How To Pack Up & Travel Abroad With A Bike

[@gcn]

Have you ever travelled abroad with your bike? Let us know your tips in the comments below!👇

[@J.chamberlain]

Hi

[@DominiqueGodefroy]

I have traveled last three years with two S-Works specialized bikes from the USA and inside the USA east and west, to France 🇫🇷 south and center and north and Thailand 🇹🇭 - I use the scicon bike hard shell and pack the bike without saddle and pedals, wrapped in bubble wraps. I have many stops over, e.g., Doha, when I travel east. I just came back in early June. The maximum you can bring in economy class from the USA to the world with most airlines, e.g., Qatar 🇶🇦 you have a maximum 23 Kg x2 but since 2022 from Europe to Asia or America only 23 Kg x1 My SW specialized with the case and wraps plus bike clothing is about 25 Kg - I always buy extra weight for it as my second suitcase is usually 23 Kg I have bike insurance as part of my item insurance. I have done eight rounds from southeast Asia to the USA to France to Thailand via Doha and Hongkong. The bike case is well yet beaten in some areas after bumper li trips. I had one claim with Qatar 🇶🇦 last year for a significant impact on the scicon bike case, but the bike was untouched. Moralité I transport 15k USD bike 🚲 so hard case mandatory for long hauls. Be aware if you travel from European about the additional cost and limitations for weight on all airlines. Rules changed last year! I just had to pay an extra 23 Kg from France to Thailand 600 USD for the bike transportation, although from the USA to Thailand 2 pieces of 23 Kg is the maximum in economy class. Enjoy the scicon is the solution

[@PanSam80]

No torque wrench??

[@TBATTIECYCLING]

No

[@martinhayes8490]

Just completed my first trip from U.K. to Erbil via Istanbul. Top tips are, check weight (the box in this video is too heavy for a number of airlines when a light bike is put in it), don’t depend on just a multi-tool to rebuild bike take a torque wrench or at least Allen keys. Remember to take chain oil and general grease for rebuilding (friend had to take crank after pedal seized in it) though ensure it is in a plastic bag or too. Oh, and give any transfers enough time

[@adamrobinson3929]

Huge fan of Manon and GCN ... but got a video about *how to pack your bike for going abroad* it would have been incredibly useful not to skip through the part where Manon actually *packs* the bike! Could you do another one where a GCN presenter talks us through *how* yo take your bike apart? (I recognise all bikes are different but a 'general' guide would still be helpful!)

[@secretsfullofsaucers]

There's a couple, here's the one using a box

[@joelyons886]

Top Tip: Make a list and list items bringing the bike abroad is not only about the bike but there are quite a few other bits n bobs that need your attention. Inner tubes / or tubless components if that's your thing...Computer equipment leads/chargers, grease/lub is worth taking and some cleaning essentials, food... I also bring a replacement quick link but I do have OCD ...

[@TheDomiEncore]

Replacement quick link is one of the most effective thing to take with you regarding weight&space to use ratio. If u dont need it the weight&space is not noticeable if u need it the item will be the hero of ur ride. Quicklink comes with me every ride.

[@joelyons886]

@@TheDomiEncore yup totally agree another one is a patch from an old tyre Incase you get a sidewall tear anything to get you home 👍

[@dustinsorrels5560]

Just went cycling in Japan! The Shimanami Kaido cycling route is 💯% worth traveling aboard for!

[@gcn]

Sounds amazing!

[@neilsardinas9547]

Thank you for the informative and enjoyable videos. Here are two additional thoughts. 1. Used cardboard bike shipping boxes may be available for free from your local bike shop. Be sure to verify that the dimensions of the box fit within the airline’s parameters. A bike tour that I rode required all riders to have a collapsible bike box because all boxes were flattened to fit into the tour’s luggage truck. 2. It’s helpful to mark the positions of the seatpost and handlebars with masking tape and a Sharpie pen before disassembly so you can easily match the positioning when the bike is reassembled.

