thanks for all the responses everyone.
some follow up questions/comments:
weight:
there were a lot of mentions of the weight difference, which i also noted - it looks like they weight difference is about 1.5 lbs, with the Fuji being lighter. that said, the Jamis Aurora comes with full (alloy) fenders, and that's about the weight of most full (plastic) fenders. i would likely add full fenders to the Fuji, so the weight might actually be the same, in the end? or do you think the weight is measured w/o the add-ons?
toe overlap:
Originally Posted by
Marc40a
The Fuji looks to have slightly different geometry and that may help with my one complaint about the Aurora: Toe strike on the front wheel. It might bug you, it might not. If there’s any opportunity test drive either bike, I would. It may not even be an issue in the size you're looking at.
what specifically about the Fuji's geometry might make it better than the Aurora? i did have some toe overlap on my 50cm cross-check, particularly when running it with full fenders, but it was never too much of a bother.
and i hear all of you about trying them both out - i'm currently trying to track down stores that carry them. i think i may have found a local dealer that has the Fuji's (hopefully one in my size), but have yet to find one that stocks the Auroras.