The 29 x 2.2″ tires are fat tires with wide enough tread, and I was convinced by the strong grip they produced no matter how bad the road conditions were.
Teravail Sparwood, vacuum tires are known for their remarkable durability. “Tougher and more durable” is what Salsa has always demanded from its products. Tough enough to run over gravel without the risk of puncturing the tire. In addition, the tremendous convex pattern on the surface of the tire can ensure a strong braking force and grip when necessary, fully guaranteeing the absolute stability of the rider in the process of riding.
Salsa Fargo Apex Version 1 Iteration In the previous article, we have thoroughly and reliably reviewed the performance of the various components of the 2021 Salsa Fargo Apex 1. But to make your choice even easier, we’ve done a fair and unbiased review of the other versions of the Salsa Fargo Apex 1 and compared them to the 2021 Salsa Fargo accordingly.
2020 Salsa Fargo Apex 1 Compared to the 2021 Salsa Fargo, the 2020 Salsa Fargo has a price advantage. Although the 2021 Salsa Fargo uses many components that carry over from the 2020 Salsa Fargo: the same size brand of Teravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″, durable vacuum tires, and TRP Spyre-C mechanical disc brakes.
However, the 2021 Salsa Fargo does make considerable upgrades from the 2020 Salsa Fargo, specifically by changing the 2020 Salsa Fargo’s body frame from Fargo Triple Butted CroMoly to the more corrosion-resistant and stronger Fargo Triple-butted CroMoly Steel and upgrading the shock fork from Firestarter 110 to Firestarter Carbon 110, etc.
The upgrade of the fork also reduces the weight of the body while providing better shock absorption. The 2021 Salsa Fargo also upgraded the cranks of the Stylo 6K Eagle DUB to Truvativ Stylo 6K DUB, a change that greatly improves riding comfort.
Overall, the 2021 Salsa Fargo has enough changes and upgrades to match its price. If you have a bigger budget, then the 2021 Salsa Fargo is a better choice for you.
2019 Salsa Fargo Apex 1 There is not much difference in price between 2019 Salsa Fargo and 2021 Salsa Fargo, both continue Salsa’s fine craftsmanship as usual. Apart from having the same 1×11-Speed conventional system and almost identical geometry data and other constructions, there are still many differences between 2019 Salsa Fargo and 2021 Salsa Fargo on some important components.
First off, the 2019 Salsa Fargo’s body frame and damping forks are carbon, while the 2021 Salsa Fargo uses Fargo Triple-butted CroMoly steel hydraulic disc brake, while the 2021 Salsa Fargo has the easier-to-maintain TRP Spyre-C mechanical disc brake. In addition, the 2019 Salsa Fargo has Maxxis Ikon 2.6″, 60 TPI/EXO/TR puncture-resistant durable tires, while the 2021 Salsa Fargo has lighter Teravail Sparwood durable vacuum tires.
The 2019 Salsa Fargo’s configuration makes it difficult to avoid the heavier weight, while the 2021 Salsa Fargo performs better in this regard. If you are not so concerned about the impact of weight, then the 2019 Salsa Fargo will also be a good choice for you.
What we like about it Rugged, corrosion-resistant Fargo Triple-butted CroMoly Steel frame for longer life Simple and easy to operate 1×11 variable speed system, more friendly to novices. Simple to maintain mechanical disc brake. More in line with the geometry of the human body structure, to bring you a more comfortable riding experience. A large-capacity cargo holder can be installed for outdoor travel. What don’t we like about it There may be some consumers who feel that the mechanical disc braking method is not enough with a sense of technology. Not enough paint color options. FAQ sWhat is the tire size of the 2021 Salsa Fargo Apex 1?
The tire size for the 2021 Salsa Fargo Apex 1 is 29 x 2.2″.
What is the drivetrain of the 2021 Salsa Fargo Apex 1?
The 2021 Salsa Fargo Apex 1 has a 1×11 drivetrain.
What are the brakes on the 2021 Salsa Fargo Apex 1?
