Another new bike ? Ti or Steel ?

[Sarah]

So my partner is looking for a new ride and has come down to either a Salsa Fargo [steel] or a Sonder Broken Road [Ti].

Both frames will give you a little change from £1k, the build is to follow.

He hasnt been able to demo either yet, should change that next weekend.

Just looking for any thoughts, experiences or ideas [including other similar frames at that price point]

Use will mainly be on more gentle trails and forest roads touring, he has a Cotic for single track fun.

Thanks

Sarah

[In Reverse]

I'm a big fan of my Ti frame. Hardly ridden the steel bike since I got it.

[jameso]

You're looking at 2 different types of bike there, the design variation is more than the material. Sonder for a light tourer/all roader, Fargo as a drop bar MTB or heavier-duty tourer. If he wants it to feel like a lighter, faster road bike at any point the Sonder would seem more suitable, but I expect the Fargo would handle mtb trails more confidently.

[Charliecres]

Isn’t the Broken Road more of a standard do-it-all hardtail? The Camino is more like what you’re describing, I think, jameso. Either way the Sonders are different beasts to the Fargo.

There are a million* alternatives at the ‘gravel’ end of the spectrum, rather fewer at the Fargo end. Maybe a drop-barred 29+ Stooge?

* Possibly a slight exaggeration

[windjammer]

have you looked at a jones diamond frame,they look expensive bikes but when you ride them you know you bought quality

[Mart]

I'm a big fan of my Ti frame. Hardly ridden the steel bike since I got it.

Same for me

[jameso]

Ah yes sorry, Charlie's right. Calling an MTB the something-road, easily fooled here : )

[ianfitz]

Ah yes sorry, Charlie's right. Calling an MTB the something-road, easily fooled here : )

I’m with you. Can’t help but think AK got the names the wrong way round on those two. Both look like good frames though