[@anttitapio4145]

+1 for those cardboard boxes from your local bike shop.

[@199jyt]

+ask the local bike shop for foam (if you plan on packing your box / case. they have tons of it.

[@gilbertnadeau7181]

I like using a white ink pen to mark the seat post and handle bars.

[@gcn]

Absolutely - at least noting down some dimensions is essential!

[@kieranbarry8193]

PostCarry bike bag....the best ive ever had. small enough that you can check it in as normal luggage

[@AirwaveMustang]

Difficult to get in Europe

[@mariocarvalhojr8109]

For brazilian bike riders it was really amazing hearing you saying "obrigado". thanks a lot!

[@mathewjames4137]

To add to Manon's comment on checking your bike, I would advise opening the case and doing a quick visual check check at the airport. It's easier to argue it was damaged by the airline before its been in the back of taxis and is sitting in your hotel room.

[@gcn]

This is a really good piece of advice, thanks Mathew!

[@doxielain2231]

Wow, that was an emotional message about the derailleur. The feels are reals.

[@zukzworld]

By the way, whenever I travel from Asia or Middle East, bike is just part of luggage and no extra charge; and funnily the same airlines consider her a special sports equipment and charge money when I fly from the west (American continent and once in Europe).

[@Kiwisail]

Doing it now. New Zealand to Milan. Leaving out of Rome. Done some great rides around the northern lakes, Mantova, Orvieto, Rome. Just make sure you grab the right bike bag on arrival. I nearly took the wrong bike which was in exactly the same Scicon bag and condition.

[@ssaunders2k]

I'd imagine it would be worth having a spare derailleur hanger ... something it's good to have at home too, as they can be hard to find, and should the hanger get bent in transit having a spare you can quickly swap would be useful as chances of finding one when abroad are slim.

[@chrisridesbicycles]

Yes, you should always have one as a spare. If it‘s not something common like a SRAM UDH, it can take months to get a new one if you have bad luck.

[@TheManuelv86]

Best tip of advice: get a good box - in my case a bike box Alan (the version where you don’t have to remove anything). And if you put other things in the box always make sure you would be able to ride (aka rent a bike) in case your luggage gets lost

[@andyclark8991]

Manon/The Boss. Love the video, love the views at beginning, flippin awesome

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Thanks! Lots of great tips! Will take the derailleur off for sure! Clear crisp advice! Keep it coming!

[@nathanmclain9027]

Just traveled from US mainland to Hawaii with my bike for the first time. Bike Box Alan for the WIN!

[@siets7303]

So in these video's we hear about travelling by car or plane. But how about trains or bike-busses. Not sure how it is elsewhere but in Europe that is an alter alternative. Especially if you are traveling by high-speed train (how to pack your bike, how do you book for hike tickets, how far in advance do you need to book).

[@doncameelo]

Of all the new Orbeas GCN got recently, Manon’s paint job is the best.

[@pinjaliina]

One pro tip that I once took from the Aussie Shane Miller's channel, if your bike has electric gears and an internal battery: disconnect the Di2 cables from the derailleurs before packing up your bike. That way you won't arrive to your destination with an empty battery, if the buttons get pressed while your bike is in the bag.

[@edwardebel1847]

Traveled with a Tern folding bike and a non-folding touring bike...I have seen it already written below...deflate your tires! Also, though it may not seem logical, disassembling your bike and re-assembling may require different tools. How to tell? Well before traveling, disassemble and pack, keep the tools in a separate box, and then reassemble with those same tools. If it turns out that a different pliers is handy to hold a nut or washer, then add that to the tools you pack. A better example might be that one would not need a torque wrench/spanner to disassemble but might need one to reassemble. Also, practicing the dis and reassembly will give you confidence and a bit of peace of mind knowing that you will be able to do the same at the distant end. Peace of mind in regards to traveling is almost priceless. Safe travels! Cheers

[@Active-Cyclist]

This was helpful. I would have liked more detail on what parts you take off, why you take them off, how to take them off, and how to put them back on. The derailleur mention was something I would not have known without this video.

