A 22 tooth chainring felt pretty good on my Aurora (probably a 2006 or 07). I bounce between 5 road bikes and sometimes I'm just downright surprised how comfortable my Jamis is after I've been riding some of the others (all of which I think fit me as well). If I wanted to make it bomb proof I'd ditch the brifters and go for barends, but thats my only possible complaint. I've done both front and rear panniers and just rears (well stuffed) and I loved the way the bike handled. You can spend as much as you want for a touring bike, but the 2nd and 3rd thousand dollars will not get you incrementally more service or quality. IMHO. Tom