Originally Posted by Tuffwolf
jamis also has the aurora which is about half the price of a 520 and i second the trailer idea. 2 or 3 hundred and you could use your bike and not worry about your heels hitind your panniers
Significantly cheaper? Yes by about $400. Half the price? Not unless the 520 costs $1700 (it doesn't).
But good point...if the OP wants to get a touring bike but doesn't want to shell out the money for the 520, the Aurora is a good option.