[@Aragorn.Strider]

Another tip that works for some people work, is to take them on your train with you. I know within in the Netherlands this is possible, but with some asterixes such as not during rush hour.

[@olewurtz7625]

I have a soft padded bag and for that kind of “case” I fit a block of wood between the forks (front and back) to protect them from being squashed when the wheels are taken off.

[@johnbradley1599]

1. after you have removed your wheels, replace them with a solid spacer to prevent your forks and rear chainstays from being crushed. 2. wrap a strip of masking tape around both the seat post and the front stem marking their height from out of the frame.

[@sadeiofficial]

I am sooooo excited that this video was suggested to me!! It makes me want to take up biking 🚴‍♀️ again! Super awesome 🤩 & inspiring video! Much Aloha 🤙🏽 from Hawai’i ✨

[@gcn]

Welcome to the community!

[@GrumpyOldMan70]

Great video! I didn't know about the derailleur needing to be taken off. I don't plan on packing my bike up but if I do, that is important.

[@gcn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shanew6114]

Recently packed my bike along on a trip to Hawaii. Used a Orucase Airport Ninja for the first time. The bike and a few accessories fit perfectly and I thought all was good to go. Immediately as I walked up to the baggage kiosk I was approached by a Southwest attendant who asked if I was checking a bike in and ensured that I paid the $75 fee.

[@lowjer]

A friend packed his bike into a case that was regular luggage size - the airline charged fees for bikes regardless. When they asked him was was in the case - he said "a table". (no fee charged).

[@BULLDOGVII]

Love it!!

[@MartinV7771]

I travelled with my bike worldwide many times (50+) Mainly Eu-China. Also EU-US. So if you go from big Airport to big Airport I didn’t have any problem by Check in. But !! Careful on following Situation travel with Lufthansa from Munich to Houston and then with United from Houston to Mc Allen. Everything was booked with bike, oversize etc.., dimensions was announced prior booking and agreed with Lufthansa. By travel back United asked for additional money for the back. After discussion back and force I discovered the Lufthansa is not talking with parter Alliance. So recommendations is double check will all air caries about the fees. To avoid surprises.

[@clairetwinny]

I've travelled outward 3 times, with the bike packed in a CTC-approved plastic bag because I was touring and returning from different airports. No trouble at all going out, either at the airport or on the aeroplane. Each time, on the way back, the airport would not let me check the bike in without buying a box for it. And don't think of convincing them that your carrier is happy with just a bag - I missed a flight that way and had to buy another flight! Just do whatever they tell you and make sure you and the bike can board.

[@donaldlewis1836]

Personally, I don't see the need for shipping my bike anymore. Just did 6 days in Tuscany and rented Pinarello F's for the week and no issues.

[@gcn]

That sounds incredible!

[@ltu42]

Yeah, the 120€ bike fare on low cost airlines typically gets you 4-5 days of rental.

[@joecoll1781]

@@ltu42 agreed I don't see need for one week trips you can normally rent a better bike than you have for similar money and no hassle to travel to and from airport.

[@kimsosson4739]

Agreed. 'IF' I can rent a respectable one, I'll for sure take that route. Price renting vs. transport are not that far off.

[@smithbrownjones]

So what does one do with the bike box at the other end.....?

[@seductive_Octopus]

Pro Tipp if it's for a Holidays trip ... Folding Bike, specially Brompton or any 3 fold design Bike. 🙃 ride 🚲 - fold 📦⬇️- fly✈ - unfold 📦⬆️- ride 🚲 With the right Bag you don't even have to pay for oversized luggage. 😉 I get it, if it's for a race or so but everything else, a folder is way more convenient.

[@bikingwithemily1109]

Going to England in fall for biking can't wait, first overseas bike trip

[@gcn]

You're going to have so much fun! There are some great roads in the South-West, where we're based, if you head this way!

