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Does anyone know anything about the Specialized AWOL? Are the still up there? I like some of the older standards as they are more adaptable re. chainsets with different crank lengths, singles doubles or triples. Nice long front centre for small and xs small (which is my size) with no toe overlap. Seem to be cheap second hand.
Would this be a good cheapish way of dipping my toe into the world of gravel?
It's not my idea of a good gravel bike. It definitely leans towards the "adventure" side of things so you can strap on all the kit you need for a round-the-world tour and it'll handle it really well. Get it into some twisty singletrack and you'll find it steers like a boat. A big boat.
Just decide if that's what you're after.
I have briefly ridden one. Felt like a heavyish drop bar MTB. That’s not a bad thing it’s just a bit different to a gravel bike
I'd second the heavyish comment and raise it to feeling like it's made of cast iron. Haven't got one myself but a friend does and I wouldn't be in the slightest bit tempted. Weighs a ton.
i borrowed one a few years ago, for a week. it was very nice, but the stock wheels buckled within a couple of rides.
the surly disc trucker proved far better, comfier and more capable. i have used one for the last 15 years or so in some guise. my perfect type of offroad touring bike.
That definitely sound like a no then! I'm looking for a bit more of a live feel.
The Specialized Sequoia is prob closer to what you're after
I had one an loved it! It was designed as a front loaded touring bike and for that it was excellent, really nice handling with panniers on a low rider rack and super comfy to ride. I did a bunch off long tours on mine but sadly it got stolen when I was back home. I also took mine on some off road stuff to as it could easily take 2.0" tyres, but if you're looking at a bike for gravel, there are definitely newer and lighter models you should look at!
surly straggler would be my choice for something lighter and still capable.
my wife rides a tiny 46cm model with 650b wheels. 47c tyres and she copes well with it.
No idea about the sizing. But my Arkose was £720 new. I love it, although I’ve changed lots of bits. There must be loads of cheap aluminium gravel bikes kicking around used
From memory of lifting a few into the bike stands it's a heavy bike, more for hauling loads over long distances, a touring bike if you will. Nice neutral handling too