Packing a Bicycle for Air Travel // THULE RoundTrip Pro Bike Bag

[@886014]

I'm a professional traveller (ie that's my job) and can offer a few additions to these tips. Normally I will use my Ritchey Break-Away for work, but also often use a regular road bike. There's some good tips in the video, and I'll try to add a few other suggestions that may help. Instead of marking the seat post, put a couple of wraps of electrical tape around it where it touches the seat tube. When you slide it back in, the tape will act as a stop and register at the correct height. You can sometimes also use a light mount as the stop, but it depends on your light brand. Don't bother marking it vertically, it will never be close enough, and instead eyeball it by sighting along the saddle. The tape can stay on and the extra weight won't jeopardise your Strava KOM ;) Get some foam tubes, split them lengthways and cut for the length of each of your tubes/stays. Write on each piece of foam what stay/tube it matches, and secure them with either reusable cable ties or velco strips. The foam will prevent the frame from being scratched. If you travel a lot, after a few years this foam makes the difference from your bike looking pretty good, to something that looks like it's been dragged behind a truck the whole way there! Because your frame is now protected, it means you don't really need to protect all the other stuff you put in there, as all it will rub against is foam. It's not normally necessary to remove the rear derailleur, but that will depend on the case and which is the lesser of the two evils. If you remove it, the hanger is less likely to be bent, but it risks damaging the hanger thread when you re-install it. These are not meant to be put on and off so there's no real right or wrong here. If you leave it on, use a chain keeper and make sure there's no pressure on the derailleur. Get a preset torque wrench, mine is from Ritchey, but Park Tool and others do one too. www.parktool.com/product/preset-torque-driver-ptd-5 5 Nm is the typical toque used on most of these fasteners, and allows the correct toque to be applied on re-assembly. Not everyone knows what 5 Nm feels like, but with one of these you just do up the fastener until the torque key clicks, and move on. New wheels often come with little plastic disk things that go where your skewers normally would. Grab some from a bike shop and put them on to the wheels before putting the wheels in the bags. Otherwise the ends of the axles eventually wear holes in the wheel bags, or even the whole bike case it's it's a semi-hard type. On that note, it's a good idea to write a check list of what you should have in your box, you don't want to get to the other end and discover you've left your skewers/pedals/saddle/etc sitting neatly behind! I haven't (yet) forgotten anything, but as I do it so often I can normally see what's missing. However I have come close a few times and saw something sitting there as I was doing a final check! Finally, packing the bag out with kit is a good idea to a certain extent, but do NOT overpack the box/bag. Once it gets quite heavy, the guys will be forced to start throwing it as it's being loaded, and there's a greater chance of it being damaged. You can normally tell the difference between people who travel a lot, and people who rarely do, by the size of their bag. An experienced traveller will typically have a small bag and only what they really need, a travel noob will be hauling all manner of crap around and be struggling with heavy bags. No, you don't need to take the kitchen sink "just in case" ;) Hope that helps and enjoy the trip!

[@gplama]

Brilliant tips! Thanks for sharing.

[@ShermanSitter]

You are a pro traveler! the torque wrench discussion is probably something I should heed. I was 'raised' by feel. I have a torque wrench but just go by feel anyway most times. I probably should at least see what the torque wrench says i'm doing just to see how accurate my 'feel' is. :)

[@alantaylor6691]

Pete F If shipping your road bike in a cardboard box 80 x 70 x 22cm, would you suggest taking the rear derailer off or keeping it on?

[@ukaszbereza916]

Mate, wanted to ask: how do you deal with the pump. I mean usually, u have to deflate the tyres before travel right. What do you do to pump the air again into after travelling. Cheers

[@TheShift_OfEnergy]

"New wheels often come with little plastic disk things that go where your skewers normally would. Grab some from a bike shop" Can you drop a link of how those disks look like ?

[@robbligh1988]

I am a relatively new rider - I found this to be exceptionally helpful. Thank you !!

[@VinceMarotte]

ProTip: Carry on your shoes. If your bike gets lost/delayed you can at least rent on the other side

[@chipmagrogan8601]

Great tips and compressed into short video. Love it. I would also mention to mark left and right pedal so you put them back correctly. Don’t forget, the threading is counter intuitive - this isn’t standard plumbing threads.