[@bikingwithemily1109]

@@gcn Bristol to Cheddar gorge is on my list of rides. GCN does a very good job at showing off the beautiful countryside 😃 86 days to go

[@albsamuel9154]

Please visit Transfagarasan( famous ROmania road through ) besides epic scenery u might find some bears on the roads🐻🐻!!26 km climb and on top epic view!!

[@herculesrockefeller8969]

Thank you, Manon!

[@wspmjw]

Thanks Manon. A bit of a confidence builder. For the rebuild, looks like a torque wrench would be a good add to the tool kit, yes?

[@FaithsFallen]

If the bike is carbon fibre, 100% the most essential tool needed!

[@gcn]

Absolutely! We hope you get to go travelling soon!

[@Bluesman2509]

Don't forget spare tyre, chain, quick links, mech hanger and brake blocks!! And remember shoes helmet socks and bidons and warm/wet clothing!

[@SergioCristancho]

3:00 take the derailleur out migth be one solution, there is another... to avoid any damage, buy a protector guard/cage, is universal, It will work and does not hurt your bike or your bag, look for this gadget is cheap and make life easy if your way of thinking is; do not mees up on your gears... I also learned the hard way put the derailleur back 100% is not as easy as sounds because of small tools or lacking of experience or just not having a bike stand to work better on your bike.

[@lbyron4743]

I agree. The first time I travelled with my bike, I took the derailleur off and had the hardest time getting my gears to shift correctly after I put it back on. Since then, I've been using a protector and I bring an extra hanger just in case.

[@global_nomad.]

Check your bike insurance !! - I used my Evoc Bag and had insurance with Pedalsure...all good stuff...but when a carbon wheel was cracked on a flight recently, Pedalsure pointed out the small print saying they only covered damage if I used a rigid bike box....so next trip is with a rented bike box...

[@gcn]

Sorry to hear that! You have to make sure to check these things thoroughly! We hope you still managed to go cycling!

[@global_nomad.]

@@gcn was on the way home so at least got the riding in first

[@wonhong9672]

Don't forget to deflate the tires before packing. So you will need to pack a pump.

[@suzi6284]

Great tips! But can we talk about that deep squat that Manon casually does at 3:38? I'm so jealous! I've been working on mine for a while now and my flexibility still isn't there.

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

Keep working on it. I wasn't able to break 90⁰ and now I'm down 45 on flat feet most days.

[@chasc301]

Definitely a brace/spacer between fork dropouts. There is a website somewhere which will advise on which bike boxes will fit what (hire) cars. Mate always freights his bike ahead to a prewarned hotel/collect at airport which can be cheaper than taking on your actual flight. Some airlines don’t guarantee your bike will be on your flight which is tricky if not a frequent flight destination. Last few trips I have hired at the location. If touring I’ve used cardboard box and got a return one from Decathlon.

[@kathysarmcandy1992]

If you remove anything that's adjustable, mark the position/index with a Sharpie. Assemble ride. No fiddling with seat height, etc.

[@tekink8143]

I always take my shoes, pedals, helmet, garmin and a spare kit with me in carry-on in case my bike box is delayed or lost for a big event. Ohh also with some airlines you need to call in ahead few days before departure date to inform them about the bike for their cargo dept even if you booked the bike box with your ticket few months earlier. Also weigh it before going to the airport to avoid surprise overweight fees. Usually 23kg or 50lbs. Use bubble wrap. My Lightweight wheels with carbon spokes made it safely in a hard shell with bubble wrap on 4 flights. Attach the skewers on fork and rear dropout to avoid them being crushed.

[@gcn]

All good tips!

[@stephenchu1115]

The number 1 bike travel tip is to bring your tim brake bike. I can pack and assemble my bike in 10 minutes without going to a bike shop to fix disc brake rub. Further, it's never raining on my holiday bike trips. Why would I want to go on a holiday bike trip in the rain? So disc brakes are useless on my holiday bike trips.

