and ANOTHER Chi-town newbie..HI!
 

I live in the heart of the city, 2 blocks from THE lake. I've been riding for more than 30 yrs, but almost all of it casual. Unfortunately, for most of my teen years, I rode a beautiful chromed full-Campy Raleigh Pro (or Competition?) that was always about 2 sizes too big for me.

Well, I finally bought a new bike about 6 years ago, a Jamis Coda (when there was only ONE Coda model), and really love it. I upgraded it with a Girvin FlexStem, a 105 crank, bar ends, Conti Tires, and Brooks seat. Rides like a dream!...but there's just one problem; After about 25-30 miles or so, the lack of a true aerodynamic riding position, combined with few hand position choices, I tend to get a little worn out. Especially on those half-century excursion.

So I decided to get a steel touring bike... :D

Presently, I use my Coda for EVERYTHING, but I'm thinking that the touring bike will add at least one more missile in my arsenal. I'm looking at the Jamis Aurora, and have test-ridden two different sizes that I really liked..the 50 and 53cm back to back. I've come to the conclusion that I'm in between sizes, so I think I'm gonna get the larger size and shorten up the stem. I did like the 50cm bike, but something in the back of my mind led me to feel that it might be just a little too small, which is weird, because there's a guy at my health club who's 5'9", and also rides the 50cm, and I'm only 5'6"! In my riding shoes, which are mostly gym shoes, I've got about a little over 2.5" clearance on the 50cm, while I only have a little over an inch on the 53cm. The guys at the LBS (Rapid Transit) were mostly at a loss as to which size to go with, but for some reason, the 53cm with the short stem just seemed more "right".

Anyway, I just wanted to say hi, introduce myself, and start perusing the touring forum. Can't wait to get my new touring bike, so that I can keep up a little better with the roadies on those 40-50 mile rides.

Keep rollin',

Ran

Welcome to the forums from the Northwest Side. Hopefully you'll have something to ride for this mid-50's temperature weekend coming up.

Hello Ran, when I first started riding again after an absence of many years, I initially went with the shortest model available (a 44cm). It fits quite well, but I have since learned that I could have probably gotten the next size up--I just wasn't as comfortable with the bike then as I am now.

So your instinct are probably good with the 53cm :) . Good luck with the touring!

Welcome to BF!

East Hill