[@alantaylor6691]

I've been watching a lot of bike boxing videos, and what you've done with the rear derailer is great. As well from the perspective of the chain positioning, just perfect.

[@Tonedef5959]

Nice extra steps. (Rear dérailler ). Very neat !

[@ShermanSitter]

This a very useful video. I must say, I'm nervous about taking my bicycles anywhere, but all these tips are a great start to help assuage my anxieties. :)

[@C.a.hay35]

Fantastic video! Greta job.

[@jazzinthefield]

Up to step two, pedals off, texta marks, winning thus far thanks so much shane

[@LocutFilms]

Can I also suggest , it's a good idea to carry a spare derailleur hanger, with many different variations the bike shop at your destination may not have your exact one in stock if it gets broken. Especially if you are racing somewhere, the local shop will be very busy

[@RomansFiveDotEight]

I sort of stumbled upon a method to ensure the seatpost is in at the right height that works really well for me; clamp on a rear light mount that fits nice and tight, slide it down to the bottom. Don't have to look at anything, you just slide the seatpost down into place until it stops (i.e., you get to the rear light mount), clamp seat post; done!

[@gplama]

+Romans Five|Eight I like it!

[@ShermanSitter]

I REALLY like that suggestion! I don't like to put sticky stuff on my bicycle and this is a great solution!

[@diegocuesta2610]

Nice job and very useful tips! I want to purchase a new travel bag and this one is my first option

[@earlhunt6380]

I'm trusting you... picked up this case and following your instructions..

[@shawoo]

Earl Hunt how did it go?

[@timberrr1126]

LUGGAGE TIPS 1, 2, 3 Tie two or three colored ribbons of different lengths 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 turnstile... Use 1” wide ribbons 14” long. Cut the ends at 45 degrees then seal the end with one drop of Super Glue to prevent fraying. If each ribbon is slightly a different length by 1/2” or so, they will all show up no matter how they drape. Tie the 3 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 6” from the handle. A longer ribbon shows up better. You can see it from 40 feet away. Perhaps tie TWO handles or RINGS top and side of the case. This way, it won’t slide around. Put your phone number on one ribbon using a permanent Sharpie. Example: “Owner 454-333-7878” Choose one ribbon with an unusual pattern or fabric to really make it unique. Stand by the output hole port of the turnstile to reduce the chance of someone else grabbing the piece. Tie your skiies, duffel bag, and what ever 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 and blue Chartreuse and purple Orange and light blue Orange and yellow Gray and pink Green and yellow Red and Green Red and Gold Light blue and light green The third 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”. Tip #3 Place a strip of colored duct tape on the inside lining to your case. 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..

[@Cyclingchoice]

Swim noodles are great protectors.

[@d3wy]

And jousting poles

[@meatmotorendurance]

I use electrical tape like you mention around the seat post and bars and make the positioning slash marks on it to avoid marking up the bike. Plus you don't have to worry about the marker offset.

[@michaelvanleeuwen3221]

if you take the stem off, your bars will always be level (and centered) when you put it back on.

[@KristijonasM]

If your stem is holding front fork that might not be such a great idea ;)

[@michaelvanleeuwen3221]

@@KristijonasM but that is basically what is happening, when you tighten your stemcap you are basically pressing your stem down on the shaft of the fork. The insert (kinda forgot the name to be honest) that you tighten inside the shaft serves as an anchor point for you to pull on up to.

[@_broody2853]

Awesome video!

[@ewolam]

I prefer using colourful tapes rather than a black marker to highlight the position.

[@naikkelas1241]

It is also worth it to sort the bike's part by its weight. The heavier one, if its not too expensive, you might want to just leave it and go find a good bike shop once you arrived there

[@paulahavens2764]

Now if your are touring what do you do with the bike bag ? I think these bags are great. I really liked your video.

[@SuperSplat7]

Forgot to remind us to remember our tools (the ones we took the bike apart with). Other than that i learnt what i needed and am looking forward to getting my bike packed up and ready for holiday!

