Why would a bike costing nearly $800 be a Budget Buy? Simple: If you want a true expedition touring bike, one you can use to travel for weeks at a time, self contained with your gear in panniers on the bike, the Jamis Aurora is about as inexpensive as it gets. The Jamis Aurora is a classic touring bike, updated with fine performing modern components. And if you get a 2005 model, the cosmetics have been upgraded from good to exquisite. The lightweight steel frame is rugged while being lightweight, and has bosses to accept front and rear racks. The Aurora comes with Hutchinson Flash 700x27 C tires (about 1-1/4 inch wide) with clearance in the frame to accept tires a bit wider than that, for rougher, more demanding conditions. The Aurora comes with the popular Shimano STI shift/brake combination levers. Pros: Capable touring bike on a budget. Hard-core tourists will like the fact that a steel frame can be repaired by metal workers all over the world, should that be necessary. Cons: Weighs ounces more than an aluminum frame would. That matters to some people. For more information: Jamis Bicycles 151 Ludlow Avenue Northvale, NJ 07647 www.jamisbikes.com 201/768-9050 Overall value: 9 Performance: 8 Ease of use: 8 Bar Ends none Brakes Tektro cantilever Fork Chromoly steel unicrown with brazed-on threaded bosses for low-mount front panniers and double rack/fender eyelets. Frame Composition Reynolds 520 chromoly steel Frame Size XS, 50, 53, 57, 59, 62 cm Kickstand no Number Of Speeds 27 speeds Quick-Release Front And Rear Hubs Shimano Sora Seat and post Ritchey Comp micro-adjust post, 27.2 mm diameter. Avocet Air saddle Headset Threadless Aheadset. Tires Hutchinson Flash 700x28C. Type Of Shifters Shimano Tiagra Type Of Spokes/Rims 36 spokes, 14-gauge stainless, Alex Ace 19 double-wall aluminum rims Water Bottle Mount two