Quote Originally Posted by Regina View Post
Since you intend to keep your current bike for utilitarian rides, keep in mind the intended use for the new bike. Are fender and rack mounts a necessity?
(snip)
You might want to bring a notebook with you so you can record you impressions of each (before you forget them), noting the specs of each.
You know, I'm not so sure about keeping my current bike if I get the Jamis Aurora. I think I'd consider the Aurora a very-upgraded variation of the current, and not want two. Meaning, it would be easy to use the Aurora for errands and such, and now that somebody has actually confirmed that my current bike just flat doesn't fit, I've become more and more aware of that when I ride and I don't even think I'll want to ride it any more once I get one that feels good.

As for my saddle -- a guy at one of the "major" bike shops tried to talk me out of it when he saw it (and knew that I could send it back if I wanted). But the guy who did my $20 fit at the little local shop couldn't imagine ANYBODY not knowing that "support" is better than "plush," and loved my Brooks. I'm pretty sure it was the owner of that shop who saw me at the post office once and complimented my bike, "especially that saddle," and the young kid who worked there told me he'd even use a Brooks on his mountain bike if he could afford it.

Clipless? I haven't ventured that far yet.

I am hesitant to admit how much I love the idea of the Aurora. She's pretty, she's practical, and by replacing my current bike without spending a fortune, it means I can possibly spend a lot more money next time when I get my next bike....