How To NOT Ruin Your Bike When Travelling

[@gcntech]

Have you got any tips for transporting bikes? 🚴🏻‍♂✈

[@eddiewards123]

If you do use a cardboard box, keep it as light as possible and tape up the bottom of the box more than the top! My box gave way from the bottom causing a whole host of damage from the heavy handed baggage people!

[@gcntech]

How Do You Fly With Your Bike? ✈️

[@egovorch]

I would really like to find a good hard shell bike case for my Canyon Speedmax XL....but haven not been able to find something that big....do you at GCN have any ideas for a XL Tri bike?....@@gcntech

[@lisagreenberg5020]

You can use blue painters tape instead of zip ties. It removes easily

[@cybertuta]

About electronics, let’s remember that some (if not all) airlines have strict restrictions about batteries in your check-in luggage, that’s why you can’t flight e-bikes unless battery is removed and transported as carry-on. I carry everything that has batteries on my back pack (SRAM is a huge advantage in this scenario). Also velcros are much more practical to secure things inside the case, and I learned that swimming pool noodles are MUCH better than the foam that comes with the bike. And no matter what, ALWAYS detach the derailleur: things can move inside the bag, security can open and change things out of place, hard cases aren’t that hard… secure it in bubble wrap (like everything else that doesn’t have a proper bag) once unscrewed and be happy! And last, always have a dedicated AirTag or any other tracker, it brings an additional peace of mind during the travel.

[@ghowell13]

I can't thumbs up this comment enough. Someone pin this comment, PLEASE!

[@bikenbeers]

Could not agree more with this comment. I’ve just returned from 5 months travel with my bike in tow and did everything that @cybertuta suggested. No issues at all on any of my flights.

[@gcntech]

Some great tips here! 🙌 How often do you fly with your bike? Sounds like you're an expert!

[@johnwest7324]

How far do you go with that, the latest Di2 has batteries in the levers and in the seat post, batteries in power meters etc Even the airtag everybody recommends has one!

[@Dubadai]

It's fine to leave the Di2 battery in of course. Just like its fine to have your shaver in your luggage. Above a certain size of battery you need to remove it, hence for e-bikes you need to take it out. What TSA states is that spare batteries needs to be take in hand luggage. Di2 battery is installed, and is not considered spare :) @@johnwest7324

[@skipwalker1954]

Airtag (or some other tracker) the bike. If it does go MIA in transit, you might have a chance at locating it!

[@chaoz7]

this

[@elizabethpoley6882]

Airtags don't work w/android phones yet. Tile is o.k. Not as good against theft, though. You can't hide a Tile in one of the tubes. The signal doesn't work.

[@gcntech]

Lots of people using Air tags! It would be terrible have your bike going missing 👀

[@johnwest7324]

@@elizabethpoley6882 Samsung has similar called a Smart Tag

[@Seppster58]

An alternative to reusable zip ties is velcro strips. A roll of velcro strips is great as you can cut to length and they can be used many times. Also, they have a wider foot print so any foam tubing you use does not get cut or damaged which is possible with the thinner zip ties.

[@jpschlosser]

I use painters’ tape.

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

Toe straps. Remember those? Hard cases are overrated. Watch the airline "gorillas" try to grab slippery hard case when loading/unloading if you need proof. In the end a properly packed bike will come through OK no matter whether it's in a soft case, cardboard box or hard case. Pack your shoes and pedals in your carry-on bag just-in-case your bike is lost/delayed...that way you can at least ride a borrowed or rented bike. @@jpschlosser

[@meibing4912]

Agree!

Please do a video on safely packing a bike with fully integrated cables in cockpit, like the new generation top-end Canyons. I've been using a SciCon aerocomfort softie as it doesn't require any rotation or removal of handlebars, but i'm always a bit worried up until the point where my bike is assembled again and verified OK at destination. I know how I would handle this with my current bike that does not have cables running through the stem/steerer tube if I was to buy a hard case that require me to remove or rotate the handlebars, but i'm in the market for a new bike that will probably have fully internal cables throughout, and I will probably want to protect my new and more expensive pride and joy a bit better with a hard case...

[@pablomondragon5738]

Yes please, that video will be great!!!

[@khazza930]

lol, the one tip i knew is the one tip that didn't come up... kept waiting for a mention of disc brake blocks!!

[@jakecollins6097]

BA lost my bike on the way to the Haute Route Alps this this year... It eventually turned up but had been smashed inside the bike box... (A Polaris hard case). Not that it mattered as I managed to crash a hired trek on the decent from the Col de la Colombière breaking many, many bones! The insurance is a nightmare but I'm gradually getting there. However, I still have no bike... The insurance company have been dealing with it slower than a dead person..(BIKMO) and I would not recommend them. Having spoken to many of the cargo handlers in Geneva a common theme showed itself... BA are shite and do what they did to me on an almost daily basis. Fly with someone else!

