"Already," he says. I've been moving slowly, mainly due to long waits for tires, visas and (on rare occasions) social life. But I should be entering French Guiana tomorrow, and am aiming at Colombia mid-month (via Venezuela). I'm on the Stahlratte June 25 from Cartagena.

Unless I encounter a social life between now and then, I mean.

Mark

(from Macapa)

PS: oh, and as Rick says chains are relatively easy to predict; you buy a good one, install it, and stop thinking about it for 10 or 20 thousand miles. But beware o-ring chains of Chinese or indeterminate origin, which can wear (and wear your sprockets) far more rapidly. If you're running one of these, carrying a spare might make sense.

I carry sprockets mainly because buying new ones can involve long waits. I'm tired of spending my valuable trip time waiting for parts in places I'd rather not be (c.f., Buenos Aires, Barreiras, Cali). I'd rather carry some extra weight.

Brilliant. Thanks for these posts and keep them coming. Loads of great advice and tips.

cheers

I've just "bumped" this one more time in case anyone else has any great advise.

Thanks to everyone who's posted. I've copied down much of what you have said and will include it in my presentation. (I've deleted your names to protect the innocent!)

Ride safe

Dom