The LBS I was in carries both brands and have both in my size and I am torn betwee
which one to buy. They have to order both, so I have not ridden them yet.

My question is which of these bikes would provide the more smoother, comfortable enjoyabe
ride? I am 5 11 170lbs and I DO NOT race, but enjoy moderate to casual group rides of 25, 50
mikes and light packed limestone trails.

Casseroll or 2009 Aurora Elite??

Thanks!

I own a 2009 Jamis Aurora Elite, rode it last week on a week long supported tour still carried some of my own gear in rear panniers and front bag. It rode well, no problems with the brifters, I didn't like the handlebars because they narrowed down too close to the stem and I had to replace the handlebars to attach aerobar clipons.

After riding hills this past week, it appears that the gearing may be a little too high on the Jamis and I may look my options to lower the gearing ( a smaller granny gear or going to a Tiagra setup with 9 speed rear end and wider range cassette.

Looking at the Salsa (I am not aquainted with this bike) it doesn't have braze-ons for a low rider front rack. The one on the Salsa site only had a double not a triple crank.

The Aurora elite seems to be made more for touring where the Salsa site say that the casseroll is for credit card touring.

Sorry but I didn't answer your question about which provides "the more smoother, comfortable enjoyabe ride" I have never ridden a Salsa before. But looking at the configuration it may be a toss up, since the Salsa has wider tires which would tend to make it a cushier ride.

I think these are two completely different bikes and if you are doing loaded touring get the Jamis and the salsa would be limited to day tours, credit card touring and ultralight touring.

Thanks...
I have no intentions of riding with panniers, or any other loads at all, exept a tool bag attached to the seat stem.
Im just looking for a steel framed smooth comfortable road bike!

2 very nice bikes -- I've ridden both.

I agree that the Jamis Aurora Elite is a better bike if you're planning to ever tour, but people have done light tours on the Casseroll. But the Jamis is not heavy by any means.

As I recall, the Jamis came with somewhat higher-spec components at roughly the same price, but I'm just going from memory here. Tough call, both good choices.