[@PixelVibe42]

And learn how to get Di2 out of 'crash mode' before you travel .... :)

[@frazergoodwin4945]

Another tip is when you have your little bag with pedals, head unit etc to pack into your hand luggage DO NOT just leave it on the dining room sideboard... Yes, I did that and yes it was hard to find road pedals in the MTB land that is Badhoff Gastein - sourced the last pair in the valley thankfully.

[@gcntech]

Hahahaha classic mistake! 😂 At least you didn't forget your bike

[@bigwave_dave8468]

oh yeah, and don't change your Speedplay cleats without making sure the new ones work with your pedals or you might find yourself using your brothers clunky hiking shoes on a majestic ride in southern France while trying to source some Look cleats that will work with the standard Look pedals from your rental bike.

[@andersweinemo]

Don’t forget that there is a weight limit, a hard case is heavier. A semi-hard box with styrofoam blocks inside that can take up the knokcs during transit

[@ghowell13]

He did mention that at 3:52, just after saying to be careful how you pack your tools. Absolutely need to keep weight in mind, the overage airlines charge are pricey!!! Several years ago, we went on a cycling holiday to London, from Raleigh, NC. Obe of our 2 checked bags was over weight by only a couple pounds. I shipped what I took over in my checked bag plus some shopping we did, back through Royal Mail/ USPS cheaper. Lesson learned. Airlines are like vampires it seems.

[@sibu2]

What's the weight limit? 40kg?

[@john_7986]

​@sibu2 I believe it varies by airline. Also, some airlines may still treat sporting goods differently than regular luggage

[@andersweinemo]

The maximum is 35 kg. That is the limit for lifting for the bagagehandlers. Usually 23 - 25 kg depending on airline

[@mathewrose2951]

You'd be surprised at the similarity in weight. My hard case with my Bianchi inside weighs almost the same as my son's soft case with his aluminum Cannondael inside (within a kilo).

[@Florian-lu2zo]

If you travel by train with something like such a huge hardcase, book first class. There is never enough space in second class.

[@ghowell13]

Thanks for the tip. I was thinking about taking my bike with us to London this December, instead of borrowing a bike. We need the train from Heathrow to at least Victoria Station. We have borrowed bikes in the past, but I'd really like to have mine, and have been thinking of it more and more the last coiple weeks...

[@jcwms17]

Flashbacks to dragging by bike around Madrid in a bike box like Jesus Christ himself carrying the cross, while taking the wrong leg down Puerta del Sol at the (mis)direction of an otherwise friendly Constable Madrileño, only to find out Renfe PREFERRED my bike be assembled and NOT in the box (unlike the airline kiosk for Renfe told me)…ahh the days before smartphones having all the answers.

[@kyellan2107]

Thanks for the tips Ollie! Much appreciated. Further question: for those of us who aren't yet prepared to travel with a bike, would GCN consider doing a video on bike hiring/rental in various locales (or maybe you have done)? I've tried researching various places, but it's pretty difficult to find anything other than a hybrid/commuter setup.

[@ghowell13]

He did mention that at 3:52, just after saying to be careful how you pack your tools. Absolutely need to keep weight in mind, the overage airlines charge are pricey!!!

[@kyellan2107]

@@ghowell13 That's actually what inspired my question! He does say that you CAN--I was hoping that the GCN pros might have some info/tips/tricks about how/where/what to do when looking to hire a bike on holiday. =)

[@ghowell13]

​. Im sorry, somehow my reply was to the comment above yours. It was regarding weight limits. I dont know how it ended up here!

[@kyellan2107]

Ha, no worries! I wondered if that might have been the case, but of course that was *after* I hit the reply button :D Have a great rest of your day!

[@gcntech]

That's a great idea and not something we can certainly make more content around. If you want to hire road bikes the thing to do it head to road cycling areas ( think Mallorca or Girona). Road bikes can be tricky to hire out - expensive when things go wrong and need to be well looked after. This is why hey can be hard to find. If you head to the popular cycling holiday spots, you'll be sure to find road bike hire. Google reviews can be a good place to gage the best rental places. 🙌✈

[@PoulHansenDK]

Hardcases are HEAVY you easily go over the allowed weight using such a case. And if not on a roundtour, you can't bring them with you. Use cardboard boxes

[@salsalawyer]

PLUS, take up a lot of space to transport!! Most hadcases need a full size SUV to transport to and from the airport. I prefer a well padded soft case which can fit in the trunk of most standard cars.

[@General_Crock]

On my last travel to France in June at some point the cardboard box was left on the tarmac/ baggage train in a rainstorm and was soggy and without a bottom when it arrived in Canada. I will never do that again.

[@TheOkinawaBoy]

@@salsalawyer and I'm sure integrated cockpit will not fir into hard case.

[@kuri8015]

I would like to actually see you pack a bike up for air travel in a bike box (cardboard), not a hard case.

