Bikes Of 2025: Salsa Cycles Fargo (Gen I)

 It's another end-of-year period on the blog. You know what that means? Yep! Another round of my bikes I used in 2025. This round-up will not include some of the bikes I did not use this year much, or at all. I focus only on the bikes that played a big role in my riding during this year.  As always, any changes or future plans for any bike I feature will also be detailed. I hope that you enjoy this year's round-up.

This bicycle might be the most recognizable bike I have. Most folks know well what it looks like and what this bike has meant to me over the years.. I received this bike in late 2008 as a gift of sorts. Ostensibly I was only to have been riding it for a demo, but ....... Well, you had to be there, I guess. Anyway, this bike means a lot to me because of the person behind it, who had the idea for the bike, and essentially was the one who coined the term, "Adventure by Bike;". Well, if it wasn't Jason Boucher who coined the term, he certainly was a big proponent of the saying and the ideal behind the saying. 

I have encouraged Jason to tell his story about the Fargo for years, and he has teased us with a few details, but maybe one day we'll get the full enchilada. Maybe......

I use the Fargo for occasions which I am going to be finding myself in territory I am unfamiliar with. Why? Because the Fargo is like a horse which doesn't let its rider fall off under any circumstances. I have bonded with the bike since day one. I trust the bike, it is very comfortable and capable, and I reach for it every time I feel anxious about a ride. 

The Fargo Gen I has also been a bike I have had very meaningful rides on throughout the years. So, it was the only choice for the Ride For Jacob this past August. I just could not imagine using any other bike for that ride on that particular day. 

Not surprisingly, there is not much left on the Fargo which was on the bike when I received it 18 years ago. There is the head set. I know I have not touched that part. Then maybe the rear and front derailleurs are original to the bike. I think that is all. 

As far as changing anything in the near future goes, well I would like a premium wheel set for it. Something with carbon rims, nice hubs, and sturdy spokes. But it doesn't have to have those things. I just need to ride the Fargo more. And the plan is to do just that. 

This will be the bike which goes with me to the Flint Hills in April for the L.O.G. Ride. I hear Wabaunsee County is pretty rough, and this is right up the Fargo's alley. I will likely be doing some training rides previous to going on the trip on the Fargo as well. Then, I don't know. I'm sure something will come up like the next Ride For Jacob, whenever that happens in 2026.