Amigos,

Here are the details of two motorcycle dealers in El Bolson, 2hrs south of Bariloche: one who deals in Metzeler tyres and the other in Pirelli.

Small shops but both have plenty of tyres of all shapes and sizes (including upto 140 width). The majority are 17 inch. They don’t have the whole range, but have what’s required for roads and tracks in these parts (e.g. Metzeler Sahara 3 + a Metzeler motorcross tyre and Pirelli MT 21, MT60 to order).

If you’re just passing through El Bolson and not planning to stop a while, I would contact them at least a week before to make sure they have what you're after in stock. My tyre is 18 inch and the the MT60 I wanted required 5 or so days to arrive from Buenes Aires. Fine for me, since I was resting up. They had knobbly ones from Brazil in stock, however, which would have fitted and done the job (note - Metzeler Sahara 3 are manufactured in Brazil).

1. Bolson Motos (Metzeler), Avenida Sarmiento and Balcarce. Pablo’s email is bolsonmotos@hotmail.com, telephone 0294-4483-915.

2. Milo Motos (Pirelli), Islas Malvinas 2753, which is close to the intersection with General Roca street and on the same property as Cabanas Mico which also has a wonderful tranquil cafe on what is a fruit farm. Gustavo’s email is gustavo@mico.com.ar, telephone 0294-4492 477. They have a Michelin catalogue too, so might be able to order you something like a Michelin Sirac if you wish.

I don’t think either speaks English , so you if you don’t speak Spanish don't worry. With a bit of help from friends it’ll work out. Gustavo's wife who also works in the shop speaks some English, so will be able to translate an email.

Re tyres further south, the dealers here thought there would be similar dealers in Puerto Natales, Rio Grande and Ushaia, but little to nothing in between.

By the way, the Sahara 3 wears surprisingly quickly on asphalt. I’d heard it wore pretty well on both road and off-road. However, after just 3,000km on largely asphalt, it’s more than half worn. The MT60 looks like it’ll do a decent job on both and for considerably longer.

Anon! Merry riding!

Bob

THis is off subject however, do you know what the deal is with the black market and the USD? I'm in Ecuador and was told by a fellow traveler the BM rate will get you a few extra peso's. However, I met an Italian at Freedom Bike Rental and he told me that is no longer the case.
Thanks

Hi Rigby,

I'm in Puerto Natales, Chile, at the moment and won't be back in Argentina for another week or two. But since I left Argentina a week ago, the govt have finally let the over-priced peso slip, from what was officially around 6 pesos for $1 to now 8.

When it was at six, the black market was at around 9.

I skimmed an article in the Economist saying something about the govt letting citizens collect USD, but there were limits and conditions etc and it wasn't very clear and I wasn't in the mood to try and understand it. Thus, I suspect there is still a black market, probably still offering around 30% more for your USD.

Either way, a few dollars in your pocket is always handy and at least the official rate is getting cheaper. And thank Christ.

Will let you know when back.

Not that I would use the black market, of course, but I can ask.

Anon!

Bob