[@chris1275cc]

The tyre pressure thing is basically a myth. Despite the common belief (thanks Hollywood), cargo holds on ALL planes that go above 10,000 ft are pressurised to the same pressure as the passenger/crew compartments and are only slightly colder on commercial flights, so a trip up Mt Mont Ventoux would have a greater impact on tyre pressure. Even if the cabin depressurised at 40,000 ft the increase would be marginal and within safety limits (and you would have bigger things to worry about)

[@meibing4912]

Its not the same pressure - but its true that it does not matter with bike tires at all. The reason airline companies still ask you to deflate is because if pressure drops due to a malfunction they don't want to deal with exploding stuff on top of pressure loss.

[@chris1275cc]

@@meibing4912 It IS absolutely the same pressure, and NOT a single major airline requires you to do this. But hey keep the myth alive.

[@meibing4912]

My exploded boxes in my suitcase tells me otherwise. Also, I have been asked to empty tires several times - so not a myth. @@chris1275cc

[@ltu42]

@@chris1275cc Actually, once a checkin counter agent asked me if I deflated the tyres. I lied that of course I did.

[@themattkirschner]

I stick an Apple air tag in mine. Works really well for keeping an ‘eye’ on the whereabouts of your pride and joy.

[@emmabird9745]

Hi Ollie. So you've got this super fandango bike box you've got to your destinationand assembled your bike for your camping holiday. What do you do with the box while you're off enjoying yourself?

[@elizabethpoley6882]

Yikes, good point! Never thought about that. As someone who'd like to bike around Scotland someday, that's a problem. I notice alot of the pro mountain bikers use the simple cardboard bike box. My brother used a cardboard box w/his aluminum frame road bike, when he road around Nova Scotia w/friends years ago. I don't know about putting a carbon bike frame in a cardboard bike box for international flights, though. My brother used to get to the airport early, ask them for a cardboard box for his bike, and disassemble it right there. I'm assuming they charged for the box. There's always BikeFlights, too. They pick it up, and it is at your hotel upon arrival. Not sure of cost.

[@slowcyclist4324]

Leave it in the hotel room? Or hire a service to transport it to the next destination for you? There are so many options. Heck, when I was in Japan we even booked a private vehicle to pick us up from the station to the hotel. None of these problems are an issue when there are services aplenty to solve it.

[@gerarddunford6793]

If I’m on a tour either camping or hotel, I book a hotel for my last night and leave the box/bag there by prior arrangement. I’ve also used left luggage places at train stations

[@ltu42]

The options are arranging to leave it in the hotel, usually that's free if you stay there, or finding someone who can store it for you on Warmshowers, or travelling with a cardboard box, disposing of it at the airport and finding a new one from a bike shop on the way back. Cardboard is the only option if you're returning from a different airport, like Geneva-Nice.

[@Dubadai]

Great tips, but for a video like this you should show the whole process of actually packing the bike... Just putting it on the case stand isn't really enough considering how many pointers you left out from the actual packaging of the bike.

[@Joe-wk9ow]

I would put an airtag with a bike so that it can be easily tracked.

[@gcntech]

Lots of people loving the airtags... We might to check them out 👀

[@Joe-wk9ow]

@@gcntech Please do. There are a lot of videos of Bikes that are stolen but the owner decided to put Air Tags in them so they know where the bike went. I think if you spend $1000 or more on a bike that you should protect that investment anyway you can.

[@Legenda2843]

The solution, an old fashion titanium bike with mecanical gear shift, rim brakes and type tube wheels, in a hard box !

[@johnstrac]

Pedals, shoes and helmet always in hand luggage. A certain Irish airline wanted to charge a friend of mine extra as his helmet was in a bag, so he wore it during the flight.

[@gcntech]

Hahahaha safety first! 👷

[@75or624]

Taken a bike to Lanzarote (many times), Kona, Mallorca, Finland and France. From experience (Box left in Los Angeles when I was in Kona 😒) an Air Tag is essential. There are lightweight track pumps available. Tubeless tyres - probably only need to lose 20psi. SRAM (batteries) are great. Finally, a strategically placed foot (pushing upwards) when you are checking/weighing in may help ensure you meet the weight limit! 😏

[@jeffstucky6010]

I noticed the bike in the video had an integrated cockpit. Curious if that bike actually fit in the case with the handlebars still attached? What's your solution for that?

[@mikhailway]

This is an excellent question! Unfortunately after extensive research it is very hard to know if you need to disassemble the cockpit or not. - depends on the size of the bag/box. On my Domane I should only remove the handlebars since it’s tricky putting the rest of the cockpit together. I’m hoping my soon to be purchased box works.

[@gcntech]

Traveling With Integrated Cockpits 😵‍💫

[@salsalawyer]

I prefer the foam that plumbers use to insulate pipes. It's thicker. You can get 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch diameter tubes at your local big box hardware stores. You can get enough for two bikes for about $20. They come in 6 foot lengths typically.

