MTB for Central America

[Plax]

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;

• 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.

Any particular suggestions? I've seen the below, and I'm probably veering more towards the GT as I've been impressed with my hybrid.

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

 

[Crackle]

Your first tour is in Central America: Start as you mean to go on Plax

Presume you're not carrying panniers which is the only consideration with the bikes listed?

 

[Plax]

Your first tour is in Central America: Start as you mean to go on Plax

Presume you're not carrying panniers which is the only consideration with the bikes listed?

Well you only live once, and I thought that an organised fully supported tour (hence no need for panniers) would be a good introduction . I've always held back due to being female and having to go on my own, but after speaking to the guide this tour has another lone female who I'm going to share with, so Mr Plax is more than happy to let me meander off for three weeks (I've long given up trying to get him on a bike).

 

[Crackle]

Have you also looked at Trek and Specialized?