I’m looking for a pannier carrying (so I can carry the laptop and a fun change of clothes) all weather commuting bike, capable of knocking off a 2x 23 mile run from York to Castleford and back.
I’ve been using a Planet X Carbon road bike, but no room for mudguards, pannier fitting is not great (which limits me to days when I can leave the laptop at work) and I’d like not to be on 23mm slicks at this time of year.
So I’ve got a set of 29er wheels and an XT groupset lying around innocently not doing anything.
I’ve also got some Juicy 3s, various saddles, stems, seatposts and the like.
And then I find myself looking at a Salsa Fargo, think hmmm I could just about buy the frame & forks and build that from the bits I have already.
Couple of questions. Does the Fargo fit the bill? Could I acquire a Titec Jones H-Bar and use the mtb shifters and brakes (sensibly without compromising the bike) or does it really need to be buy road STIs, road BB7s and some drops (costing about £200 more)?
Any thoughts? Anyone run a Fargo? Anyone run one without drop bars?