How to avoid paying to fly with your bike!

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Check out this video I made on my way home from Arizona about how I avoid paying to fly my Trials bike. This system might not be possible for everyone, but there's some useful tips in here for anyone looking to ship thier bike! Let me know what you think!

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I used to disassemble my downhill bike into peices and for it into two bags to avoid charges. I don't miss traveling like that but it was much cheaper!

[@uthaug]

Great idea. That has to be possible with every full suspension bike I suppose?

[@seanharanmtb7923]

@Skills With Phil A little birdy told me actually easier to case a 15-20 foot gap onto slickrock and crack your frame in half. That way you have two smaller pieces that fit easily in a suitcase

[@newttella1043]

@@uthaug If you are confident in undoing your pivots and removing rear triangle, you can easily use a hockey bag for a full suspension.

[@jctrails]

Just inspired me to buy a dirt jumper!

[@MILTONATOR]

Thanks man! My brother is flying next month with his bike and has been looking for ideas on how to do economically. 👍🏽

[@nilavansinnathamby9150]

I just wanted to say thank so much man because i checled other videos and the bags are toooooo big and awkward to carry this is simple thx for sharing man i really apprieciate it very much, thx again!!!

[@timberrr1126]

LUGGAGE TIPS 1, 2, 3, 4 Tie three or four colored ribbons around the handle to your luggage to warn others that this is not their luggage. People grab luggage at the turnstile and take it home before you ever see it. Anywhere you put your bag, it could be grabbed in error. Example: overhead compartment, unloaded from the bus, at the hotel lobby, at the airport turnstile... These ribbons make your luggage different and EASY TO SPOT when the piece is surrounded by 35 other cases unloaded from the bus. Using 4 ribbons make it immediately different than other cases with 1 ribbon. Use 1” wide ribbons 14” long and not longer. Cut the ends at 45 degrees. Tie the ribbons as a sandwich, as if they were one ribbon. Use a man’s tie, a half Windsor knot for the best look. After it is tied on, the total length of the ribbons will be about 5 inches from the handle. This is too short to catch on anything such as rollers. Scissor cut trim the ribbons to cascading different lengths after they are tied. Put a drop of Super Glue at the end. If each ribbon is slightly a different length by 1/4” the color layers will all show up no matter how they drape. You can see these ribbons from 40 feet away. Perhaps tie TWO handles or RINGS top and side of the case. Tie using a HALF WINDSOR KNOT to the metal buckle ring of the handle. Learn Half Windsor knot tying: It is the 2nd example in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmHcmWiogKdsoqc This knot does not loosen. Put your phone number on one ribbon using a fine point permanent Sharpie. Example: “Owner 454-333-7878” No personal name necessary. No address necessary on the ribbon. Choose one ribbon with an unusual pattern or fabric to really make it unique. The 4th ribbon could be black color. Stand by the output port of the turnstile to reduce the chance of someone else grabbing your piece. Tie your skiies, duffel bag, backpack and what ever else with matching ribbons-even your computer case. If you are a Travel Agent, you could hot gold stamp one ribbon with your name and phone number. Send them a set of ribbons, red and blue and BLACK to your customer as a gift. Record this gift in your database so you don’t duplicate yourself. Buy a gold hot embossing machine. Gold emboss your business name on the BLACK ribbon. Put the customer’s name on it if possible. Pleasant color combinations: Red, white and blue Chartreuse and purple and orange Orange and light blue Orange and yellow Gray and pink Green and yellow Red and Green Red and Gold Light blue and light green and white The 4th ribbon could be white, gray, black, tan Tip #2 Take a cell phone picture of the ribbon tied on. Then another picture of the full luggage piece. You now have a way to communicate “what it looks like” if someone is tasked with searching for it. Take this picture outside in direct sun not under neon lights. Tip #3 Place a strip of colored duct tape on the inside lining to your case. Put TWO pieces in DIFFERENT places such as INSIDE a pocket to the case. If you dare, put your phone number DIRECTLY ON THE FABRIC WITHOUT USING TAPE. Or, put your name and phone number on this tape. If all identity is stripped from your case, you have this to show. If someone steals it and rips off identity tags, you can show the police officer the inside tape... To be sneaky about the tape, put your phone number on the STICKY side of the tape. Nothing is on the surface side of this tape. Tip #4 Put your phone number on a 2” x 1/2” piece of fabric or plastic sheet. Use colored Duct tape, such as black or red or neon, to tape this message to the top side of the handle. This message is under the tape hidden from view. The lettering does not touch the sticky part. Wrap it 2-3 times. Also include Tips 1,2,3 above. If you need to prove identity of the case, just unwrap it and show.