[@tomnewham1269]

Do you own a disc road bike?

[@stephenchu1115]

@@tomnewham1269 Yes I do own a disc brake road bike - Cervelo Caledonia with Ultegra. It stays home and as a matter of fact, I don't even put it in my car for fear of that disc brake rub when I put the wheels back on. By the way its also 4 lb heavier than my rim brake S5. So on my KOM rides or Fondos or any fast club rides, the choice is obvious - S5 rim brake bike for the win. Also the S5 was cheaper than the Caledonia - crazy isn't it!!!

[@bengt_axle]

Get a rim brake bike, remove the fork and bars and you’ll have a much smaller package to carry and can even slide it in the back seat of a small car. Flip over upside down so that the weight is on saddle or an old seatpost. Protect carbon tubes with split lengths of PVC tubing and foam.

[@RetroracerDB1]

Put an AirTag in your bike case. You’ll know where your bike is even if the airline doesn’t.

[@dermotdoherty2960]

Q: what do you suggest when you are going touring? Where have people stored their bike box when they are travelling by bike. Are there facilities to store the box until yu return for a flight?

[@runabq]

Some hotels will store your bike box for you if you're returning there for a night on the way home. I've done that in Hawaii.

[@GavinHarte]

“Relax and get on the plane” then we see a shot of easyJet. My most recent experience of trying to fly with them was anything other than relaxing

[@mnveloguy]

I will add to make sure you put your name and contact info on your box/bike case. Out of the roughly 6 trips I’ve done, I’ve had two where my bike didn’t arrive with me. In one case I may never have see it again if my info wasn’t written on the box in very big sharpie. Also be sure if you use the same box going both ways to remove the old routing tag. US customs opens boxes. Left the old tag on one year and they ended up closing up the box with the old tag on top. It was several days before I saw my bike again and it looked like it had had a rough experience during that time. And finally, be sure to arrive to the airport well in advance. It is advisable to be one of the first people in line, especially in the US. The laws here are very specific about how far in advance of departure luggage has to be on the flight. US transit authority can take a long time to move large items through security. My bike didn’t arrive one trip because it didn’t clear security early enough. Condor airlines really does not care a bit if you’re going on a cycling holiday and your bike doesn’t arrive with you for said holiday. I said that was my final comment, but I’ll add one more: invest in a good suitcase/bike ox with wheels. It is so much easier to haul around a wheeled suitcase than a big long unwieldy bike box with no wheels.

[@elevenocean4471]

Timely video, bit more complicated than I imagined but good to know

[@gcn]

Where are you taking your bike next?

[@varunsingapuri6775]

Hello! Very useful video, thanks a lot for sharing this :) I noticed that you did not remove your seat post, what size is your bike to be able to do that? I have a SCOTT Foil 20 (2020) size 52 and it has a weird seat clamp so I'm always a bit paranoid about removing the seat post. Trying to find a good hard case which would allow me to keep the seat post on in its position and not dropping it lower. Any suggestions?

[@PhoenixRider1]

How do you store or send forward your bike case? Is there a way I can start my trip on one city (Amsterdam) and flight back from another city(Paris)? How would you handle your luggages, bike case? Thanks

[@ltu42]

Cardboard boxes from bike shops are the way to go in this case. Dispose of the box in the arrival airport, find another one from a bike shop before departure.

[@PhoenixRider1]

@@ltu42 Thanks for your reply. I still think it's pretty risky especially if you have a small time window to catch a flight home. Quite a few time I need to ship my bike and zip had a hard time calling and running around town to the right bike shop that has a bike box on hand.

[@chawley52]

What is the best tire inflation travel strategy? Should I take a floor pump? Are CO2 cartridges allowed in the bike container? Great travel tips, Manon. Many thanks!

