Help! First-time buyer going on an Epic...

[csc]

My brother and I are going on a 3-4 month cycle tour of Argentina and Uruguay. I need to buy a mountain bike that is small, light, not too expensive but still got great performance.

Anyone got any good advice?

 

Also, we have never done any long cycle trips, so are a little in the dark about what essentials to take with us and the best way to do this. Any rack- and pannier-buying advice?

 

Thanks so much!

[Chro Mo]

There's a touring equipment thread in Rant 'n Rave - check it out. Some advice and contacts there.