[@rgmtb]

Holy crap dude! Never would have thought that all would fit. Nice!!

[@LifeLift421]

Thank you for making a real video with no promotional shit. Every video has these super expensive bags that the dudes making the video probably get for free if they make a video using their bag. 👍🏻👊🏻

[@E.Pena_]

Can’t do this with my bicycle, but definitely a great video and method of doing it! Awesome!

[@treffle17]

5:37 I'm pretty sure 1000s of us looked up on KZbin " How to fly with your bike " and came across your videos. We didn't know how to and you sir just showed us the way 😏

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

glad I could help!

[@espibutterfly]

grande Jeff!!! In Peru, the airlines didn't charge for the bike until the last year, good times and a lot of chances to ride awesome trails... now it becomes really expensive and I had to stop travelling with my bike. This is giving me some ideas, thanks!!!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

espi butterfly sounds like you had a good gig for a while.

[@povtrails1219]

Great tip! Only a matter of time before this is adapted for all other types of bikes.

[@pchow1970]

Genius!!! "MacGyver Jeff". Not only a good tip for flying but also good for carrying multiple bikes in a trunk of a car, thanks.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Thanks!

[@a100267]

A friend of mine flew with his Spesh Enduro to France to compete in the Megavalanche. He bought the largest, cheapest no-name suitcase he could find. It was just wide enough to fit a 26 inch rim in without the tyre. He had to remove the rear linkage from the frame and also the fork and bars to pack it all in and then packed his normal luggage in around the bike parts. Saved him the bike carriage fee in both directions for the much lower cost of a cheap case.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

a100267 nice!!

[@Andrea-jg8ri]

Been using bike flights this last year but this is pretty creative. I might try it out on a beater bike.

[@Garyridesweebikes]

This is absolutely awesome! Thanks Jeff!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

GA RY thanks!

[@JFRides]

The airlines get enough of my money!! awesome video Jeff...

[@PatSimon182]

This is seriously very useful. Thanks

[@jonasmeier417]

This is just amazing! Thank you very much!

[@PedalParadise]

great vid! Simple enough to follow. Thanks!

[@sawyerramos3113]

Dude I love u. That was genius!!!!!!!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Sawyer Ramos thanks!

[@stever7723]

Nice! You definitely got me thinking!

[@Aljonone1]

Hi yes used to this for traveling with my bike, works with full sus too, by taking the rear end off, 29ers not so much

[@NavvLife]

Hey Jeff, thanks for the video. I want to know for example if you're traveling to another country let's suppose india for riding a trail , do you get charged for the bike ? Like custom duty or anything? It's because I want to skip the customs duty when I bring a mtb with me.

[@ivancamacho7668]

Wow! Love the idea! Thanks!

[@mhsolby]

Well done!!

[@jonwhite7787]

brilliant! now to see if i can do the same with my fs trail bike

[@DanielBurtonPolarAdventurer]

Did basically the same thing to be able to pack two bikes into the trunk of a small car for my Florida keys trip. The real trick to this whole thing is getting the fork back on. The important part is to tighten the top cap to where there is no play in the headset and then to tighten the pinch bolts on the stem.

[@monstervlogster1157]

Jeff, sweet content man...great info i appreciate that =D

[@SamirCarrasquilla]

That was really amazing. Good tenique. ✌

[@djrouge3300]

Like your style dude!

[@ViperSRTnACR]

Nice how-to. I'll definitely keep this in mind next time I bring my street trials bike with me on a trip. For bigger bikes like a trail or enduro bike, using a bike shipping service like Bike Flights for an excellent way to avoid the $150-250+ standard shipping fees most carriers charge these days. Lastly, if you're not satisfied with the rate you get from a bike shipping service, try a different day as the rates change almost daily depending on volume. 🚲🚛

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Ride With Chris thanks for the tips!

[@74Tommygunn]

What do the shipping services typically charge for a trail bike?

[@ViperSRTnACR]

Tj Carr To ship my large Trance Advanced trail bike cross country from AZ to Mass cost around $74 each way with a little added insurance. Hope that helps

[@mosslimbayter277]

@@74Tommygunn The on-line shipping calculator showed my road bike would cost just under $600. Calgary Canada to Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. Guess I'll pay the $50 that Westjet charges.

