How To Pack A Bike Box & Travel With It Abroad

It's super easy to pack your bike into a bike box and then travel with it. It takes me around 10 minutes to pack it all up so hope this video helps :)
I was gifted this bike box around two years ago - so this isn't sponsored but just letting you know it was gifted in aaaages ago.
This is it if you want to have a look: www.shokbox.co...
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[@squareinsquare2078]

I'd ideally like to be able to cycle to the airport, cycle through check-in, cycle onto the plane, cycle back off the plane, cycle out of the airport and cycle into a wonder of dreams. Ideally.

[@KatieKookaburra]

One day..... ;)

[@areacode777]

😂❤

[@ianmacdonald487]

Nice bike box! Great demonstration, and look at your mechanical skills! I went for my first ride of the season today. My leukemia medication has worked wonders, and my red blood cell count is practically normal. My gym training really works to prepare me to ride, so I can go out and ride hard and gradually increase my distance. Thanks for another wonderful video. As always, makes my day!

[@KatieKookaburra]

Ian that's awesome to hear! Enjoy the ride xxx

[@carlrichards9333]

If you fly with Ryanair they don't require a bike box, instead they ask you to put the whole bike as it is in a huge plastic bag (wiggle cycles £12), deflate the tyres and stick fragile stickers on the bag, been using this method for over 20 years and it works wonders for me because I ride a Touring Bicycle which has so many other attachments like racks and mudguards which I really don't want to be taking off... Additional this method is good because the baggage handlers can actually see what there handling where as when they can't they tend to throw cases, but also just in case it's probably worth bubble wrapping the tubes before putting in the bag.... however with most other airlines boxes are required so definitely worth getting and as the lady on the video says Ryanair will cost you £60 to put the bike on the plane.... But again if your a Tourer this is a very good method and I've never had a problem so far....🙏🤞🤞

[@lukaskamratzki6106]

Spot on. Just sitting the third day in the train on my way to southern Italy. Contemplating to try it out by plane next time. Can't wait to start tomorrow :) Thanks for sharing!

[@Amir-cu4qp]

Third day in a train? A plane would definitely be cheaper than that

[@JibbaJabber]

Next time, cycle there;) Enjoy your trip:)

[@John-un2co]

Thank you for sharing your talents it helps. What ever you are doing to keep your energy and happy smiles it a beautiful thing. Take care Katie.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Awww cheers John!! Made me weekend that x

[@stephenchu1115]

Katie, you forgot to tell your viewers the 1st and most important step - buy a rim brake bike without that integrated cable crap. I'll never travel with a disc brake bike with integrated cables.

[@KatieKookaburra]

you know it! #savetherimbrake

[@michaelmurphy9779]

Would it not be easier and cheaper to hire a bike at your holiday destination, thus saving the hassle of bike bags, disassembly and reassembly of your bike?

[@pauljenkins2501]

I doubt that I shall ever take a bike anywhere by plane, but this was still a very clear and informative video. I am sure that a lot of people will benefit from it. Thank you.

[@bottledo1]

Have a look at the Dahon formula 18 I go everywhere with this bike Go to Havana for the winter Simply an amazing bike Had gearing changed and chain ring for hills Have a touring bike and mountain bike ( Cannondale ) and a Roberts bike from England ! I now only ride the DAHON FORMULA 18 Check it out just throw it in your back seat!

[@ockipoki]

Daft question, can anyone tell me what that tool is at 5:14 please? Was it some sort of simple torque wrench add-on or just an extender for an allen key? Cheers for the video Katie.

[@KatieKookaburra]

This was a friend's - it's a torque tool that came with his bike.

[@drtibber]

I usually remove the 4 bolts in front of the stem to remove the handlebar. So I don’t loose bearings/ cups. I have had brake rotor damaged before on a soft bag.

[@piergithesituation]

Great video!

[@aquilafhionnlaigh4490]

Now that you folks have Brexited, and special challenges taking your bike back and forth through customs?

