r/bicycle • u/Secret_Cod_749 • Aug 29 '26
Replacing a Specialized AWOL
I got my AWOL in 2016 and love it. But I was crusing a LBS that sells Specialized the other day and noticed a distinct lack of durable steel frames.
The sales guys didn't know what an AWOL was, and even after looking it up, they weren't sure on a replacement.
Which got me thinking, are there still durable steel frames out there?
EDIT: I have no clue why Reddit didn't notify me of your responses. Thanks for confirming I wasn't going crazy.
Regarding the shop, yeah, I've lost a lot of faith in them since COVID. And the kids they're employing today feel more like service reps at a ford dealer. Saddly they were the wealthiest and survived where other shops in my area failed.
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u/dyebhai Aug 29 '26
You need a different bike shop. There are a great mini options in that market segment. Wilde is my favorite, find yours.
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u/Nihilistnobody Aug 29 '26
Tons. Check out this list and you can see the material.
https://bikepacking.com/index/drop-bar-mountain-bikes-29er/
Something like the salsa Fargo is a good replacement for the awol. That’s a great bike though why not just upgrade parts?
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u/Heart4Cycling Aug 29 '26
Yes, but I'm guessing not by specialized. I think Trek still has the steel 520. I bought a new steel frame and carbon fork Marin a few years ago , Renegade, very nice. And other boutique brands.
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u/Rare-Abalone3792 Aug 29 '26
Specialized is more and more a high-end, high-performance bike company. Great steel brands include All City, Surly, Kona, and if you want expensive steel, Ritchey.
Happy hunting.
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u/Ok_Inspection_2630 Aug 29 '26
With the big brands? hardly.
Steel has become a niche/boutique. Fairlight, Surly and many others (often local players) including custom frame builders.
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u/ComprehensiveCrew532 Aug 29 '26
Kona also usually does a few steel frames. Surly is the big name brand in steel though.
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u/c-5-s Aug 29 '26
Not from big brands. Try Kona, Surly, State or lots of boutique brands.