Jamis Aurora Elite vs. Jamis Bosanova
 

I'm replacing my Fuji Touring and had wanted to get a Van Dessal WTF. Unfortunately, VD won't actually commit to whether they'll be producing more WTFs, this Spring.

This will be primarily a long-distance commuter, with weekend duties for camping trips.

So, I've narrowed it down to the selections put out by Jamis. In comparing the Aurora Elite and the Bosanova, there are a few obvious differences. The Aurora has longer chainstays, which I like (440mm vs 425mm). However, it has bar-end shifters and I prefer brifters which come standard on the Bosanova. I can change out the shifters, when I get it, so that's not too big an issue. The Aurora also comes with what looks like a pretty sturdy rack. While I like the color of the Bosanova better, that doesn't get too much weight in my decision-making process.

I guess I'm looking for anyone whose been on either or both of these bikes. Any insight that might help in me choose would be appreciated (even thankful for opinions and/or pointing out stuff I haven't thought of). :)

I don't own any of it, but was seriously considering getting one of them. From the description i have the impression that Bosanova is a bit sharper, faster and lighter, while Aurora is a bit more comfortable in general, but Bosanova got carbon fork, which should contribute a bit to the hands comfort (not necessarily, Aurora's fork seems to be nice). Bosanovas fork won't allow lowriders, so if you need front rack then go for Aurora.I guess if you plan touring light and riding fast then Bosanova is a better choice, while Aurora is better for longer tours. I personally would get Bosanova, but that's because i already have one heavy duty tourer.

I generally agree with that.

I pack very light and like a sportier bike, so between those two I'd go with the Bosanova. Purely personal preference though so it may not be the right answer for you.

Changing out bar ends to replace them with brifters is a pretty expensive proposition. If you want brifters, I'd say to buy a bike that comes with them.

Thanks. And I was leaning toward the Bosanova, but mikhalit's mention of the fork not allowing lowriders was concerning. However, in reading the bike's description, it does say even with the carbon fiber fork, it will take lowriders. That surprises me, but it bumps the Bosanova back up again.

And if anyone has any idea, am I going to notice a 15mm difference on the chainstay length?

I am pretty sure I would notice it. Whether it is an improvement or a problem depends on whether you have heel strike issues and also on your personal preference for handling characteristics. The less you carry the better the shorter stays are likely to be. On the other hand if you plan to carry a heavy and bulky load they may be a negative.

I think I can nudge a bag back on the rack 15mm. Or maybe even adjust the rack to be a smidge farther back. 15mm is right at half an inch.

However, heel-strike is kind of all or nothing. If it never happens, you don't ever think about it. If it happens, even if it's only occasionally, you can't STOP thinking about it and it will drive you nuts. At least, that's been my experience.

If you look at the photo on the Jamis site very closely, there is a braze-on for the low rider mount at the center of the fork.

For heel strike you need to take your panniers to lbs and put them on the Aurora Elite to see how close your heel comes to your loaded bag, then you will have an idea about the other bike.

Yep, i must be blind not to see the lowrider mounts on Bosanova. Still, double dropout eyelets of Aurora fork seem to be better for mounting the front rack. Mainy because of the mechanical brakes calipers, which are rather fat. The front oriented eyelet makes rack installation quite a bit easier.

I personally am loving the look of that Bosanova. You can buy heavy duty racks for cheaper than switching bar-ends for brifters.