[@KatieKookaburra]

Erghh don’t get me started on Brexit 😭 but nope same as before in terms of bike transport

[@markrushton1516]

It's classed as luggage, it's the passenger who has the issues. However, you can't transfer and have your luggage go straight to your onward flight if you are not a Euro citizen so if flying say Mcr to Amsterdam to Milan, you would have to cllect the bike at Schipol, check in again for Milan. Somehow that's a benefit of leaving the EU.

[@franciscopontesvelasco4315]

Ohmg you're a jack off all trades, I'm a mess

[@KatieKookaburra]

I wish this was true :)

[@Countrystock]

Excellent Sock, sandal combination.........Great vid too 👏

[@CanHammer]

am i. the only person who thought her last name was Kookaburra haha

[@monochromebluess]

Yes indeed. When I saw the label with Butler I went WTF. Good video though Katie.

[@JibbaJabber]

@@monochromebluess Harris?? More like Butler. And there's me thinking she flew up hills like a Kookaburra. I guess she provides a silver service:)

[@KatieKookaburra]

Awww sorry to break it to you all.....

[@angelwings197]

The bike is solid and my Ebike conversion went great. kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Very smooth ride at 30mph with no problems (135 miles ridden so far). The picture is a bit deceiving - there is WAY less space in the center of the frame than it shows. The suspension connection takes up the entire thing. So I needed to attach my battery on the bottom of the frame and my controller on the top. Instructions for assembly were lacking but honestly it wasn't too hard to figure out even though I have very little bike knowledge. Watched some youtube videos on adjusting the disk brakes but that was it. Still, I am loving it and very happy with the purchase.

[@james368]

Why don’t they make boxes larger! Not sure how a 60cm bike with wider bars would fit! All these demos look great with small frames 😢

[@chris1275cc]

I always take the stem off the forks too rather than removing just the bars (so much less faff getting them set right), but I take a cheapo MTB stem to hold the fork and the spacers against the headset. With my disc bike I made some rotor protectors out of foam pipe lagging.

[@aegisdesign]

Grab a piece of plastic drainpipe of the sort used under sinks and cut to size. Or a load of spare headset spacers.

[@obi-juan3295]

Never traveled with a bike before, but I may this year. Do you lock your bike box after it’s checked in at the airport?

[@georginawelch5695]

Where do you keep the box once you’re the other side? Especially if you’re doing an A to B cycle trip and won’t be returning to your starting point?

[@KatieKookaburra]

Great q.... in that case I would take it in a cardboard box. But.... and this is the big one... make sure you bike insurance covers a cardboard box. If you pack it well it will be fine but I am with Laka and they do insure travel with cardboard box. Most places don't which is the main reason I went with Laka.

[@georginawelch5695]

@@KatieKookaburra Thank you Katie! I’m doing my first bike backing trip in September Milan to Nice. You’re channel has inspired me. 🥰

[@alain2854]

love the bloopers :-). I was thinking to myself; wow she is handy. But she is only human too ;-)

[@icejunki]

I have to admit that I really love the brief bloopers you've been adding to the end of your videos.

[@rosstan299]

Do you mind if I ask what you do for bike theft insurance when away on cycling trips? They all seem to mandate that you need at least a sliver rated lock which is obviously not practical to carry!

[@KatieKookaburra]

I don't ever leave my bike anywhere. I'm either on it or sleeping next to it :)

[@markthoughtswithukrainemas2072]

SORRY my ex did not even know how to do a puncture , let alone take a bike apart !!!!! I did this to her bike it would be in pieces for the rest of her life

[@AlbertZonneveld]

It looks like the yellow sticker on the outside with two black lines and covered by some plastic is for your name (and phone number)

[@Amanda_K_001]

How about European trains? Some allow some don't?

[@geraldinecoupland4162]

That’s brilliant packing. Like the box too 🚴‍♀️🙌🏻

[@Scheinregen]

Great video! 2 questions: Is the mini pump good enough for high pressure? 6/7/8 bar? I'm thinking of taking my floor pump in the box. Do you have reusable quicklinks? Many ppl worry about opening them too often. I guess it's not as bad if you're not racing or pushing hard @ low cadence.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Yeah it gets back up pretty high but then I usually find a bike shop and fully inflate there. And the speed links I have always found to be fine re-using but it's totally up to you and your call on it. But I have done this for years and not had any issues. But I replace the chain and links regularly when the chain is worn.

