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BOX UP A BICYCLE FOR AIR TRAVEL |
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The cheapest and best way is to ask
your local bike shop for
 an
old packing box. Try and get a good sturdy
one, or if you have money to spare, and you
travel a lot buy a good quality bike box or
bag. The last resort is to bubble wrap
it up, it will do the job but the chances are
it will arrive with some sort of damage. Not a
good option for a Cannondale Raven £3000 plus
bike!.
Almost all of the major and charter
airlines will be happy to take your bike to
your destination, some will charge you a fee
and others will fly it free of charge, as long
as you are travelling with it. Prices vary
from between £15 - £30 Easy-jet charge
£1 per kilo over your 25 lbs allowance.
But prices are more then that for return
journeys. |
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British Airways bicycle policy > click on plane
Always check with the airlines
you're travelling with to be on the safe side !.
'Here's a few' |
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1.
Take out the seat post with the seat still attached.
remember to mark the post for attachment later.
2.
Slacken the brake cables, (V-brakes) so that
you will be able to remove the wheels.
3.
 Remove
the wheels, and let the air out of the tyres. Refit the
quick releases to the bikes front fork and rear bracket.
To make it easier shift the gearing to the big ring and
smallest cog, that way the rear wheel will come off its
chain and rear Mech easier. (Put a bit of pipe
lagging over the crank & chain)
4.
Remove the handle bars from the stem, (Or stem &
handlebars in one & tape to frame) and replace the
bolts back in the stem bracket. (You may have to
remove the bikes computer if you have one)
5.
Spin off the bike's pedals, the right pedal turns counter
clockwise, left pedal turns clockwise. To save the pedals
getting lost in the bike box, re-attach them to the inside
of the crank arms.
(Or place tape them in a box, so they will not
damage the frame when in transit)
6.
Wrap the frame in bubble wrap or pipe lagging, your local
DIY shop should have what you need. Or if you can't be
bothered use your cycling kit as padding. Pay attention to
the rear Mech, crank, forks, and handle bars. Pack under
the bikes forks too. Also put plenty of wrapping around
the hubs, rear cassette, and crank.
7.
Now pack in all your cycling kit, ticking it off your list
as you go. That way, when you arrive at your resort you
will not be missing anything. (like shoes, helmet)
8.
Now that everything is in the box, make sure nothing is
rolling about that could cause damage to the frame, or
fall out in transit. (If taking lube or any liquids,
seal it in a plastic bag)
9.
Tape up the box with heavy duty tape. Reinforce the sides
and the bottom, especially the bottom. (Cardboard
boxes will adsorb up water and become soggy)
10.
Also
reinforce the handle areas. Attach your flight and
destination info, also mark which way up you have packed
the bike. Remember to take with you extra tape for your
return journey.
(last but not least stick on a fragile sticker on
all sides) |
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Top of
page |
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EasyJet
Will 'That's
WILL' accept bicycles which use hydraulic
fluid in their brakes or
suspension, contra to the website claim. EasyJet
Say 'All the staff have been instructed to
accept bikes with hydraulic systems'.