[@ogroosterfish5319]

Dude that's awesome!!!!

[@tomprevost2477]

Thanks Jeff

[@amandapeine6745]

Maybe a 40x28x12 bag could fit a 27.5 bike. 80 linear inches is the limit I think. Not sure if 12 inches is thick enough for a frame and two wheels. How thick is your hockey bag with bike?

[@laurarobayo704]

This is super cool!!! Thank you :) is your bag a 36’’?

[@ibraheemali9541]

This is a life saver video

[@MartinMunthe]

So now airport workers can slam stacks of hard and heavy bags straight onto the spokes of your outer wheel? I don't know man...

[@JPMoron]

lol.....reminds me of a Geico commercial. Damn with broken wheels and bent frame, he at least saved a lot of money by packing his bike and not paying for luggage fee.

[@christopheralix8554]

Maybe a BMX bike, but any other bike you can count on a bent or broken rear seat stay, bent spokes, lost headset pieces, broken carbon fork, bent derailleur hanger....dunno man!

[@paulheger136]

Haha nice one Jeff!

[@rekamniar]

For a 29er, guess you need a customized golf bag with a larger than normal room to fit it all in there. The check-in attendants wont notice the difference... i think.

[@FlexibleToast]

"The biggest hockey goalie bag you can find." That's not even Grit's goalie bag. That is just one of their regular hockey towers. Their goalie bags are the Sumo line. The large tower dimensions are 36"x23"x18", the Sumo is 40"x26"x20". I know because I have the gen3 Sumo bag for my goalie gear. I have to put the seats down in my hatchback to fit the bag. It's absolutely massive. Also, for anyone curious, that Grit Sumo bag new is ~$300. Not sure what the hockey tower's price is though.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Joseph McDade thanks!! That’s good info!

[@gabriel1985666]

GENIUS!

[@TrailFeatures]

Mind blown.

[@paulchavannes]

May inspire me to take my DJ more places ... southwest will fly bikes for free as long as they fit in a standard sized bike box

[@maximme]

just BARELY made it inside the bag... BUT you gave me an idea. maybe need to special design a bag that will take dismantled bikes...

[@blueyonder1233]

What shape was it in when you arrived at the other end?

[@RobBastien]

Hey Jeff - Don't airlines charge the same price for an oversized bags as a bicycle?

[@jmoutdoors2801]

Sweet tips

[@jinavl]

really nice jeff

[@MrTonka]

Nice!

[@harolddelrisco1219]

Thanks for being on KZbin!

[@justindomurat4042]

Nice, very clever.

[@sarinatranquillo7302]

Great video, Jeff, very inspiring, thank you! I bought the same bag: Grit Tower SR 36". Put a MTB with 26" wheels in it. 27.5" also fit. Took off the rear derailleur. Road bike with 28" wheels and 29-ers do not fit. These wheels including frame and fork might fit in a 40" goalie bag from for example CCM, but just assuming. If someboy does it, please post video. The good thing about this bag are shape and design. Yes, it's big, but not as big as the massive goalie bags. Going thru customs in another country with a new bike in this bag: If you don't declare it right and get searched, of course you pay for customs and duty.

[@lokesh30592]

you are amazing man

[@brauleyofontepura8295]

Yooo man , bless up G , thank uuu

[@tgoods5049]

This is marvelous. Now is there a way to save money with a 29er full suspension

[@NK-qp1ho]

Top tip thanks for sharing body

[@yvonnedelories4780]

AMAZING!!

[@200Duece]

Hell yes!!! Pegged jeans are back!!!! 80's baby!!!!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

200Duece yes!

[@jangerz]

whats the best brand of bag that big?! i need my trialsbike~! damn why did i just found this now

[@DGYSAM]

I guess if ur really keen you could remove the rear triangle from ur trail/enduro bike and do the same. Might be worth a go.

[@newttella1043]

If you do, make a video. I'm guessing it's going to fit even better.

[@InspiredByBrad]

To protect the spokes,etc, maybe use 2 sheets of 1/4” plywood or plastic boards to line the bag?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

that's a great idea!

[@hugehand852]

Jeff, could you please tell me how wide is ur bag? thx

[@dtheopha]

I pack my fully in a 31" spinner hardshell suitcase with the rear taken off. Wheels in another. Make sure to read the fine print for each airline. Their insurance may not cover 'sports equipment' that isn't in a hardshell case/luggage. Also read the insurance values they cover because you might need to declare more at check in.

