adimp

posted this on the cross forum too.. Came across this while perusing Ebay. Being a 2 year old model, what's a reasonable price to pay for this bike. What's your opinions on the carbon fork vs. steel for the '09 and '10? I've been waiting for one of these to be listed on Ebay for quite a while. I don't want to pay $1350. Thanks for your help.

cyclist2000

I think that $1400 is too much that should be re msrp two years ago.

akcapbikeforums

A "not new" 2009 Jamis Aurora Elite just recently sold on ebay for $960 +50.

BengeBoy 

There were big differences between the Jamis Aurora Elite from 2008 to 2009, and from 2009 to 2010.

- In 2008, the frame was the same geometry as their cyclocross bike (I forget the name), and it had a carbon fork.

- In 2009, the frame was changed to be the same touring geometry as the Aurora. But it's made with lighter steel and has better components. Plus it had the steel fork.

- In 2010 the Aurora Elite changed again - it now comes with disc brakes and 9-speed drivetrain with lower gears than on the 2009. It also comes stock with fenders and a rear rack.

3 years, 3 different bikes. It's up to you which is better.

In any case, $1350 is too much for a used one.

adimp

It's brand new.. How much would it 'depreciate' (for lack of a better word) being a 2 year old model? He said it was built up by Jamis authorized dealer. Do you think I can win with a 1000 bid?
I test drove this exact model last year and fell in love.. so smooth, nimble, fast. I had a 2006 Lemond Poprad which I wanted to love, but I could just never feel comfortable. thanks

BengeBoy 

Can you provide a link to the auction?

This must be it:

https://cgi.ebay.com/JAMIS-AURORA-ELI...item35a4dac0f0


I don't have a clue what it's worth; I don't understand the listing. He says it's "new" in the box but also says it's been assembled by a Jamis dealer. And it has some paint chips. And apparently the seller isn't the dealer.

I saw a 2008 Jamis Aurora Elite in July at a local bike shop for $1,000. What you pay for this (apparently lightly used) Jamis Aurora Elite is up to you. My guess is that it will sell from $800 to $1100.

cyclist2000

Certainly don't pay a price that is near the price as from a bike shop since you are not getting 1 to 2 years of free tune-ups and maintenance. and what is the warranty?

I don't agree with the seller saying that there are all these down grades in the subsequent year models. I have always thought that Jamis was responding to touring community's negative comments on this model.

2008 has same frame geometry as their cross bike...not true touring geometry
2008 has carbon fork ... no braze-ons for low ride front rack

2009 has 10 speed gearing ... for touring the 9 speed componentry is more desirable since lower gearing can be achieved with the 9 speed components

2010 now has these upgrades with disk brakes. but the wheels are still constructed with 32 spokes.

I think the seller is saying that the 08 model is better but I think he is way off.

Also I am assuming that the reserve is near 900
For this price why not look at the Surly LHT?

mtnroads

I owned one of those. I really expected it to be a perfect "do it all" bike - lighter and more nimble than an LHT or Trek 520 (I had a 10 yr old 520) yet still able to take short tours. Good components, nice color (just like in the ebay photos, btw - not that ugly green color). What I found was the frame was flexy yet somewhat harsh riding and the 10 spd drivetrain was persnickety. It DID have braze-ons (inserts) in the front fork for a rack though, unlike what the poster above implied. After a few months I unloaded it at a loss and bought a Randonee on sale which was more comfortable and fit me better.

In all fairness, the guy I sold it to liked it, rode it down the Baja with rear panniers, and uses it for his daily ride. To each his own.

old and new

You've posted on this once. Anyway, it's going to come down to your own gut feelings to make the final decission. It's difficult to rationalize objectively. The new model is 18, the '09 might be had slightly cheaper.
It's been said here and before that the dif. mod. years vary making the comparison more complex. I don't think that using commonly used factors, the math, apllies so much here. If you like THAT exact model in a new bike, what choice do you have ? The price seems fair; compromise the features or pay the price. I like the one that you're looking at.