Steel Road Bikes

**KnottedYet** · 05-02-2007, 05:31 AM

Hmmmm.... it's a niche bike, but it's so popular that they can't keep it in stock?

I think they need to make more. Lots more!

**pooks** · 05-02-2007, 05:44 AM

The person (no name so I'm not sure if it was he or she) said they have increased their number by 30% every year and still can't keep them in the warehouse. But that bike stores don't stock them because they're a niche bike.

It doesn't make a lot of sense, does it?

Anyway, I'm not sure an email campaign would mean anything. It's probably a matter of me letting the local Jamis dealer know I really do want one, and then ordering it. I'm not at that point yet, especially since I have had an unexpected expense dumped on me recently. (A trip to Hawaii that I hadn't planned to take; I know it's a good thing, but it means putting off my bike! Whimper.)

More time to test ride, though. And since I'll be passing through Denver, it may mean I'll give that bike shop a visit when I'm there in June if they still have them in stock.

**SouthernBelle** · 05-02-2007, 06:08 AM

Pooks, check for Hawaiian dealers!

**uforgot** · 05-02-2007, 06:28 AM

I had a Jamis Quest, loved the ride, but it wasn't a good fit. When you first started looking at these bikes, I posted how I thought it was more of a racing geometry and knotted indicated that the one she tested had the seat higher than the bars. I looked at the Quest vs Aurora geometry and sure enough, they are slightly different. I'm no expert, but I would caution you on test riding a Quest and thinking the Aurora would be the same. I don't think they are.

**KnottedYet** · 05-02-2007, 06:46 AM

Yeah, the Aurora I rode had the bars higher than the seat. I had them adjust the bars a scootch higher still (cuz I know I like them that way) and it was lovely.

**pooks** · 05-02-2007, 06:49 AM

Oh yes, I'll certainly test ride on Oahu! (wink)

That's where Konas come from, isn't it?

I love that Quest because it's the only steel bike I've ridden, and was enough to convince me that I want one! Although I'll continue to test ride all and sundry. Why not?

But the price of the Jamis is right and the color is gorgeous.

I lust for that bike.

**BleeckerSt_Girl** · 05-02-2007, 06:49 AM

I think the Aurora is intended more as a touring/randoneering bike than a "racing" bike. It says it has relaxed geometry.

**uforgot** · 05-02-2007, 06:51 AM

Originally Posted by Lisa S.H.

I think the Aurora is intended more as a touring/randoneering bike than a "racing" bike. It says it has relaxed geometry.

That's exactly what I think, too, which would make them feel completely different.

**uforgot** · 05-02-2007, 06:55 AM

I sold my Quest frame and fork on ebay for $150. Previously I had purchased the entire bike for $330. (I think the list price was around $1500) The Jamis bikes seem to go rather cheaply. Could you save a search on the Quest or Aurora and then get the frame powdercoated the color you want? You still may save a bundle. You might have to wait awhile, and you know that you already liked the Quest. You could shop guilt free, also since you have tried so hard to purchase what you want locally.

**pooks** · 05-02-2007, 06:59 AM

Yes, it's definitely a touring bike. They market it that way. Is your Rambouillet (sp) a touring bike, Lisa SH?

I think (if it was a good fit) the Aurora would be a perfect bike for me because:

1) It's a considerable step up from my current 38 pound shaftdrive Hybrid, but at an extremely good price.
2) Its light weight and smooth ride might keep me happy for a very long time.
3) I could afford to buy it much sooner than the other bikes I'm likely to want.
4) I can always get a road bike later if I decide I really want one, and keep the Aurora, too!

I have it all worked out except for the immediate cash and the, well, ability to test ride the bike.

**pooks** · 05-02-2007, 07:03 AM

We crossposted, uforgot. Wow, that's an idea. Of course I'm not really sure what size I need ... but I'm definitely going to keep my eye out for one. Thanks!

**BleeckerSt_Girl** · 05-02-2007, 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by pooks

Yes, it's definitely a touring bike. They market it that way. Is your Rambouillet (sp) a touring bike, Lisa SH?

Good question. All of Rivendell's bike are made for "real life" riding on varied road surfaces. conditions, and distances. Thus, they all have slightly more relaxed geometry than typical road/racing bikes. They also all are set up to have their handlebars about the same level as the seat, and are all made to accept wider tires so as to be able to ride gravel roads, etc. They are of course heavier than carbon bikes. But as to my Rambouillet- the Rambouillet was billed as the most "road bike like" of the various Rivendell models. It's not made for extra heavy loaded touring (like the Atlantis), or for cyclocross (like the Legolas), for example.
It has some road bike type features and some touring bike features. It is definitely more a touring bike than a true "racing" bike though!

It can go fast....with the right engine (like my DH, for instance!)

**pooks** · 05-03-2007, 06:44 AM

So this is a Jamis Aurora, but it doesn't appear to be steel.

1995 Aurora

**uforgot** · 05-03-2007, 06:55 AM

It says it's steel, and it looks like it. I wonder if that's the current Aurora geometry listed or the 1995 geometry. Sometimes they aren't the same. The seat is way above the bars, but who knows if it's too high.

Hey, I just saw the price. Mine was a 2002 Quest with the Shimano 105 on it and it was $330. I think it's too high.

**pooks** · 05-03-2007, 07:02 AM

Chromoly is steel? Oh. I thought it was aluminum.

And, um, oh NOW I see where it says "steel." I swear I couldn't find that anywhere, before.

Maybe I need caffeine.

Thread: Steel Road Bikes

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