The Rift gravel experience/race/adventure is just about to get underway for another year and a small contingent of Canadians have made their way over to the scenic island for the race. That includes Canadian Cycling Magazine boss Sam Cohen, who spotted Salsa’s 32″ gravel bike in the mix.
The 32″ Fargo prototype officially broke cover back at Sea Otter, in titanium and steel, but stayed on the display stands that weekend. It’s exciting to see it making its way out into the world. The Rift isn’t exactly tip-toeing into the world, either. A remote gravel expidition over rough Icelandic terrain is a trial by fire for the Fargo 32.
Big new tire options
The steel Fargo 32 is being raced by someone from QBP, who distribute Salsa. QBP’s brands also include Teravail, one of only a handful, if that, of tire brands actually offering a 32″ tire for sale. The big 2.4″ Camrock is currently sold out, of course. Having your own supply of 32″ spares could be be handy, as having extra rubber on hand could be crucial to getting the big-wheeled Fargo through massive miles of rough gravel racing.
Teravail also makes the Circos Wide carbon fibre wheels. While Teravail announced these huge hoops back in April, they’re not currently listed on the brand’s website. There are some details, though, like a wider internal width (29mm front, 28mm rear) and hookless rim profile. Teravail says it has changed the layup angle of the carbon fibre in the Circos rims to make them more laterally compliant.
The big Fargo is set up with a full complement of bags from Cedaero and a mix of SRAM Rival AXS shifters and wide-range Eagle T-Type rear derailleur and 10-50t cassette, SRAM XX1 Eagle crankset and 38-tooth chainring from Wolf Tooth. A Paul Components seat post and Brooks saddle give this some classic bikepacking vibes despite the wireless electronic shifting.
Rowdy retrofuturism: Gravel’s past and future take over Sea Otter
Nino Schurter is also in Iceland for The Rift as part of his retirement tour’s forray into drop bar racing. No word yet on whether the G.O.A.T. will be grazing Icelanding gravel on Scott’s big wheeler, which made its own debut at Unbound, or sticking with standard 700cc wheels.