ptn206

Can someone give me insight into the differences in ride quality between the two bikes? The 2008 has a carbon fork while the 2009 has a lugged steel fork. Also, I think I read somewhere that the 2009's will have same geometry as the previous Aurora's (44 cm chainstay..), while the 2008's were just the Nova's in disguise. The 2008 Elites were 26.25 lbs while the 2009's will be 23.5 lbs.

I test rode a 2008 and absolutely loved everything about it (especially the comfortable riding position). Can someone please tell me how that will differ with the 2009's?? Should I wait on the 09's?? Thank you guys so much.

ptn206

https://www.jamisbikes.com/2009_JAMIS_eCATALOG.pdf

surreal

i'd hold out for the steel fork and more tour-oriented geometry, if you're planning on touring. if you just want a bike to tool around on, you could go with the current model...but i'd still think about "down"grading to a steel fork in the future.

-rob

ptn206

I just want a versatile do it all type of bike (commuting on rough streets, riding around with my kids, maybe touring later down the line). Do you think the carbon fork will absorb shock better than the steel? What is the advantage of the steel fork?

What is a "touring" geometry? What is a cyclocross geometry?
I just really loved how comfortable the aurora elite (08) was. Thanks

surreal

either model will suit your needs. I enjoy the feel of a steel fork, but many people like carbon forks for the feel. the primary advantage of the carbon over steel is weight-savings. The carbon will be less jarring than an aluminum fork, with similar weight. The steel fork has the benefit of being the sturdiest by quite a bit. I weigh 250lbs, and i like to use my bike to move objects, so sturdy is important to me. it may be less important to you.

As far as the geometry goes, the cross geometry will have a lot of stuff going for it that may not mean much to you yet, but it'll have a higher bottom bracket shell for clearing stuff offroad, and it'll have shorter chainstays. The cross geometry will feel more nimble and zippy than traditional touring geometry. The touring geometry will have a lower BB for increased stability, and long chainstays to increase wheelbase for a more stable feel and, more importantly, increased room for luggage. There are other differences, but overall, the 'cross geo will feel responsive and nimble as compared to the staid demeanor of the tour geo.

In all honesty, even though I think the 09 looks way hotter for my needs, i think you'll prefer the 08 for commuting, having fun with the kids, and messing around in general. If the fit and feel was super-good for you, I wouldn't sweat the fork. There are plenty of steel forks that you can fit to the 08 aurora elite if you want to change down the line.

My advice? Get the 08, but try to get a deal, since if they ain't sold it yet, they will have more trouble when the 09's show up. Put the savings into wierd, demented experiments with different tires, your preferred pedals, and a steel fork if any interweb horror stories about snapped CF forks end up spooking you. (FWIW, I've yet to see a CF fork snap that hadn't been abused. And, I have seen steel forks fail. But, I've seen lots of steel forks suffer abuse without any ill effects. I simply trust the stuff. But i'd never let the CF vs steel fork issue be a deal-breaker, unless I was touring loaded.)

-rob

ptn206

Thanks for the great advice, Rob. They're selling an '08 for $1300. They said the '09's will be coming in a couple of weeks. Any idea what a fair price for the'08 would be?

What I loved about riding the '08 Aurora Elite was the comfortable riding position (I usually feel uncomfortable on drop bars, but these felt so much better). So my question is, was this comfortable riding position due to it being a 'touring' geometry or was it a 'cyclocross' geometry? I wasn't able to ride a regular Aurora to compare the two (I've read that the regular Aurora has touring geometry).

I basically want a do everything type of bike that would let me do an ms150 down the road if I get more serious into biking. Thanks for any advice, as I am obviously a newbie.

ptn206

Has anyone ridden both the 2008 regular Aurora and Aurora Elites? If anyone has, can you compare and contrast? Thanks

Vernon Huffman

The Aurora Elite has the same geometry as the Aurora, but the frame is a better quality steel and of course the fork is carbon fiber, making the Elite lighter and more responsive. For some reason the Elite doesn't have the second pair of brake levers the Aurora has.