BMo3 - from a rider's standpoint, the Dew and the Aurora feel very similar in the geometry/handling. Mind you I was on a 50cm instead of a 53cm because I have a goofy neck and need to be more upright. As someone posted on another thread "when a bike fits, you will know." And I know both these fit me.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Dew for shorter rides and riding in bad weather. It is aluminum, and very sturdy. Won't rust. As the guy at my bike shop said, it's "bombproof". The components are fine. For $400 it is a very good bike. (the woman at the shop with the Aurora said my Dew was "more bike" than she likes to trade for, i.e. a good bike.) If I run over bumps and glass and other yuck, the bike just sails on. The ride is stable, not squirrelly. I don't feel like I've outgrown it, as it is still perfect for the purpose i bought it for. The saddle the Kona came with sucked, so plan to replace it.

Now i want to do some centuries. I want to do some of the longer organized rides like the Seattle To Portland and a ride from Seattle to Vancouver B.C. I know I want a full steel frame (no carbon fork or carbon seat stays.... full steel!). It has been tough to find one in my price range. I know the geometry I want is loaded touring. I'm looking at complete bikes, and frames that you have the shop add the components to. Buying a complete bike (like an Aurora) is cheaper, even if I cut corners on the frame build-up (like a Surly or Soma). Surly is owned by Quality Bicycle Parts, and they can give some good deals on complete bike kits for Surlys, as long as you buy the complete package.

The Aurora was $825. The components are "low end" Shimano Sora, which the shop said are gonna last just fine and cause me no trouble for the kind of riding I want to do. I felt so at home on that bike! A good steel frame could last a very long time if you take care of it. They can be repainted when you get bored with the color. (I've heard for around $175) The saddle on the Aurora sucked, so plan to replace it.

You said you don't want to spend over $1000. It really might be worth it to try an Aurora. And the Aurora can do just about everything the Kona does. If you want to buy one bike, and the Aurora appeals to you already, I'd say go try the Aurora first.