elsaturnino

Hello everyone. I'm currently looking to get a bike for commuting around the city (currently Philly but San Diego or Berkeley by the end of the year) and for possible touring. Right now I am looking at buying a Jamis Aurora (2004). With this, I have a couple questions:

1) Does anyone own this bike and, if so, how do you like it?

2) I am coming up with things I need to add for the commuting (fenders, lights, racks, etc.). I think I have a good idea of what I want but there is one specific item I'm pondering over: a chain guard. Does anyone know much about chain guards (i.e. the things used to keep the chain from dirtying your pants/legs/whatever)? I don't know many people that have them and scouring the internet hasn't turned up much information. Are they worth it or is their scarcity indicative of their true utility?

Thanks!

jeff-o

Don't bother with a chain guard, just wear shorts or secure your pants so they don't flap around.

elsaturnino

Ok. Thanks for the advice!

jagged

I was wondering about chain guards, too. I don't know who sells them (Nashbar.com has never heard of 'em), and I don't know how to install one. I've only seen them as standard equipment on "commuter bikes" like the Breezers or the Specialized Globe. I use an ankle strap, but it would be nice to be able to just get on a bike and go.

billh

I found that the velcro pant straps don't really work too well. They keep coming loose and I lose them. I bought a nice pant strap with a built-in blinkie with a snap-latch (the black plastic connector like on backpack waist straps, don't know name). But I've had that thing for a year and it works great.

HiYoSilver

I think the aurora is a nice bike, but I haven't ridden it. If you're going to tour in wet climates, you might consider the Jamis Coda Elite for the disc brakes.

Unfortunately chain guards are out of style for most bike and it looks like modern shifters do not have room for a plastic chain ring. Some commute bikes have them, but most do not. Velco straps are too short and don't stay on properly. If you're going that route, go to a fabric store and get some that fit you. You don't want a bungee as it will cut circulation.

Easiest solution, is to wear nylon or thin socks with a good stretch so you can stuff you pant legs into the socks.
That way you protect your pants and do not stand out as weird when off the bike.

cog_nate 

Velcro straps didn't work for me. I modified an orange elastic running belt that with a plastic buckle, and it works pretty well. An even cheaper pants-securing device: a rubber band.

MichaelW

Springy metal trouser clips work well, and usually come with hi-viz reflective plastic coating.
The Aurora is a good choice for a general purpose, yet high performance bike.
You can get plastic chaincases which are compatable with triple chainsets, they often come on Dutch style city bikes. Check the Giant website. I havent seen any for sale as components.

jeff-o

I just tuck my right pant leg into my sock. They're sport socks so they are longer and have lots of elastic.

Oh, and don't forget to tuck your laces into your shoes, you don't want them getting caught in the chain!

sbeatonNJ

I own an Aurora and it has proved to be a great bike, especially for the money. I have done a one week tour of the C&O canal (round trip) on it and it held up fine. I have fenders and racks and lights on it as I also used as my commuter until I moved to an urban area for school this year; I'm now a fixed and messenger bag type commuter. I also liked the idea of the Zero dish hubs, makes for a nice strong wheel in the back.

I have switched out several things on the bike but a lot of this has to do with the fact that I am always changing stuff and I work in a shop so parts are cheap. I changed the tires to Panaracer Paseals Tour Guards and thorn proof tubes, the stock saddle has been switched to a WTB Speed V, the pedals are now old M525 SPD's, the cranks are now Deore 48/36/26 (for touring purposes), and the tektro brakes have been switched out for some NOS Deore XT cantilevers circa 94. I also run Planet Bike deluxe fenders, Jandd racks, Axiom Panniers, a Topeak bar, cateye lights and computer. I also put on those Cinelli pads and Cinelli gel tape on the bars, but like I said I like to fiddle with my bikes. The only bike comparable to it money wise was the Fuji Touring, which was heavier and lacked the Ritchey cock pit; which I might add the Bio Max bars are worth the cost of the bike.

My only gripe with the bike is that the fork does not allow enough clearance for anything bigger than 30c if you're running a fender. I however have overcome this by switching the fork to a Long Haul trucker fork, I intend to go cross country with this in 2 years and I want to run 35s or 32s. Overall the thing rides like a cadilac and has held up to a tour with my clydesdale body on it plus many training miles; its my primary training bike for those long days. For the money I dont think you can beat it!

PaulH

Chainguards pretty much require a singlespeed or internally geared hub. It would be difficult to adapt one to a Jamis Aurora, which is neither. If you want a proper chainguard, you will have to select a bike that already has one.

You can use rubber bands on your pants cuff or tuck one cuff into your sock. It's a hassle, but it works. I did it for three years.

Paul

tulip

Jamis bikes are quite good. I have a Coda Comp, which I'm pretty sure has the same frame as the Aurora. I'm quite pleased with it for my commuting (12 miles each way urban and multi-use trails).

AndrewP

I normally ride in bike shorts, but for the occasional local shopping trip I just roll uo the bottom of the pant leg

Anthony King

I ride in slacks to work (short commute) I simply roll up the leg a few times.
I find four is the magic number, anything less comes undone.