I think the Jamis Aurora is a extremely under rated touring bike, I rode every touring bike I could find over a period of several months trying to decide what the "perfect" bike for me would be. I kept coming back to the Aurora but I would try and talk myself out of it, surely there had to be something wrong with it. No way could it be a good bike for the long haul with such a cheap price tag. ( I paid $795 for mine on sale).

I have about 1700 miles on mine now and I can tell you it lacks nothing. I commute 50 miles on it everyday rain or shine and it always makes me smile. I am a big guy about 240 lbs plus my gear. My bike always has rear panniers on it. I came from a aluminum frame bike and at first the steel frame seemed flexy but now I can't feel it, the ride is very comfortable.

So I guess what I am saying is I am very happy with the Aurora and I don't think you can go wrong especially for what they sell for. I could of bought any touring bike I wanted ( Surely, Trek 520 etc etc.) I chose the Aurora because it fit me the best and I couldn't find the reason the others cost hundreds more, they didn't ride any better.

Here is a pic of mine.