I own an AWOL (Sora components). I actually had a Salsa Fargo 2, and happened to test ride the AWOL when it came in. It instantly felt like the bike I had been looking for. Just enough more road-oriented to nudge the Fargo from its spot in my stable. I've had my AWOL for two months. I love the bike, it has quickly become my go-to bike. No mechanical issues thus far. I have seven bikes and yet I continue to look for the perfect bike. The AWOL is the closest I've found so far. The bike IS heavy. I was riding with a group the other day and we were all on carbon road bikes except for one AWOL Comp rider. He was a little disappointed in the effort it was taking to keep up. But that's to be expected given the steel frame and the tires. I have not had the bike off-road, per se, but I have been in gravel, mud and snow and I've jumped curbs and navigated the treacherous gullies that have appeared in our streets. It's a great bike.