I don't understand how we can discuss BB drop without considering crank arm length.
Jamis specifies three different crank arm lengths for the Aurora Elite, depending on frame size, which sounds like a good idea; but these different crank arms all come with the same BB drop. So the smaller framed Aurora Elites have more pedal clearance than the larger ones. Go figure!
Salsa doesn't specify the crank arm length of the Marrakesh. There's attention to detail for you!
Bottom line, BB drop and crank arm length only matter if you're getting near the extremes, and on these bikes you aren't, and it won't make much difference one way or another.
the crank arm lengths for the Salsa Marrakesh are listed at the bottom of the "build kit" tab:
here
i'd be going for a 54cm in a Marrakesh, whereas i'd go for a 50cm in an Aurora Elite (standover of the 53cm is too high for me).
with all that said, i'm now also considering throwing one more option into the mix:
building up a 52cm
New Albion Privateer, with gearing (48/36/26t + 11-32t) and components (brakes + shifters) similar to a Long Haul Trucker.
i like that the geo of the Privateer is pretty much right in between touring geo and CX geo, and similarly that the BB drop of the Privateer is kind of right in the middle of that range at 72mm.
i am aware that the tubing isn't as beefy on the Privateer, but i'm wondering if that would be an issue since i will only be using it for more med/fully loaded touring about 10% (would be using it with a rear rack and single pannier the rest of the time).
any opinions on that?