[@grotlek]

This trick probably won't work for you since you angle your handlebar downwards but other people who angle upwards could rotate their handlebars and forks by 180 degrees before attaching it to the base - that way your front brakes get protected by frame bars to both the front and rear of them, and the handlebar mount would be over your frame and not sticking out the front (which might make your bag last longer too - since that's where it's going to rub a hole into it). A neat trick for those who don't have a mountable base is to then use double-sided velcro to stop it rotating in transit. Also I'm not sure what the benefit of marking your handlebars and seat post are - it takes only a few minutes to adjust them properly and that's so much better than having it quickly be accurate to within a cm or so - which is about as accurate as you can get it that way. That said I keep my seat at the right height when I re-attach it by strategic positioning of the rear reflector so who am I to talk - still it's more accurate that way than I could get it by a visual mark :-).

[@cesara.1964]

a eternity for prepare this. anyways nice video.

[@michaelhoye3402]

Hi Shane - how much does the end box weigh?....do you ever get close to the 32 kgs with all the additional stuff?

[@giutubospatubo1546]

Hard cases are much savers

[@yangzhang6058]

What is the keyword for the part that you showed at 1:05. I would like to buy one on the internet, but I don't know where to find it.

[@AF-dq4fo]

depends on the company. some call it a frame spacer, others dropout spacer. it may or may not be cheaper to just use a spare/used qr skewer

[@teresamcbean]

Thanks Shane!!

[@nobion1]

Can I ask what that fork spacer support thing is for the rear? Thank you!!

[@gplama]

iirc it's something I picked up from a bike shop. It's what a lot of bike frames ship with in the box.

[@BIGDO13]

bike packing on fleek...

[@jdw9300]

Is that a power saddle? What have you been riding previous and what do you like/dislike about it? Any reason for the spacer under your stem and the negative angle on it?

[@gplama]

- Yep, Power saddle. Had it for a year. It isn't bad. Review one day on the channel. - Laziness. Four years ago when we set up the bike with my measurements that's what it took to get the same position at the time with what I had. I could cut the steerer and use a standard stem (-8deg?) but I've been "getting a new bike soon" for the last three years so I've never worried about it.

[@Cyclingchoice]

Thorough job! But too much work for me :) I use Scicon aero bag. I only remove the wheels and pedals, everything else stays as is...

[@dgasmd1]

This video was in 2016. Would love to know how this particular bike case has held up over the years and how many times have you used it to fly. Pro and cons over time? Weaknesses or down size?

[@gplama]

Still in use a few years later: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2icp6Zre5WLbMk

[@faiqfajarn]

Nice 🎉🎉

[@Tchairdjian]

Hi Shane. what do you htink of the Orucase B2 new compact bike bag? Does the Thule you just reviewed qualify for no fees at the airport?

[@gplama]

Not familiar with the B2. Airline fees depend on your airline. They’re all different.

[@drewshellenberger2224]

Hey Shane! Where did you get your name/country stickers that you put on your helmet, frame, etc? Thank you!!

[@gplama]

I can't recall. They were team issue a few years back. Google might be the best bet in finding something similar.

[@syaafie92]

Hi sir, May I know. Is there any additional charge when check in at the airport with ur bicycle? I'm planning to bring my bicycle travel along with me.

[@gplama]

You need to check with your booking airline. It is different around the world.

[@smoked_meat9271]

So Shane, which one do u think is better, I use a card-box (just like the new bike arrive at the bike shop) to carry my bike or use the box like evoc....

[@gplama]

Bikes travel in cardboard boxes unassembled (well, largely), with a ton of packing around them. It'll work once, maybe twice, but after a while I see them degrade and not provide a lot of protection. If you're travelling A LOT then a bag is a good investment. The EVOC is a brilliant bag. I've used them from Melbourne - Fiji, and over to Perth and back.

[@smoked_meat9271]

thanks so much！im planning using the evoc（or something like that） another thing is，i got two more wheelsets..... do u think its safe to use the cardbox only for wheels（though when they come to the bike shops，i usually saw them in the card-boxes）

[@gplama]

Cardboard is fine if the box is in good condition.... and you use a lot of packing. All comes down to where you're going, who's handling the boxes, etc.

