Was almost ready to get an LHT, but...
 

I've been saving up for a LHT since last year to use as a commuter. I had a Cross Check, but sold it after 3 months due to never being able to get the handlebars right (I like my bars even with the saddle, and once I got an adjustable stem to bring the bars up high enough, it made for a pretty short effective length of the stem). I heard that the LHT with its taller head tube may be a better fit. So, I drove an hour today to go try one.

Turns out I should have called first, as they didn't have any LHTs in my size. However, they did have a 2009 Jamis Aurora that fit like a glove on sale for $641. The shop said they are no longer a Jamis dealer, so I couldn't get warranty support through them but I could go to any other dealer just fine. I took it out for a test ride, and the derailleurs needed adjusting (would not shift to the large front ring), but the shop said they could take care of that for me.

I also looked at a Masi Speciale CX, which seemed like a beautiful bike, but would have been made better with a triple.

I'm looking for a bike primarily for commuting - my commute now is 6 miles round trip, but will jump to 24 miles round trip next year. I'm more concerned with comfy than fast, and my commute next year will include easy wide dirt and limestone trails. The only touring I see in my future is some short weekend trips this summer, and my friends and I are looking at doing RAGBRAI unsupported in 2012. How well would the Aurora handle all this? Might I be better off with a cross bike as my commute next year is going to be mostly unpaved? As I have cash on hand to buy an LHT with a few upgrades, might the Aurora be a decent choice as I'd then have more cash to customize/accessorize to perfect it? Any opinions on any of these bikes, or others I might not have considered?

Dang nice bike. I would jump on it.
You could go with 700 X 37 tires.

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...rora_spec.html

The Jamis is a great bike. I almost bought it. For me the one the shop had the fit was just a little off.
I ended up getting the Masi Speciale. I too was worried about not having a triple, but have ended up happy with the double. Haven't found a hill yet that has been a problem.

The Aurora and the LHT are of the same class they are both touring bikes. The most important thing is fit. If the Aurora fits and the componentry is good then go for it especially if it will cost less than the LHT.

If you go cross bike than you'd have to find one with the right geometry and I'm guessing most are going to be no different from your old crosscheck. So you would wind up right were you started.

That sounds like a pretty good deal for a new touring bike for just $641. You said it fits great so I would call and tell them you want to buy it. If you decided you didn't like it I doubt you would lose much if any money on it.

Actually was digging a little deeper, I thought maybe they had different colors for 2009.. Although they told me it was a 2009, looks like it may have been a 2008 http://jamisbikes.com/catalog_archiv...IS_CATALOG.pdf

I like that color scheme better. Either way its still a pretty good deal.

I have a 2010 Aurora (coincidentally, I almost bought a Surly Cross-Check) and have been in love with this bike since Day One. It is a true joy (I refer to it as 'the Cadillac bike'); my ride is often extended beyond the original distance planned. There is nothing like steel, IMHO.

The 2009 only came in bone color. If color choice is important to you, you may have to pass on a great deal. Personally, I would run back and get it. Fast.

The Jamis Aurora is a good commuting bike but, I would only buy it from a dealer that you can get warranty support from!

Whats the deal? A name? Come on... The Jamis fits like a glove, and is 641********** BUY IT!!!!!!

Then post pics and ride it like you stole it!

Sounds like a steal. If your heart's not set on the LHT (as mine is), I'd go for it. Use the leftover $ to buy some nice commuting/touring stuff (fenders, racks, panniers, etc.) that you might not have or might want to upgrade.

The deal was basically that the Aurora wasn't even on my list before yesterday, as I didn't even know stores around here carried them. I'm a careful shopper, and just wanted to make sure that this bike did what I needed it to and wasn't a lemon. Looks like I'll be calling them today to see if I can lock down the deal.

Well, I didnt end up jumping on this deal. I found a bike shop I liked a bit more that offered me a deal on a 2010 Aurora. Price wasn't as good as this one, but the peace of mind with the shop was (plus I liked the blue a tad better). If anyone is in the Chicago area and interested in the 2008, shoot me a PM and I'll point you in it's direction.

For a few extra bucks and shop support it was probably worth it. Color does matter also I bet you got a nice deal. The LHT is blue also right? =)

FYI Anyone that wants 2009 Aurora in a 55 or 57 frame size can get one at this link for $700 free shipping.

http://www.bicyclebananasstore.com/2...A09_Aurora.htm

Blue or black.

This actually isn't true. The Cross Check has a much shorter head tube than most cross bikes.

At under $650 the Jamis is a steal. Worst case - ride it for a year and sell it for $350-$400 if you want to take it up a notch.

The bike in the Jamis webpage looks comical with those handlebars turned up like that. Ridiculous. If the LBS sets it up like that, kick their mechanic in the shins. :facepalm:

Nevertheless, it is a nice bike - I'd say go for it.