged frame... kinda reminds me of a Surly LHT, but includes disc brake bosses, a derailleur hanger AND... an EBB!! MSRP for frame and fork is $681 Canadian (that's around $525 US) Peace, MBB Tourguy, you suggested an EBB… I stumbled upon this bike a few months ago; you may have heard of the Steelwool Tweed http://www.steelwoolbicycles.ca/bikes/tweed.php

Steelwool is a small Canadian company… The Tweed is unique…. They describe it as “The Swiss Army Knife of Bikes”…. It’s a great-looking steel lugged frame… kinda reminds me of a Surly LHT, but includes disc brake bosses, a derailleur hanger AND… an EBB!!

MSRP for frame and fork is $681 Canadian (that’s around $525 US)

Peace,
MBB

]]> By: montclairbobbyb http://twentynineinches.com/2008/09/04/salsa-cycles-fargo-29er-sneak-peek/comment-page-1/#comment-52432 montclairbobbyb Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:03:54 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/?p=1229#comment-52432 Man, I am so stoked over this bike! I've been looking at the Tout Terrain Silk Road and the Thorn eXp, two exceptional bikes, but both have a LOFTY price tag, the Thorn lacks disc brakes, and both are 26ers (and there's nothing wrong with that, but having a steel 29er adventure tourer with disc brakes and all kinds of rack bosses for $650 is unprecedented). I own a Karate Monkey rigid (for which I have dabbled in transforming it into an urban-assault bike with my Schwalbe Big Apples, but it's too freakin awesome as a SS mountain bike)... so I have a pair of Big Apples waiting to be used... I also own a Kogswell P/R 650B with Midge On One bars, and barend shifters....it's a silky smooth ride and has the makings of a great tourer, except it simply cannot handle loaded touring without being noodly... so it's a wonderful bike to ride, but it has limited use.... Finally I own a Salsa Ala Carte with 650B wheels and disc brakes... Almost perfect for loaded touring, except it lacks the rack bosses (but I have adapters), and still has rack/disc brake clearance issues in the rear... I even added the Midge bars and Avid road disc brakes, figuring I'd have the ultimate adventure tourer... still have challenges with the racks, and somehow it wasn't as comfortable with the drop bars as I had thought, and I really missed the hydraulic disc brakes... so I put the drops back on the Kogswell and am running the Salsa like a 650B "roadster"... awesome bike, but not quite the "uber adventure bike" I had envisioned. The Fargo.... that may be the "game changer"... brilliant! brilliant!! Peace, MBB Man, I am so stoked over this bike! I’ve been looking at the Tout Terrain Silk Road and the Thorn eXp, two exceptional bikes, but both have a LOFTY price tag, the Thorn lacks disc brakes, and both are 26ers (and there’s nothing wrong with that, but having a steel 29er adventure tourer with disc brakes and all kinds of rack bosses for $650 is unprecedented).

I own a Karate Monkey rigid (for which I have dabbled in transforming it into an urban-assault bike with my Schwalbe Big Apples, but it’s too freakin awesome as a SS mountain bike)… so I have a pair of Big Apples waiting to be used…

I also own a Kogswell P/R 650B with Midge On One bars, and barend shifters….it’s a silky smooth ride and has the makings of a great tourer, except it simply cannot handle loaded touring without being noodly… so it’s a wonderful bike to ride, but it has limited use….

Finally I own a Salsa Ala Carte with 650B wheels and disc brakes… Almost perfect for loaded touring, except it lacks the rack bosses (but I have adapters), and still has rack/disc brake clearance issues in the rear… I even added the Midge bars and Avid road disc brakes, figuring I’d have the ultimate adventure tourer… still have challenges with the racks, and somehow it wasn’t as comfortable with the drop bars as I had thought, and I really missed the hydraulic disc brakes… so I put the drops back on the Kogswell and am running the Salsa like a 650B “roadster”… awesome bike, but not quite the “uber adventure bike” I had envisioned.

The Fargo…. that may be the “game changer”… brilliant! brilliant!!

Peace,
MBB

]]> By: Guitar Ted http://twentynineinches.com/2008/09/04/salsa-cycles-fargo-29er-sneak-peek/comment-page-1/#comment-49569 Guitar Ted Sat, 27 Sep 2008 23:50:44 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/?p=1229#comment-49569 Skinnyman: It is not optimized for the lenght a sauspension fork would have, so expect a big change in geometry and handling if you do put a suspension fork on it. The frame is butted CroMoly steel to Salsa's specs. I thought it rode with a typical springy steel feel that a good steel frame displays when done correctly. The fargo is a very competent single tracker. Its lower bottom bracket height makes it feel and handle better in the twisties than many other bikes, but this does lead to some pedal strike issues. Skinnyman: It is not optimized for the lenght a sauspension fork would have, so expect a big change in geometry and handling if you do put a suspension fork on it.

The frame is butted CroMoly steel to Salsa’s specs. I thought it rode with a typical springy steel feel that a good steel frame displays when done correctly. The fargo is a very competent single tracker. Its lower bottom bracket height makes it feel and handle better in the twisties than many other bikes, but this does lead to some pedal strike issues.