[@MrMk1rob]

When you reinstall the rear derailleur do you need to set gears back up or is it just a case of screwing it back on. cheers.

[@gplama]

Screwing it back on has worked well so far. The limit screws don't move, and the cable tension remains the same, so it's all good.

[@MrMk1rob]

Thanks for the reply.

[@gleaveinjapan]

Great video, I've never taken the rear derailer off. Are there any things that can go wrong? You make it look easy.

[@gplama]

Yes. Bending the hanger is not a good thing.

[@norabufrieh40]

what is the packing bag is called, i want to buy one please.

[@barefeg]

any reason for the extra long derailleur cable?

[@gplama]

I use shitbox Ultegra 10spd mechanical. The bigger the loop the easier it is to change gears on the back. eTap will solve this problem. Upgrading sometime in the next 20 years. :)

[@cybertroy2]

Do airlines charge you extra for bringing your bike pack onto the plane? and Does the bikepack weight get deducted from your allocated weight limit like your other luggage?

[@gplama]

It depends on your airline and the type of ticket you purchase.

[@Lookingaroundwalks]

Shane how much does it weigh?, also remove any CO2 canisters from your saddle bag

[@gplama]

Not sure about the bag itself - Everything in the video was 20kgs. Good tip on the CO2, I never use them so it wasn't on my radar.

[@Lookingaroundwalks]

Thank you that weight is ideal, I have used a hard shell and the weight can become a challenge with some airlines trying avoid extra oversize luggage charges, have a good one from sunny Toronto Canada

[@Sudipto17Kolkata]

What is the advice on mudguards and racks?

[@gplama]

I don’t use them, so I’m no good here sorry.

[@teroy45]

Hi Shane! Great vids! Keep it up!What do you recommend for a low to mid price smart trainers? Thanks!

[@gplama]

I'd recommend saving for a high priced one. :) Test ride whatever you're looking at purchasing and go from there.

[@teroy45]

+Shane Miller I was looking at a tacx vortex smart. Gonna setup for Zwift soon for a very long Canadian winter.

[@alandavison7891]

Where to get a rear chainstay axle protector thingy Shane??

[@gplama]

+Alan Davison Bike shop. I can't recall where mine came from.

[@alandavison7891]

+Shane Miller I'm going to Japan on Friday and have an evoc bag. I've cut a bit of that stiff cardboard tube and placed that in between the drop outs. Hoping that holds! That skewer you have would be so good! Struggling to fin done man.

[@itsem8477]

Hello Shane! I need to take my bike with me to Europe and have been struggling to find out how to best get it there. Any suggestions? Do you usually have to pay extra to put it on a plane?

[@gplama]

+Emily DeBell It depends on the airline you fly with. Best call them to check their policy/procedure.

[@crazycodkilla99]

Do you reckon that it's worth getting a bike bag instead of just using a cardboard box? I'm a student with a low budget, my bike cost me less than 1000 bucks so I definitely don't want to be spending half that on my bag, but might get a 250-300 dollar bag for going to and from university.

[@gplama]

Depends on the cardboard box. :) No idea mate, entirely up to you. Hopefully this video will give you tips on how to pack it.

[@thegreenbikerider6189]

Just remember bikes are shipped/flown all around the world without a problem in cardboard boxes from Taiwan etc. Stick to the cardboard box unless you have a £10k bike.

[@gplama]

*From the factory. Mostly unassembled.

[@crazycodkilla99]

I think I'll only be needing to transport it 2-3 times so I'll try to get a good solid bike box from my LBS and package it up using some extra padding and all the great tips from the video :)

[@crazycodkilla99]

+alimcphail81 ya that's a good idea but I'm traveling to school, so I'll be there for 8 months, but for a vacation that's probably the best bet

[@robevans8625]

is this a hard case. what if the throwers put 20 cases on top.

[@gplama]

It's hard at the bottom, ridged sides, soft at the top. It's worked well to date for a number of flights. 20 cases on top won't fit.... maybe 4-5. I've had no problems to date.

