Bike Build in Progress

In 2013 Specialized announced their intention to sell a heavy-duty ‘all everything’ bike made from Reynolds 725/520 Co-Mo tubing.  Referred to as the AWOL, the frame is designed with a split seatstay for multiple drivetrain options, three water bottle mounts, and disk brake compatibility.  I was intrigued with the possibility building up a randonneur bike for the 2014 season using an AWOL frame and a mix of new and used components.  Realizing that if the bike didn’t work for randonneuring it could always be used for commuting, I decided to order a frame after the Munger Bungo.  Now, over five months later, I’m still waiting on the frame, though I have assurances it will arrive later this month (a novel marketing campaign by Specialized has generated significant interest in the AWOL).

Here’s a photo of the bike (with a non-standard, tripped-out paint job), courtesy of the 'Team AWOL' Tumblr.

I hope to be sharing a photo of my AWOL soon.