• Salsa Fargo Steel Frameset black color side view
  • Salsa Fargo Steel Frameset black color headtube area focus
  • Salsa Fargo Steel Frameset black color top tube and seat tube area focus
  • Salsa Fargo Steel Frameset black color bottom bracket area focus
  • Salsa Fargo Steel Frameset black color rear dropout area focus
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2019 Fargo Steel Frameset

2019 Fargo Steel Frameset

Archived

Fargo is our original drop bar mountain bike. A bit of a cult classic, it’s designed for mixed surface riders and bikepackers who want the versatility to take any route and the capability to carry everything needed when they’re out for days on end.

This is an archived bike model. Explore the current range of Salsa bikes here.

Warning for Residents of California

⚠️ WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

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Product Details

Build Kit

  • Frame: Fargo Triple Butted CroMoly
  • Fork: Firestarter 110 Deluxe
  • Color: Black
  • Rear Shock: N/A
  • Headset: Cane Creek 40
  • Front Wheel: Deadbolt UL included
  • Rear Wheel: Deadbolt UL included
  • Frameset Weight: TBD

Frame Specs

  • Design Wheel/ Tire Size: 29 x 2.4"
  • Alternative Wheel/ Tire Size: 27.5 x 3.0", 29 x 2.4" w/ fender (29 x 3.0" only compatible on SM–XL frame sizes)
  • Suspension Fork Length (Travel): 501–511mm (100mm)
  • Rigid Fork Length: 483–486mm
  • Fork Offset: 45–51mm
  • Headset-Upper: ZS44
  • Headset-Lower: EC44
  • Seatpost: 27.2mm
  • Seat Collar: Steel: 30mm / Ti: 32mm
  • Front Derailleur Mount: 148mm rear spaced: high direct mount (29mm offset) Problem Solvers Bracket (FS1328) / 142mm rear spaced: high direct mount (26.5mm offset) via 28.6mm clamp Problem Solvers Bracket (FS1326)
  • Bottom Bracket: 73mm BSA, threaded
  • Crankset (Max Ring): 1x crankset: 36t max Boost & 34t non-Boost or 46t Gates Belt Drive Sprocket, 2x crankset: 42/28t max Boost & Non-Boost
  • Rear Brake, (Rotor): 51mm I.S. (160–180mm)
  • Rear Spacing: 148 or 142mm thru-axle / 135mm QR w/ Alternator reduction plates
  • Rear Axle Size: 148mm rear spaced: 12 x 180L, TP = 1.5**, TL = 20 / 142mm rear spaced: 12 x 174L, TP = 1.5**, TL = 20 / 135mm rear spaced: quick release / 142 & 135mm spacing require the use of Salsa Alternator Reduction plates (FS2360) **Pre-2022 Fargo models use Alternator plates and thru-axles with 1.75 TP (thread pitch). Both 1.5 and 1.75 TP plates are compatible with the Fargo frame. Ensure TP of plate and axle match before installing.
  • Derailleur Hanger: QR = FS1312; TA = FS1385 (1.75TP with fender mount); SS = FS1318; SSTA = FS1375; L Rohloff = FS1371
  • Fender Mounts: Yes
  • Rack Mounts: Yes
  • Bottle Mounts: XS = 2, SM–XL = 3
  • Stem Clamp: 28.6mm
  • Crown Race: 40mm
  • Front Brake (Rotor): 74mm post mount (160–180mm)
  • Front Spacing: 110 x 15mm thru-axle
  • Front Axle: ø15 x 135, TP=1.5, TL=12
  • Bottle Mounts: 4 (3-Pack config)

Geometry

Geometry Diagram
Size XS SM MD LG XL
A. Effective Top Tube 520 540 565 590 620
B. Stand Over 690 732 778 821 859
C. Reach 350 364 368 385 409
D. Stack 594 615 643 671 690
E. Total Seat Tube Length 355.6 406.4 457.2 508 558.8
F. Headtube Length 90 110 140 170 190
G. Headtube Angle 68.5 69 69 69 69
H. Seat Tube Angle 74 74 73 73 73
I. BB Drop 70 70 70 70 70
K. Chainstay Length 445–462 445–462 445–462 445–462 445–462
L. Fork Length Axle to Crown 480 480 480 480 480
M. Fork Offset 51 51 51 51 51
N. Wheelbase 1050–1067 1067–1084 1083–1100 1110–1127 1141–1158
Crank Arm Length 170 170 175 175 175
Handlebar Width 42cm 44cm 44cm 46cm 46cm
Recommended Rider Height 150cm–160cm 160cm–175cm 173cm–183cm 180cm–191cm 188cm–UP
Stem Length 60 70 70 80 80

