The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

My Specialized AWOL and Bob Trailer at a rest stop on the way to Albuquerque, New Mexico for Lubbock, Texas Touring bikes aren’t just machines—they're companions for thousands of miles, rolling journals of adventure, resilience, and freedom. Over the years, I’ve ridden many bikes, but none have left a mark on me quite like the Specialized AWOL . Though it's no longer in production, I still consider it the best touring bike I’ve ever owned. It handled fully loaded tours with a BOB trailer like a dream and gave me unmatched comfort on the road. But while the AWOL has been retired from the market, there are still plenty of exceptional touring bikes out there that carry the torch. If you're planning a big tour—or just daydreaming—these are some of the best you can find today. 🚴‍♂️ 1. Surly Long Haul Trucker / Disc Trucker No list of touring bikes is complete without Surly. The Long Haul Trucker (and its disc-brake sibling, the Disc Trucker ) is a legend among tourers. Frame...