Originally Posted by
KZONE
Any other responses? If I am going to buy it, it would have to be soon. Like I said I would like it for long distance tours and wouldn't want it falling apart on me. I am about average weight, but young and strong so I may be able to handle the gearing. Also, would the Sora Flightdeck hold up? Or should I find a bike with barend shifters for longdistance touring? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Bikepedia starts calling them "touring" in 2005.
The rear cogs are a little high for loaded touring. It's possible that you could change the rear cassette but the derailer might not handle the larger size (and you might need a longer chain).
Crankset Shimano Sora, 30/42/52 teeth
Rear Cogs 8-speed, 12 - 25 teeth
Sora is reasonable.
I'm going to guess that the frame geometry hasn't changed. The Aurora isn't quite as long as bikes intended for "loaded touring" but people do fine with it.
You have three choices:
1) Buy this decent/inexpensive bike (even though it might not be "perfect").
2) Wait until something better comes along in your size.
3) Buy a new bike.
If it's in good shape, it's hard to be overly picky about $200. And $200 is a good place to start without having to spend $900-1100.
It's possible that, with more experience, you'll prefer something different but $200 is a cheap way to get that experience (and this bike is a reasonable start).