]]> By: Skinnyman http://twentynineinches.com/2008/09/04/salsa-cycles-fargo-29er-sneak-peek/comment-page-1/#comment-49524 Skinnyman Sat, 27 Sep 2008 19:40:53 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/?p=1229#comment-49524 Some more questions on this great bike, maybe there are some Salsa guys out here. Can I use a suspension fork on it? Maybe someone has tested a setup with a flat bar and a suspension fork? How does it compare to XC 29ers on a trail? And maybe some more info on a frame... I'd be very grateful since I'm considering buying one for all-round use. Some more questions on this great bike, maybe there are some Salsa guys out here.
Can I use a suspension fork on it? Maybe someone has tested a setup with a flat bar and a suspension fork? How does it compare to XC 29ers on a trail? And maybe some more info on a frame… I’d be very grateful since I’m considering buying one for all-round use.

]]> By: jimmythefly http://twentynineinches.com/2008/09/04/salsa-cycles-fargo-29er-sneak-peek/comment-page-1/#comment-47141 jimmythefly Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:50:10 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/?p=1229#comment-47141 @slocaus I see what you mean. I just think they got their names wrong when it comes to drop-bar bike sizing, a 57.5 top tube is barely in "medium" range(though it seems appropriate for mountain-bike sizing), and what Salsa calls a small at 55.5 EFF is much bigger than what most manufacturers call a "small" drop-bar touring frame. I understand that for a 29er there's a limit to how small a frame can work, just seems like the naming/sizing is still based around MTB 29er sizing, not drop-bar touring. Anyhows, we're all different on this, and it's not like consumers won't be able to figure it out, just struck me as odd. Tourguy and Steve, thanks for the insight into remote touring. I guess we'll need custom front and rear racks with built-in disc rotor guards! @slocaus I see what you mean. I just think they got their names wrong when it comes to drop-bar bike sizing, a 57.5 top tube is barely in “medium” range(though it seems appropriate for mountain-bike sizing), and what Salsa calls a small at 55.5 EFF is much bigger than what most manufacturers call a “small” drop-bar touring frame. I understand that for a 29er there’s a limit to how small a frame can work, just seems like the naming/sizing is still based around MTB 29er sizing, not drop-bar touring. Anyhows, we’re all different on this, and it’s not like consumers won’t be able to figure it out, just struck me as odd.

Tourguy and Steve, thanks for the insight into remote touring. I guess we’ll need custom front and rear racks with built-in disc rotor guards!

]]> By: Steve Fuller http://twentynineinches.com/2008/09/04/salsa-cycles-fargo-29er-sneak-peek/comment-page-1/#comment-47135 Steve Fuller Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:18:43 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/?p=1229#comment-47135 On a long tour, I wouldn't consider it out of line to carry a one or two spare rotors, and some spare pads. I usually carry an extra pair of replacement cleats and hardware as well. Can't be too prepared. It makes the bike heavier, but that doesn't bother me. On a long tour, I wouldn’t consider it out of line to carry a one or two spare rotors, and some spare pads. I usually carry an extra pair of replacement cleats and hardware as well. Can’t be too prepared. It makes the bike heavier, but that doesn’t bother me.

]]> By: tourguy http://twentynineinches.com/2008/09/04/salsa-cycles-fargo-29er-sneak-peek/comment-page-1/#comment-47132 tourguy Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:02:57 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/?p=1229#comment-47132 when i looked at the fargo, i immediately thought adventure touring! just the way it is set up with front and rear racks, etc... so that is what i based my comments on. i'm also basing my comments on my experiences, meaning touring in really remote areas (asia, russia, eastern europe, etc.) as for the extra disc, i was more talking about a bent disc then a broken one. when touring with discs you just need to be a little more careful, like when you get on a train (in order to cross borders) or when you lean your bike against something, or when it falls over. little things like this can bend your disc, and it's really hard to fix a disc or find a new one (again i speak of experience). i'm aware of many tours being successful with different wheel sizes and dérailleurs, etc. don't get me wrong, i love the idea of this bike. i get what it was made for. for me, i was just dreaming of building a really cool, bombproof, maintenance free, 29" touring bike. take off all the touring stuff and you would have a bombproof maintenance free, 29" endurance racer. when i looked at the fargo, i immediately thought adventure touring! just the way it is set up with front and rear racks, etc… so that is what i based my comments on.
i’m also basing my comments on my experiences, meaning touring in really remote areas (asia, russia, eastern europe, etc.) as for the extra disc, i was more talking about a bent disc then a broken one. when touring with discs you just need to be a little more careful, like when you get on a train (in order to cross borders) or when you lean your bike against something, or when it falls over. little things like this can bend your disc, and it’s really hard to fix a disc or find a new one (again i speak of experience).
i’m aware of many tours being successful with different wheel sizes and dérailleurs, etc. don’t get me wrong, i love the idea of this bike. i get what it was made for. for me, i was just dreaming of building a really cool, bombproof, maintenance free, 29″ touring bike. take off all the touring stuff and you would have a bombproof maintenance free, 29″ endurance racer.

