[mastercycleman]

Im going to Michigan for 3 weeks on sunday, I want to bring my bike, but i dont know how to do it, I dont really want to spend 200 bucks on a bike case, If i get a bike box from the LBs, will that be sufficient, is there any chance of making there size limit. It is 62 inches, for leght+width+hieght. If not, it will cost me 100 bucks round trip. Do you think it is worth bringing, or should I just leave it here, as i know I will get madly out of shape after that.

 

[Transcend]

A bike will cost you $$$ anyways, no airlines that I know of include it in the checked baggage limit.

 

[Echo]

Many bike shops have a bike case that they rent out. See if any of your LBS's do that. For what it's worth I tried using a bike box when I went to Bootleg Canyon, it was a Cannondale box which are supposed to be the strongest, and I even reinforced the crap out of it with wood and plastic to the point where it barely made the airline's weight limit, and the airline baggage throwers still managed to destroy it beyond use.

 

[Echo]

Oh and it doesn't matter how small you make it, if it's a bike they will charge you $80 each way. Lube up.

 

[mastercycleman]

Hmm, i called south west, and they said that if its under 62, its no charge. What if I shipped it UPS, would that cost more. Anyone know a shop in snadiego that rents them out.
Fuk, i dont know what to do. Is there any chance i could get a 5"inch travel FS down to 62 all around.

 

[narlus]

i've used a standard issue cardboard box probably 10 times w/o any problems, including two uses w/ my DH bike.

 

[Echo]

i've used a standard issue cardboard box probably 10 times w/o any problems, including two uses w/ my DH bike.

Must be I got some angry throwers.

 

[fuzzynutz]

Can't you fedex something like that? I don't know exact costs but the bike I have coming soon was only $35 for shipping.

 

[narlus]

i should clarify that these are single-use boxes, not that i used the same box 10 times.

i buy a couple of rolls of nylon-reinforced packing tape, tape all critical seams, reinforce the handholes, and also tape an extra layer or two of cardboard to where the wheel hub rests against the side of the box.

a couple of friends of mine shelled out 200-300 for hard cases, but i just can't see the need for it.

 

[mastercycleman]

So what do you use for paddint to protect the frame, and other stuff, Im bring my newer bike than i spent my life savings on (2000 bux) is it gunna get jacked up. Do you use foam?, or something else special.

 

[narlus]

i used to go all out, using that foam pipe insulation on all tubes, even wrapping it on the cranks...pile the box w/ balled up newspaper once the bike and wheels are in...

now i just toss the thing in the box and tape it up.

 

[caputo1989]

I went to scotland with a cardboard box 3 rols of bubblewrap all for 80 round trip... DH bike too!

 

[mastercycleman]

One of my dads friends has a bike bag, its soft sided, but tons of planning hes taken it on a few plane trps, and his bike are nicer than mine.

 

[douglas]

SW: "Non-motorized Bicycles, including Bike Friday and Co-Pilot, will be accepted as checked baggage at no additional charge provided the limit of three checked bags is not exceeded; the bicycle is properly packaged; and the box containing the bicycle fits within the 62-inch sizing limit and weighs 50 lbs or under. The handlebars, kickstand, and pedals must be removed and placed inside the box. A $50.00 each-way charge applies to bicycles that don’t meet the above criteria. Bicycles packaged in a cardboard box or soft-sided case will be transported as a conditionally accepted item."

 

[narlus]

wow, that's pretty good for SouthWest...they are the only carrier i know of which won't hit you for a charge. USAir got for me for $80 each way to NC in June. flying w/ a flight booked through IMBA is the only way i've avoided a cost (well, that and an unattentive checkin person once).

 

[douglas]

Also....Norba members get 2 free (one way) bike vouchers yearly w/United

Saved me $320 so far