packing-the-bike-for-the-plane advice

SBDownhillRacer · May 16, 2006

a cardobard box with a lot of that packing popcorn would do the trick. Thats a really nice bike so i would definentaly pack it well, dont want it gettin damaged.

Transcend · May 16, 2006

Styrofoam packing chips won't do a thing in a bike box, please ignore that advice. The bike will get absolutely destroyed.

I use an iron case and remove the fork and wheels from my Dh bike. Everything gets wrapped in bubble wrap and then placed on the foam, then the second foam piece, then wheels and the 3rd foam piece. Iron cases rule.

If you go cardboard, I highly suggest you double the large sides with parts from another box. Then wrap bike and fork in bubble wrap, remove derrailleur and zip tie to INSIDE of seatstay, wrap bars in bubble wrap and attach to top tube with zip ties (over tape/bubble wrap to avoid scratches). Remove pedals and pack in your luggage in a ziplock bag.

Wrap both dropouts heavily in bubble wrap and packing tape to pad them. If you have a removeable dropout, remove it and throw it in your carry on.

May seem like overkill, but I have shipped bikes dozens of times, and besides the iron case, this is the only way to get it where it is going in one piece.

blue · May 16, 2006

I would advise shipping it through a shipping company if you don't have a case...Airlines beat the hell out of stuff (worse than any shipping company).

If you absolutely must go airline, follow tranny's advice. In addition, fill the box with styrofoam peanuts once you're done. Actually, overfill, and squish them in...You don't want anything to be able to move. Also protects (somewhat) against puncturing and box crushing.

Transcend · May 16, 2006

blue said:
I would advise shipping it through a shipping company if you don't have a case...Airlines beat the hell out of stuff (worse than any shipping company).

If you absolutely must go airline, follow tranny's advice. In addition, fill the box with styrofoam peanuts once you're done. Actually, overfill, and squish them in...You don't want anything to be able to move. Also protects (somewhat) against puncturing and box crushing.

Naw, all they do is sink to the bottom and make a mess. Seriously, double box it, bubble wrap it tightly and it will be fine. DH bikes barely fit in boxes as it is.

Tricos are the only way to roll in my opinion.

SXtrailrider · May 16, 2006

I actually going to whistler this summer and was wondering would the Dakine be a good shipping bag/box for my bike, what else do you guys recommend

roberts · May 16, 2006

It's a DH bike. The abuse on the hill is infinitely worse than shipping.

I take off the fork, wheels and pedals. Then, I cram it in a standard bike box and ship it Fed Ex.

Fed Ex is the cheapest, and I have never had any problems - no padding, wrapping, etc.

I ship this way twice a year for 4 years.

caputo1989 · May 16, 2006

Will a 19" sunday fit in an iron case?

Transcend · May 16, 2006

roberts said:
It's a DH bike. The abuse on the hill is infinitely worse than shipping.

I take off the fork, wheels and pedals. Then, I cram it in a standard bike box and ship it Fed Ex.

Fed Ex is the cheapest, and I have never had any problems - no padding, wrapping, etc.

I ship this way twice a year for 4 years.

Your money down the tubes, not ours. If you think a Dh run can in any way compete with UPS, you are delusional.

Transcend · May 16, 2006

caputo1989 said:
Will a 19" sunday fit in an iron case?

Without wheels or a fork, i believe it will fit in the large trico. I'm not sure ANY dh bike will fit in a small trico.

Transcend · May 16, 2006

sunny said:
what is this LARGE and SMALL you speak of? I thought they only came in one size?

They used to come in 2 sizes. From a quick look around, it appears that they now only come in one. They used to have one that was slightly larger in every dimension in order to carry 2 MTBs.

Transcend · May 16, 2006

Yup. I always use my axle. Now wrap the fork and bars heavily, and attach them with zip ties to the frame so that stuff isn't bouncing around in there. Then the other sheet of foam on top, and then your wheels. You may need to shift it around to get the wheels in.

blue · May 16, 2006

roberts said:
It's a DH bike. The abuse on the hill is infinitely worse than shipping.

