Buying used touring bikes from travelers finished with their trips

[DevEmerson]

Hi there,

I'm currently in Ecuador on a solo trip from Colombia to Patagonia, and I'd like to buy a touring bike while I'm here so that I can continue my travels that way. I know that some people traveling by bicycle in other countries will sell their used bikes once they're done with the trip instead of flying them back home. I'm thinking it might be easier and cheaper to buy one of these used touring bikes already equipped for this type of travel rather than trying to buy everything that I need here from scratch. Does anyone know of any online resources or forums for people selling their bikes for this purpose, or have any advice in general for buying touring bicycles and equipment in South America?

Much appreciated!

[weaveoftheride]

Hi, have you met many people who would be willing to sell their bike? Have you tried posting on the Thorn Tree Forum at the Lonely Planet? Have you tried posting on a Couchsurfing forum?

If I was going to buy a bike off another cycle touring going long distance it would be interesting to know how many km it had done. Racking up the km may end up with part more likely to fail (obviously). Good luck.

[John Nelson]

The chances of a touring cyclist finishing up a tour at the same place you want to start your tour, at the same time, with a bike that is your size, with a bike he wants to sell ... seems incredibly small to me.

[BikeFreak]

I think most travellers who finish a long trip such as the transam become emotionally attached to their bike. And would never sell it :-)