Jamis Aurora have a very good rep as a value conscious touring bike. On the touring forums when folks say they can't afford a Bruce Gordon or a Co-motion often Jamis and REI come up as suggestions.

Since it is a touring bike it will be a bit heavier than a bike with more racing geometry. Gotta be able to tote that load

I agree with Xeney. Go have fun and try as many bikes as your sanity wil take. You'll learn tons about what you like and what you don't like. When I was shopping, I rode not only all types of bikes but also all types of materials. I originally only zero'd in on steel and was suspicious of carbon and kinda eh on aluminum. But someone convinced me to try carbon and it was.. ok. KInda boring to me. I understood what people meant when they said carbon has a dead wooden feel. I tried some more bikes and then someone again said to try the carbon one. Told them my story.. but tried anyway. Wow, what a big diff.

So long story... just keep trying. Every make is a bit different. Try them.. get to know how your body responds to the various options out there so you get a better understanding of what it is that fits your body.