Ever Shipped yer bike?

[BrightYellow]

We're going to Moab this year and after some consideration, we have decided to fly. I've always driven on the big trips out west, so I'd like some comments from anyone who has either flown with their bike, or has had it packed and shipped it there.

Have you packed the bike yourself?

Have you had a shop pack it? How much does that cost?

Have you flown with it? How much does that cost?

Have you shipped it? How much does that cost?

Any other comments or suggestions?

Thanks,

-D

[jaybird]

I've travelled with my bike twice on an airline - with completely different results. The first time I got a box recommended by the airline. It was a total waste - the box was WAY TOO SMALL, it still cost my $150 to bring it on board, and it came back to me with small scratches and a dinged rim. The second time I went out I got a Trico travel case before I left. The case was PERFECT. Everything fit in the case, it had plenty of padding, and I could ship my bike, spare tubes, spare tires, helmet, shoes, and pump all in the case. The cost to bring it on the plane was $150 again, but it came back in the same shape I left it with.

With the company I'm with now, we have shipping trucks going between the different sites. So if I'm going to be out of town on business for the week, I just give the case to the shipping office and they send it out on the truck. No fuss, no muss - just a perfect ride while out of town. ;)

[viv]

I use the Iron case every year to go to AZ. I can fit my full suspension MTB and all my gear. The cool thing is having a destination that wil except it. I ship it UPS ground which takes about 4 days and I insure it for $4500 and hope it gets ripped. When I get there its waitin in the folks garage. All this for $60.00

[grizzly adam]

Awhile back a goup of us went to Russia and brought our bikes. We used the BikePro Race Case. FANTASTIC piece of equipment! It fit the bike wonderfully and there's a metal base for the bike to attach to so that it isn't moving around at all. It's easy to pack and VERY durable. It's a thick softsided case. The wheels come off along with the handlebars, pedals and seat. The bike is then secured to the base and smaller parts are loaded in the parts bag provided. There are also wheel bags to keep things from getting scratched. This bag was really thought out and we used it several times after the trip to Russia.

I think that some shops may rent them out. I would make some calls and see who has them available. Ask for the BikePro Race Case. They also make another case, but I haven't used it. This bag really impressed me. I'll try to attach a pic, otherwise, follow this link:

https://www.bikeprousa.com/travel_cases.php?UID=20030711134556216.43.106.33

Good luck!

[grizzly adam]

:banana:

[BrightYellow]

So, I take it nobody has ever shipped thier bike through a bike shop? I was hoping some shops would take the bike, pack it up and ship it for me. Anybody try that before?

-D

[grizzly adam]

My dad's shop in Duluth does that!

I think Erik's will do it for you. They won't ship it for you, but they'll pack it up.

I wanna say about $45?? Not sure though. They use the boxes they come in from the factory and use some foam padding. It at least gives it a small chance against the airport guys.

[socrates]

Originally posted by grizzly adam
It at least gives it a small chance against the airport guys.

Which is the reason I've never shipped it before...if they don't destroy it in transit it might just get misplaced......but I'm really tempted to try it (shipping it that is)

[SilverAthlon]

I recommend getting a case(a hard shell for that matter, around $200 and up), if you travel lots. they're a bit spendy, but if you think of the value you're transporting, it's worth it. Plus, you'll stay more sane not having to worry about what's happening to your bike when you can't see.

Many shops will box bikes for a minimal labor charge. From what i've seen, you can get it boxed for around $30, and then shipped for something similar. As it was stated, they pack it the way new bikes come. This includes some dis-assembly, fork dropout protectors, foam/plastic, tape.