is it silly to re-buy the same bike?

[Cataboo]

I rode my new Aurora today and I am loving that bike. I know this is of no help. I just wanted to say it

did you get new brakes?

[bluegirl]

hee hee! I love it when people pop in and say: I have one!

I'm really hoping I'll find a shop that carries Jamiseses. I called one shop today that was listed as a dealer, but he said they could order one, but that they primarily sell Specialized. I really do want to ride as many as possible, it's just a matter of finding out who has what and where.

Do they ever let you order one with no obligation? Just to try?

I'm just excited. Yay, new bike time!

[bluegirl]

Oh, and thanks for the tires recommendation! I will definitely be checking that out!

[Ana]

I don't want to rain on your Aurora parade but why don't you treat this as an opportunity to see what else is out there! Keep the Jamis in mind and test ride a lot of bikes. What if you find another bike, for example, made of a different material and you would like to have that kind of diversity in your stable?

If, it turns out that no other bike speaks to you (or the one you fall for is in your price range), then you can always go back to your trusty choice of the Aurora.

Who knows, you could discover a great find!

Good luck!

[Biciclista]

If you like a 10 year old Jamis you're going to like a new one even better!
My husband has owned several Raleighs and has no regrets.

Go for it!

[bluegirl]

Well, I took good old Bluegirl out for a spin today, keeping in mind all the things I've read about in the forums over the last couple of days.

And I've come to the conclusion that I think the top tube is actually too long, not by much, but by enough that I now understand why I ride with the hand position that I do. My mountain bike is a women's specific, and I can feel how the handlebar position on that one is much more comfortable.

Also, the vibrations on my hands and wrists are just bad. It's bad enough when I'm tooling down the bike path at 16mph. No wonder I feel like I'm about to lose it when I'm going down hill on the rough asphalt at 30mph.

The things I do like: I LOVE how light and how fast (and blue) she is.

Good things for me to think about as I begin the process!!

My friend has a Raleigh Sojurn and LOVES it. And I was peeking at the Novara Randonnee at REI today. Of course, I live in a third floor apartment, so I have to be able to carry it up and down those stairs!

As many have mentioned before, the main issue is finding shops that actually have something built up in my size. BUT, that's why I'm starting early, so I have plenty of time to check things out instead of getting anxious and rushing.

Thanks! I LOVE these forums. They are making me happy and very bike crazy right now!

[elk]

since you like this....I have an Aurora and LOVE it! It's the root beer colored one...there is also now an Aurora Elite --a little upgrade...

and the colors are still good.

The other ones I really liked were the Bianchi Volpe and the Surly LHT...
But all the research I did confirmed that the Jamis was a SUPER value and I have yet to find someone who doesn't like their's.

here's her portrait.... i want a Salsa seat post....

[MartianDestiny]

And I've come to the conclusion that I think the top tube is actually too long, not by much, but by enough that I now understand why I ride with the hand position that I do. My mountain bike is a women's specific, and I can feel how the handlebar position on that one is much more comfortable.

Also, the vibrations on my hands and wrists are just bad. It's bad enough when I'm tooling down the bike path at 16mph. No wonder I feel like I'm about to lose it when I'm going down hill on the rough asphalt at 30mph.

The things I do like: I LOVE how light and how fast (and blue) she is.

Playing with stem length could give you enough of a difference for reach on your current bike, but judging from the image your current stem is not particularly long. It's not unreasonable to try to find something with a shorter reach (be it women's specific or not).

As for the vibrations try looking for something with a carbon fiber fork. They really do make a world of difference and aren't hard to find on newer bikes. You can also swap the bars out for carbon as well. I was impressed that I could tell the difference with carbon bars vs. aluminum even on my full carbon bike (unfortunately the bars are still a pricey aftermarket swap on most bikes). The stuff is really good at vibration reduction when it's designed right.