is it silly to re-buy the same bike?

[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....

[elk]

oooooooooooooooo it's gloss black. yum
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...roraelite.html

[Zen]

Ooh, that black and tan with scripted lettering is soooo classy compared to the big block letters of JAMIS.
That's OK.
I still love this bike

The stock saddle wasn't bad for 20 miles, I need to get better brakes because a) they're just lousy brakes and B)there isn't much fender clearance if I ever decide to put some on. $120.00
I am having some trouble with gears though. The bottom bracket had to be shimmed because it was out of alignment with the frame and derailleur.Skips around in the climbing gears. Not good. Mechanic blames this on small frame size
The front derailleur could use some adjusting too. Cruising along in the big ring the other day when all of a sudden when BLAGHERLASLERLABLERA (this is an actual noise) the chain was down on the middle ring.

But I still love this bike.

[dervilfal]

I'd have no qualms rebuying an old bike, particularly one (as has been mentioned) that will be rife with upgrades/improvements. I would also take that opportunity to go check out other bikes as well. Bikes are constantly being improved, new products developed - it wouldn't hurt to go check some of them out; there's always a chance you'll find something you like even better.

[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.

[tulip]

bluegirl, first off, You are awesome for paying off your credit cards! Congratulations! Sometimes it's a hard lesson to learn, but one that sticks.

Secondly, your bike is beautiful. Classic! I second Martian Destiny's carbon fork idea. Also, it's hard to tell from your photo, but you can essentially shorten the reach by raising the bars. Of course I have no idea about your riding style, but keeping your elbows slightly bent and soft will really ease the vibrations, too. If you ride with locked elbows, you'll feel everything no matter what bike you ride. I know I go on and on about it, and the regulars here are surely very tired of hearing (reading) it, but strengthening your core is very important and will allow your elbows to remain relaxed. Regular readers also get tired of hearing me tout the wonderfulness of Pilates, but it's really helped me.

Best of luck whatever you decide to do!

[bluegirl]

Hm! I was wondering about switching out the fork! That sounds like a good bet! AND, it looks like a lot of the more current handlebars seems shorter, maybe that would help with the reach issue.

What happens is that I do end up locking my elbows because I'm trying to reach for the "knobby" part of the handlebars.

And Tulip, I totally hear you about the core strength. It's something I definitely want to be working on. Unfortunately, I find that I have to get off the bike and do something else in order to get my middle in shape.

The other day I rode for awhile on the lowest loop part of the handle bars, and it was SO uncomfortable with my thighs hitting my belly. HA!! i guess that one snuck up on me!

I think I will end up getting a new bike, but the little blue Jamis is definitely going to stay! I am thinking about switching her back to regular pedals, adding some grocery panniers and turning her into my grocery store bike! :-)