[@gcntech]

Great hack! How many times have you flown with your bike ✈

[@bigwave_dave8468]

At the security line in El Prat (BCN) airport and the security agent inspects my 8mm hex pedal spanner...a lively conversation amongst the security agent ensues.."Is this allowed?" they call over the soldier guarding exit area and he gives them a look of disdain as if to say, "you waste my time for this?..". With a wave, we're through, spanner in hand.

[@job9902]

You can rent bike boxes at some bike shops - seems like the best option if you're not travelling often

[@PaulioNZ]

Apple Airtag or Samsung Smart Tag is invaluable in case any of your luggage goes missing, regardless if it's a bike or your normal luggage

[@gcntech]

That would be terrible! Have you ever had to use your Airtag?

[@PaulioNZ]

@@gcntech Not personally, no, however I know friends who always use theirs and it saves their sanity always being able to know where their bags are located.

[@richcole3931]

Hard cases are old school. Check out the Post Carry Transfer Case.

[@ltu42]

I own one and love it! Alas, modern bikes with integrated hydraulic lines don't play nice with it. See also: Orucase B2 and AirportNinja, though Post Carry Transfer is better IMO.

[@timothygermann780]

Hard cases are almost always oversized and overweight and can incur as much as a thousand dollar premium in overage fees compared to a soft case. And if you are bike touring right from the airport terminal you cant carry your case, so will need to store it in an oversized luggage locker at the airport. Most softcases wont fit in these unless they are cinched down hard. Hardcases simply won't fit at all. Of course if I worked at GCN with a pro team taking care of the costs and logistics, I would go for a hard case too..

[@pablomondragon5738]

Hi, you forgot to show how to disassemble and bend the handlebars with de integrated cockpit with all the internal routing hydrolic cables. That is the most dificult part

[@eljon.cycling]

Check price of that box. Insane how much they can change for a bit of plastic

[@ltu42]

I've heard that baggage handlers prefer soft cases to hard cases. They see it's a bike and handle it accordingly, but hard cases can slide off conveyor belts or other luggage they are stacked on top of and be damaged that way. Also, a major disadvantage of hard cases is that they are much heavier, leaving less weight allowance for other items.

[@jondillon5433]

Ollie Ollie Ollie, why are the tyres not lined up?

[@kenschwarz8057]

Good advice! I remove the rear mech and chain and wrap them in bubble wrap and used electrical tape to hold still. Always clean the frame before packing to preserve the finish. Carefully measure seat height so you can reset it when reassembling. Bring a mini foot pump in your luggage. Leave more than the usual time for international flight connections…oversized luggage can take forever to come out. Check that your candidate case isn’t so large that it exceeds standard flight allowances, or you may have some hefty surcharges and have trouble fitting it in cars at your destination l Pack an Apple iTag in the case so you can track it…

[@ltu42]

My advice is to mark your seatpost insertion level with a white or silver permanent marker, just under the electrical tape you wrapped around the seatpost before removing it. That way it's invisible when riding, but it's there when you need it.

[@joelyons886]

if like Ollie you have a propensity for having OCD when it comes to organization here is a great tip... I have a picture of my bike with numbers on it, each number represents an area, (headset/seat/gears/wheels and brakes) then each number/area has its own "coin bag/small zip bag" every screw / nut / bolt then goes in to its corresponding bags and closed and placed in to a larger zip lock bag and placed in to my water bottle. By breaking down the bike this way it’s a simple step by step process of building it back up. I also have a check list of all items needed and I tick them off so basic tools, chargers, cables, also lights / head units / camera / radar and then spare components, tyres / tubes the last bit is a small bag that contains some quick links, rear mec, there is also some basic lubricants and cleaning materials as well as a few pairs of latex gloves that I also take, cloths, shoes, helmet, pump… I know this sounds like a lot but having a structured approach and plan makes life way easier.

[@gcntech]

Planning planning planning! That's the key to these things 🙌How long does it take to prep your bike for trips away?

[@joelyons886]

​@@gcntech Once I am all set, or in other words I have everything ready for disassembly and items other than bike to hand it takes less than an hour. One thing that I also like to do is take a pack of dust sheets with me (get these in any hardware shop and only cost a few €/£) I place these on the ground and use that as my work area it's great as if you lose a screw or nut it's easily found. Also if space is a concern upon arrival I simply throw a dust sheet over the bed and unpack there so no mess. I know it sounds anal but having a process and steps and check list makes life way easier and less stressful.

[@NowOnline-dx1hc]

Just a quick note, good advice but please remember OCD is an incredibly devastating anxiety disorder which causes debilitating distress to those that suffer. It stopped me riding my bike, and trust me, it's not about organisation.

[@vladvultur3347]

Is not a problem to put the bike tools on the bike box ? They’re not being confiscated?

[@bikeskimawk670]

I have traveled a few times with my bike on airlines. You mention a great point about putting your pedals in a carry-on bag. I suggest also putting your saddle in the carry-on. Contact points are personal. If you need to rent a bike you will have your contact points that are used to.