The 2021 Salsa Fargo Apex 1 has TRP Spyre-C mechanical disc brakes for the tire size.
How do I choose the size of the Salsa Fargo Apex 1?
Size Rider height XS 150- 161cm SM 159 – 175cm M/D 173 – 183cm LG 180 – 191cm XL 188cm+
Salsa Fargo Apex 1 Specs
2019 Salsa Fargo Apex 1 2020 Salsa Fargo Apex 1 2021 Salsa Fargo Apex 1 Frame FargoBB Standard: BSA, 73mm, ThreadedColor: Olive Fargo Triple Butted CroMolyBB Standard: BSA, 73mm, ThreadedColor: Red Fargo Triple-butted CroMoly Steel BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Color: Green Fork Firestarter 110 Deluxe Firestarter 110 Firestarter Carbon 110 Rear Shock N/A N/A N/A Bottom Bracket 73mm BSA, threaded 73mm BSA, threaded 73mm BSA, threaded Headset Cane Creek 40 Cane Creek 40 Cane Creek 40 Stem Salsa Guide Salsa Guide Salsa Guide Handlebar Salsa Woodchipper Deluxe Salsa Woodchipper Salsa Cowchipper Saddle WTB Volt Comp WTB Volt Comp WTB Volt Steel SL Medium Seatpost Salsa Guide Deluxe, 18mm offset Salsa Guide Salsa Guide Grips Salsa Gel Cork Bar Tape Salsa Gel Cork Bar Tape Salsa Gel Cork Bar Tape Rear Derailleur SRAM Apex 1 SRAM Apex 1 SRAM Apex 1 Front Derailleur N/A n/a N/A Crank SRAM Stylo 6K Eagle DUB, 32t Stylo 6K Eagle DUB, 32t Truvativ Stylo 6K DUB, 32t Shifters SRAM Apex 1 HRD SRAM Apex 1 SRAM Apex 1 Cassette SRAM PG 1130, 11-42t SRAM PG 1130, 11-42t SRAM PG-1130, 11-42t, 11-speed Chain SRAM PC 1110 SRAM PC 1110 SRAM PC-1110 Brakes SRAM Apex 1 HRD, 160mm rotors TRP Spyre-C, 160mm TRP Spyre-C (160 mm rotors) Rims SUNringlé S.R.C. 15 x 110mm, Düroc 30 WTB Serra Hubs 15 x 110 mm, WTB ST i25 TCS 2.0, 32h WTB Serra 15 x 110 mm hub, WTB ST i25 TCS 2.0 32h 29″ rim Tires Maxxis Ikon 2.6″, 60 TPI/EXO/TR Teravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″ Durable, Tubeless Ready Teravail Sparwood 29 x 2.2″, Durable, Tubeless-Ready Disk Rotors 74mm post mount (160-180mm) 74mm post mount (160-180mm) TRP Spyre-C (160 mm rotors)
Video Comparison Table Bicycles Price Drivetrain Tires Brakes Click view 2022 Giant Revolt Advanced 2 $3000 2×11 700×38c Shimano GRX600 Hydraulic Disc Brake Click View 2023 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless $2899 1×11 700x40c Click View 2022 Canyon Grizl CF SL 7 1by $2799 1×11 700 x 45c Shimano GRX RX810 hydraulic disc Click View 2022 Scott Contessa Addict Gravel 15 $2999 2×11 700x45c Shimano BR-RX400 Hydraulic Disc Brake Click View
Giant Revolt Advanced 2 vs Salsa Fargo Apex 1
When comparing, I easily noticed that the Salsa Fargo has a longer Stack than the Giant Revolt. This also means that my upper body is under less stress when riding the Salsa Fargo, which reduces the stress on my lower back and neck, and shoulders.
In addition, the Salsa Fargo is more stable on the trail than the Giant Revolt. I think this can be attributed to the Salsa Fargo having a longer trail value. This also helps a lot with the steering of the ride: it makes the steering more agile.
