Here is the 2011 model's specs:
https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...rora_spec.html

And here is the 2010 model:
https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...rora_spec.html


I notice that the 2010 model has an 11-34 rear cassette, while the 2011 model has an 11-28. Wouldn't this be considered a downgrade for a touring bike?

In either case I would still exchange the granny chain ring for a 24 or 26 tooth, but on the 2011 model it looks like I might also have to worry about changing the cassette.

My guess is that they had to do the switch to 11-28 because the also 'upgrded' the rear derailleur to 105. For a regular road bike that would constitute a real upgrade, but my guess is that the 105's shorter cage necessitated the smaller cassette.

105 is a decent group for a regular road bike, but I don't think it's a good choice for touring. I'd change out both the cassette and the rear derailleur to XT. A decent LBS would give you fair trade value for the 105 deraiileur.

The 105 derailer is a long cage; however the geometry of the parallelogram of Shimano road derailers is such that they can only handle a maximum cog size of 28 teeth. The cage length only affects chain wrap.

Most people I've talked to have been able to squeeze in a 30, and sometimes a 32 without much trouble.

Lots of folks also buy the Jamis Aurora for commuting, just riding around, or light touring.

IMHO the gearing stock is just fine for many folks. For fully loaded touring, it's too low for my tastes. They still spec the Aurora Elite with a 9-speed 11-34 cassette and Shimano MTB derailluer in the rear.

If I were getting a new Aurora, I'd negotiate the price of the swap up front with the dealer. 11-34 cassette, appropriate derailleur, maybe even a 28-tooth inner chainring.