Brixton Builds: Salsa Fargo Apex 1x

May 23 2023 – Brixton Cycles

Salsa are synonymous with everything off-road, having been at the forefront of the scene since their inception in the 80s. One look at the lineup for events like the Tour Divide will tell you all you need to know, with the Fargo and the Cutthroat (Fargo’s carbon cousin!) being favoured by an impressively high proportion of participants.

We recently took delivery of the Fargo in a rather resplendent Dark Teal paint job, complete with a 1x SRAM Apex grouppo and carefully selected components ready for some muddy fun! Let’s take a closer look at the build and find out what all the fuss is about:

Frameset

Let's start with the heart and soul of the Fargo, its frameset. Using their tried-and-tested triple-butted CroMoly steel, Salsa’s signature ride quality shines through. Sturdy and reliable, the Fargo can handle whatever the trail throws at it, with the Dark Teal colourway adding a touch of class – a real head-turner on the trails!

Drivetrain & Brakes

Salsa aren’t strangers to equipping bikes for maximum off-road performance – when it comes to the drivetrain, SRAM’s Apex 1x is their weapon of choice. Fast, reliable and consistent shifting, combined with the simplicity and efficiency of a 1x setup makes the Fargo ideal for any off-road adventure. Conquering steep climbs? The 11-42t cassette provides more than enough range for any incline, and with the Truvative Stylo crankset and 32t chainring combo, straight-line speed hasn’t been sacrificed.

A bike as capable as the Fargo needs reliable stopping power, and Salsa has got you covered with the TRP Spyre-C brakes. These mechanical disc brakes, paired with 160mm rotors, provide consistent and confident braking performance in all conditions, whether you're flying down a muddy trail or cruising along gravel paths!

Finishing Kit

Custom stems are where Salsa made their start, so it’s only right that the finishing kit comprises of their high-quality components. Comfort and control are paramount when it comes to any bike, which is why the Fargo comes equipped with their Salsa Guide stem, holding the fan-favourite Cowchipper handlebar securely in place. With its unique flare the Cowchipper is a great choice for long off-road adventures, maximising control with a relaxed yet efficient hand position for those big days out.

Comfy contact points are key, hence the choice of the WTB Volt saddle to ensure a happy bottom! It would’ve been rude to not include the Salsa cork bar tape as the final finishing touch – not only does it look the part, but it’s also super comfortable.

Wheels & Tyres

No adventure bike is complete without a solid set of wheels, and the WTB 29er wheels are the perfect match for the Fargo. With 32 spokes, these wheels are built to handle rough terrain and provide stability and strength. Pair these with the Teravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2" tyres (BC approved!), and you've got yourself a winning combination. Durable and tubeless-ready, these tires offer excellent traction, allowing you to confidently tackle any trail or road surface you come across.