In terms of similarities, both the Salsa Fargo and Giant Revolt use stronger and more durable vacuum tires. This is to ensure that even when riding on a road with sharp stones, the rider can pass smoothly and quickly without the risk of a flat tire.
The Salsa Fargo’s 1×11 drivetrain is more novice-friendly and easier to operate than the Giant Revolt’s 2×11 drivetrain, and can fully satisfy the rider’s shifting needs on any trail.
I prefer the Salsa Fargo for the ease of speed control.
learn more：Giant Revolt Advanced 3 Review [2022]- The Best Carbon Gravel Bike For The Money
2023 Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Driftless vs Salsa Fargo Apex 1
Comparing these two gravel bikes, looking at the geometry of the Trek Checkpoint and Salsa Fargo alone, we see that they are roughly the same in terms of seat tube angle, head tube angle, and wheelbase. They both opt for a more scientifically based and ergonomically correct design.
The Trek Checkpoint and the Salsa Fargo both have the more classic 700c tire size, the difference being that the Salsa Fargo has a more standard 38mm tire width, while the Trek Checkpoint is a bit wider. As we all know, when climbing, the wide tires will have more grip and traction. But too wide tires will inevitably add unnecessary weight, which will have an unavoidable impact on climbing uphill.
In terms of braking, Trek Checkpoint chose the higher maintenance and heavier Shimano GRX RX810 hydraulic discs, while Salsa Fargo chose the easy-to-maintain TRP Spyre-C mechanical discs. Although many consumers think that the mechanical disc braking method is not enough with a sense of technology. But in my opinion, in the case of roughly the same performance, the more expensive Salsa Fargo may not be a better choice.
learn more：Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Review [2023]- The King Of The Adventure
2022 Canyon Grizl CF SL 7 1by vs Salsa Fargo Apex 1
In terms of price, Canyon Grizl is a little higher compared to Salsa Fargo.
The Canyon Grizl and Salsa Fargo share the same 1×11-Speed shifting system and the same classic size 700c tires. In terms of geometry, both the Canyon Grizl and Salsa Fargo have chosen nearly identical seat tube angles and head tube angles, both of which contribute to the rider’s comfort and agility during the ride. It is worth mentioning that the Salsa Fargo has a much higher value than the trail value of Canyon Grizl, which is of great help to the stability of the ride and the flexibility of the steering.
In addition, the Canyon Grizl uses Maxxis Rambler 45mm non-vacuum tires, while the Salsa Fargo uses tougher and more durable Teravail Sparwood 38mm vacuum tires. The Salsa Fargo outperforms the Canyon Grizl when faced with rougher riding surfaces. The wide tires also add unnecessary weight to the body to some extent, which can cause some problems for the rider on some special roads.
Overall, Salsa Fargo is rated higher in my mind than Canyon Grizl.
learn more：Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 Suspension 1by Review [2022]- Take A Gravel Ride That Just Says Go!
2022 Scott Contessa Addict Gravel 15 vs Salsa Fargo Apex 1
The Scott Contessa’s superior performance as a carbon-framed gravel bike with high-end components and hydraulic disc brakes leaves me almost impeccable. But the Salsa Fargo’s great price/performance ratio and tradition of good manufacturing allow it to hold its own against the Scott Contessa.
The main difference between the Scott Contessa and Salsa Fargo is their different drivetrains: 2×11 drivetrain and 1×11 drivetrain respectively, plus different width tires. For both of us, I think the Scott Contessa’s 45mm tires are too wide, while the Salsa Fargo’s 38mm tires are moderate and offers less drag during the ride.
In addition, the Scott Contessa and Salsa Fargo have opted for hydraulic discs and mechanical discs for their braking methods respectively. For that matter, the hydraulic disc design has always been controversial. Its more expensive price and high maintenance costs have discouraged many cyclists. The same can be said for mechanical disc brakes, which are more price friendly and simple to maintain. But some consumers will feel that it is not enough technology and is too traditional.
Therefore, my advice is to choose them according to your budget as well as your preferences. Whether you choose Scott Contessa or Salsa Fargo, you can be pleasantly surprised by their quality.
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