Salsa wants to repeat the 29" revolution with the new Fargo 32

Salsa is once again ahead of industry standards with the new Fargo 32, an evolution of its well-known adventure and bikepacking bike that becomes one of the first production models in this segment specifically developed for 32-inch wheels. A bet with which the brand aims to offer a bike capable of rolling faster over uneven terrain, maintaining speed better, and increasing stability on long-distance routes.

New Salsa Fargo 32: the iconic adventure bike debuts revolutionary 32-inch wheels

This is not the first time Salsa has anticipated trends. The American brand was one of the companies that most promoted 29-inch bikes when they still generated many doubts, and now it wants to repeat the move with an even larger wheel diameter, although clearly focused on a very specific use: more adventurous gravel and bikepacking.

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According to the brand, coinciding with the advantages we have already heard about this new size, the increase in diameter allows the wheel to more easily overcome stones, roots, and other obstacles, while improving traction and helping to maintain momentum once the bike is in motion. The goal is not to create a faster gravel bike in accelerations, but a bike that requires less effort to maintain a steady pace for hours on unpaved roads, paths, and non-technical trails.

A completely new Fargo

Although it maintains the philosophy that has made the Fargo a reference for bike travel, the new model is not a simple adaptation of the 29-inch version. Salsa claims that the frame has been developed from scratch around the new wheels, modifying the geometry and proportions to take advantage of its benefits without compromising the bike's handling.

One of the aspects that required the most work was offering a small size, Small. To achieve this, the engineers redesigned the front part of the frame to eliminate the usual overlap between the wheel and the chainstay, a common problem when increasing wheel diameter.

The geometry clearly favors stability, with a 67° head angle, a 75° seat tube, and chainstays of almost 482 mm, figures that aim to convey security when the bike is loaded with luggage or on particularly rough terrain.

Steel or titanium, but always ready to travel

The Fargo 32 will initially arrive as a frame kit in two versions. The first uses triple-butted Chromoly steel tubes, while the second opts for 3/2.5 titanium also with triple-butted for those looking to reduce weight and increase comfort.

In both cases, it is combined with a carbon fork equipped with Three-Pack mounts for carrying luggage and a huge number of anchor points spread throughout the frame. Depending on the size, it is possible to install up to three water bottles inside the main triangle, in addition to bags, racks, and specific accessories for multi-day trips.

Salsa has also opted to maintain simple and easy-to-repair mechanical solutions, such as a threaded 73 mm bottom bracket, compatibility with UDH dropout via the Alternator dropouts, Boost axles, and the possibility of mounting an 80 mm suspension fork for those who want to venture into even more demanding trails.

A new standard that needs to grow

Along with the bike, the ecosystem of components for this new wheel size is also beginning to take shape. Teravail will launch specific wheels, rims, and tires, while Maxxis already has compatible tires, although the offering remains very limited compared to the vast catalog available for 29 inches.

Precisely that will be one of the uncertainties that will accompany the Fargo 32 during its first years of life. Beyond the advantages that this new diameter promises, its success will depend on more and more manufacturers committing to developing compatible tires, wheels, and components.

The new Salsa Fargo 32 will be available as a steel frame kit for $1,799, while the titanium version will be priced at $3,499. With it, Salsa once again demonstrates that it is willing to explore new paths within adventure cycling, even when that means questioning one of the most established standards in the industry.