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Hey peeps!
I'm looking for a wee bit advice on the Specialized Awol.
TL:DR - Is the steel Awol an upgrade over the Charge Plug?
I currently have an alloy 2016 Charge Plug and a steel Genesis Vagabond.
I love the vagabond. Go anywhere, do anything type of bike.
I like the Plug. Very versatile, can be roady or gravelly with a change of tyres.
I tend to ride the vagabond more often. Not necessarily because it is more suited to the ride I am planning but because I appreciate the comfort of the steel frame and bigger tyres. I will often use the Vagabond for city trips.
When I ride the Plug I really appreciate how light it is in comparison and it feels much more nimble.
But I still ride the vagabond more.
So with this in mind some inconsiderate twonk advertised a Specialized Awol local to me which really got me thinking about replacing the Plug. I dont need to replace it. Wasn't thinking of replacing it. But i now WANT to replace it 😄
I had arranged to go and see the Awol today however work/life just got in the way and I wasn't able to make it. I will be going away for the weekend so won't get a chance to see it until next week. It's now bothering me 😀
Is the Awol a decent go anywhere hack? I guess what I am really seeking is comfy go anywhere but more nimble version of the vagbond.
Geometry wise the Awol is much closer to the vagabond than the Plug. So I'm thinking it will ride a like the vagabond only with skinnier tyres.
I'm confused.com
Any advice welcomed.
If you choose to ride the vagabond over a lighter and faster Plug I'm not sure that buying what's essentially another vagabond brings anything to the table. Except maybe saving your vagabond from getting nicked in town.
An AWOL is not 'nimble' in any sense.
My wife has one. I'd describe it more as 'stately'. 🙂
Brilliant touring bike, super stable, even with heavy loads but nowhere near as responsive as my 26" Disc Trucker.
Slow, accurate steering but exceptionally relaxing to ride.
It's a cracking bike, incredibly well designed and a great all rounder.
Definitely more Cadillac than Caterham though.
An AWOL is not ‘nimble’ in any sense.
This. I can imagine touring the world on one. I wouldn't take it for a spin in the woods.
I've just googled a Genesis Vagabond - doesn't look like a 'go anywhere, do anything' bike to me tbh. I'm sure some skilled folk could ride it down Fort Bill, slowly, but not many mortals.
I'm just being a dick, but still I just don't get the hard on for 'gravel' - in a go anywhere sense
Fair play guys.
Sounds like the Awol won't be the bike to scratch this itch.
I thank you for your input.
@TheArtist
I don't get the ride knarly trails, then buy a bike that tames said trails, then having to go look for knarlier trails, then having to buy another bike to tame them, then having to go find knarlier trails....
It'd be dull if we were all the same eh!? Who would we talk about!!?? 🤔😉🙃
Go and ride it anyway....🙂
You never know, you might just prefer it to your Vagabond!*
* Especially if you're a short arse like me 🙂.
I wanted to like the Vagabond but find the AWOL and Surly both have much more thoughtful geometry.
@TheArtist
I don’t get the ride knarly trails, then buy a bike that tames said trails
But you aren't riding knarly trails on a gravel bike?
I was riding the Peak in the '90's on a HT with rigid forks. It was a terrible tool for the task. Thankfully things have evolved.
But yeah, different strokes for different folks
Settled on a twin six rando frame to build up.
Happy bunny.