Measurements based on:

  • A Salsa Firestarter Carbon fork which is equivalent to an average 100mm fork at 20% sag
  • A 29 x 2.25" tire measuring 746mm in diameter
  • Standover (P) measured vertically to top of toptube from a position 50mm forward of BB center

Supportive Documents

Support Document links

Additional Features

Triple Butted CroMoly Tubeset

Salsa-designed, triple-butted, and frame size-specific seamless CroMoly tubing

Firestarter 110 Deluxe Fork

The most full-featured high modulus carbon bikepacking fork available. Tapered 1-1/8" to 1-1/2" steerer tube. 180mm maximum rotor size. 27.5 x 2.8–3.0" or 29 x 2.2–3.0" tire capable. Four set of Three-Pack mounts offer incredible load carrying possibilities. Mid-blade mounts for low rider racks. Internal routing for 110 Boost dynamo hubs. Fender mounts (compatible with 29 x 2.2" tire maximum)

Fargo Geometry

Designed as a drop bar mountain bike, optimized for fit with the Salsa Woodchipper or Cowchipper handlebars. Capable of handling everything from technical singletrack trails, two-track, gravel, and the occasional paved road. Predictable handling with or without a load. The bike to ride for multiple-surface excursions

Alternator Dropouts V1.5

Split-able version of our renowned Alternator Dropout for ultimate drivetrain versatility. Run singlespeed or geared, QR or thru-axle, freehub or Rohloff, or Gates Belt Drive. Set Alternator Dropouts all the way forward for a shorter wheelbase that results in quick and nimble handling or set back for more stability. See our Alternator Page for more info

Belt Drive Compatible

Tested and certified for belt drive use

Multiple Wheelsize Versatility

Fargo geometry and spacing can accommodate 275+, 29:, and, on sizes small to x-large, 29+ making for a highly capable bike that’s ready for just about any endeavor

Rear Rack Friendly

Designed for use with the Salsa Alternator Standard Rack

FAQ

Can I run 27.5+ rims and tires on this frameset?

Yes, you can. To maintain appropriate geometry we recommend using 27.5 x 3.0" tires.

Can I run 27.5” (650b) rims and tires on this frameset?

No, you cannot. That wheel size is significantly smaller than the 29er wheels the bike is designed for.

Can I run 29+ rims and tires on this frameset?

Yes, on sizes Small through X-Large. 29+ is not possible on size X-Small due to toe overlap.

Can I run flat bars on my Fargo?

Yes, but it is important to keep in mind that the Fargo is designed specifically as a drop bar mountain bike. Switching to a flat bar essentially results in a very short toptube length, compared to how a traditional flat bar mountain bike would be designed.

Can I use a suspension fork on this frame?

Yes, this frame was designed and tested for use with a suspension fork with an axle-to-crown length up to 511mm (typically 100mm of travel). Check the fork manufacturer's specifications to ensure the model and travel combination you intend to use is equal to or less than this length. Using a longer length fork will void the frame warranty and could result in frame failure. Forks with 45mm offset are recommended, but 51mm offset is also acceptable (decreases mechanical trail by 6mm).

How do I take care of the Alternator dropouts?

Periodically, we recommend that you remove the bolts and clean the dirt and grime off the hardware and the frame surfaces. Then, lightly re-grease the threaded parts and re-assemble.

Do you offer touch-up paint?

No, we do not offer touch up paint. Hobby shops or automotive stores are excellent places to find paint. We suggest you test the paint on a scrap piece of metal before using it on your frame.

I crashed and dented (or cracked) my frame. Is it safe to ride?

Stop riding your frame immediately and take it to the nearest Salsa authorized dealer for inspection. A dented or cracked tube represents a structural weakening of the frame, and is a safety risk.

What is the warranty for this bike?

View <a href="http://salsacycles.com/support/warranty" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warranty</a>

Warranty Information

All Salsa products are warranted against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship from the date of retail purchase of the product, subject to the limitations detailed below.

Review Warranty Info