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| Singular Gryphon Mk3 |
The Fargo Gen I is a unique bicycle in that it was likely the first 29"er which was developed strictly as a drop bar adventure bicycle. The Gryphon Mk1, was developed concurrently with the Fargo Gen I, but totally independently, and with a slightly different mission in mind than the Fargo Gen I had. The Mk3 is actually more akin, in terms of what the design is for, to the Gen I Fargo, so I feel as thought the comparison is an apt one.
I will also say there are more bicycles like the Gen I Fargo now than there ever have been which are available. The Tumbleweed Stargazer comes to mind here. Moots just announced a bike like this. Ridley Bikes has a model like this. Mason Cycles has something like this as well. But I haven't ridden those bikes, nor have I even seen them, so I am sticking to the Singular and the Fargo.
Similarities:
Obviously both of these bicycles are designed for drop bars and 29"er wheels. So, without further commentary on those things, I'll move on to other, less obvious similarities.
Both bikes are meant for adventure, not racing. While it is possible to race on these bikes, and I've raced the Gen I Fargo plenty of times, this is not the design intent for either bike. This manifests itself in more comfortable riding positioning, many accessory mounts, longer wheel bases (primarily in the chain stays), and in the stouter tubing choices. They are both "mountain bikes" in that they were tested and designed with passing the certifications for mountain bikes at the time either was made. In other words, neither bike is a fragile object needing particularly delicate handling. No, either of these bikes is up to a bit of bushwhacking, rougher trail, and inclement weather with difficult conditions.
Both bicycles were available as frame sets, with the Singular being available as a frame set only unless you set something up with Singular's newer USA partner. The Gen I Fargo was available as a complete as well. Both bikes are not designed for front suspension forks. While one could stick one on, you'd be doing a great disservice to yourself and the bike. I wouldn't recommend this at all.
Differences:
The obvious things here relate to the advancements made in standards, drive train fads, and details. First, the Fargo was always triple chain set compatible in the beginning. The Singular is not. (But wait! You've got one on there!) Yes..... Moving on.... The Singular has through axles and the Fargo Gen I has quick release wheels. The Fargo also, being made in steel and from a traditionalists standpoint, has no removable derailleur hangar. The Singular has a removable derailleur hangar. Finally, the Singular is single speed compatible with the eccentric bottom bracket. Gen I Fargo's were not single speed capable.
What I Like About The Fargo Gen I:
First and foremost, it is all about the way I fit this bicycle. From the first moment I threw a leg over this bike I felt like I was "home". I've set up other newer bicycles I have obtained since then based off this bike. So fit is number one on this list of likes. Then there is the ride quality and handling. I like the way this bike handles rough roads. One thing about this bike: You have to drive it through the front wheel to make it steer in single track, or on gravel. I was told once that the Fargo Gen I likes being steered like a motorcycle. Since I haven't ridden a motorcycle in 40 plus years, I'll have to take their word on this point. But once you understand this about a Gen I Fargo, things go a lot more smoothly. Finally, I like the triple compatible drive train capability and the drop outs. Yes- quick release drop outs! The front ones are stainless steel and both are impeccably made. This and their detail make the Gen I Fargo seem almost like custom bikes.
What I Do Not Like About A Gen I Fargo:
Probably wheel clearance. While I now have 29" X 2.5" Surly Extraterrestrial's on there now, usually most anything bigger than 2.4" won't fit, and especially on wider rims. Then the non-single speed thing bugs me too. I've been on a ride where a Fargo derailleur mount got mangled and we had to push the rider back to the car, about five plus miles, maybe more. (Remember that Ben?) So, had the Fargo been equipped with a single speed capability in its first generations, this would have been a non-issue. Other than this? Not much bugs me about this bike.
What I Like About The Singular Cycles Gryphon Mk3:
This version of the Gryphon is a beefed up version over their previous Mk 1 (which I had at one time,) and Mk2 versions. It can handle big loads, and this is good if you bike pack. (I'd like to, but haven't found the right time and venue yet) The bike has a longer front center than a Fargo Gen I, so it drives through corners more like a modern MTB, and no weight-shifting is really required here. I LOVE the 29" X 2.8"/3.0" tire clearances. The geometry is really good as well. very stable but yet not like a wheel barrow. I LOVE the single speed capability, and yes - I even like the eccentric bottom bracket. So there!
What I Do Not Like About The Singular Cycles Gryphon Mk3:
The 1X drive train restriction isn't my cup of tea, so I found a way around it. (HA!) I wish this bike could be set up natively with this option, though, it doesn't matter to me anymore. Hmm.... I think this about covers it for anything major.
Final Words:
No question, I really like both of these bikes. I like that they have no suspension compatibility, which keeps the height of the front end in check. I know this isn't a thing for many riders who seem to want their handle bars really high, but I do not need nor do I want this from my bicycles. Some people like modern Fargos for this very reason.
I don't really care about the axle differences. Salsa designed the drop outs so well on the Fargo Gen I that they are a joy to work with. Drop out design and execution matters. A LOT. Most bicycles have really crappy drop outs, if we're being honest, and this is partially to blame for why through axles are seen as being "better". No ding on through axles. I like them, but not having through axles can be okay too.
A fair question would be: "If the Gen I Fargo could have handled 29" X 3.0" tires, would you still have gotten a Singular Gryphon Mk3?" Assuming the 29" X 3.0" tire was around in 2008, yes, I would have stuck with my Fargo. However; the Fargo Gen I predated the 3.0" 29"er tire by about five years, so it was never going to be a thing then. When the Fargo changed in 2011, and became suspension corrected, I got one, and it could handle 27.5" X 2.8" tires easily, but it was too close to being what I had in a Fargo Gen I, and I did not like the 27.5" diameter enough to hang on to my Gen 2 bike. By the time Fargos could handle 29" X 3.0" tires, the geometry was so different I was not interested anymore. This made the Singular much more amenable to me when it came out two years ago.
So, I like both bikes and both serve me in different ways. I hope this was interesting for you if you made it this far. Thanks for reading Guitar Ted Productions.
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