[@simonm1447]

You can use a normal, small hand pump. If you add the hose from an old tire fit set from a car (you can get them at scrap yards), and put the brass core of a rubber car valve (you can remove the rubber with a knife) without the inner core into the other side of the hose you essentially get a pump which can be used like a floor pump, but is still as light as a small hand pump. If you use Presta valves you need a small adapter to the car valve connector of the hose additionally.

[@paulwheeless1080]

compressed gases (CO2 cartridges) are usually forbidden aboard aircraft. Correction: The UK CAA allows 4 cartridges. Also US FAA allows the same (although TSA still restrict).

[@joecoll1781]

@@paulwheeless1080 nope not any more well not to Spain. I have them in bike box. I take lightweight floor pump with me.

[@dpw6900]

Pack pedals, shoes, helmet and kit with your other luggage in case your bike gets mis-directed. That way you will be prepared for a hire/ rental bike and not miss out on riding.

[@gcn]

This is good advice, but make sure to leave enough space for your other clothes, unless you want to be walking around in cycling kit!

[@laareperatv]

Has your bike integrated handlebars ? I couldn’t see you using the mini bike stand provided in the pakgo X box ! Is this the work around when travelling with integrated handlebars ? Thanks!

[@IanB17]

Bike Box Alan do a box where all you have to do is take off wheels & pedals. The less stuff you have to remove the better IMHO.

[@ltu42]

As long as it fits into a taxi from the airport.

[@iseepandas1]

I’m going to do this with my Sur-Ron (with out battery ofc)

[@ymi_yugy3133]

Top tip. Think of the penguins and travel by train. Added benefit: no disassembly.

[@zukzworld]

Well, VIA is not allowing bikes on train since COVID (not sure the relation except shortage of manpower).

[@ymi_yugy3133]

@@zukzworld how insanely stupid is that…..

[@donnacompton4894]

Where do you leave your hard bike case after you’ve assembled your bike?

[@davemorriss2552]

Fell foul of security check on our flight early this week across Canada, normally they just look inside and wand the items,. A real madam made us take out all none bike items out for checking, shoes, tools, bottles, helmets, took ages getting through it all. Luckily this time we had bikes bags, would have been a nightmare if we'd had our usual cardboard boxes.

[@TBATTIECYCLING]

Great subject given the trips coming up for us all. Carpe diem cyclists

[@gcn]

Thanks!

[@Jimmy_Mate]

Australia to Japan (and around Japan by truck) using this exact box! No worries with weight with Singapore Airlines / couriers as long as the box and contents is

[@marksoeplepel]

I am going to study abroad in Spain this autumn, but I am travelling by train, so I hope the train companies will be nice to me. Some said I just have to be there 30 minutes before departure and that they will see if you can board or not 😬

[@RogerProvoensis]

In Italy, and presumably in Spain, you must buy an additional ticket (3-5 euro) for your bike. Not all classes of train allow for bikes, but IC trains generally do. The process is not as difficult as you are fearing, at least not in Italy.

[@joecoll1781]

Some longer journeys you need to book bike on in advance

[@luigirussi1316]

I did a couple of months ago for the first time. Bought a 700€ SCICON AEROTECH EVOLUTION X TSA for the scope. On first use, one of the internal support straps pulled out of its mount. On inspection, this appears to flawed combination of design and materials. The straps are made from standard nylon webbing with a small hole (but no grommet) to accommodate a bolt. There is a small washer, ostensibly meant to prevent tearing of the strap. But the washer is too small and the material too soft for this arrangement, and it pulled through the hole. Before even reaching the airport the external strap pulled out as I was lifting the case because of a faulty rivet. In any case, these single-point attachments are clearly not made with sufficiently strong materials for the job. The bike got damaged in the process and now I am stuck in the UK with a 700€ worth piece of plastic as both vendor and manufacturer say it is not their responsibility. Which is my responsibility beyond wanting to travel with my bike? Do you have any advice on how to face this situation?

[@fjiminy]

Where do you leave the bike case while you're traveling?