[@davidbell4441]

Did you really pump your tyres up with a little hand pump? That’s what it looked like. I can never get mine hard enough. I’ve found a mini upright one from Lezyne that works like a big floor pump but fits in your pocket. Great for travelling and when you get a puncture on a ride.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Yeah it gets it pretty high - but I pop to a bike shop if passing to get it higher.

[@GrenvilleMelonseedSkiff496]

Bike in a box … ingenious! Excellent how-to video … ta very much. PS: Had my first outdoor ride yesterday … woo-hoo! 🚴😀

[@KatieKookaburra]

YASSSSSS the warm weather is coming!! :)

[@paulwilliams8588]

Always space the rear triangle and fork dropouts with plastic spacers..could save the frame or fork from squash damage.

[@pantster9855]

This box will not crush trust me

[@markrushton1516]

Some boxes feature anti crush posts. But put 100 cases weighing 20kg each on top of a bike box and that weight will test the box.

[@pantster9855]

@@markrushton1516 I actually have this box and it has done almost 400 flights with me and you’d barely know Yes, and if you drive a tank over it it will crush but the point is it will never have 100 boxes weighing 20kgs stacked on top of it. It won’t even have 10, and could take the weight if it did

[@paulwilliams8588]

@@markrushton1516 happend to me... for the sake of 2 little spacer's that take 30 seconds to do...I always do it

[@markrushton1516]

One of those chain keepers by e.g. Pedros will do double duty for the frame and chain.

[@darrenchubb6926]

Hi Katie good set up l have a big bike bag l take the front and back wheels out that's it l was laughing at the end Katie when you said shit a few times thanks for all of that

[@bedapea]

Wonderful video. Thanks for it. What is the total weight of the bike box with the bike in it?

[@ugghhhyoutubeisawful646]

luck with integrated bar stem like on my systemsix

[@davesadrikcole6217]

I cut up pool noodles to protect frame sections and slide over the seat post.

[@shinizzle18]

Thats some great information but i do have a question: in this video you talk about being in the same place. but what if i want to do biketrip and leave from another place?🤔

[@KatieKookaburra]

Not sure what you mean... so arrive one place ride to another and fly back from there? cardboard box is the answer to that.

[@fiacobelli]

The best bit of the video is the final bit, where we get a glimpse of what it is really like to pack and unpack your bike.

[@dianelabelle2982]

Would this work for a boy who is 4 ft 6?

[@madisondeans5566]

Thanks Katie,great info that is so useful,as well as expertly shot! Your work as a videographer is getting better all the time!🙂💯👋

[@KatieKookaburra]

Awww cheers Madison :)

[@iangarforth]

Really useful, thank you. I've always used a soft padded bag, but seeing your Shok Box has inspired me towards something more robust!

[@KatieKookaburra]

I think it depends what frame you have and how well you want to pack it. If i still had an alloy bike or used steel or Ti I would go with soft bag. But with carbon just want to protect it more :)

[@markrushton1516]

Soft bags work fine with extra help. One I have has thin hardboard down each side, the bike was covered with pipe lagging then bubble wrapped. Really depends on the airport handlers. They are pressured to turn the plane round. So the bags come out quick. Long haul that use those special luggage containers are prob better. I've found that UK handlers are less caring than Swiss, Italian or Spanish staff when it comes to bikes.

[@leszekandzel]

I always take a hook off...

[@lavrentilioryankovski7134]

You are amazing! :)

[@simonrussell734]

Thanks, this is super useful. Living in Australia means any cycling trip in another country is going to involve a bike box, but I've always assumed it would be really annoying. Have you had any instances where packing it the wrong way (or airlines mistreating it) has damaged the bike?

[@KatieKookaburra]

(touch wood) it's never happened and i've been on loads of flights over the years!

[@markrushton1516]

Airlines don't mistreat it, the baggage handlers are pressured to turn the aircraft around so your bike might not be gently treated. I've seen some damaged bikes/cases.