Do you drop your bike onto large boulders from 20 feet in the air, frameside first? You're a ****ing idiot.

About the peanuts thing, to prevent settling you have to overfill the box, otherwise they don't do any good.

You could be like that dude on here and just fill the box with insulation foam

:rofl:

Transcend · May 16, 2006

That foam thing was hilarious. I gotta start shipping dainese that way.

blue · May 16, 2006

I wonder how much the box weighed...

It was probably illegal to ship that.

RPG · May 16, 2006

What about the cases you can purchase? I'm also going to Whistler and was looking to buy a case. How's the Dakine? What other cases are out there to pack a way a DH bike?

manhattanprjkt83 · May 16, 2006

Transcend said:
Styrofoam packing chips won't do a thing in a bike box, please ignore that advice. The bike will get absolutely destroyed.

I use an iron case and remove the fork and wheels from my Dh bike. Everything gets wrapped in bubble wrap and then placed on the foam, then the second foam piece, then wheels and the 3rd foam piece. Iron cases rule.

If you go cardboard, I highly suggest you double the large sides with parts from another box. Then wrap bike and fork in bubble wrap, remove derrailleur and zip tie to INSIDE of seatstay, wrap bars in bubble wrap and attach to top tube with zip ties (over tape/bubble wrap to avoid scratches). Remove pedals and pack in your luggage in a ziplock bag.

Wrap both dropouts heavily in bubble wrap and packing tape to pad them. If you have a removeable dropout, remove it and throw it in your carry on.

May seem like overkill, but I have shipped bikes dozens of times, and besides the iron case, this is the only way to get it where it is going in one piece.

The man knows his stuff...

I just began flying my bike places and most will gasp at my meathod but i used a soft bag, that had compartments for wheels/seat/pedals and that sort of thing...It got there in perfect shape...

Any horror stories with this meathod?

manhattanprjkt83 · May 16, 2006

blue said:
Do you drop your bike onto large boulders from 20 feet in the air, frameside first? You're a ****ing idiot.

About the peanuts thing, to prevent settling you have to overfill the box, otherwise they don't do any good.

You could be like that dude on here and just fill the box with insulation foam

i second the :rofl:

manhattanprjkt83 · May 16, 2006

RPG said:
What about the cases you can purchase? I'm also going to Whistler and was looking to buy a case. How's the Dakine? What other cases are out there to pack a way a DH bike?

that dakine case is so juicy....

bikenweed · May 16, 2006

Do what Transcend said.

Lately, I've been getting BMX bike boxes. I take the fork off and stick it in the bottom of the box, my SPD shoes, tires, helmet and frame/cranks/deraillure into the box. Wheels go in a regular old wheelbag. Then I stick my pants, jersey, undies, socks, toothbrush and tools in my backpack, and it's my carry-on. Boom. The BMX/frame box is so small that no one expects it to be a bike. I got on my last flight with no questions asked, but that was in Europe, where life is easier.

Trying to get a full size bike box on a bus/subway/taxi is nearly impossible, the wheelbag/tiny box/backpack method works super well.

mandown · May 16, 2006

i just found this the other day
http://www.sportsexpress.com/default.asp

they ship for you. seems like it could be cheaper than the airline fees, and you get to take your two bits of luggage.

Tattooo · May 16, 2006

What ever you do, just don't send it either UPS or DHL. I have had both of those companies now "misplace" bikes, normally killing my trip. I have to say DHL did a better job of finding their **** up, but none the less, they both suck.

I wrap mine with beach towels. Yes it adds weight, but they can withstand a hell of a lot of abuse, and I just reuse them when I am getting home.