[@JMcLeodKC711]

If you are going to rent/hire a bike, I would still bring my shoes and pedals

[@larrylem3582]

And maybe saddle

[@gcn]

Ideally shoes and pedals, but as Larry has pointed out, if you're planning to do some serious miles, your own saddle would be a good idea too!

[@joechamma]

Don't forget travelling with a folding bike like a Brompton 😍😍😍

[@gcn]

You might even get away with it in hand luggage! 😂

[@joechamma]

🤣🤣🤣

[@joecoll1781]

@@gcn would make interesting conversation when you turn up at the training camp

[@eTwisted]

Around 20 years ago, when I did a lot of bike camping to places I'd never been, and they bagged bikes in durable plastic bags - but sadly required the tires to be deflated (to help ensure snakebites?). I had a real issue when I needed to take a bus and they wanted the bike in a cardboard box - so I had to scrounge cardboard in the middle of nowhere.

[@petergarner]

Here in Canada, AirTransat still does this. It costs CA$75 per bike per flight, but they give you a sturdy plastic bag. You have to remove the pedals, turn the handlebars sideways, and slightly deflate the tires (I assume so they don't explode in the low-pressure environment of the hold), but otherwise, no real disassembly needed. I've travelled from Canada to Europe four times this way with my bike and never had anything worse than a broken reflector. But YMMV.

[@timburkhalter114]

Do you need to pack a torque wrench?

[@j4s0n67]

Anyone plz reply In South Korean airlines the bike is counted as an luggage, unlike in Europe which im guessing you guys have special sports luggage, and i am guessing there is possibility that my bike will be thrown around even more, and my question is with the case how big is the possibility that the carbon cracks, and if it get thrown how much am i risking?

[@felixkrell890]

What do I do with the HUGE bike container if I only plan on camping?

[@Ty.Watson]

Going on a biking trip and renting a bike at the destination is like going on a romantic getaway and hiring an escort at the destination. Disgraceful

[@bedney45]

LOL

[@SeteNove]

Get a hard case for your bike. I recently flew with my bike using a soft-sided Giant bike bag. When I arrived the fork was completely destroyed! The airline is accepting no liability for the damage. To top it off, Canyon no longer has any replacement forks for my 2015 Ultimate and because it has a weird taper (1 1/4'' - 1 1/2''), I can't find a replacement.

[@markrushton1516]

Be aware that your bike can get lost in transit. V.likely you will get it back but it may not be next day. If there are too many bikes, the airline may well leave some behind.

[@ioannidesalex]

Can travel from Leeds to London with my road bike in a box , on a national express coach ?

[@tn9274]

how much the typical cost to rental mediumly spec road bike in popular destination?

[@RaveniusSFRJ]

What about the customs and are you supposed to carry receipts of your bike or the proof that it's original?

[@grobbosixtyone]

A clean bike especially your wheels and tyres is very important otherwise you might fail some biosecurity checks

[@gcn]

And your bike will NEVER look good in those all important holiday pics!

[@DavidJackson-zc4eq]

Dont forget to deflate the tyres too!

[@DrStench13]

A bike suitcase costs at least 400 quid and I just want to move a bike once. Anyone have tips for this? I can get a box at the airport, but am not sure about demontaging it and putting together at the airports.

[@mimi_micha8815]

What about Di2 Batteries? Do these have to be removed before the flight?

[@paulwheeless1080]

Check the country and airline rules. US FAA only allows Lithium batteries in carry-on baggage. FAA.Gov "Pack Safe"

[@kitkat5153]

Does one need a carnet or other documents for customs to show the bike wasn’t purchased abroad?

[@MichaelDArcy1]

Can anyone recommend a company that will do all the hard work, ie pick up bike from home and deliver to my hotel. Thanks

[@knosis]

I literally just flew to NYC, why wasn't this published 24hrs earlier!

[@gcn]

haha, sorry Knosis! We hope you enjoy your time in The Big Apple, however!

[@Vinaykumarel]

SnS couplers help for a Normal lugguage

[@ltu42]

Or a Ritchey Break-Away frame.

