I'm going on my first ever tour in February to Central America (I'm excited already!). They say to take a MTB with a minimum tyre width of 1.75 inches due to the terrain which is described as "a mixture of tarmac and rough unsurfaced roads often with sand and potholes."
Now I only have a touring bike and a hybrid. I only ever had a MTB as a youngster and then I can't say I ever used it for its intended purpose. My requirements are;
Focus Highland Peak
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Highland_Peak_2009/5360037573/
BeOne Aspire 2.0
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=25442
This one doesn't state the gearing though, any ideas? I've heard good things about BeOne's.
GT Avalanche 3.0
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=33981
Thanks
Now I only have a touring bike and a hybrid. I only ever had a MTB as a youngster and then I can't say I ever used it for its intended purpose. My requirements are;
- Tyre width 1.75 or greater
- No rear suspension, but I would like front suspention you can lock out
- Minimum gearing of Alivio (My GT hybrid is Alivio and I've found it very reliable and adequate for the job)
- I don't like those twist grip gear changers so they must be the the other type (can't remember the proper name EZ shifters or something).
- Gears similiar to the hybrid of 48/38/28 & 11-34 cassette, or certainly I'd like the 28-34 gear or as close to it as possible. I guess I can compromise on the highest gear as I don't suppose haring round on knobbly tyres is that easy to do!
- Ideally no more than around £300 as I doubt it'll be used all that much after the tour.
Focus Highland Peak
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Highland_Peak_2009/5360037573/
BeOne Aspire 2.0
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=25442
This one doesn't state the gearing though, any ideas? I've heard good things about BeOne's.
GT Avalanche 3.0
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=33981
Thanks