[@arronb1]

Cheap tip. Get an apple airtag inside of the box

[@Dwyane1st]

This is why SRAM AXS is brilliant and superior. Worried about bent derailleur hanger? Just take the rear mech off. Put it back on when you arrive, one bolt job. Also, no stupid Di2 cables to fuffle with. Awesome.

[@gcntech]

Good system! Although not a cheap option 👀

[@Dwyane1st]

@@gcntech neither is taking a Di2 equipped bike with integrated cockpit and hydraulic disc brakes for a fix up😂 I'd prefer the ease of mind of AXS every single time

[@SteevyTable]

Remember, even if you send your bike to space, the pressure difference is a bit under 15psi, chances are you can put the tires at the bottom of the recommended range for tire pressure and be fine unless you have some really wacky temperature swing.

[@john_7986]

Thanks for answering the question. That I was just about to ask 😊

[@chris1275cc]

Also the cargo hold is the same pressure as the cabin, the belief it isn't is just one of those myths that won't go away. The engineering involved to keep 2 compartments (that both need to be accessed by the crew) at different pressures for no good reason would be a colossal waste of time, and the lower temperatures at high altitude pressure would cause issues with certain cargo.

[@SirGeorgeRoss]

This video made me laugh! In 1987, my wife and I went bike packing in Italy, but back then we just called it touring. We would show up at the airport take the peddles off, turn the handle bars through 90 degrees so they were inline with the frame and take the air out of the tires. That was it! We checked the bike at over size baggage and picked it up at the other end. I later witnessed, in Naples on the return leg, that the bikes were thrown onto a cargo net above the passenger luggage. That’s how we did it back in the day! 😂😂

[@gcntech]

You make it sound so easy 😂 Do you wish you could still do this?

[@SirGeorgeRoss]

Do you mean… roll up to the airport with just my bike and pick it up at the other end without dealing with a bike box? Oh yeah!

[@drooghead]

A modern bike with proprietary parts, fluids, and batteries is a massive pain to travel with. You are better off learning to enjoy cycling with classic bikes. Hard cases are only useful to those people whose bills are paid by someone else because you will come up against size and weight limits.

[@ltu42]

Truth be told, the 50€ or 80€ oversize luggage fee is peanuts compared with the prices of modern bikes and cases. But yeah! A bike with mechanical gears and brakes is easy to fit into a Post Carry Transfer case.

[@jarofranta153]

There are hard cases and semi-hard cases. In past years, I have used a Polaris bike box, which is semi-hard and, more recently, the Scicon box, which is totally hard. I was very pleased with the Scicon when I first got it, but unfortunately it didn’t last long: A hard case means that when it’s dropped, it will actually crack. After a few years of travel - through the Covid pandemic years - the Scicon is now junk, with cracks and gaping holes (the wheels still work fine). The Polaris had some degradation problems (on top of having just two wheels, which can be a pain), but since it’s semi-hard, it will dent at the corners, rather than crack outright (the dents can be pushed back out). From what I’ve seen of the PAKGO box, it looks to be more like the Polaris than the Scicon, in terms of being semi-hard, thus not susceptible to cracking. The PAKGO might be my next bike travel box, but it’s pricey, so not this year.

[@krisbowditch827]

I was warned about the scicon soft shell case has a terrible reputation on bike damage 💩

[@packtravelride]

Is it just me, or does this 'softie' have a hidden 'hard' side? 🤫 🚲✈

[@rainbowchamelion1051]

Not only is there a weight limit but also normally a size limit. That case looks way to big for most international travel without paying extra. Also look at different airlines because a few of them let a bike fly for free if its 23Kg and under a size limit. Egypt Air for example.

[@andreaskoker8309]

I flew interntionla and 23kg is the limit , but I had no issue with size

[@ltu42]

SAS and Lufthansa are two more airlines that disregard the size limits for bikes and fly them for free as long as you've purchased a ticket with checked luggage and the bike's weight is under 23 kg.

[@ltu42]

@@andreaskoker8309 The standard checked luggage size is 158 cm linear length (x+y+z). Anything over that is considered oversize and it depends on the airline how they handle that.

[@thomasbezencon2121]

Should you re-apply anti-seize to your pedal threads before screwing them back on once arrived, or what's left from when you originally installed your pedals enough?

[@gcntech]

That'll all depend on how much was in there in the first place and how long it has been in there. 👀

[@ltu42]

Usually whatever's there is enough in my experience. You're undoing the pedals in a week or two anyway.

[@bikeanddogtripsvirtualcycling]

my DIY skills don't even cover assembling an IKEA coffin (without a lid) so there is no way that I would trust myself to travel on a plane with my bike and rebuild it. However, I do have plenty of reusable zip ties

[@StanleyShmia]

Very disappointed GCN. What about the importance of aerodynamics when packing your bike for air travel? It’s obvious that Ollie is evolving as a rider and finally starting to appreciate more than just aerodynamics. But come on, you can do better GCN, especially Ollie.😃

[@velocybirr]

Practice disassembly, packing and reassembly. Know what you need to use and do before hand. Also, Apple AirTag...

