Currently I have a Salsa Vaya 700x42and a recently built up OG Surly Krampus 29×3.0 Over recent weeks I’ve been experimenting with running the Vaya on some singletrack and trail centres where I’ve ridden the Krampus. Now before someone states the obvious that they are different beasts completely I found that with lower tyre pressures and wise line choices I could ride the trails and enjoy it. This has lead me to question having a wide tyred grave/drop bar 29er as a one bike with possibly two wheel sets like a Cutthroat or similar. Anyone make this decision?

Yes- Salsa Fargo for me, mine has a suspension fork, wide tyres and very wide dropbars. Obviously it’s still a compromise at the extreme ends but it’s reasonable on the road, good cross country and better than me down hill. During the first lockdown I swapped the tyres to semi-slicks which was fun.
I took mine across Spain on Duncan’s (Pistonbroke) C2C and it was ideal.

I looked at the Fargo but I’m drawn to the cutthroat but like steel so the kona ultd comes to mind. I’ve also just noticed the Pipedream ALICE can run 2.4 tyres.

I’d love a cutthroat but bear in mind it doesn’t have the clearance that the Fargo and others have.

I think I read the cutthroat can run 2.4 tyres ( off to check). It’s a lovely bike!

Anyone on here running a Cutthroat or similar as their do it all bike?

I'm fairly sure there's something in the small print about only being allowed to ride a Cutthroat on the TD. However, I believe Karl may be living life on the run.

Have to say I’m smitten but will I regret it

I was very close to doing what you’re thinking of.
End of last year I was doing most riding on a CX bike and had my Krampus and a Fargo frame set gathering dust.
Plan was to build the Fargo and two sets of wheels and live a happy one bike life.’
So I rebuilt the Fargo and ride it lots. Then I gave the Krampus some attention and realised I still loved it.
I now have a Krampus and Fargo getting good use and have shelved the I’ve bike plan for now.
If I ever get a Ti Fargo falling on my lap - the type that accepts 3” tyres - I’ll have a rethink

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Sat May 15, 2021 8:21 pm I'm fairly sure there's something in the small print about only being allowed to ride a Cutthroat on the TD. However, I believe Karl may be living life on the run.

There's a clause that exempts a rider as long as at any garage or convenience store stop on a ride they run in, grab 6000 calories in the most compact items possible, are out within 5 minutes and ride off while inhaling 1000 of those calories in the first km.

I'm running WTB Nine-Line 2.25 in my cutthroat, there's not masses of space at the back but it's comfortable and running 1x there's less mud collection opportunity. At the front there's loads of room, could probably fit a 29+ in there, or you could just use 100mm suspension forks.

I think my gravel bike and Fargo will have to go as the Cutty is just as fast and as capable as both of them in their respective fields.

I thought it could run 2.4 tyres ?

I turned a Ramin 3+ and a Planet X XLS into Decathlon Riverside Touring 920 Adventure drop bar bike. No regrets yet.

Mactheknife68 wrote: ↑Sat May 15, 2021 9:49 pm I thought it could run 2.4 tyres ?

Salsa say it can, I've not tried, I've only used the stock Sparwoods and the Ninelines. I didn't want anything too big it's not a bruiser and the potential for mud rubbed carbon isn't worth the risk!

Mactheknife68 wrote: ↑Sat May 15, 2021 9:49 pm I thought it could run 2.4 tyres ?

I've got one too, I wouldn't put 2.4s in it. It would be too close for comfort.
2.25 are about right.

I've run 2.25 Ikons in mine and it was about as big as I'd want to go. Just drop your pressure and ride soft.

Cheers for the insight everyone.