Salsa Cycles has launched Fargo 32 framesets, the sixth generation of their steel and titanium drop-bar bikepacking bike. Salsa has redesigned the platform to fit 32-inch wheels in a full size range from Small to X-Large.
The size Small is a first for 32-inch bikes, fitting riders down to 5′2″. Salsa Engineer Allison Schmitz led the design of the Fargo 32 frame, and she appreciates that it brings the experience of 32-inch wheels to riders of more sizes. “With the Fargo 32, I can ride on my favorite trails but also peel off onto the singletrack with confidence and excitement. This bike glides down flowy sections and propels up short punchy, gravelly hills. It excels on different terrain and new adventures,” she said.
First launched in 2009, Fargo is designed for riding or racing bikepacking routes like the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Its drop-bar mountain bike geometry, large tire fit, and cargo mounts make it comfortable for all-day riding on mixed terrain even while fully loaded with gear.
“Getting to work on the Fargo 32 project has sparked serious nostalgia,” said Salsa Product Manager Joe Meiser. “I was on the team that developed the first Fargo, and it was serendipitous to once again be on the development team for this sixth generation. Right away I noticed the longer wheelbase, slacker head tube angle and longer chainstays on the Fargo 32. The bike is super stable and holds speed incredibly well.”
Why Fargo 32?
Fargo offers every option imaginable when it comes to drivetrain, wheels and tires, and cargo – no Adventure by Bike is off-limits. Fargo’s drop-bar MTB geometry combined with the comfort and durability of steel or titanium frames make it a trusty companion for rides to postcard-worthy places.
Why 32″ Wheels?
32” wheels expand Fargo’s already legendary capability. Compared to smaller wheel sizes, 32” wheels have higher angular momentum and a lower angle of attack, meaning they roll faster and farther under the same amount of power. Larger wheels also create a larger contact patch, improving cornering traction and allowing for lower tire pressure. These attributes all add up to make 32” wheels faster and smoother on all types of gravel.
Fit & Handling
Fargo thrives on mixed surfaces, rolling everything from singletrack and doubletrack to gravel and the occasional paved road with comfort and control. Fargo’s stable geometry means predictable handling with or without a load on mixed surfaces.
- Four sizes (SM, MD, LG, XL)
- Drop-bar 32” bikepacking geometry for capability and comfort
- Multi-Fit geometry prioritizes drop-bar fit with short stems, allowing for easier adaptation to flat-bar fit
- Effective top tube lengths are adjusted for a +/- 25 degree 60mm stem for most riders
- Longer effective top tubes increase front center stability, eliminate toe overlap and allow for 70-100mm stems with flat bars
- 67-degree head tube angle and 75-degree seat tube angle
- 482mm chainstay length (with Alternator dropouts in rear-most position)
Frame & Fork Details
- Triple-butted chromoly steel or 3/2.5 seamless triple-butted titanium frame
- Carbon fiber fork (505mm long, 51mm offset with Three-Pack mounts)
- Clearance for up to 32 x 2.4” tires
- 110mm Boost front and 148mm Boost rear spacing
- 142mm thru-axle and 135mm quick-release rear spacing possible with Salsa Alternator Reduction plates
- Alternator 1.0 dropouts with Alternator UDH Flat Mount plates
- SRAM UDH compatible
- Fixed-position
- 465–482mm adjustable dropout plates and compatible axle available aftermarket
- ZS44/EC44 headset
- Suspension corrected for 80mm travel forks
- Compatible with internally routed 27.2mm dropper post
- Threaded 73mm bottom bracket
On-Bike Cargo
- One Three-Pack mount on each fork leg
- Front low-rider rack mount
- Compatible with Salsa Alternator Plus Rack with NEW lift kit for 32″ wheels
- Bottle mounts in main triangle
- One on SM frames
- Two on MD frames
- Three on LG and XL frames
- Accessory mount on underside of downtube
Who’s it for?
Fargo 32 is for wanderers who don’t always know where they’re headed, so they prepare for everything. With the capability of 32″ wheels, the comfort of steel or titanium, stable handling, and serious adaptability, Fargo is made to go as far your curiosity (or legs) can take you.
Fargo Titanium Frame
Fargo 32 is our drop bar bikepacking bike with 32” wheels, originally inspired by big routes like the Great Divide. 32” wheels enhance mixed-surface freedom and long, self-supported Adventure by Bike.
Fargo Steel Frame
Fargo 32 is our drop bar bikepacking bike with 32” wheels, originally inspired by big routes like the Great Divide. 32” wheels enhance mixed-surface freedom and long, self-supported Adventure by Bike.
Fargo 32 Steel framesets are available now at Salsa retailers and SalsaCycles.com, with Titanium framesets arriving this fall.