[@egovorch]

I wish your sister network GTN would do a video like this specifically for Tri-Bikes. I have an XL Cannon Speedmax and have had a hard time finding a case that would hold it. The Topeak case you showed on your vlog, would be great if it had "cut outs" for the aero-bars. Is there anyone out there that has an XL Tri-Bike that has any ideas.....I would love to hear them....

[@sir.chrishoy]

Between Ollie's tight jeans, and the "All the Small Things" section header, definitely a 2000's, pop-punk vibe in this video.

[@johnstrac]

I forgot to pack a torque wrench in my bike box once and had to put it in hand luggage, they weren't happy but let me on. P**s taking "mates" in the queue didn't help though.

[@jonm8423]

Some interesting Orbeas just appeared on Cycle Exchange…🤔

[@TheUnrevealer]

If somebody stolen your expensive box with even more expensive bike, write a name and address aswell, so they can come to your house and steal your other bikes and maybe Porsche aswell :)

[@eddiewards123]

After my cycle tour from UK to Istanbul I flew back using a cardboard box from a LBS. It had no weight limit so I crammed everything I had into the box. Using a pannier as my hand luggage. I then collected the bike on the other side and as soon as I lifted the box off the conveyor, everything fell out. It must've happened prior to me picking it up as I was missing both Axel's, snapped brake/gear cables, mashed bar tape, bent rotors 😅 not too bad as they all would've needed replacing after my long travels with little maintenance, but still annoying nevertheless. I'll go for hard cases from now on thanks!

[@john_7986]

Will any of the European bike tour operators be willing to just ship your bike box at a reasonable price? Maybe also forward your luggage day tovday?

[@martinicc67]

Oh come on. Not everyone can afford to travel with those. Can you please do an experiment with the peasant hockey bag travel?

[@StanleyShmia]

I wish you had posted this video in July of last year before my first bike case travel experience. My seat post wedge got lodged in the frame on the flight out, and my head set wedge block gave me grief when I returned. One tip I would also add is to install cardboard spacers between the brake pistons on hydraulic brake equipped bikes. This stops the pistons from going in too far and needing a brake adjustment.

[@reecedawson6113]

Just went abroad for the first time with my bike it went all okay, just stuffed it all with a ton of cloths, strapped my bike bags around and in the frame and bubble wrap. But I saw the load er just drop the case on the first flight.

[@meibing4912]

Tip: All zip ties are reusable - just put them in backwards! Works great.

[@Boopop1024]

Save the planet and your bike, get the train where possible ;) I got the train back from Rome to the UK.

[@martinsteele6853]

Best buy for travelling for me was Lezyne mini track pump , fits case brilliantly .

[@hughbriz]

I don’t have anywhere to keep a massive hard case so have compromised on a soft one with a frame to hold the bike and protect the rear mech. It also allows the case to be wheeled like a solid one. No problems so far. +1 for the plumbers pipe insulation as it’s easy to get. If using a basic bag, take the rear mech off, in bubble wrap and tape inside the rear triangle. Also remember dropout spacers for bikes with calliper brakes. If you need to fit it all into a very small space like the boot of a car en route to airport, take the fork out too and wrap that. Padding out the bag with clothes is good and can let you get away with just hand luggage + bike bag -easier to carry and may save airline fees.

[@declanfaughey8471]

If you have bicycle insurance, make sure that it will cover your bicycle when aboard as my insurance only covers my bicycle when in any EU member state it would be very easy to get caught out.

[@andreaskoker8309]

thanks very informative . i added an air tag to my bike bag . i was able to see the bag all the way from australia to germany . In matter of fact , i was sure that in Hong Kong there checked my bike , which was proven as i arrived in Germany by the sticker on the laguguge

[@hugobrown2516]

Cycling is pricey. There’s no way around this.

[@mauricetremblay1324]

Excellent vidéo. Lots of things I would not have thought of. Cheers

[@andrewmcalister3462]

Idea for a GCN Halloween special: bike trip horror stories. 😱💀

[@johnwest7324]

I invested in a hard case - loaned it out to others for their trips a number of times, hire charge is normally chocolate from their destination - win win

[@mudbone59]

Spend the money and get a Buxum box. No worries!

[@hugobrown2516]

Don’t forget to pack bathing suit!!!😮

[@keithmcgarvey8273]

I love that Topeak Pakgo X box. Best on the market in my opinion!

[@treyquattro]

what about sticking an AirTag in the box or on the bike in case it goes walkabout?

[@robertdore9592]

Bubble wrap is also VERY useful...

[@harimathur2191]

How to kot ruin your travel: don't buy a bike😅

[@cammoscott]

Any advice for packing a bike with a one-piece bar and stem? My current case requires the handlebars to be folded down.

[@ltu42]

Removing the stem should not be a problem. That's how bikes with integrated cockpits come from the factory.

