The Virtual Turkey Burn Challenge Bike

The Gen I Fargo circa 2021

Back in 2021 I did a Virtual Turkey Burn Ride Challenge and was originally thinking about using the Gen I Fargo. That did not happen and I used my "Gravel Bus", 2020 Twin Six Standard Rando instead. 

Fast forward to 2024 and I have been planning this ride again. I had been of the mind that I should use one of my bicycles that has been "neglected" for much of the year leading up to the VTBRC. This year that bike is the Gen I Fargo. 

This bike wasn't my first choice for the VTBRC. That honor went to my single speed Pofahl Signature bike. But the more I thought about it the more I felt like the Gen I Fargo was the right answer for this ride. I haven't been on enough longer rides, so I think I have not built up the sort of stamina I need to do a longer single speed ride with a high degree of success. The Fargo also has some deeper gears than many of my gravel bikes. Plus it has a bit more upright seated position, which may be a plus for the ride I have sketched out in my mind. 

However; it was a bit too upright, and to solve this issue I had moved the Redshift Sports ShockStop Stem down the steer tube and swapped the spacers to being above the stem. I still wasn't happy, so just this week I got around to flipping the stem to its negative rise option. This requires a reorientation of the internal parts.

A 'third hand' bungee cord

Correct orientation for the elastomers and holding bracket.

The elastomers in a Redshift stem must always be oriented 'on top' with the holding bracket on the bottom as you look at the stem from the front opening with the stem cap removed. So, if you want to 'flip' the stem you have to reorient the elastomers and bracket as well. Not a huge deal, but something that does take a bit more time to do over a simple, standard stem. 

The Fargo set up after the stem change.

So the swap did not radically change my seated position, but at least the hoods are at the saddle height now, which is what I prefer. Actually below the saddle height is better for me, but with the Fargo Gen I the only way I'm getting more slammed is by cutting down the head tube extension, and I am not going to do that!

So, there you go! Add a few bottles, maybe a saddle bag, (but probably not since I have the Kitchen Sink Bag on the bars), and I am ready. I may come up with a light mount to get around having the bag on the bars, but this will depend upon my ride timing. 

Okay! So, I have to do a test ride of this set up and then wait for the day to go. Stay tuned.