Fargo Size Question

[bmike-vt]

I've asked over in the long thread on MTBR and I've emailed Salsa, no bites yet.

I'm wondering if someone with a medium frame can tell me if a saddle top of 73-74cm from center of BB will work with tops of bars level or below saddle.
I'm hoping to build a dirt road / gravel / endurance bike - and for most uses would prefer a more road or cross setup. The plan is to be able to flip the stem if / when needed and set it up for single track, etc. So I want to be sure I have the option to get the bars low enough, if needed.

(2011 frame preferably, but the data on last years model will help if I find an eBay frame)

[jhl99]

Do you intend on using flat bars for single track or always use drop bars?

I considered a Fargo, but wanted to use flat bars... I did a CAD layout of my current mountain bike and compared it to the Fargo geometry and determined that the frame geometry for a drop bar frame does not lend itself to a decent setup for flat bars.  I think I had the same result with the Long Haul Trucker (26" wheel).  I'll take a look and see what size Fargo I drew up.

I'm not wise enough to understand why a single handlebar position isn't good enough for all intended uses.... what has me perplexed is why the ST location would be lower than the road position.... but it is a personal preference, so it is what it is 

[bmike-vt]

Woodchippers / drops only... I went through this exercise with my Soma Juice SS - I thought I wanted a small to get the right ETT length for a cross / drop setup - but then looking at putting a flat bar on it would have me on a really long stem... so I got the M and will not put drops on it.

I want a higher drop bar position for single track. Lower for road / gravel / dirt road - similar to my randonneuring bike... so I want to make sure that the frame will allow a level or slightly lower position at a minimum. Going up is easier... as the head tube isn't in the way.

[LiMoDad]

Mike,

I'm just a simple caveman lawyer and don't understand your modern ways but you are more than welcome to take my Fargo for a couple weeks. I'm skiing till the snows gone.  Congrats! on your recent news

[bmike-vt]

Really?

I'll dig out your email. I'm doing a 200k brevet this weekend.
Maybe we can work out a test ride next week sometime...

And thanks... Daddy^2!

[LiMoDad]

Sent you PM

[jhl99]

I'd take up Fat H's offer.

I drew up the large size, and it looks suspect... for what the spec for standover..
Yellow line is the 29.1 from center of BB.



Here is how it stacked up against my reference 26" frame.