[@nickvandam1214]

another unknown benefit to riding with tubes

[@MarkB4444]

Bikebox Allen FTW 💪

[@sonygoup]

Jeez I needed this! Leaving on Friday

[@BuexxTM]

"bring a spare rear derailleur hanger" - Olli presents a 3D printed Titanium one casually :D

[@ltu42]

I modeled mine and printed it out of plastic. It sort of works, super flexy though compared with auminium.

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@cb6866]

Thanks Dr. O , and crew...that box has been to the states .

[@princeedmunddukeofedinburg]

Cardboard box for the win :)

[@BikePappy]

Great topic, but…I have my doubts that the bike shown ever flew , or would fly, in that box. The headset with the integrated cabling was conveniently not discussed or shown packed in the box. Some commenting about just renting a bike instead. Well, my experience renting bikes has been less than ideal so I will never do that again. Our trip this year was for 4 weeks and the cost of renting a bike for that length of time is outrageous. If flying to Europe from Canada then - as much as it pains me to say it - Air Canada is the way to go. They allow you to use your first bag allowance for your bike with a $50.00 CAD charge each way and bump up the weight allowance to 32 kg. Size allowance is around 292 cm’s but I’ve never seen anyone actually measure a box. Beware that they explicitly disallow clothing in your bike box/bag. Only “sporting equipment’ is allowed. I’ve packed tools and tires and helmets and even a Seasucker in the box without any issues. Toronto Pearson airport will make you open the box for inspection and unpack your gubbins for x-ray but the fellow at the oversize inspection is super nice and it’s never been an issue. Just make sure that you allow plenty of time for this. Also, when you book your flight then you MUST call AC customer service immediately to tell them that you are bringing a bike and they will add it to your ticket and reserve space on the plane. Don’t just show up with a bike and expect it to be on the plane - you could be disappointed. No Co2 cartridges, and don’t even try. Unplug your Di2 battery. Put your Assiomas in travel mode and bring a cable to get them activated again. AirTag to amplify the anxiety that you already have. The Bike Box Allan Tri, no matter how well you secure your bike in there, will become a rattle cage by the time your bike arrives. but it will likely protect your bike from damage. Getting it or two of them in anything but a bus is a challenge. The EVOC Bike Bag Pro is a much better choice but quite expensive. Hybrid hard/soft. Wheels and pedals off and away you go. And it folds down to 1/3 size. Your bike will arrive exactly as you packed it if you do it correctly. Dream box is a Buxumbox but getting one to Canada from the Uk is unbelievably expensive, never mind two of them. If you’re flying to the Uk though… Warning - pulling a bike box through an airport will make you the centre of attention, so dress appropriately, mmkay? You will be asked questions from at least three persons. Try to represent and don’t embarrass the rest of us. Good luck.

[@mikhailway]

Buxumbox looks similar to the Thule. Both are expensive.

[@BikePappy]

The Thule RoundTrip Transition box is nice but you must remove your handlebars and it weighs 17.6 kg empty, which is quite heavy compared to most other boxes. The Buxumbox Ventoux Road Bike Box is 15 Kg and allows your handlebars to remain attached in their natural position, so long as you can rotate them 101 degrees. Bike Box Alan Easy fit is 13.5 kg. The EVOC Road Bike Bag Pro is 11.7 kg. Quite a difference from the Thule.

[@mrflaxtv81]

Ollie's mane 🔥

[@benhardwick1970]

Such a mess! Surely better to hire a bike where your going?? That’s what I did when I went to Mallorca, we doing the same again in April. Far less worry that having a airline smash your bike or lose your bike etc…

[@Hintonbro.]

It’s pretty easy once you have tried it.

[@benhardwick1970]

@@Hintonbro. what happens when they lose your bike! Last time they lost my case and stressed the whole night wondering if I would ever see it again. Turned up the next day but lost a day of cycling

[@turtl3turtle]

Are co2 tubes allowed on the plane in the bike bag?

[@NowOnline-dx1hc]

Not usually no.

[@shanegreen2583]

Knowing what the air pressure does to my bag of crisps, would you recommend never leaving your tyres inflated?

[@chris1275cc]

There is no pressure difference in the hold, if you had crisps (or anything) explode before blame the baggage handlers. Tyre pressure is not, and never was an issue just another one of those myths that took hold and now everyone believes. The reason certain pressurised containers (and other things like batteries) have to be taken in hand luggage is nothing to do with pressure, its because if for some reason unrelated to air travel one of those things does explode/catch fire etc, the crew want to know about it so they can deal with it.

[@ltu42]

Gee, have you ever considered what happens to bike tyres when you ride to an altitude of 2500 m, with the same pressure that is maintained in the airliner cabins?

[@rplumb7697]

Don’t forget, someone else may be opening your bike case (for inspection) or you may be asked to do this, so…. Keep it organized and easy to find everything inside the case, maybe? Anyone else have advice on this?

