How to pack a bike into a cardboard box for travel or shipping | Syd Fixes Bikes

If you're flying with your bike, selling a bike or just shipping your bike from one place to another, you'll need to pack it into a box or case. And regardless of what you're doing with it, you'll want to make sure you're packing it properly to avoid scratching or damaging it.
What you'll need:
Bike box with packing materials (ask at a local shop, usually they charge $10 or less)
Allen keys: bit.ly/2Om3OyU
Centerlock tool: bit.ly/3ws4IuI
Brake shims: bit.ly/31He8oh
Scissors: bit.ly/3dsdyjA
Packing tape: amzn.to/3wrkLcs
Other things in the shed:
Our toolkit: bit.ly/337LfDf
Work stand: bit.ly/3mTXStc
Tool pegboard: amzn.to/3mTYlLY
Syd's apron: amzn.to/345MbHz
Paint pens: amzn.to/2TpCL4u
00:00 Intro
00:20 What you'll need
00:42 Why should you do this?
02:07 Removing and packing pedals
05:50 Preparing your wheels and rotors
10:57 Protecting your drivetrain
12:21 Packing into a cardboard box
17:02 How to pack a bike in one minute
These links are affiliate links which means we get a small percentage of the sale! The price stays the same for you, but you can support our channel by purchasing through one of these links :)
Want to help us keep making videos?
Patreon: / sydandmacky
Paypal: paypal.me/sydandmacky
Our vlogging channel: / sydandmacky
Our Instagram: / sydandmacky

[@sydfixesbikes]

If this video was helpful and saved you time and/or money, consider supporting the channel by hitting the "Thanks" button above to leave a tip.

[@tfraz99]

Syd, clearly your work with bikes on this channel has proven to be a success. Keep the content coming! But I sense that Macky needs his own show now too... Macky Cooks Meals?

[@Leo_Inclan]

Macky eats meals*

[@tfraz99]

@@Leo_Inclan Good call Leo.. haha

[@gvv1mhh]

I really love that you guys do a 1 minute recap. I wish all how to videos Had this feature.

[@erictofflemire8200]

Great vid! Another step I add, is to cut two pieces of PVC for the thru-axles to run through for both the fork and rear triangle, which keeps them from compressing if baggage is stacked on the box.

[@billzander2875]

I put my bike in a box, flew it to Seattle, reassembled it at the airport, threw the box away, and rode back home to Chicago.

[@sydfixesbikes]

That's awesome!

[@gregorgeous98]

Pedals Tip: when putting them back on, you hold your pedal shaft on the threading in the crank and „pedal“ backwards. The pedals will automatically screw themselves in. So you just need your allon key on the last bit. Works on both sides. I allways enjoy watching your videos! Greetings from germany

[@PumpkinVillage]

One of my greatest fears of the unknown is packing and unpacking my bike .I am not very mechanically inclined to say the least. This was an outstanding video. Your not alone on the zip tie issue. Been there done that. Thanks for the video and take care, Al

[@dadlife8289]

I needed this like two weeks ago!

[@liams_au]

Great video Syd, thanks!

[@garyhynd3620]

This was very well done. Thanks.

[@chaotichomesteading]

Great info. You have a fun way about how u present your information.

[@tkweaver3213]

Haven’t had to pack a bike yet, however I feel like I could accomplish it now!! Thanks!!

[@the_batareiwe]

Thank you so much Syd - best tip for taking off the pedals. I was sooo stuck before I saw your video! I had to stand on the pedal with one foot and push on the crank with the other foot to get it loose (I had a tiny crank and real stuck pedals). Cheers!

[@BillSmithPerson]

Good presentation. I had a bike shop pack my bike the first time I travelled, but next time I would like to do it myself. The tricky part: having all the materials to repack for the return trip. You either have to hang on to the box and packing materials after you reach your destination (not an option if there isn’t a SAG wagon) or you have to find new materials.

[@mrmichael972]

Nice work. You mentioned some things that I would have forgotten. I'm about to pack a bike and I haven't done it in a few years.

[@user-jv6hn1wy1s]

A big rubber mallet helps out alot removing pedals.

[@JustAGlitchFL]

It's nice that my dad taught me how to get pedals on and off pretty early. I rarely ever get them the wrong way now.

[@mattkavanaugh5623]

Great video with some good tips! Especially as to how to use zip ties and packing tape... ;) Another reason to put the axles back in the frame is to add rigidity to the frame to protect it from cracking if mishandled during shipment. If you don't have through axles there are plastic spacers that can be used when the quick release axles are removed.

[@robm7543]

Thanks for putting in the one minute how-to!

[@naushadusoof8171]

Thanks for this video

[@billinhouston3291]

Good video. I'd take off the derailleur hanger too. Getting the wheels in is always a pain.

[@jfjoubertquebec]

Great video! I have been traveling with a bicycle for six years. I bring a used bicycle that I leave there and don't bring back. Saves on the hassle and someone benefits from it abroad.

