Fuji Touring vs Specialized Awol Touring (Classic vs Modern) Bike Review

Fuji Touring 2016 Touring Bike

The Fuji Touring was one of the first mass produced touring bikes ever put on the market, and it’s one of the few classic steel touring bikes still offered.

Specialized Awol Elite 2016 Touring Bike

The AWOL Elite is a modern steel-framed touring bike from Specialized.

LLM Assisted Post

A Tale of Two Touring Bikes: The Fuji Touring vs. Specialized AWOL Elite

Touring bikes aren’t just bicycles—they’re trusty companions for the long haul. They don’t merely take you places; they carry your gear, absorb the miles, and, if you’re lucky, leave you with memories (and fewer saddle sores). Today, we’re taking a spin with two steel-framed workhorses from 2016: the Fuji Touring and the Specialized AWOL Elite. Think of them as the classic roadie versus the adventurous renegade.

Meet the Contenders

First, we have the Fuji Touring 2016. This bike is like the seasoned traveler who’s been backpacking since the 80s, knows every trick in the book, and still uses a paper map. It’s been around forever, and it gets the job done with no fuss. It’s simple, functional, and unpretentious.

On the other hand, there’s the Specialized AWOL Elite 2016. Picture someone who rolls up with a GPS watch, weather-proof gear, and the kind of rugged charisma that screams, “I’m ready for anything.” It’s modern, versatile, and definitely knows how to handle itself when the road gets rough.

The Ride Vibes

• Fuji Touring feels like slipping on a worn pair of hiking boots. Comfortable, familiar, and not trying to impress anyone. Its triple chainring (yes, three!) gives you all the gears you need for grinding up climbs with a fully-loaded pannier setup. The brakes? Simple rim brakes. Easy to fix, but you might be squeezing harder than you’d like when it’s wet out.

• The AWOL Elite, on the other hand, is the mountain goat of this duo. With its wider tires and mechanical disc brakes, it’s ready to tackle gravel, mud, and whatever questionable shortcuts you decide to take. Sure, it has fewer gears (only 20), but it compensates with modern STI shifters and a more streamlined drivetrain.

If the Fuji is the bike you’d trust to cross Europe on paved roads, the AWOL is what you’d pick for an off-grid detour through the Pyrenees.

Steel Stories

Both bikes are made of steel, the frame material of choice for touring. Why? Because steel is strong, comfortable, and, most importantly, repairable if you somehow manage to snap your frame in the middle of nowhere (not recommended).

The Fuji sticks with tradition: a chromoly frame with all the necessary mounts for racks and fenders, plus a neat spare spoke holder—just in case. Meanwhile, the AWOL goes full-on modern adventure mode with its “Adventure Geometry” and built-in internal routing for lighting systems. It’s the difference between carrying a flashlight and having a headlamp strapped to your helmet.

On Accessories and Extras

The Fuji Touring is the minimalist of the two. You get a rear rack and not much else. Want mudguards? Go find some. Lights? Not included. It’s a blank slate, ready for you to customize.

The AWOL Elite is like that one friend who always overpacks but somehow makes it work. It comes with full mudguards, front and rear racks, and even internal cabling for dynamo lights. Straight out of the box, it’s primed for adventure, even if it does weigh a bit more.

Tires and Terrain

Tire choice can make or break a touring bike, and here’s where these two bikes really diverge. The Fuji’s 700x32c tires are built for smooth roads and maybe the occasional dirt track. Think quiet country lanes or neatly paved bike paths.

The AWOL’s 700x42mm tires, however, are a different story. With extra width and puncture protection, they’re begging for gravel trails, rocky shortcuts, and even muddy singletrack if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s like comparing loafers to hiking boots.

The Final Spin

If you’re a purist who loves the romance of traditional touring, the Fuji Touring is the bike for you. It’s simple, reliable, and has a gear for every possible incline, from gentle hills to vertical nightmares. Just pack light, plan your routes, and embrace the nostalgia.

But if you’re the kind of rider who looks at a map and sees a suggestion rather than a plan, the Specialized AWOL Elite is your jam. It’s tougher, more adaptable, and ready for the unexpected—perfect for those who like to veer off the beaten path.

In the end, choosing between these bikes is like deciding whether you want to stay on the scenic highway or take the backroads. Both will get you there. One does it with a nod to the past, and the other with an eye on the future.

Now, all that’s left is to pick your partner, pack your panniers, and start pedaling.

Tech Spec

• Touring
• Bicycle
• Fuji
• Specialized
• Bike