[@andrewmcalister3462]

Print a photo of it packed in the case, and include it inside as a guide if anyone needs to repack it. It can be a tight fit, and not always obvious.

[@gcntech]

Very good advise! Make sure things can't come spilling out or get los if someone rummages through your bag.

[@andrifsig]

My trouble is the size and shape of the bike. I ride a Trek Domane SL5 in size 58 and because of the extended seat tube from above the toptube then I had trouble finding a hard case that could accommodate the shape and size of the bike. Found one but I would have had to disassemble the crankset completely so the bike would fit. Ended on a soft case which an accomodate the bike where I only needed to remove the wheels and pedals. Handlebar and saddle all remained in place where the bikefitter wanted.

[@gcntech]

You could always remove the seat post? Taking measurements or leaving some tape in the correct places will help you keep the same fit.

[@andrifsig]

@@gcntech on the 2020 domane sl5 a part of the seattube extends above the toptube and is a part of the frame. So even when I remove the seatpost a part of the frame always sticks out above the toptube vertical from it. Which adds a few centimeters to the height of the bike. Could fit it in by removing the crankset completely thereby raising the bottom part of the bike. But that reassembly job at the hotel is a bit more faff than I was prepared for. Not saying that there arent hardcases that can accommodate the bike, just saying I could not find one in time and within budget for my trip.

[@marinsiderov8978]

I have heard the story of brake fluid having leaked during transit. Could anything be done to prevent this from happening?

[@slowcyclist4324]

Yes. What I’d do to prevent them is to stop believing them because it’s a myth propagated by rim brake folks. Just put a disc pad block, a standard procedure for any travel, and you’ll be fine.

[@adam__smith]

Rim brakes! 🙂

[@steve-bs3qp]

Not Worth all the hassle Just Rent a bike

[@Hintonbro.]

Riding your own bike is worth it

[@mikhailway]

You can’t rent proper bikes everywhere you travel believe or not.

[@benjamescycling]

For disc brakes callipers, do you need to put any blocks between the pads to stop the pistons closing in (because of pressure difference in the hold)

[@weswoolard]

Brake pad spacers are important in the case your levers are compressed and the pistons push in.

[@chris1275cc]

There is no pressure difference and little temperature difference, (commonly held myth).

[@sukarno]

Learned it the hardway, remove your RD from the hangar. Used a hard bike box (Alan) and still managed to get the hangar bent.

[@gcntech]

Oooof! How did you remedy the issue when you got to your destination?

[@ltu42]

Another option is to remove the hanger with the RD from the frame!

[@sukarno]

Thanks to the bicycle gods, it was bent on my return trip. 🙏🏽

[@christocan4710]

My tipp: also take your saddle on your hand luggage.

[@khazza930]

for extra comfort on your flight, isn't it?! 😂

[@christocan4710]

@@khazza930 Is this supposed to be funny?

[@midasghijsels]

Or just go to your location by bike, but of course you need the luxury of a lot of free time

[@midasghijsels]

also much more environment friendly

[@andreasolsson2336]

try cycling to Taiwan ^^ @@midasghijsels

[@chrisridesbicycles]

I‘m drawn back and forth between soft bag and hard case. With all the soft cases, the seat post must be removed and it is horrible to get it back in with DI2

[@darylv49]

The Scicon soft case doesn’t need the seat to be removed.

[@chrisridesbicycles]

@@darylv49 That‘s exactly my candidate. But I am still a bit reluctant because it‘s a soft case and I don‘t trust the airport baggage handling a lot.

[@torebustad7757]

@@chrisridesbicyclesScicons probably the most seen bag at airports. It’s the one most pros use. My guess is that airport handlers know how to handle it. Easy to pack and light. You already read reviews. It’s a reason it’s recommended.

[@aaronpower8741]

My carbon / Di bike has been from Australia to Europe and back 5 times over the past few years in a Scicon soft case. Love it. Take the wheels off. Take the pedals off. Slip the wheels either side of the frame and do up the zip. None of the fussing about pulling everything apart. (Okay - I do usually remove the rear mech and tape it to the inside of the frame, but I have also skipped that step and it's still been alright)

[@chrisridesbicycles]

@@aaronpower8741 That‘s exactly the one I ended up ordering after having read a lot of reviews like yours. Seems the most hassle-free solution out there. Fingers crossed that I can leave my saddle up.

[@kevinmills3329]

According to the airport soft cases are preferable to hard cases because hard cases are slippery and therefore more likely to slide off something onto the ground.

[@356z]

Can confirm pakgo is an excellent case. Its just a massive suitcase. But. It is heavy. For international travel or multiple layovers, i recommend it. Shorter flights, maybe a soft case.

[@ltu42]

How will you fit it into a taxi or a rental car at your destination? It's insanely huge.

[@356z]

@ltu42 it fits in a trunk pretty well. Tbh, even a soft case like scicon you'll need a lot of space for. But I do think some cases are s little smaller and compact. They're just harder to lug around