jbandt

Hi folks,

Currently a Salsa Fargo owner, but I find myself looking at something better suited for my needs. Fargo is a great bike but I think it's a bit to mtb focused for my mainly flat commutes riding.

I'm looking at the Salsa Vaya, Specialized AWOL, and Kona Sutra LTD. I like the relatively short reach and taller stack of these bikes for the upright position, and clearance for 2" tires is nice too. Not sure what to go with. Vaya is first pick but I don't have any local retailers. Kona is scarce too. AWOL is easiest to get. Any opinions on these 3. I'm mostly commuting with occasional weekend road or mild trail rides.

Tim_Iowa

Have you tried lightweight, slick tires on your Fargo yet?

jbandt

I have. Vittoria rando in 35mm. Found those to not be very comfy. Currently on conti cruise contact in 2" variety. I'm finding this size to be too slow/sluggish. I'm also considering something in the 40mm size to maybe be a happy medium between the two. I've also considered going to a carbon fork to lighten and smooth out the ride, but a qr carbon fork is not as popular these days. Just not sure I want to invest the money if I end up changing bikes anyway.

NormanF

Look at GT Grade, Felt v85, Surly Straggler, Fuji Tread, Fuji Jari, Diamondback Haanjo and Breezer Radar Pro as some other offerings in the country bike/adventure bike/gravel road bike lineup.

syncro87

< I'm mostly commuting with occasional weekend road or mild trail rides. >

Specialized Sequoia

Trek CrossRip

Felt V series line

Specialized Diverge

Giant Anyroad

Cannondale Slate

Jamis Renegade

Salsa Vaya, you already mentioned

Spec AWOL, ^



Just some ideas that come to mind if you want something decent on road that can also do some trail, etc. The Anyroad in particular seemed to be fairly upright to me when I looked at one.

jbandt

I'll check on the fuji, I've had a V85. Didn't like it much. Tire clearance isn't great either. GT and Surly aren't readily available either.

Thanks for the suggestions.

NormanF

Fairdale Weekender could also be on your list.

It was on mine but at the time I went for a GT Eightball partly for an IGH and tire clearance up to 42 c.

Today, I'd get the redesigned Weekender which has clearance for up to 45 c tires.

Whatever all-rounder bike you eventually decide to get, I'm sure you will be happy with it. Good luck!

Kedosto

Vaya, AWOL, and Sutra were the same three bikes I cross shopped when I was on the market. Coming from a Fargo, any lower stack than what the Vaya and AWOL offer will feel like you're riding on your hands.

Obviously, a test ride is mandatory but beyond that I always recommend a careful consideration of the dealer. My relationship with the Specialized dealer runs long and deep, so that gave the AWOL a leg up.

The Sutra offers a more traditional touring geo, the AWOL is more gravel/versatile, and the Vaya has the shortest reach. My gues is that because you're coming off a Fargo, you'll probably feel most comfortable (familiar) on the Vaya. I'd be very happy to own a Vaya. The geo is very comfy and there's no questioning the quality.

My AWOL has been fantastic. Comfy, strong and smooth, it's done everything I've asked of it without a hiccup. I'm approaching 10k miles of rain or shine commuting and middleweight touring. I've done a few gravel runs, but mostly for weekend entertainment.

Maybe you can pick up a Vaya frameset and swap the running gear off the Fargo. Add a quality wheelset and you're good to go.


-Kedosto

jbandt

I'm leaning towards AWOL mostly because I can get one. Trouble is nobody stocks these touring/multipurpose types bikes in my area. To bring one in you have to be certain you want it otherwise it's another bike sitting in inventory which makes it hard to test ride. That plus outside of trek, spec, giant there aren't many shops that carry the smaller brands. Local shop has a medium AWOL I'm going to test even though it's at less 1 size of not 2 too small, but at least I can get a sense of the ride quality.

ALLSTOTT

Id test ride them all if possible and find the best fit. Last month I was doing the same thing as you to find a bettering fitting. The Vaya and Cross Check were my top contenders, I really liked both but ultimately chose the CC just because i got it significantly cheaper. If it wasn't for that, I was going to get the Vaya Claris.

Dave Cutter

Sure.... not exactly "a distinction without a difference"..... but the differences are subtle, maybe even modest. You certainly have good taste and a fine understanding of bicycles. But maybe consider a different approach. Maybe something faster, leaner, racier... for a real change/difference? Just my thoughts.

NormanF

You could try the Priority Continuum:

https://www.prioritybicycles.com/products/thecontinuum





Just order off the Internet and you're good to go!

Treksu2

I have a Trek 520 Disc Touring bike and really enjoy it.

Thinking about a second bicycle this spring ... so far the 2017 All Chrome Fairdale Weekender Drop is at the top of my list

Treksu2

I just ordered the 2017 Fairdale Weekender Drop (all chrome finish), should arrive at
the bike shop by this Thursday February 16, 2017


FAIRDALE2017WeekenderDrop2.jpg

NormanF

Congratulations on your new Fairdale Weekender Drop! Its an all-round bike and you'll find multiple uses for it: commuting, utility riding, touring, gravel trail riding and bikepacking.

It has mounts for racks and fenders and can handle heavy loads, something a classic road bike simply can't do!

Enjoy your new bike.

bikemig 

Figure out what you don't like about the Fargo for commuting and then find a bike that does the job better. Otherwise you are just reading about what bikes people like. Nothing wrong with that but I'd focus on finding the right tool for the job. Personally I'd commute on that Fargo. I ride a mtb drop bar conversion as a commuter--a 1987 specialized stumpjumper--and think it's a fine bike for the job.