If you want to experience the cyclist’s version of backpacking you’ll want an Aurora, arguably the last of the true loaded touring bikes.

Our Auroras use legendary Reynolds chromoly steel, with air-hardened 631 in the Aurora Elite and double-butted 520 in the Aurora, both with our SST frame design so every size rides like it was custom-built. Aluminum might be lighter, but that half-pound you’d save is nothing on a big tour, and steel’s smoothness won’t leave you fatigued the way you’d be after 100 miles of aluminum road buzz.