This post is a continuation about my preparations for a three month bicycle tour from Norway to Milan. This article covers tips about shipping a bicycle abroad.
- Had I ever shipped a bicycle abroad before this trip? No.
- But did Google point me in the right direction to figure out what to do? Yes.
Crating and shipping a bicycle abroad to Europe costs around $400, and typically takes 2-3 weeks…Really? That’s almost a one way plane ticket for myself. There had to be a better way.
A more economical option is to include it on the plane flight as a piece of oversized sporting equipment. Prices typically range between $50-100 each-way and it can be retrieved near the baggage carousel at my final destination. A much more convenient option.
So what type of case to pack the bicycle in?
⁃ Around $300-400 can purchase a hard case to carry the bicycle. But unless you’re finishing the tour where you began, the case is too bulky to be taken along.
Or
⁃ Retrieve a cardboard box from a bicycle shop. They’re typically used by the manufacturer to ship the bikes and extras are usually laying around a shop. Besides, these boxes would have been on their way to be recycled anyways.
The frugal side of any budget traveler appreciates the free box option.
Now, pack the bike extremely secure. Because let’s face it; can I really trust airline workers to handle it gently enroute?
I’m not entirely too sure.
I’ll need some:
⁃ styrofoam pipe insulation from the local hardware store to wrap and protect around the frame
⁃ Bubble wrap and an old blanket to protect any odd pieces from creating protrusions in the box.
To disassemble the bike for shipping:
Remove the pedals – a pedal wrench is key here. You can borrow one from the local bicycle shop and avoid spending $15 to purchase your own.
Deflate the tires – an airline requirement. We don’t want any tires popping due to altitude and pressure changes. Go figure.
Remove wheels -the front wheel can rest alongside the middle of the frame. The rear wheel may be able to remain in place, or detach it and place next to as well.
Turn the handlebars sideways
Loosen and pack the derailleur – you don’t need to completely detach it, but take the screws off and wrap a bit of padding around. Tape the derailleur to the frame so it doesn’t move.
I also used some empty cardboard toilet rolls to provide structural support inside the center of the box.
Pay extra attention to padding the bicycle forks and cassette. A bicycle shop may have the extra pieces from when the bikes arrived. Otherwise, You can find them at REI
Print off a few “fragile” and “this side up” images to attach to the box for extra piece of mind and it’s ready to be shipped!
Bring your bike to the airport, slide it over to the airline employee, and if all goes well, it’ll arrive to its final destination unscathed.
