Packing Your Bike

Materials needed

A box with maximum dimensions of 60 in. x 32 in. x 8 in.; Allen wrenches; a pedal wrench; scissors; adhesive tape; zip ties; a spacer; Styrofoam plumbing sleeves to protect the tubes.

Selecting the transmission and removal

The box shown below—which is generally available at bicycle shops—is smaller than the maximum size allowed by airlines. It requires removing the handlebars, as indicated in step 3.

If you use a box of the largest size—available at Maison des cyclistes—all you have to do is turn the handlebars.

If you are traveling on a tandem bike, a Quetzal, or any other non-standard bike, or if you are traveling with a box or a hard-sided bag, please let us know.

Instructions

1 Keep enough pressure in the tires to prevent them from collapsing under the weight of the bike (± 60 lb).
Position the chain on the largest sprocket and the largest chainring to ensure maximum chain tension.

2 Mark the saddle height and handlebar position.
Remove the seatpost.

3 Remove the handlebars by unscrewing the front plate of the stem, remove the handlebars, and secure them to the top tube. Be careful not to damage the cables or the speedometer wire. Rotate the fork 90 degrees. Secure a spacer between the fork legs. Unscrew the pedals. Remember that the threading is reversed for the left pedal, so you must unscrew it clockwise. Once the pedals are removed, place them in a bag and secure them to the frame.

Note: If you have a bike box of the largest size, there is no need to remove the handlebars. Simply turn them and rotate the fork 90 degrees.

4 Remove the quick-release skewer from the front wheel. Secure the wheel to the left side of the bike. Slide the bike into the box, making sure to include the saddle, pedals, and any accessories that need to be attached to the frame. Use Styrofoam pipe insulation to protect the tubes. The box must not contain any loose items (such as a pump or lock) unless they are securely fastened to the frame. During handling, loose items can puncture the box, and you risk losing them.

5  Label your bike box: write your contact information on it.

The transport box must contain only the bicycle and its accessories (helmet, lock, water bottle). Airlines reserve the right to open the box at check-in to verify its contents. Any items other than the bicycle and its accessories are prohibited (clothing, food, etc.).

Excerpt from Vélo Mag magazine.
Equipment column, Spring 2007. Author: Mathieu Fagnan