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2016 Specialized

AWOL Expert Frameset

A steel frame touring frameset.

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Summary

The Specialized AWOL is a versatile touring bike praised for its stable handling and comfort over long distances, with a durable steel frame and numerous mounts for accessories. It excels in predictability and ease of riding, whether loaded or unloaded, on various terrains. However, it is noted for its heavy weight and occasional issues with tire clearance and gearing.

Pros
  • Stable and predictable handling, especially when loaded

  • Comfortable geometry with a tall head tube and long top tube

  • Versatile with numerous mounts for racks, fenders, and accessories

  • Durable steel frame and strong construction

  • Good braking performance with Spyre disc brakes

Cons
  • Heavy overall weight affects acceleration and climbing

  • Limited tire clearance, particularly in the front fork

  • Gearing can struggle with steep climbs when fully loaded

  • No provisions for fork-mounted water bottles or similar accessories

Key Quotes
Think of a traditional touring bike and mix it with the qualities of a monster cross or gravel grinder, then add a whole bunch of techy touring features and you’ve got a Specialized AWOL.
BIKEPACKING.com
The AWOL bowls along with pleasant momentum – once you’ve got its bulk up to speed, that is
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
The AWOL has been designed to have a very long top tube and headtube that, when combined with a short stem and wide handlebars, gives a neutral and balanced ride that is perfect for carrying heavy loads over long distances.
Cyclist logoCyclist

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Cyclist
Specialized Awol Elite review

Apr 2016 · Jordan Gibbons

The Specialized Awol promises adventure and, with modern geometry and interesting components, it certainly delivers.

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BikeRadar
Specialized AWOL Elite review - Touring Bikes - Bikes

Mar 2016 · Guy Kesteven

Ultra-versatile adventure roadster

Highs
  • Super strong racks sweet steel frame and practical features

Lows
  • Sturdy not speedy

  • Tallish gears for its high weight

Read Review

BIKEPACKING.com
Specialized AWOL Review

Jan 2016 · Sarah Swallow

Specialized AWOL reviewed on a 3-month, 5,000 mile dirt road route across the USA. A test ride doesn’t get much bigger than this. Find out how it fared...

Highs
  • Wheelbase – a longer wheelbase makes the bike easy to ride and predictable whether it’s loaded or not, on dirt, technical and steep descents, or smooth pavement. Also, no issues with toe overlap on smaller frame size!

  • Comfortable geometry – with its tall head tube and a long top tube, this bike can be built up to fit a wide range of positions and handlebar styles.

  • Sloping top tube – ample clearance in case of an unplanned dismount. Easy to hop on and off the bike.

  • Techy versatility – thanks to rack mounts, fender mounts, Swinger dropouts, cable stops to allow for full length housing, and a fork with internal dynamo light wire routing, this bike is useful for many different purposes, rides, and riders.

Lows
  • Tire clearance – Particularly in the front fork, falls a little short.

  • No provisions for fork mounted waterbottles, or the likes of Anything Cages.

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Specs
Build
Frame

Heat-treated custom-butted Reynolds 725 premium Cr-Mo tubing, Adventure Geometry, internal light cable routing-ready, post disc mount, fender/rack mount, kickstand plate, SWINGER dropouts (Rohloff Speedhub compatible with OEM2 axleplate)

Fork

Cr-Mo, internal light cable routing, post disc mount, rack/fender mounts

Headset

FSA, Campy style, integrated cartridge bearings, 15mm cone spacer

Seatpost

Specialized alloy, 27.2mm

TypeRigid

Rider Notes
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First added July 9

Last updated July 9

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