[@vladvultur3347]

Didn’t have any problems with a tools in the bike box ?

[@KatieKookaburra]

Nope

[@kedrigan]

Thanks Katie, nice vid, very informative :) I just recieved my Shokbox, looks nice and simple to do, I can't wait to fly out! :D

[@IThee-hw8oj]

Gift, that box? That was a SUPER-NICE gift! Expensive gift.... wow...

[@grumpy1814]

Who makes the funky “torque wrench”?

[@KatieKookaburra]

It was from a mate’s bike - came with the bike.

[@vladvultur3347]

I see you put the clothes and everything in the bike box i will use easyjet in april for first time and they said not allowed anything in the bike box just bike . I’m a bit worried about the bike tools

[@KatieKookaburra]

Nah they will be fine I always put my tools in there just pack them well so they don’t mark the frame

[@vladvultur3347]

@@KatieKookaburra thank you so much for your quick reply ☺️

[@davidbarnfield9849]

That was very useful Katie, first time I've seen a proper bike box. Dave B. Thailand.

[@dtrjones]

Great video, I don't even have a bike and I loved it. I do have a Wattbike Atom and yeah that's not going to be travelling with me! One thing I guess which seems obvious was that you also need to pack all your tools as well because you need to build the bike at the destination, great video thank you Katie.

[@naga3929]

I really love when Strava says that my "friend Katie Kookkaburra" has completed a ride. ❤🤗

[@energyrecoveryinc.1157]

model 182

[@kenjackson8614]

Great demo just what I needed to know , just back from Mallorca were the avg price for a road bike was €25 per day so carrying your own bike looks to be a good option 👍

[@adambrickley1119]

I went bike packing in Morocco years ago. We used cardboard bike boxs from the lbs, dumped then in the trash at the airport in the evening and arrived at Tarifa at 2am. Left Londons winter drizzle and orange glow at 4pm to having a drink in a t shirt at 2 am. My mate who spoke Spanish found a lbs in Tarifa for the return journey but coached to the airport. Awesome trip.

[@Flying.riding.hiding]

Great video! I travel a lot with my bike and one thing I do that could be helpful is using a spare stem to keep the headset/forks nice and tight. I usually put the stem facing backwards so it is over the top tube so its not in the way. its a nice cheap way of keeping your fork nice and protected/secure!

[@gooner73]

Loved the bloopers 😂

[@KatieKookaburra]

There's ALWAYS bloopers. Unfortunately ha!

[@CannondaleXC]

Hey thanks for the video! We were planning some trips next year where we would have to fly and I was tentative about flying with my mtb. I was considering just renting but I think I might give the bike box a try. I would rather ride my own bike too! Especially since I’m so particular about the fit and feel of my bike.

[@mikehughes3989]

I’ve never seen a bike box before, brilliant, but socks and sandals 😱😱😱

[@AmirMaherGlobal]

Thank you Katie, it’s my first time deciding to travel with my bike and I just bought a bike bag. So much excited 🎉

[@happyharry7331]

just a general question how do you know which way to put the chain back on I always thought it would stretch and wear in the direction you are using it so best to put it back on that way ? cheers

[@ChiccoMusic12]

Perfect. Ciao Katie, happy weekend!😘

[@vloi-qr3ml]

👍

[@jcnredpizzawindow2219]

Whoo whoo last time I watched you were at 20K subbies good for you kook

[@mark_nz]

Any tips on where to store the box if you can't take it with you once at your destination? (i.e. no space in the car!)

[@darrellcarter1163]

Great vlog maybe 9ne day I will go somewhere nice have a great weekend skinny k xx

[@stephenelliott-wright3230]

Great vlog Katie Very informative thinking of a trip abroad next year so very helpful 👍🏻

[@martynsylvester5102]

Incredibly informative video Katie, thank you - really appreciate it 🙏🏻

[@SuperBlokie]

This suitcase also can be used for transporting bike in a car.

[@DavidFlockhart]

Nice video, but what do you do with the box if you are on a tour?

