I'm geeked out by the new Fargo. Except maybe for the drop-bar, it's exactly the bike I've been looking for these past few weeks:

* Drop-dead simple fender install - check

* Easy rear rack install - check

* Ability to run high-volume, 29er tires for comfort and safety - check

* Can run my Nokian Extreme 294 29er studded tires in winter - check

* Clearance for fenders on those big tires - check

* Won't fall apart when I run it up and down curbs - check

* Will stand up to rough pavement, potholes, fireroads, being slammed into uneven slabs of pavement - check

* Disk brakes - check

* Able to stand up to most singletrack where I live - check

I've never had drop-bars before, but am willing to give them a go in return for all of the above. And lately, on my longer rides I've begun to see the utility of drop bars for their added hand positions.

I am very excited by the Fargo. Roads where I live aren't all nice and smooth, and I don't like to stay on them anyway. I would probably destroy a road bike by riding it up and down curbs. Cyclocross bikes would hold up better, but still lack air volume in their tires, and they won't accept my Nokians. With the Fargo I can mount high-volume tires for comfort, and I'll have a bike that can wallop all the bumps my area roads have to offer, and no worries either if I run off the road.