Thanks for your replies!

MD, I think what surprised me the most about the t.o. was that I didn't expect it on a touring bike when to my knowledge I've never experienced it on any of my road bikes, including my twitchiest my scott cr1-pro. However, my husband who rides behind me (i'm the stronger rider at this point) said i often clip out on my scott when making u-turns and kind of hang my foot, which triggered a vague memory of having an issue in past with t.o. I liked your scenarios and the fact that 99.9% of the time it isn't an issue for you. I can handle that!

Catrin, Thanks, I like her too. I considered the Surly cross and lht, they are great bikes too. Plus, there would be something extra cool about riding a bike named *surly*

Skierchickie, know what you mean about freaking out, that's what I did yesterday. Plus I didn't mention in my post but the other thing that freaked me out were the brakes. It has disc brakes which I didn't really want but can see the benefits of, had been told watch out initially 'cause i could overbrake, not being used to them. Keeping this in mind i went to brake, nothing happened, squeezed harder, slowed down to a slow roll (going downhill). After doing some checking I think I found what the problem is and am going to take it back to the lbs Monday. I may post here on forum about it too just to get other's opinions. thanks for replying, nice hearing from another Jamis owner. Sounds like you ride in a cool area, especially the light traffic. I would like that.