[@KatieKookaburra]

Leave at left luggage at airport or cardboard box

[@DavidFlockhart]

@@KatieKookaburra I thought “left luggage” was a thing of the past.

[@oxy02]

top tips Katie! thanks. The outtakes showed how much effort you put in to share your wisdom too! lol we appreciate it!

[@michaelbrown-tw6ej]

Good vid.How about one on an open ended bike tour and which bag or box to consider??.I cycled the ruta de la plata through Spain in March ,opted for a soft bike bag that I strapped to the pannier .Worked for me ! Cardboard boxes are an option as are poly bags (see the recently published guide to the Ruta by cicerone ) yet if you look at Wiggle the CTC bike bag is refused by some carriers.Posting your bike bag on is another option ,yet researching the Spanish postal service online some comments suggested items go missing on a regular basis.The Spanish post office do offer a bike posting service from Santiago de compostela or anywhere in Spain I think.They pack and box your bike for a fee to anywhere in Europe.Thanks Mick

[@KatieKookaburra]

I would take a cardboard one and pack it really well. Then find a bike shop at the other end

[@JK-wl5bx]

Nothing better when you open the box the other side and see thats its in one piece 🤣

[@fascottsmith]

Mmmm…..sandals and socks….🤣😂🤣👍

[@KatieKookaburra]

Yeaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh, my go to! It's FASHHHHUN Dahhhhhhlin'

[@fascottsmith]

@@KatieKookaburra 😂😂🤣🤣👍

[@thequickorangefoxjumped]

Very informative! Thank you Katie!

[@RanaVlogsMalaysia]

very informative video

[@stephlaba9744]

So helpful! Great content as always, Katie.

[@gabbyvanti]

Packing my bike for the first time this was very helpful thank you!!!

[@KatieKookaburra]

Oooh jealous you're going away! Send some sun this way x

[@wolfade89]

Good to know, if I ever did take my bike. Where did you get that torque wrench? I’ve always rented and get chatting to the local owners and they give you maps and advise of good routes, closed roads etc. Then again I could ask Katie if she’s rode there. Never let me down with the Majorca routes.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Up to you but I find cost it's generally cheaper to take your own, less hassle and you know you fit your bike :) Also routes, easy to find loads online - Strava, RideWithGps for example you can search routes on there. Or welcome to ask me :)

[@andreas11735]

Absolute nightmare. One of my least favorite things to do. Total ripoff for US airlines too.

[@KatieKookaburra]

I find this so easy compared to the faff of hiring, sorting saddle, bike fit, picking it up from the shop, dropping it off.... ERGH not for me! If i'm paying to go away I want to enjoy it on my bike I love riding!

[@gioponti6359]

Wow tx, was not aware at all about this!

[@davidkernaghan2918]

Katie, It would seem you favorite phrase is "Oh, Shit!" Me TOO! 🙂

[@KatieKookaburra]

Spot on!

[@stephenlydon8607]

I like the out-takes at the end. 😄

[@AG-io5wr]

I keep watching. So it must be good content. Your authentic life story makes all the difference. Cheers from Maine.

[@KatieKookaburra]

Awwww cheers A G!

[@arcboutant]

Pack 2 or 3 of those thin gloves mechanics use - keeps digits clean!

[@KatieKookaburra]

Yeah good call - but it's just waste of plastic. But Muc Off do some great mechanic gloves!

[@MrConiye]

Best video ever, Katie❤

[@bengt_axle]

Handy video. At (2:34) however, you put the aluminium bar against the inside of the carbon fork blade. On top of that is your wheelset. I realize that this is a hard case, but if you put the fork blade inside, the bar won't be resting against it (ready to damage it) and you'll get some extra protection for the fork. Always inspect the fork before taking it out on a ride, after transporting it in a box. If there's damage, don't ride it because spontaneous catastrophic failure of the fork can cause a very serious injury. I like the way you wrapped the seat post and used it to protect the TT. A block of wood (or the QR with some rigid tubing to act as a spacer) in between the dropouts (front and rear) can further protect the frame from lateral shocks. I've experimented with removing the fork and think it can be done on a rim brake bike quite easily and it would allow for a smaller box and protect the fork. Only downside is that the bearings, spacers and other components have to be secured (wire or zip tie) or removed and re-installed. An alternative could be to cement them in place with lock tite (removable type) and to remove all the grease, on the steerer, which is unnecessary for sealed bearings.

