Specialized AWOL gravel grinder off road tourer

[SastusBulbas]

I have only used mine lightly since getting it.

I am thinking of a few changes though, anyone have any brake levers without the gear changing STI's that they recommend for use with the BB7's? What about recomending a more compact chainset too?

Clearing out the loft, I found some Dura Ace 9spd bar end shifters and XTR 960 F&R mechs, all boxed from a project I abandoned years ago, so was thinking of putting all this on, with a more compact gearing if I can find suitable brake levers and chainset. I don't really enjoy the road bike style Sora gearing on this.

[reohn2]

I have only used mine lightly since getting it.

I am thinking of a few changes though, anyone have any brake levers without the gear changing STI's that they recommend for use with the BB7's? What about recomending a more compact chainset too?

Clearing out the loft, I found some Dura Ace 9spd bar end shifters and XTR 960 F&R mechs, all boxed from a project I abandoned years ago, so was thinking of putting all this on, with a more compact gearing if I can find suitable brake levers and chainset. I don't really enjoy the road bike style Sora gearing on this.

Tektro RL340 levers are a nice and comfortable shape with the correct cable pull for BB7 Road calipers.
If you're useing B/end levers and a 9sp cassette Spa's own cranks and chainrings are excellent quality at a very reasonable price,highly recommended.

[Spinners]

After five weeks of only using my AWOL for a pre-work 12-mile blast each morning I finally managed to get out on a longer ride today with a 62-mile ride, the first 40 miles of which were non-stop and included two very steep long climbs (Bwlch and Rhigos). On my pre-work ride I've found the AWOL to be a good handling bike and that impression hasn't changed after coming down some fast swooping descents. Equipment wise I'm loving the BB7 disc brakes (I've not had disc brakes before) but I'm not loving the 42c Trigger Sport tyres which are solid and stodgy and nowhere near as plush as I was expecting for a tyre of such volume. I fancy putting some 37mm's Conti's on there.

[niggle]

After five weeks of only using my AWOL for a pre-work 12-mile blast each morning I finally managed to get out on a longer ride today with a 62-mile ride, the first 40 miles of which were non-stop and included two very steep long climbs (Bwlch and Rhigos). On my pre-work ride I've found the AWOL to be a good handling bike and that impression hasn't changed after coming down some fast swooping descents. Equipment wise I'm loving the BB7 disc brakes (I've not had disc brakes before) but I'm not loving the 42c Trigger Sport tyres which are solid and stodgy and nowhere near as plush as I was expecting for a tyre of such volume. I fancy putting some 37mm's Conti's on there.

Forget the Contis and buy these, you will not regret it, they will transform your bike: http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TYVIVOHY/v ... lding-tyre

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=85806

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=78618&hilit=hyper

[reohn2]

Forget the Contis and buy these, you will not regret it, they will transform your bike: http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TYVIVOHY/v ... lding-tyre

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=85806

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=78618&hilit=hyper

+1

[Paul0975]

the only thing I didn't like about the awol was the standard triple chainset. much too highly geared for me... I'm a bit chunky and uphills on the granny when loaded were still a bit too much.

I looked a mtb chainsets but I had heard about problems with chainlines and not having enough reach on the front mech. I decided to try the oldschool way and go for a square taper one. I got on from decathlon for 30 pounds that included a 110mm bottom bracket, but that still seemed to push the chainset out too far. a quick bit of ebaying saw that there was a 103mm on close enough to pick up.

after fitting and a reset of the front mech its good. its a 44-32-22 and with the 32 tooth cassette feels stupidly low when on level ground, but once on a gradient the low gears are really welcome.

the awol is shaping up to be the perfect everyday bike, and it gets a lot more use than my other bikes.

I just wish they would get a move on with the pizza rack for aftermarket sales



ps- my shift keys are not working, please excuse the missing capitol letters.

[ianaiken]

Great to hear you got sorted it makes a massive difference.

[Paul0975]

yeah... its a great bike and a few modifications only makes it better,

speaking of which....

the only other thing about the awol I didn't like was the hubs. the rear started to go at about 500 miles so I had it rebuilt with a shimano xt one. I will get the front one done in time too, but that lasted me long enough that my handbuilts from dcr had come through.

[I'm sure I could have complained to spesh but time was off the essence and I wanted to be on my bike as I was off work and the weather was decent - I didn't want to be faffing about with a warranty claim. ]

I sent DCR a set of 32 hole xt hubs and took his advice of spokes and rims. he built them onto velocity chukka rims, which he said build up into a very strong wheel. they certainly give the feel of a strong wheel and don't feel as heavy on the bike as I expected, no heavier than the standard ones in feel but I'm sure the scales would tell a different story.

[Paul0975]

does anyone know when the pizza rack will be available to buy?

I have politely asked[and harassed] them on the weregoingawol page a number of times but no reply.

[Paul0975]

For anyone that's interested the Pizza rack is now available. I have ordered mine from Sigmasport, but Freeborn is also advertising them (though they don't have a live stock figure). Price is £45.

[Spinners]

2017 sees the basic AWOL get the new Sora - still 9-speed but hidden cables and a good looking 4-arm chainset.

[whizzzz]

My 2016 has a 10 speed cassette. I haven't managed to find any images of one with the hidden cables, but that sounds very nice. Also a darker colour will be easier to keep clean than my white one...

[Spinners]

https://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bikes ... wol/115623

[honesty]

Specialised UK still not importing the best version then. Oh well. The Expert looks like such a sorted machine this year as well.