[@thomasspelmans9455]

Do you also dirt jump with your bike? It looks like a cross between trials and dj

[@kathylewis7543]

Wait was it being stored it wasn't a carry on??? Thanks for the great idea.

[@RyanMarcyesOutdoors]

Dang Bro.!!! That’s Legit!!!

[@birukunwar9382]

Thank you!

[@originalmindset5278]

Dirty Jerz... In Da House. Nice!

[@ss-qh5fp]

But is it okay if I pack my bike for international flights too?

[@moteandocongus]

genius! saving is progress 😜

[@suz2826]

Well better packing then how I have packed my bike in the big cardboard bike box. But I only paid $30 last time to check my bike as a bike from Mexico to Cali. To Europe was $60 so I dont think it would actually save me any money cuz Im thinking you still paid to check that bag even if they didnt realize it was a bicycle

[@1pucucu]

Hockey bag is a pretty good idea

[@GauravImon]

Is that gonna work for international trips?

[@MaddyKoko]

Whoaaahaha CRAZAYYYYY!!! :D

[@JarradL]

What is the tool you use?

[@HY-vz3ks]

Will it get crushed, or has your bike been crushed?

[@TheShift_OfEnergy]

whats the length of your bike? or bike model?

[@huntstyle]

IFHT suggested this as a joke, I believe... "remember, it's just sporting equipment!"

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

That's the best part, I filmed that whole pack job and then the woman asked me "what"s in the bag" I thought I was gonna have karma hit me!

[@crrico83]

Jeff Lenosky well what'd you tell her!?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Huntstyle it’s sporting equipment!

[@calembates7846]

awesome will try this in new zealand

[@jcnredpizzawindow2219]

Ok dumb question time. When you remove the fork what happens to the spacer and ball bearing rings on to the top and bottom?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

I put them on the fork with the top cap on to keep everything in place

[@4yp6aH8]

What's the three dimensions summary of that bag I wonder?

[@pasangkumal4947]

does it work on international flight?

[@grmelody1802]

I am happy if u give me a link of that portable carrier bag plz

[@biketothetop]

Excellent video Jeff! I hated watching the check-in character give your bike bag its 1st hurl of many to come onto the ground :-( I'm just surprised you don't have more padding material to separate some of the components inside the bag. Things must get rattled around quite a bit and they are at risk of damage from all the adverse handling. Perhaps you could use backpacker's sleeping pad on corners and tape it in place with tape always kept in your bag?

[@daniellutx9933]

biketothetop Yeah I feel like if I did this I’d have some expensive walk art when I got home....

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

that's a great idea!

[@Nachimir]

Easy way to remember pedal thread direction: to put them on, the axles spin the same way as a wheel going forwards. Looking at the way the pedal bodies are ramped is a much faster way to tell left from right than learning to recognise the threads too :)

[@allout8033]

Will it work with a electric bike?

[@aaziz1271]

Not sure if it was available back then, but United airline let bikes fly for free, you just have to pack it in a large box. In other words, you don’t have to disassemble it to that level.

[@deantaylor4991]

What size was this bag? The 36"?

[@andrescruz4291]

How much does thos bags go for?

[@jurwat]

What bag is that?

[@gowsigankangathran9268]

Then how you going to put them back

[@robsonenduro3316]

wish I could do that with my dirt bike :)

[@elleg.7880]

Love this! All well and good if you know how to disassemble/reassemble. 😔

[@natalia3083]

Wtf are you sad about, ughh just learn, like what is the problem.

[@vintagerider4301]

Make sure you have sealed headset bearings.

[@AgingWannabee]

Thanks Trail Boss! Now please do it with a long travel 29er...

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

LOL, that's not happening!

[@lilwillie428]

Sweet, do you think a road bike would fit? The rims are small enough but not shure with frame.

[@newttella1043]

Rims might be too large. Road wheels are more like 29ers. That looked like a tight fit for Jeff's 26er.

[@truwth]

A size 56 road bike fits just fine. see kzbin.info/www/bejne/hITJpGCqd5qMh6c

[@Andrew-kx1sq]

Reminds me when spirit tried charging me 70 dollars for a skateboard. I took the tucks off and put every thing in my suitcase and said fuck off spirit!

[@minisurfbanana]

I big were the rims?

[@kgonzales4474]

The airlines in my country are really strict.

[@RobBastien]

But, isn't an oversize bag the same price as a bike ?