Jumping into the world of Adventure bikes, Specialized is testing the waters with the new AWOL. Built as a drop bar adventure bike, AWOL has clearance for 29×2.2, though it ships with 42c. The frame itself is a rugged steel number with the Comp model featuring a higher end Reynolds 725/520 Cr-Mo tubing with slider dropouts and split stays for single speed or belt drive use. Like other bikes in the genre, there are many faces to the AWOL from road, to dirt, and everything in between.
Get away with AWOL and take a quick look at some of the CX bikes after the break…
The lower end AWOL features a standard Cr-Mo frame that lacks the slider droputs and split stays, but has the same geometry and tire clearance. Each bike features a chainstay mounted brake for easy rack and fender installation, which is an important part of an adventure bike. The AWOL features what Specialized calls Distance Rider Geometry meaning a long wheelbase and very upright ride for comfort on extended rides through the country side.
Gearing is also endurance oriented, with the AWOL comp including a compact double crank with an X9 Type 2 derailleur controlling an 11-36 cassette, and the AWOL featuring a triple crank with an 11-32 cassette that is shifted through a Sora rear derailleur. Both models are disc brake only, and use Avid BB7 mechanicals for stopping power.
In addition to the two complete bikes, a frameset will be available as well, with Specialized selling the AWOL Comp’s Reynolds steel frame with the rocker dropouts. The frame includes the butted Cr-mo fork with front rack mounting capability.
Retail for the bikes will be $1,350 for the AWOL, $1,950 for the AWOL comp, and only $700 for the AWOL comp frame.
On the Cyclocross side of things, Specialized has gone disc – mostly. While the high end models will all be rocking Sram HRD brakes, the Crux Sport 105 and Crux E5 Sora will still be “kicking it old school” with Cantis. Want a higher end bike with cantis? The Crux Pro frameset will be sold in Canti specific form as well as the Crux E5 as well. Sure, discs seem to be taking over the majority of spec, but at least there are still options if you would prefer to stick with rim brakes.
In addition to the Crux Pro Race Red Disc which isn’t pictured, the Crux Expert Red Disc will save you $2,100 over the $6,300 Pro Race at $4,200. Built with a FACT 10r carbon frame that is disc only, the frame has a tapered head tube and BB30 bottom bracket. A SRAM Red Hydro HRD set up provides gears and brakes, with Axis 2.0 disc wheels.
The Crux Elite Rival Disc saves you a bit of money at $3,200 and features the same frame but with a 10 speed Rival drivetrain instead of the 11 speed Red. Because it is 10 speed, the hydraulic disc brakes and shifters are the SRAM S-series – essentially just a 10 speed version of the HRD Red.
Disc brakes aren’t just for the carbon frames, with the aluminum Crux E5 Sport Apex Disc also stepping up to the SRAM S-Series hydraulic brakes. The E5 premium aluminum frame uses a tapered headtube and BB30 bottom bracket and is fitted with a SRAM Apex drivetrain. The Crux E5 Sport will set you back $2,450.
Check out all of the 2014 CX bikes at Specialized.com.
