Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > SOUTH AMERICA
Rear tyre and chain - Santiago or Buenos Aires or nearby? Rear tyre and chain - Santiago or Buenos Aires or nearby?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
SOUTH AMERICA Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Apr 2017
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,505
Rear tyre and chain - Santiago or Buenos Aires or nearby?
Im in Santiago for the moment and after a *#%•~ lot of trouble it seems my Tenere is coming around in a few days and will be rideable again. (Cross my fingers) However my rear tyre and my chain and sprockets will both need replacement in like 3-4000 kms from now. Here in Santiago I know I can find a relative good selection of dual sport tyres and chains (I carry a set of sprockets - time to use em now)
I am planning to head towards Buenos Aires and Uruguay before they have winter there but maybe a detour somewhere on the way. But I have heard that bike parts are both more expensive and harder to get in Argentina/Buenos Aires. Is that true and if so - how much more expensive? And how difficult to find? Should I buy the parts here in Santiago or will I be able to find them relatively easy and not 50-100 % more expensive in lets say Buenos Aires or Montevideo or anywhere else in that area?

Thanks in advance!

Any links to stores would be great...
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Apr 2017
Peter Bodtke's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Maplewood NJ USA
Posts: 585
I won't put off getting new tires to save money.
Argentina has a loopy economy and price fluctuate based on shifting factors that are hard to predict. Take as much USD or Euro as you can to Argentina, then trade privately for the best exchange rate.
__________________
Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Apr 2017
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,957
The question of when to buy a chain is easy--just buy it wherever is convenient and carry it with you. Carrying a tire is easy enough, too, provided you're not pushing terrain or performance limits.

Trying to squeeze that last 3-4000 km out of a chain or tire purely to save a bit of money is probably silly no matter where you are. That's especially true if you're already someplace where you know your way around, and even more so if you're headed somewhere more expensive.

On the other hand, I've done it lots of times. Usually in the end I regret waiting until the last minute. In any case, choosing Argentina instead of Chile is going to cost you, as will choosing Brazil instead of almost anyplace on the planet. The only saving grace (IMHO), is that the search for parts and supplies can be entertaining at times, and helps encourage exploration of a new city....if that's what you want.

Last note: if you're headed across to B.A., it's worth considering Mendoza for parts and repairs--smaller, simpler and friendlier than B.A., with plenty of shops all concentrated in a small area. However, still far more expensive than Chile.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Apr 2017
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,505
Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
The question of when to buy a chain is easy--just buy it wherever is convenient and carry it with you. Carrying a tire is easy enough, too, provided you're not pushing terrain or performance limits.

Trying to squeeze that last 3-4000 km out of a chain or tire purely to save a bit of money is probably silly no matter where you are. That's especially true if you're already someplace where you know your way around, and even more so if you're headed somewhere more expensive.

On the other hand, I've done it lots of times. Usually in the end I regret waiting until the last minute. In any case, choosing Argentina instead of Chile is going to cost you, as will choosing Brazil instead of almost anyplace on the planet. The only saving grace (IMHO), is that the search for parts and supplies can be entertaining at times, and helps encourage exploration of a new city....if that's what you want.

Last note: if you're headed across to B.A., it's worth considering Mendoza for parts and repairs--smaller, simpler and friendlier than B.A., with plenty of shops all concentrated in a small area. However, still far more expensive than Chile.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
Thanks for the answer Mark

Well - carrying a chain and a tyre isnt exactly the best option on an already (over)loaded bike. So I rather avoid that option if possible.

Squeeze another 4000 out of a rear tyre? Thats easily like 30-40-50 % of a rear tyres lifespan. Personally I think its rather silly to change a tyre when you have almost half of its lifespan left - but it might just be me.

Isnt there some tyreshops in Argentina or Uruguay that have a website so that one can see their selections and prices? I had a look at Argentinas "Mercado Libre" and there seems to be a fair selection of dual sport tyres at prices not much more than Chile. However I have never tried online shopping in South-Anerica so I have no idea how conveniant or not conveniant it might be...

How is the options in Peru by the way - if I choose to go in that direction in stead? Selection and prices?
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 20 Apr 2017
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,957
I remember Peru as cheaper than Chile, with a pretty good selection in the two towns where I bought tires--Cuzco and Ica. Labor's cheaper, too.

I guess you and I see rear tires differently. If 4000 km/2400 miles is half the tire's lifespan, then it would indeed be silly to toss it now. But now that I've given up on TKC's, all my tires last far longer. YMMV.

I'd carry sprockets regardless, since they're bike-specific, therefore the most difficult to source in faraway lands. The rest is up to your tolerance for heavy loads and (eventual) shopping trips in strange cities. But if you're picky about tires, there's still a strong case to be made for buying when the opportunity arises rather than hoping you'll turn something up a couple of thousand clicks down the road.

I'll be interested to hear how it goes for you. Good luck!

Mark
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:16.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top