[@Esbbbb]

Is there a good bike pack for packing it into a car? I was thinking that since we travel by car quite often and I like to take my bike with me, it could be a good idea to have a bike bag that can maybe be even a bit bigger so that I don't need to dismantle everything. Any recommendations? :)

[@marksoeplepel]

You have soft case bike bags, such as the decathlon ones. We use two of them in the boot of the car. And then 3 bikes on a bikerack on the back of the car, so we can take 5 bikes with us on vacation and it works just fine. We can even put luggage under the 2 bikes.

[@Esbbbb]

@@marksoeplepel thanks for the tip! I need to look it up!

[@ltu42]

My favourite method is to remove the front wheel and seatpost, and mount the fork to a holder fixed to a wooden plank. That way it fits upright in most estates with the back seat folded, and does not take up a lot of space. If you can't fold the seat, you remove both wheels and the seatpost and put the frame upright, upside down, perpendicular to the car's axis.

[@chrisnaden]

So, I literally have to be a bike mechanic to pack my bike.

[@robertfindley921]

I packed a tiny bottle of chain lube for a flight once. When I arrived the lube was gone and a notice from airport security was inside my case saying they removed something dangerous. Huh. Change lube?

[@ankurasati8037]

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.

[@laurafrost705]

The easiest way to travel with your bike is to go for a folding bike as your traveling bike way much easier

[@jamiegolden7093]

I have a soft sided Speedhound that works great. I learned to leave a pedal wrench in the bag. I always deflate the ti(y)res because I worry that the hold isn't pressurized and that they would explode in reduced pressure. Is that a legitimate concern?

[@kieranbarry8193]

it is not! :)

[@kartoffelstranger9187]

On every ariline I took my bike with I had to defalte the tires, for exactly that reason~ Better safe than sorry :)

[@paulwheeless1080]

Modern airliners cargo compartments ARE pressurized. Pets are transported in the cargo compartments. also, 1 Atmosphere is equal to 14psi. IF the cargo compartment was not pressurized, most tires can manage that much pressure variation (see Calvin from Park Tools video).

[@kartoffelstranger9187]

@@paulwheeless1080 Thanks for your input, very interesting. I'm curious now tho why on Emirates you have to deflate your tires. I guess it's a tiny risk, but easy to prevent so they just play it safe. However they don't state to depressurise your dampers, but I suppose that might be due to a lack of knowledge...

[@paulwheeless1080]

@@kartoffelstranger9187 the only thing I can think of is fear of a valve stem becoming a missile.

[@ofwolfanddan]

My two tips would be: 1) make sure you take all the tools you need to put your bike back together when you reach your destination, and 2) consider if you need to fly at all. People need to stop flying short distances. Stick the bike on your roof and enjoy the drive!

[@gcn]

Great tip! Flying isn't always your only option if you want to bring a bike; even stick it in the boot/trunk!

[@ltu42]

Driving uses less fuel than flying only if you have a passenger or two. Airliners typically use 2-3 l/100km per seat (that's about 80-120 MPG US).

[@ofwolfanddan]

@@ltu42 But the impact of the journey is not as simple as that.

[@megan8494]

Do you have a dismantling video?

[@niaz_ahmed]

how long did it take you to pack the bike. With the sped up video it is hard to know

[@gcn]

Hi Niaz, thanks for you comment. We didn't want to say how long because it varies from person to person depending on experience. It could take you anywhere from half an hour to 2 hours! The more you do it, the quicker it should become, but the most important thing is to take your time to make sure you've done it properly.

[@bludog4657]

The bike flys 1st class and I sit by the bano

[@johngorman7729]

What do you do with your bike cases once you’re at your destination? It’s one thing not covered in anyones “how to”.

[@TobyMole]

Only going up the road but I've always found that taking wheels off means gears and brakes need retuning afterwards - every time 😭

[@fbdtravel2594]

nice hair!!!!