Touring - Spare parts in Latin America

As I read more about touring through Latin America, it seems that most countries have something in common. The lack of good bicycle parts that one might find throughout the US and Canada.

Anyone with touring experience through Central and South America, how did you cope with this? Do you stock up on spare parts (components, etc) and leave them back home to be sent or do you bring them with? Any tips on what will most certainly not be found?
I figure the things I will have to worry about finding are the things that fall prey to normal wear and tear, like derailleur, chain, and cassette, but tires should be easy to find.


Thanks,
Dave

Dave From what I have read many have the number(or email address) of a mail order company or two (ie Performance,lbs if applicable etc.) and just order the parts as needed saving on having to stock them yourself(besides what you can carry).Having one be a lbs you are familiar with might be a good idea in case you want to ask for some mechanical advice as well.By the way here is the link to a travel journal for a current tour through Mexico and South America that I found inspiring.They started out going down central Mexico but looks like they have added alot since I last read it : http://www.downtheroad.org/JOURNAL.htm

Originally posted by Dwagenheim
Anyone with touring experience through Central and South America, how did you cope with this? Do you stock up on spare parts (components, etc) and leave them back home to be sent or do you bring them with? Any tips on what will most certainly not be found?
I figure the things I will have to worry about finding are the things that fall prey to normal wear and tear, like derailleur, chain, and cassette, but tires should be easy to find.


Thanks,
Dave

I found that there was a good variety of parts in Guatemala, which is a crazy cycling country, and also Colombia in South America. I didn't carry much fancy stuff.

roughstuff