[@s.z.5355]

Thanks guys! I'm heading off to Thailand tomorrow and I haven't flown with a bike in over 20 years. Sure wish I'd chosen centerlock instead 6 bolt now...🤪

[@braydenhall1835]

Can you make a video on servicing frame bearings and also how to service a rear air shock. That would be really helpful as I want to do it myself in the future and your guys videos help tons!!!!!

[@coolcycles]

'People' like to lay parcels down to stack them. You got the axles in the frame, but anyway, it's a good idea to make some rolls of corrugated cardboard, as long ,as the box is wide (e.g. 10 inches) and tape them to the frame, in a way that the box can not be sqeezed together so easily.

[@sydfixesbikes]

That's a good tip!

[@mattgies]

Yes, leaving out the dropout protectors can be a costly mistake. Putting the thru axles in by themselves protects the dropouts from being pulled apart, but that scenario is pretty much impossible. The dropouts being crushed together is much more likely. New bikes usually ship with hollow cardboard tubes, or plastic wedges, in place of the hubs. You can make your own tubes out of rolled cardboard. Just last week a customer brought in to my shop a frame that had been destroyed by being crushed in shipping with no dropout protectors.

[@vincentng5859]

hi, i love this video, it really helpful for guys doing bicycle touring. btw, What brand is the water bottle cage on the bike？

[@joepvanl903]

@syd fixes bikes I prefer to let the stem on, and just take the handlebars of.

[@mporembs]

It can be a good idea to shift the chain on to the big ring when removing the drive side pedal, especially if it's really stuck. If something goes wrong, and a body part attempts to occupy the same space as the chain ring at the same time, there will be a lot less damage to said body part.

[@bernardk3437]

Well this video interesting in terms of at least I sort of know how to pack a bike into a box now, it was always scared of taking the rear wheel out of a bike just in general

[@narkosys]

when looking at the thread, if it slopes downward to the right like so: \\\\\ they are right hand thread and it's the normal righty tighty, lefty loosy. if they slope down towards the left, like so ///// they are left hand thread, as seen on the non drive side pedal, and it's righty loosy, lefty tighty.

[@chriskent4687]

You know you’re a cyclist, when you stop punching chain rings

[@jadenwaldman2252]

Good idea to keep the rear wheel in the bike to keep the frame from flexing and cracking if the box is side loaded. Even with the they axle in there is nothing stopping it from flexing inwards. Also if it was to crack or get damaged most companies will not warranty it and you can loose a lot of money.

[@mattkavanaugh5623]

Or leave the through axle in, or add a spacer for quick release axles. That will protect the frame somewhat.

[@mattgies]

@@mattkavanaugh5623 The thru axle doesn't protect against crushing, only against pulling the dropouts apart (which would never happen inside a box anyway).

[@Konzertheld]

This bike is now packed better than any bike I ever unpacked that shipped from a manufacturer... and I worked in a bike shop. That I do not recommend to friends.

[@TrailFeatures]

I've built multiple bikes, and know how to do most repairs. Packing a bike is still something that terrifies me... 😬

[@mohammedaamir4v972]

You are in almost every vid I watch

[@geraintjones403]

IYKYK😊

[@peoplecontacts2472]

LOVELY

[@johnneira]

Thx.

[@brucewilliams259]

If you're coming back don't forget to add spare tape and zip ties for re-packing for the return journey. Plus tools to rebuild the bike/dismantle, including scissors or cutters to get those zip ties off. Best of all, is an old spare stem. Put that on your bike when you take the handlebars off to keep the headset nice and tight so your bearings stay in place. I'm surprised the expensive travel case manufacturers don't sell them. I do love travelling with my bike!

[@michaelschlechter9272]

Your timing is perfect, as I'm packing up a bike today for shipping! I have Di2, so I actually removed the seat entirely and unplugged the battery - not sure if that was right or wrong, but figured better safe than the other thing. Alas, I don't have the right centerlock tool for the rotors, so those are staying on, but I plan to pad the heck out of them. My son suggested reversing the pedals - meaning have them face inwardly on the frame, so they don't bounce around. Is that an ok thing to do?

[@sydfixesbikes]

Yeah, nothing wrong with disconnecting the battery. The reason you don't want to do that with the pedals is that no matter how you put the bike in, one of the pedals will be hitting the frame and will scratch it! And yeah, protect the rotors as best you can and worst case they require a little straightening after shipping.

[@123oner2]

What are the dimensions of this bike box please? Thanks

[@erwinberry9012]

Should you take some of the air out of the forks and rear suspension?

[@sydfixesbikes]

No need to.

[@mymorristribe]

Lol...you solved my hate over trying to remember which side is reverse threaded.

[@danmitchell3758]

Whats it like re attaching the derailleur? Assuming it worked fine before packing, When you re attach is the angle the same should it shift the same, are there checks to do?

[@sydfixesbikes]

Removing and putting back on shouldn't affect the shifting at all because that's determined by the tension of the cable, which stays the same.

[@justinkrann7406]

Do you think its okay I squeeze in my guitar and a misc tools too? It fits I already check, quite nicely too. Will the airline care?

