rhintransit - 10-31-2008 at 07:53 AM
got this from one of my cycling contacts. I have no idea of the answer. can anyone help? thank you.
"Yesterday I cycled from Loreto to Ciudad Constitucion, and if I had
checked this site earlier I would have tried to get in touch with you. I´m
writing just in case you can help with a problem I have.
When I got to C.C. I found my front forks were breaking, and they sheared
completely as I pushed my bike through town. It´s a road bike, one inch
steerer tube and 700C wheels, and quite a large size frame. Do you think I
can get new forks in La Paz? Do you know any bike shop there which sells
good quality equipment? Current plan is to take a bus to La Paz tomorrow.
Obviously you might not know anything about dealers in La Paz, but since I
hardly know any Spanish I am trying English language contacts first."
longlegsinlapaz - 10-31-2008 at 12:38 PM
According to the yellow pages there is a bike parts & repair shop in Constitucion at: Zaragoza 255....phone 613-132-1158
La Paz at: 635 5th de Februaro 612-128-6006 or 123-0533
vandenberg - 10-31-2008 at 12:47 PM
Besides taking LLP advise and check that shop in Constitution, I would also consider getting the fork fixed. You will be amazed at what the Mexican
welder/craftsman will be able to do to get you back on the road.
That bike shop should be able to steer you in the right direction. Having lived here for an extended period, I have total trust in their abilities.
comitan - 10-31-2008 at 01:20 PM
According to a biking friend for a road bikes the best place is. Coming into La Paz on the Abosolo turn Right at the CCC on to Colima and on the
right a few blocks up Vasquez Bikes.
gringorio - 10-31-2008 at 05:54 PM
I agree with vandenberg - unless your friend can find a new fork with a 1 inch steer tube he/she ought to see about having the fork welded - as long
as it is a steel frame ...
Good luck with this - keep us posted, I hope it works out!
greg
Mango - 10-31-2008 at 07:30 PM
Yep, I third vandenbergs advice.. Mexicans repair first, replace last. Its just a different mindset than us up north. I am sure he can get an
adequate/awsome repair if it is steel.
Also, for your contacts next tour.. I'd suggest 1 1/8" headset/steering tube and something a bit more resilient unless he plans on touring the
velodrome. Road bike and baja ... well.. 
live and learn.
I wish him luck.. Not knowing La Paz, I'd look somewhere near downtown unless better advice is given. I'd also check any/all traditional street type
markets. I often see bikes and bike parts for sale at these.
rhintransit - 11-2-2008 at 07:23 AM
here's the latest message from the bicyclist, now stuck in La Paz. I've sent your suggestions and now what I know about international shipping.
still looking for more ideas if anyone has them???
"Thanks a lot for your many useful and practical suggestions.
Drew a complete blank at bike shops in Constitucion and La Paz. No one has been able to suggest a Mexican firm which can send it mail order.
Welding might be a temporary bodge to keep the bike rolling, but would not be practicable for riding, due to the kind of tubing and the location of
the breaks.
Go to Mazatlan and ask around there, then Guadalajara, then Mexico City. This seems to be the best advice I can get. My other alternative is to wait
for the replacement to arrive for England. Do you have any advice about receiving international parcels? Customs, reliability of delivery, etc.? I am
wondering about using a poste restante address.
Thanks also for your suggestions re hitching a ride to the mainland.
Graham (now at Pension California in La Paz)"