tram

I'm reaching a purchasing mindset on a Jamis Aurora I test rode. I've been in the market for a touring bike for a while now, and this bike is by far the most comfortable and natural-feeling bike I've test-ridden. This thread is about swapping out stock parts. If I buy the Aurora, what should I look into having my LBS swap out? I wasn't crazy about the saddle, so I might look into other stuff, but what about tires / shift levers / brake pads and stuff? Is there a point to throwing 105 levers on it? Anything I should talk to my LBS about throwing in as free extras (or worthwhile extras)?

This will be my first bike purchase, ever (up until I've found bikes in the trash and scrounged up something working), so I'm sort of in the dark about how to proceed. Any advice or caveats are welcome.

pghdavey

I bought an '05 aurora last year, so I'm not sure if all the parts are the same. I replaced the saddle right off the bat with one I already had. The pedals were also pretty bad. One of them broke (screws fell out and the sheetmetal part bent). I replaced these with BMX-style platforms. The drivetrain components have been okay. If you know you need a different gearing setup, you should probably get that done at purchase time. I had to ride mine for a few months before realizing that I want different gearing. Other additions are racks and fenders.

cachehiker

I'm picking up an Aurora myself in another couple of paychecks. I have a half dozen Ultegra and 105 parts laying around to upgrade it. If it weren't for that fact, I think I'd be happy with what is on there. The usual exceptions being the saddle and the pedals.

It will be cheaper to get a more comfortable saddle swapped on to the bike at the point of sale than it will be a few months down the road. Now that I've been clipless for almost ten years, platform pedals and clips just feel weird. And of course I prefer Crank Brothers Candy SL's. Everybody else has their own favorite.

Since newer 105 and Ultegra parts use 10-speed cassettes, you would need to find older 5500 and 6500 series parts to upgrade shifters and some of the other parts. The only problem I've witnessed first hand is Tiagra brifters developing an annoying rattle on my friend Ellis's bike after just 2500 miles and a few mishaps. However, after 6000 miles of abuse, my Ultegras are starting to rattle a bit too. I would just wait until the Tiagras start acting up.

One thing that could be considered along with the gearing is whether or not the tires and wheels match what you will be doing with the bike. Heavy loads? Wet roads? Dirt paths? Consider something a bit beefier than 28c's. Mine will be a loaded tourer, grocery hauler, and foul weather commuter so I'll personally be running 35/37c's. The 36-spoke wheels will carry a lot but probably won't stand up to cross country with 80+ lbs. of gear. I'll be limiting myself to about 50 lbs.

Tuffwolf

i too am picking up an aurora in a month or so... and the only planned swaps i have is for tires I think a 32 will fit with fenders not sure of a 35 tho, pedals going with an spd mountain bike set with a platform on one side and an spd clip on the other. eventually the saddle, i will prolly go with the the brooks... but the most important swap will be the crank set the one that comes with it is a 50/40/30 i believe and i am going to go with a 48or 46/36or34/24t with an 11-34t in the rear

DuckFat

Just picked up an Aurora a few days ago. I had the shop add fenders for me and the screw to tighten the saddle post was very weak and in fact we couldn't tighten it enough in the store after my test ride. We eventually put in a heftier bolt and cranked it hard enough to grab. If you have a 2007 Aurora then that is something to examine.

The pedals SUCK. My left one had a click in it but after lubing it with teflon spray it got better, then on my ride today the right one developed a stutter type vibration under heavy pressure. I'll be replacing those pedals very soon with something of better quality.

I need to upgrade the tires to something that can handle a bit of mud and loose gravel for a future ride on a rail trail (C&O canal / ATA trail). The saddle is pretty basic and I'm looking at an upgrade for that as well. Aside from that, the bike is pretty good. The drivetrain is a little fussy now but after the cables stretch out in a few weeks I should be able to get it dialed in.

Good luck with your purchase. You made a good decision with this bike.

BILLB58

I bought a '06 Aurora in May '06.....have 4380 miles on it since then.....I had the LBS put a Brooks B17 saddle on it and replaced the pedals and put Schwalbe Marathon's on it.....been running faultess since....

droolcup

i was in much the same situation as you (first non junker bike). i just got an '07 about a month ago. swapped out the seat for a brooks b17 champion and put some clipless pedals on. so far it's been great. i use it as a daily commuter, and have taken it on a couple 60+ mile rides.

i've kept the stock tires for the time being since i'm primarily riding on paved roads this year, though i am looking to put some fenders on there. if anyone has suggestions on that (without hijacking the thread), it would be appreciated.

roadie66

i had a 05 Aurora very nice bike, if you are a strong rider or a heavy tourer a possible wheel upgrade. Mine bent on a hard training ride.(blew two spokes) wheel was true and tight. could have just been a bad wheel but after a new heaver duty rim and hub it was awsome I sold it to get a 98 Klein Navigator which I love it just fit me better .The Aurora is an awsome bike just not the right on for me.

Dahon.Steve

I have an Aurora. Get the rear wheel true and tight and try to do the same for the front. A larger cassette will be in order but the granny ring is fine.