I have also heard from Hacksaw the idea of using a big hockey bag to fly my bikes with. As funds are low right now, I haven't been able to test this plan out right yet. However, if the measurements are close, I think I can fit my Nomad or my Morewood in a big hockey bag with the fork inside. Then I would take the wheels in a box and claim them as my second piece of baggage. This should work with South West, but again this is just a theory.

bballe336 · May 16, 2006

Even in an Ironcase pack it very tightly with bubble wrap. You don't want anything to be able to move. I have had airlines break so many things it is unbelievable.

mandown · May 16, 2006

Check each airline for the weights and dimensions allowed. 100lbs seems to be the max for most, but some have it at 80lbs. I have seen L+W+H anywhere from 62" to 115".

trico case = 33lbs
crateworks = 22lbs
Dakine = 16lbs
cardboard = ???

add a 40-50lb FR/DH bike and you are getting close to the max fast!

soutwest lets you check 3 bags without extra charges. most other airlines are 2 (including the bike box).

i would suggest packing smaller/heavy parts (like tools) in the bag with your clothes, and loading your pads and riding clothes in the bike box to use as frame padding.

anyone use wheelbags? which ones? you could probably pack a smaller bike box and check a wheelbag and carry other clothes in your carry-on.

Spunger · May 16, 2006

When I was thinking about doing this the one thing that you have to remember is that a stupid TSA guy is gonna open it up and check though it. So if you place things so they fit for you and he just decides to toss it all back together crapily, then something might get damaged or what not. A hard shell case is excellent but the pack job is a tie. Pack it poor and something's bound to get broke or messed up.

Also peanuts is STUPID STUPID STUPID. You'd need like 30 gallons of peanuts to pack a bike box to where it'd do some good. A Trico is the best bet you'll find.

I thought about shipping my bike but at the same time if you're going to a race or something you bring somethings in your carry on's, and the rest is packed. Bringing bike gear with you can get heavy fast (think about it, helmet, pads, shorts, jersey, shoes, plus tools, spare parts etc...) Hell I could probably almost make up 2 70lb bags of just that garbage. So always take that into consideration. If you must bring alot you might want to see if you can ship some of it as it'd be cheaper than an oversize or extra bag charge on an airline.

I've seen them go over 70lbs but it has to be close. If it's like 100lbs they'll ding you for it, 75lbs and they may/may not charge you. That's my take on it I guess but since their rules are pretty clear you gotta hope for the best because if the counter guy is a dick, he could charge you for 71lbs (you know what I mean). Chances are slim but things happen.

mandown · May 16, 2006

anyone try the performance cases?
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=973&subcategory_ID=4415#
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=20104

Hailight · May 22, 2006

When I'll go back to germany in the beginning of July I plan to use one of my suitcases, it basically looks like this one:

I'll clean my bike totally from any grease and then wrap it in bubblewrap and tupe isolation and use my clothes as additional padding and to fill the space. As I have two suitcases I'm planning on putting frame and fork on one and the wheels in the other. Does that sound like a good idea?

mandown · May 22, 2006

yeah, if it all fits, it is all good.

Dartman · May 22, 2006

Here's my pack job for my XC bike...

I suggest cutting a short piece of pvc pipe at whatever length your rear hub spacing is. (135, 150 etc) to prevent the frame from being compressed at that point. I have an old qr axle with the lock nuts in place in the frame shown.

The wheels are underneath. Fork is in the long box.

Mike

mandown · May 22, 2006

tons of products here. a bit more road oriented, but probably still good.
http://www.bikemania.biz/Bike_Boxes_s/28.htm

stephanie · May 22, 2006

well, this post is a little late to help sunny since she's back on the e. coast already, but she must've forgotten that i borrowed her bike box last summer and fit my m3 inside, no problem, with fork removed. *sigh*

packing-the-bike-for-the-plane advice

how should I pack the bike for the airplane?

remove fork, fit everything into Ironcase

keep fork on; use cardboard case

something else I don't yet know about

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