I own a 2009 Aurora, and think it's a great touring/road bike (though definitely too heavy to be sporty. It's very comfortable to ride long distances, though. Very solid, geared to be fast but with the triple crank for hills and loads). I think, though, if you're interested in some light off-roading and bad weather commuting, your new GT may be a better fit. I just bought an old 26" ht mtb for running errands, commuting when I need something a little more sure-footed in Pittsburgh's winter weather, and something that handles bumps better for when our roads get bad and I'm riding in worse light where potholes and debris are harder to see and thus avoid. The Jamis takes those bumps harder than my mtb. Your GT may not be the bike you want when you're riding 50+ road miles (though you certainly could), but for what you're describing, I think you got the right bike.