]]> By: slocaus http://twentynineinches.com/2008/09/04/salsa-cycles-fargo-29er-sneak-peek/comment-page-1/#comment-47128 slocaus Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:23:42 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/?p=1229#comment-47128 @jimmythefly "Does the size Medium with it’s 57.5 cm top tube seem kinda long to anyone else?" Just the opposite on sizing for me. I chose frames based on ETT with an eye to standover and/or being able to get a long enough seatpost. Compared to my Inbred SS (L) and Canzo FS (L), this puts me on an XXL with no standover. Or if I get and a C-T seat tube almost the same as my existing bikes, and similar standover, I end up on a L with an inch shorter ETT. Given a stem around 100 (110 on Canzo, 95 on Inbred) and the extra reach of riding in the drops, this should work. Hmmmmm. @jimmythefly “Does the size Medium with it’s 57.5 cm top tube seem kinda long to anyone else?”

Just the opposite on sizing for me. I chose frames based on ETT with an eye to standover and/or being able to get a long enough seatpost.

Compared to my Inbred SS (L) and Canzo FS (L), this puts me on an XXL with no standover. Or if I get and a C-T seat tube almost the same as my existing bikes, and similar standover, I end up on a L with an inch shorter ETT. Given a stem around 100 (110 on Canzo, 95 on Inbred) and the extra reach of riding in the drops, this should work. Hmmmmm.

]]> By: jimmythefly http://twentynineinches.com/2008/09/04/salsa-cycles-fargo-29er-sneak-peek/comment-page-1/#comment-47124 jimmythefly Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:01:17 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/?p=1229#comment-47124 tourguy, an extra disc!? Seems extreme, but if you've actually been on tour and broken a disc and wished you had an extra I'd love to hear the story! I figure with discs even if you lose one brake the other one will be enough to get you to a shop, and 6" rotors are everywhere, at least here in the States. Since it comes up often, everyone should know about this: http://eehouse.org/fixin/formfmu.php Allows you to input chainstay length and if you want to use a half-link, and outputs chainring/cog combinations that work without a tensioner. Might not get you exactly what you want, but pretty neat for running internal hubs on a bike with vertical dropouts. Does the size Medium with it's 57.5 cm top tube seem kinda long to anyone else? tourguy, an extra disc!? Seems extreme, but if you’ve actually been on tour and broken a disc and wished you had an extra I’d love to hear the story! I figure with discs even if you lose one brake the other one will be enough to get you to a shop, and 6″ rotors are everywhere, at least here in the States.

Since it comes up often, everyone should know about this:

http://eehouse.org/fixin/formfmu.php

Allows you to input chainstay length and if you want to use a half-link, and outputs chainring/cog combinations that work without a tensioner. Might not get you exactly what you want, but pretty neat for running internal hubs on a bike with vertical dropouts.

Does the size Medium with it’s 57.5 cm top tube seem kinda long to anyone else?

]]> By: Guitar Ted http://twentynineinches.com/2008/09/04/salsa-cycles-fargo-29er-sneak-peek/comment-page-1/#comment-47070 Guitar Ted Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:53:02 +0000 http://twentynineinches.com/?p=1229#comment-47070 tourguy: Thanks for your comments. Here's my quick thoughts on your comments. EBB: Yeah, I hear you, but as for touring, there has been tons and tons of successful tours done on derailluered rigs and they are cheaper to set up for most folks piecing this together from a frame/fork. I do understand that Salsa cannot accommodate everyone's desires when it comes to a bike like this. I think it fits 90% of what most are looking for here though. Wheel size: In a pinch, you could run 26 inch disc wheels in this. Also, there are again many successful tours that have been done in really remote places on different wheel sizes. It's just a matter of acceptance of risk, as with any choices you make in regards to touring in remote areas. The bottle cages: Those are there not so much for tourists, but for adventure cyclists and racers in a weird category of ultra endurance racing that maybe you are not familiar with. Again, the Fargo is not "just an off road-able touring bike" Many are pigeon holing it that way, when in fact it isn't "just" that. It is a lot more than that, and believe it or not, a lot of folks are stoked that it has these mounts and will work for this new Adventuring category of cycling. tourguy: Thanks for your comments. Here’s my quick thoughts on your comments.

EBB: Yeah, I hear you, but as for touring, there has been tons and tons of successful tours done on derailluered rigs and they are cheaper to set up for most folks piecing this together from a frame/fork. I do understand that Salsa cannot accommodate everyone’s desires when it comes to a bike like this. I think it fits 90% of what most are looking for here though.

Wheel size: In a pinch, you could run 26 inch disc wheels in this. Also, there are again many successful tours that have been done in really remote places on different wheel sizes. It’s just a matter of acceptance of risk, as with any choices you make in regards to touring in remote areas.

The bottle cages: Those are there not so much for tourists, but for adventure cyclists and racers in a weird category of ultra endurance racing that maybe you are not familiar with. Again, the Fargo is not “just an off road-able touring bike” Many are pigeon holing it that way, when in fact it isn’t “just” that. It is a lot more than that, and believe it or not, a lot of folks are stoked that it has these mounts and will work for this new Adventuring category of cycling.

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