Easiest place to get a cheap bike and travel countries

[BearJohn]

Hey guys

I've been reading alot about the difficulties in getting a bike in Argentina (and other SA countries) and taking them across borders.

I am from Australia and want to take a months holiday across South America.

Ideally I wanted to start in argentina and work my way up through Chile all the way to Colombia (a long stretch for a month I know).

But since I don't know anyone in these countries, getting a local to do favours such as crossing a border with me would be too time consuming.

So I'm after advice on where would be the best place to get a bike cheap and be able to take it across borders. Even if that meant lower US somewhere.

If the bike can be cheap enough (under $500) I wouldn't be concerned with selling it. Although with Rego I realise that's not an easy price to aim for.

But the idea here is simplicity. I don't mind doing the work to make it happen before I go, I just don't want to be wasting half my holiday getting the bike sorted out once I'm there.

Thanks,
Bj