[@KatieKookaburra]

This is a really good point thank you!!!!! I will check my fork tonight :)

[@KatieKookaburra]

This is a really good point thank you!!!!! I will check my fork tonight :)

[@Jim-ub9qy]

Great advice. Love the bike travel case!

[@kezzert21]

😀at the end, the truth about your bag handling skills!! 😀

[@KatieKookaburra]

EXACTLY ha

[@darrenbarlow5759]

I don't think I have the skills to do that tbh. With the saddle do you have to find the height again? Torque wrench? Oh dear me. I think I have a spanner somewhere xx

[@markrushton1516]

Set the height with tape. Be sensible, don't overtighten bolts

[@KatieKookaburra]

Yeah mark the seat post or take a pic. Proper easy once you do it :)

[@сергейшевцов-н3п]

im surpised Ketie

[@markrushton1516]

Be aware. The airline can leave your bike behind subject to hold space. Look at your destination. Places like Majorca or Riccione have great bikes for rent. Some even bring it to your hotel. Can be the same cost but certainly time saved.

[@KatieKookaburra]

If you book it they won't leave it - well I've booked on literally 20-30 flights and never had it happen.

[@markrushton1516]

They will if there isn't enough space. Subject to plane size.

[@rgefryer]

No sooner do I buy a Post Carry Transfer Case based on your last recommendation, than you come up with something else! How do the two compare?

[@KatieKookaburra]

The Post Carry case is AWESOME!!!!! But that was when I had an alloy bike. I'm sure carbon would be fine in it but I went for a hard case just for that extra protection. And also this hard case you can fit more stuff in it other than a bike. Hope that helps!? :)

[@yellabelly808]

and the advantage of the Post Carry case is a smaller footprint so able to take as ordinary luggage avoiding excessive bike fees. It also folds up into a rucksack so in theory you could cycle to and from the airport. Maybe it's worth keeping onto the old aluminium bike for holidays.

[@eastlamb9949]

"You say goodbye to your bike box" then.... "Worry constantly during the flight that it wont be at the other end"

[@markrushton1516]

But then your luggage might not be. Chance you take every time you fly.

[@eastlamb9949]

@@markrushton1516 it was a joke but thanks for clearing that up..

[@shanegreen2583]

Very useful Katie 😁

[@roxinramirez]

Nice

[@elizabethwwooten]

Random what kind of saddle do you have?

[@KatieKookaburra]

Bontrager Ajna. They stopped making it though!!!!! :(

[@IanB17]

Thanks Katie 👍🏻 That box looks really good & you make it look so easy. As I’m not very mechanically minded I’d be worried I couldn’t build it back up again at the other end 😂 I guess you can get boxes that require less disassembly but obviously more expensive 🤔

[@KatieKookaburra]

Ian honestly it's just a few bolts - if I can do it you defo can. But practice a few times at home first so you know what's what. But it really is simple :)

[@IanB17]

@@KatieKookaburra You haven’t seen my mechanical “skills” 😂 I think I could do it, guess there’s only one way to find out! Great videos on your trips BTW, they look cracking places to ride 👍🏻

[@NeoPayneHK]

05:28 i mean is it a joke or make fun on kick the pedal for closing the quick link? i dont get it. please and this is a nice video about packing a bike in probably way

[@christopherthomas3403]

No, not a joke. I usually put on the brake and then put pressure on the pedal until I hear the chain click and lock. 🙂👍

[@NeoPayneHK]

@@christopherthomas3403 may be im too heavy I just stand on the pedal then it will close Lol

[@KatieKookaburra]

It needs the extra jolt to put it into place.

[@johnmcnulty1129]

Great vid Katie, you make a nightmare task look soooooo easy ! 🤣🐑

[@KatieKookaburra]

Ahhhh it's not a pain at all once you do it a few times. Worth it to ride my bike in these awesome places. Can't be doing with rentals.