Jamis 2000 Aurora

Price Paid:  $608.00 at Johnny Sprockets

Favorite Ride:
depends

Bike Setup:
Gary Fischer rear rack and Blackburn
water bottle holder; ding-bell; Road Gear sideview mirror; Panoram wireless odo/speedometer; Road VX MKS pedals w/Christophe toe clips; SKS Chromo Plastic fenders (came w/bike); Michelin Transworld City 28cc.

Summary:
Very, very satisfied with this bike as all-around commuting bike. It seems like a great value at its price compared to the low-end Fuji & Cannondale bikes I checked out that cost hundreds of more dollars.
As I see it, this bike is a perfect commuting bike. For I am wary to spend much on a commuting bike that is occasionally left outside (locked up, course, w/a Kryptonite lock) for a few hours. I don't want my commuting bike to look too good or have great components that may attract the attention of a bike thief or vandal.

Strengths:
The handlebars I really liked: they offer a variety of grips and are wide. The cantilever brakes work well. The frame absorbs bumps well and gives you a smooth ride. Initially, I didn't like the black frame finish, but over time came to regard it was a good idea for an all-around commuting bike. Black won't show wear & tear; it's also less conspicuous to thieves & vandals.

Weaknesses:
Derailer problems, slipping in shifting sometimes, but if this really bothers you, you can simply upgrade the components for $100plus. The original tires were far too wide 700x35cc; they slow you down too much; they are good for going on a long tour, but I'd suggest narrower tires (28cc), or else you'll feel like you're riding a mtn bike. The flimsy pedals were the only parts that I replaced w/my old, sturdy MKS road pedals w/steel toe-clips.
After 1,500 miles I've found the generic bike saddle to be just fine, contrary to what other reviewers have said. True, it's cheap--it's already torn a bit.
I had a problem w/flats--4 in 1,500 miles.
I finally got new tires,Michelin Transworld City 28cc--it seems they are good for puncture resistance & riding in rain. Also they have a reflective strip on them. I'd avoid Bontrager Select;these were the first tires I had because they are too thin--I got 3 flats with them. Then I tried Performance GT Kevlar tires, which seemed better in offering flat tire protection, yet since they are smooth, riding in rain and slick, wet roads with them is hazardous. I nearly had my bike slide out from under me a few times on the wet road.

Similar Products Used:
No good comparisons, the closest is my
old Miyata 710 from circa 1986. Its frame was stiffer, the ride bumpier. The 700cc wheels provide a world of difference
to the old standard 27" wheels, which

Price Paid:  $620.00 at Rapid Transit

Bike Setup:
I added SPD pedals, water bottle cages, a WTB ti seat, and changed the tires from the richey tom slicks to michalin 700x23's (axial pro in front and a bi-sport in back)

Summary:
Overall, I'm very pleased with this bike. I ride it everyday ranging from 100+ mile rides to commuting in downtown Chicago. I would recamend it if you are looking for a cheaper touring bike. If I was going to buy again, I would spend more for a better componate group (the Sora just doesn't always cut it). I should note that I do trust this bike enough to take it touring for three months in Europe this summer (2001).

The only problem I have had with it is with the rear rim. After a year it has flat spots in it, but that is mainly due to chicago roads and not the bike.

Note: If your planning on racing, don't buy this bike. The set up for the Sora shifting doesn't allow you to up-shift from the drops and the bike is also a tad bit heavy.

Strengths:
Steel Frame, tons of braze-ons, able to accomidate fenders and wide touring tires, and the frame geometry is relaxed

Weaknesses:
Saddle and seat post (replace both ASAP), stock pedals, not for racing.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $600.00 at Bike Stand, Scotch Plains, NJ

Bike Setup:
Stock. Added clipless pedals. Terry wedge seat

Summary:
Great bike for the older road rider who wants a smooth shifting (Shimano Sora), great handling bike with minimum of problems. Designed to take the road in stride. Also great looking bike, black frame with white "Jamis logo" stands out. Put me back on the road much more often then before.

Strengths:
Great Ride for the older rider. Frame design lends itself to less stretch and bend for control. Steel frame and 700 x 32 tires absorb bumps on terrible suburban roads. Good value for price.

Weaknesses:
Heavy bike, change seat immediately if not sooner

Similar Products Used:
Trek 1200T stretched me out, very uncomfortable ride.

Bike Setup:
stock-> most importantly, Shimano Sora group. Added a computer with cadence. Real pedals.

Summary:
Unlike everyone else in the world, I do not mountain bike, do not want to mountain bike and did not buy this beast to train for mountain biking. I like road biking, straight and simple. Best bike I could find at an entry level of the "decent bikes." Being older and heavier, I also wanted one that handles well (it does), is smooth (oh yes), and will get me to my season end goal of a metric century. This time next year it'll get me to a real century.

gawd i love to ride!

Strengths:
good value! steel rules!

Weaknesses:
awful seat; bike is a little heavy, but not when you consider the price range.

Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Super Sport (awful) and an aluminum bike each from Specialized and Cannondale (which were really awful). Would like to have tried an Iron Horse Triumph; was the one bike my research said may be equal or better.