[@ardei231]

Shane, thank you for these great tips! I love the bar tape on this bike. What brand is it? Thank you, Andrei

[@gplama]

That's S-Works tape I think. I'm a fan of Lizard Skin tape too.

[@v2rv]

Any particular reason you're not using the included tripod legs as extra side protection? You've lost them? :P I have the same bag and haven't had a chance to use it yet..

[@gplama]

I leave them at home. They'd do more damage to the bike/wheels in my opinion than provide protection.

[@maxmoyles]

What do you do if you have an integrated seatpost?

[@gplama]

Find a larger bike case. I've never been a fan of integrated seat posts. They don't provide any real benefit and only limit resale and transportation.

[@maxmoyles]

+Shane Miller you are missing the fact that they look awesome!!

[@FrankZgoznik]

I have an ISP medium size frame. I just wrap some bubble wrap around and over the top of the post. It fitted my bike bag - a bit tight but ok.

[@edwinot]

Hey Shane. Great video overall!! But I have to say, why on earth would you use a black marker?, the marks are barely visible. I think a white liquid paper pen is a much better idea. It would not just be more visible, after your done, if you want, you can wash it off. It's not a permanent mark, and it will stay there until you want it to. Alright, that's it. Keep up the good work!

[@BIGDO13]

bike packing master level 5 thousand...

[@mikewatson1675]

Just a tip... You could have just lowered your saddle all the way and avoid needed to pack away your saddle altogether. Cheers

[@gplama]

Yep! I've seen a few people do that too. What you have to be careful of there is the post getting scratched when it's pushed down into the bike, and any extra stresses the frame/saddle may encounter when it's in transit and still on the bike.

[@homesbydalessio]

Hope you've packed your raincoat!!!

[@koukimonzta]

How much do airlines charge for that?

[@gplama]

Check with your airline. They're all different.

[@siddhantmadan549]

Shane Miller can we bring in a new bike using the same process? Will one be charged with customs/duty fee? What if it's used a bit and then brought home?

[@gplama]

Sure.... but how you bypass your country tax laws isn't something I'll discuss here. :)

[@toddyaso]

koukimonzta AirTransat charges $30 for each leg.

[@coeurdelion6582]

does this take MTB?

[@koDiacc]

a lot of people are now flying in just a cardboard box - I think most people are over-cautious and most of the time people at the airports know how to not throw stuff around?!

[@gplama]

My take on this - Cardboard boxes are great when new. After a few uses they start to wear out. Game over if they get wet. Over cautious is good. 'most of the time' means there's at least one baggage handler who might break your bike on your next flight. I've only got one road bike, so I'm screwed if it breaks in transit. Bike box for me, and it serves me well for multiple trips every year.

[@koDiacc]

thanks yeah. If you fly a lot, the investment of 5-600 eur should be ok

[@veganbobster6481]

U dont need bike bag, boxes are fine

[@planttheseed2129]

Nice presentation. Knowing how the airline bag handlers throw bags around, I'd be concerned with this particular brand. Scion makes a hard shell all around that I am considering getting.

[@gplama]

The trade-off is having to pay for excess baggage every time with a hard case. This setup has been great for all my flights and comes in under the 22-25kg weight limits without having to pay additional fees.

[@ItsDanKReviews]

Pack a torque wrench. Nothing worse than over tightening seat post or stem bolts.

[@pauli6570]

ItsDanK I think prostate cancer is worse........

[@ath.7500]

is 'specialized' your sponsoror

[@gplama]

No.

[@willemniehorster9836]

wear gloves while dong the job, your hands will stay clean

[@TheCyclistic]

Oh man, pedals off first. You only make that mistake once.

[@Cavenaggi29]

The Thule bag costs more than $600

[@gplama]

So does the bike.

[@nezbian]

I was half expecting video on how to pack a Kickr for air travel....

[@dmytroaleksin4088]

didn't know Johnny Sins into cycling now ...

[@Sam-w9des]

rich people!!! just give me the bike ill ride it to where I'm going!

[@DanielLopes-jt8yl]

Your wacked

[@gplama]

*You're. Somewhat embarrassing to fuck that up mate.

[@Kitiwake]

Accent too strong

[@gplama]

What accent? Everyone sounds like this here.