We all know that "real" cycle tourists on a world tour would NEVER dream of riding on 29ers and religiously stick to 26" tires. Let's just say I'm not a real world tourer. In the meantime, I'm going to put 29ers back on my bike so I can get off pavement. There is a bit of a selection here in Lima though not huge. Any thoughts on what NOT to use? Ideally they WOULD be useful on tarmac because ther is ALWAYS going to miles of the stuff, no matter where you go.
Thanks
 

Hey Ronk,
Where are you? Got any thoughts on how the hell to cycle OUT of Lima?

I'm on. Gen 1 Salsa Fargo. At the moment I'm running 700x38. Which keeps me stuck to pavement more or less.
However, I'm a little bored with this. I'm in Lima and 29 ers abound. I'm going to switch my tires back to 29ers and get the hell off pavement. I am NOT a mechanic, I can fix a few things. I like the comment about mechanical mishaps and failures canbe seen as part of the adventure not a huge set back. I agree that WOOFing and other volunteer gigs ARE a great way to wait for parts or come up with a plan B.
I hope you have lots of fun touring to the Back Of Beyond on your 29er.
Maybe I'll see you out there. I might be world's only grey haired, old woman cycling the world on a 29 er. I'm easy to spot, vomit green Salsa Fargo with shit hanging all over it.