[sanjuro]

I have often fantasized about riding to Chile, and watch "The Long Way Around" certainly inspired me.

I haven't figured out every piece, but this is what I would use:

Hi-end steel frame: very strong but relatively light, and repairable by any welding shop
Marzocchi coil fork: probably an older Z1 FR with ETA as most of today's Zocch's are air spring
36 spoke disc wheels: Maybe discs are a mistake considering how reliable and serviceable rim brakes are, but the braking power is a huge advantage, and you can always carry a spare brake
Bob trailer: duh

Basically, very reliable parts which can be repaired anywhere, i.e. far from the closest bike shop.

Any other suggestions?

 

[Heidi]

Sounds good to me, when do we leave?

 

[Zark]

Hubs: Shimano XT's They might be heavy, but parts are everywhere and they are damn easy to overhaul.
Rims: Sun Rhyno Lites.
Brakes: Hayes mag hydros. Tough, reliable, easy to work on.
bars, stem and post. Easton EA50. all a good compromise between weight and strength.

 

[ito]

King Headset
Thompson Bar and Seat Post
Lock-on Grips
Straight guage spokes
Regular tubes (possibly slimed or otherwise protected)
Tires???
Crank Brothers Pedals with extra cleats
Money to buy off bandits and border patrol
XT drivetrain

If you want a good book on traveling in South America check out Tim Cahill's Road Fever.

The Ito