[@kaivolkhart8171]

If it fits, it ships! The only other limitation is weight. Goes without saying to really pad that guitar though!

[@justinkrann7406]

@@kaivolkhart8171 Thanks! and usually the weight limit is 30Kg?

[@dianelabelle2982]

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

[@abhinavsree3100]

my bike has a regular quick release and every time i remove my wheel of the bike and put it back the brakes go out of alignment . Any tips why this happens?

[@sydfixesbikes]

There are two likely causes (this is assuming disc brakes). 1. When you put the wheel back in, it's sitting slightly differently in the dropouts (this is one of the issues that thru axles solved). The solution is to put the bike in the ground after installing the wheel, open the quick release and push straight down on the saddle (for rear wheel) or handlebars (front wheel) while closing the quick release. This makes sure it's sitting all the way in the drops. Assuming you do this every time, after centering the brakes the first time, they should stay centered. 2. If you have to unscrew your quick release lever to get the wheel to come off, you may be tightening it a different amount when you put it back on. This can cause the rotor to be in a slightly different position to the caliper and rub. There isn't really an easy solution to this except to try to tighten it the same amount every time.

[@abhinavsree3100]

@@sydfixesbikes THANK YOU SOO MUCHHHHHH

[@gomitch2]

...and, if you use a carboard box and you are flying to a destination where you want to trash or throw away your box, you can do that...

[@dimrub]

That's some very thorough packing, but not very practical when touring (try reassembling this whole thing in an airport). I leave the rotors and the derailleur on, just pad with bubble wrap and then attach some cardboard for protection.

[@2nightgdub]

Now I'd like to see you pack a mountain bike in your soft sided bag for air travel. The weight thing is confusing.

[@sydfixesbikes]

We'll do that at some point once we start traveling internationally again!

[@BillSmithPerson]

What’s with the broken hand?

[@sydfixesbikes]

It's not actually a broken bone, but he had surgery a few weeks ago to repair a ruptured EPL (thumb) tendon 😢

[@BillSmithPerson]

@@sydfixesbikes I hope he’s better soon.

[@LorenzoTheFisherman]

jeez you could have given that a wee clean up before shipping it out 🤔

[@MikeThePike316]

The cameraman is such a troll. Lol. Does that get annoying?

[@sydfixesbikes]

You should watch our channel trailer (kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5rdqat8jJxgh8k), it explains that the idea behind this channel is that Macky is teaching me to work on bikes. He has a lot more experience working on bikes and until recently did all the bike work for both of us. That's why he's providing advice, suggestions, and teaching me while I actually do the work so I can learn.

[@MikeThePike316]

@@sydfixesbikes - I suspected, but defaulted to my comment about trolling. That puts it into perspective. I'm looking forward to the content. Thank you.

[@motitire]

I appreciate the banter, and the cat... but the only reason I came to watch was to see the removal of the back wheel...Alas! It was lost in the (not so relevant?) axle on shelf gist. :-(

[@sydfixesbikes]

This shows the process fairly well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJathpSHrr-ersU

[@motitire]

@@sydfixesbikes Thank you very much. Suggestion: perhaps you can include the link in this video around the time for the back tyre change, that'll surely help others. (And get you more visits to the other video 😉). Thanks again

[@Konzertheld]

...and don't forget the fries.

[@bikedawg]

It makes no sense to remove the stem from the steering tube. Instead, remove the handlebar from the stem.

[@sydfixesbikes]

Depends if you prefer to make sure your stem is straight or make sure your handlebars get back into their original position (which affects brake and shifter lever position, etc).

[@bikedawg]

@@sydfixesbikes you would risk having the bearings and the steer tube jostling around during shipping. The Stem holds the steer tube and bearings in place.

[@triniervlogs1914]

I wish i had a bike :(

[@BruceWayne-mz1iu]

I was the 69th like

[@richardhaselwood9478]

Niiiiiiiice

[@laurenbriscoe6547]

Thanks for the information, but there was wayyy too much personal tidbits and joking around. It breaks concentration and seems like a video you're making for yourselves and not for the general public and also takes away professionalism.

[@ebikescrapper3925]

Righty tighty, lefty loosy

[@mattgies]

Not on the left pedal. Or the right bottom bracket cup.

[@genec99]

I want to learn something, not be entertained. Too chatty.

[@daniela.6424]

Too much talk.

[@judysconzo8376]

Syd was awesome but could have done without the interrupting mansplaining

[@sydfixesbikes]

You should watch our channel trailer (kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5rdqat8jJxgh8k), it explains that the idea behind this channel is that Macky is teaching me to work on bikes. He has a lot more experience working on bikes and until recently did all the bike work for both of us. That's why he's providing advice, suggestions, and teaching me while I actually do the work so I can learn.

[@jonasmeier417]

A great video, thank you! But: No more plastic, use natural materials! Reusable stuff. Please.

[@sydfixesbikes]

All of the materials we used to pack the bike were reused. We didn't buy any of the bubble wrap, etc.

[@birdofprey108]

no one removes back shifter piece actually. but good try for a girl 😁