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Today’s DealsAWOL Comp
A steel frame touring bike with upper mid-range components and sram rival hydraulic disc brakes.
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| Frame | Steel |
|---|---|
| Fork | Steel |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 11 |
| Groupset | Rival |
| Brakes | SRAM Rival Hydraulic Disc |
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.
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
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
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
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.
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Apr 2016 · Jordan Gibbons
The Specialized Awol promises adventure and, with modern geometry and interesting components, it certainly delivers.

Mar 2016 · Guy Kesteven
Ultra-versatile adventure roadster
Super strong racks sweet steel frame and practical features
Sturdy not speedy
Tallish gears for its high weight

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...
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.
Tire clearance – Particularly in the front fork, falls a little short.
No provisions for fork mounted waterbottles, or the likes of Anything Cages.
| Frame | Heat treated custom-butted Premium Cr-Mo tubing, internal light cable routing-ready, Adventure Geometry, post disc mount, fender/rack mounts, kickstand plate BB Standard: BSA, 68mm, Threaded |
|---|---|
| Fork | Cr-Mo, internal light cable routing, post disc mount, rack/fender mounts |
| Bottom Bracket | BSA, 68mm, threaded |
| Headset | FSA, Campy style, integrated cartridge bearings, 15mm cone spacer |
| Stem | Specialized, 3D forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise |
| Handlebar | Specialized AWOL, alloy, 125mm drop, 70mm short-reach, 12-degree flare-out |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Phenom Gel, steel rails, 143mm |
| Seatpost | Specialized alloy, 27.2mm Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | Nylon body, steel cage, w/ reflectors |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM Rival 1, 11-speed |
|---|---|
| Crank | FSA Gossamer Pro Megatooth, alloy, MegaEvo BB, 38T, 110mm BCD spider |
| Shifters | SRAM Rival 1 DoubleTap, hydraulic disc, 11-speed |
| Cassette | SRAM, 11-speed, 10-42t |
| Chain | KMC X11EPT ECO PROTEQ, 11-speed, w/ reusable MissingLink |
| Brakes | Front: SRAM Rival 1, hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor, Rear: SRAM Rival 1, hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor Type: SRAM Rival Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | SRAM Rival 1, hydraulic disc |
| Rims | Alloy, double-wall, disc, 32h |
|---|---|
| Spokes | Stainless,14/15g |
| Front Hub | Specialized, Hi Lo disc, QR, 32h |
| Rear Hub | Specialized, Hi Lo disc, QR, 32h |
| Tires | Front: Specialized Ground Control, 60TPI, 2Bliss Ready, folding bead, 29x1.9"", Rear: Specialized Ground Control, 60TPI, 2Bliss Ready, folding bead, 29x1.9"" |
First added 9 July
Last updated 9 July
Not listed for 2,521 days