7/5/2023 0 Comments Tandem cases from bikepro usa![]() ![]() If your bike case doesn’t have a supportive framework, you should put spacers where the wheels’ axles would normally be in the frame’s fork and rear triangle. Your goals are to crush-proof the bike and avoid metal against metal contact. Teaching you how to do this is a job for a bike shop or a mechanically skilled friend, but I can give you a few packing tips. You’ll need to remove wheels, handlebars, seat, and pedals, then reassemble it at your destination. If you’re doing the packing job yourself you’ll need some basic tools and minor disassembly/assembly skills. If you don’t want to spring for the $250 to $750+ price to buy your own bike case, look for a bike shop that rents them for a fraction of the cost. All the different types of bike cases work well, but none is a guarantee that your bike will be impervious to damage. There are padded nylon bags with supportive metal frames inside, hard ‘sandwich style’ cases with foam layers inside, and hard cases with a metal framework inside to secure your bike’s frame. The case you use and the care you take in packing your bike can make all the difference. This doesn’t mean that it’s always the case, but it happens. I’ve seen bikes dropped from significant heights, luggage weighing hundreds of pounds loaded on top, and generally handled with contempt. If you believe baggage handlers really don’t want to deal with your bike, you’ll understand why you’d better pack it carefully. To me the high fee says that the airlines would really prefer not to take checked bikes, and this attitude often comes across through ticket agents and baggage carriers. The fee has steadily risen from $12 since I began flying with a bike many years ago, to $60-$100 now. Like it or not, there’s an excess baggage charge on bikes for domestic flights, hopefully none for international flights if you have only 2 pieces of checked baggage. On the other hand, you’ll need to find a vehicle big enough to transport the bag or box to and from the airports (perhaps a companion’s bike as well), and it’s going to cost you plenty in excess baggage charges unless it’s an international flight (note: this policy is changing on many airlines). You’re always with your bike (unless the airline loses it) you can ride it the day you pack it and as soon as you reassemble it at the race site. Taking it with you on the plane has its benefits and drawbacks. Most athletes do take their bike on the plane with them though… The downside is the planning involved and time without your precious training buddy. If timed properly your bike will be there waiting for you, perhaps assembled and ready to ride of you sent it to a bike shop. ![]() You can send it to a bike shop or any other physical destination that can take daytime deliveries. Shipping your bike means packaging it and sending it via a carrier that will take large items. There are two ways to get your bike to the race site: ship it days before, or bring it with you on the plane. Let’s make the experience as low-stress as possible by taking a few precautions. Packing a bike safely, dragging the bike transport bag or box around, and paying the exorbitant excess baggage fee is frustrating, but it’s part of our sport. We have created a buyer’s guide to discuss the important features you should consider when choosing a bike travel case. So either way, a bike travel case makes sense. ![]() So you are not only protecting your bike, but you are also protecting your investment in your trip. In addition, if you are taking your bike with you, then you are planning on using it. ![]()
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