• Salsa Fargo steel frameset black on white background
  • Salsa Fargo steel frameset close-up of front end, headtube, top tube, down tube, and fork crown
  • Salsa Fargo steel frameset close-up of seat tube, top tube, and seat stays on white background
  • Salsa Fargo steel frameset close-up of seat stay, chain stay, and dropouts with thru-axle on whiie background
  • Salsa Fargo steel frameset close-up of seat tube, top tube, seat stays looking from front to back
  • Salsa Fargo steel frameset close-up of seat tube, down tube, bottom bracket, and chainstay junction
1 6

Fargo Steel Frameset

Fargo Steel Frameset

$999.00 USD
$999.00 USD $999.00 USD
Size

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. The Fargo frameset is a feature-rich platform that lets you build your dream machine from the ground up — where will it take you?

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.

View full details

Bike Key Features

1 2

Product Details

Build Kit

Frameset

Frame

Fargo Triple Butted CroMoly

Color

Black

Fork

Firestarter 110 Deluxe

Rear Shock

N/A

Components

Headset

Cane Creek 40

Drivetrain

Wheels

Front Axle

Deadbolt UL included

Rear Axle

Deadbolt UL included

Geometry

Geometry Diagram
SizeX-SmallSmallMediumLargeX-Large
A. Effective Top Tube 520.0 540.0 565.0 590.0 620.0
B. Stand Over 690.0 732.0 778.0 821.0 859.0
C. Reach 350.0 364.0 368.0 385.0 409.0
D. Stack 594.0 615.0 643.0 671.0 690.0
E. Total Seat Tube Length 355.6 406.4 457.2 508.0 558.8
F. Headtube Length 90.0 110.0 140.0 170.0 190.0
G. Headtube Angle
68.5
69.0
69.0
69.0
69.0
H. Seat Tube Angle
74.0
74.0
73.0
73.0
73.0
I. BB Drop 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0 70.0
J. BB Height 303.0 303.0 303.0 303.0 303.0
K. Chainstay Length 445.0- 462.0 445.0- 462.0 445.0- 462.0 445.0- 462.0 445.0- 462.0
L. Fork Length Axle to Crown 480.0 480.0 480.0 480.0 480.0
M. Fork Offset 51.0 51.0 51.0 51.0 51.0
N. Wheelbase 1050.0- 1067.0 1067.0- 1084.0 1083.0- 1100.0 1110.0- 1127.0 1141.0- 1158.0
Crank Arm Length 170.0 170.0 175.0 175.0 175.0
Handlebar Width 42.0 44.0 44.0 46.0 46.0
Recommended Rider Height 150.0 - 160.0 160.0 - 175.0 173.0 - 183.0 180.0 - 191.0 188.0
Stem Length 60.0 70.0 70.0 80.0 80.0

Measurements based on:

  • A Firestarter Deluxe Fork which is 480 x 51 mm offset, this is equivalent to an average 100mm fork at 20% sag.
  • Measurements listed are based on a 29 x 2.4" tire measuring 746 mm in diameter.
  • Standover (P) for all sizes is measured vertically to top of toptube from a position 50mm forward of BB center.

Frame Specs

  • Design Wheel/Tire Sizes 29 x 2.4"
  • Alternate Wheel/Tire Sizes 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
  • 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.
  • Front Brake (Rotor) 74mm post mount (160–180mm)
  • Headset - Upper ZS44
  • Headset - Lower EC44
  • Front Spacing 110 x 15mm thru-axle
  • Front Axle Size ø15 x 135, TP=1.5, TL=12
  • Crown Race 40mm
  • Stem Clamp 28.6mm
  • Seatpost 27.2mm
  • Seatpost Clamp Steel: 30mm / Ti: 32mm
  • Front Derailleur Clamp 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)
  • Derailluer Hanger QR = FS1312; TA = FS1385 (1.75TP with fender mount); SS = FS1318; SSTA = FS1375; L Rohloff = FS1371
  • 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
  • Accessory Mounts Rack Mounts
  • Bottle Mounts 4 (3-Pack config)
  • Front Fender Mounts Yes
  • Rear Fender Mounts Yes

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

Light, tough, and ultra-versatile, this is our carbon fork for all-terrain riding. Two sets of Three-Pack mounts on each fork leg give you room for extra water or Anything Cages, and mid-blade mounts accommodate low rider racks. Firestarter fits a wide range of tire sizes, from 27.5 x 2.8–3.0" to 29 x 2.2–3.0"

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

29 x 2.2” Wheel/Tire Spec

This wheel and tire size rolls fast, keeps weight down and offers excellent maneuverability

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 Plus Rack 135/142/148

Designed for use with the Salsa Alternator Plus Rack 135/142/148

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 Warranty

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