Packing Your Bike

Oct 26, 05 17:18

Post #1 of 27 (2444 views)

No real point to this post, but just thought I'd share...

Well, just got done cramming my bike into a Tri All 3 case for the first time. I'm shipping my bike out Friday for IMFL, so I figured I better have a go at trying to get it into the case. It feels like when I open the case up next week, I'm gonna have a tangled mess of metal. I'm picturing frame scratched to hell, broken spokes, etc. Everything is wedged in tight, so I don't really think I'll have a problem, but trying to get everything in there was a little unnerving since I'm usually pretty careful with my bikes.

Andy

'You'd be surprised how many people violate this simple principle every day of their lives and try to fit square pegs into round holes, ignoring the clear reality that Thinsg Are As They Are.'

Re: Packing Your Bike [Andy] [ In reply to ]

Oct 26, 05 17:20

Post #2 of 27 (2438 views)

One thing that I got were those sticks of spongy pipe insulation to protect my frame. They fit perfectly around it if you are worried about scratches...

----
Don't hold back

Re: Packing Your Bike [Andy] [ In reply to ]

Oct 26, 05 17:54

Post #3 of 27 (2405 views)

And don't forget to put that pvc pipe across the box to prevent the sides from caving into your bike.

Re: Packing Your Bike [Irongiant72] [ In reply to ]

Oct 26, 05 17:57

Post #4 of 27 (2399 views)

every trip has a new scratch to remember it by. it's like geting patches for your backpack.

Re: Packing Your Bike [Andy] [ In reply to ]

Oct 26, 05 19:44

Post #5 of 27 (2376 views)

I've used my bike box for three years now, and never had any damage to the bike, although a few chunks have been taken out of the box itself! (You can repair it with some special goo -- call Tri All 3 for info.) Of course, now that I've said that, I can imagine what my bike will look like when I get to Panama City this Saturday!!!

Sharon

Festina Lente

Re: Packing Your Bike [Andy] [ In reply to ]

Oct 26, 05 20:19

Post #6 of 27 (2339 views)

i'd agree with the pipe insulation as a very good item for bike shipping, since that's what i mostly use. however, it doesn't do the whole job, and my overall theme is no metal against metal. in some parts i wrap a towel (which is to be used in the race T) around a part, very light clothes (e.g., run shorts) around the brakes, and so on.
still and yet, shipping one's bike seems to be a world of constant surprises.
peggy

Re: Packing Your Bike [Andy] [ In reply to ]

Oct 26, 05 21:16

Post #7 of 27 (2318 views)

Tri Bike Transport!!!

------------------------------------------------------------
Any run that doesn't include pooping in someone's front yard is a win.

Re: Packing Your Bike [CCF] [ In reply to ]

Oct 26, 05 23:52

Post #8 of 27 (2286 views)

Pipe insulation and bubble wrap really does the trick as far as scratches. I always put an empty hub in the fork and rear ends too. We had a bunch of old canvas from a set of drapes when we got new ones made. I washed it and had my wife sew some big wheel bags and frame bag to put all the parts in as well. A seat/seatpost bag, aerobar bag, shoe bag and tool bag keep the TSA people earning their pay, but gives them a chance to put everything back in a good spot too.

Re: Packing Your Bike [G-man] [ In reply to ]

Oct 27, 05 2:52

Post #9 of 27 (2269 views)

keep the TSA people earning their pay, but gives them a chance to put everything back in a good spot too.

===========================================================================

& do they seize that chance?

"How bad can it be?" - SimpleS

Re: Packing Your Bike [JulianInEngland] [ In reply to ]

Oct 27, 05 3:41

Post #10 of 27 (2254 views)

The bike box I rented had a TSA pamphlet in it. The advice I got was don't lock it and they won't go through it. Also, if you pack a bike pump in your regular luggage, which I did, pretty much guarantees they'll go through your luggage. They went through mine on the way their and home. My only piece of advice, is try to get a non stop flight to minimize the handling of your bike box.

Re: Packing Your Bike [NHTamela] [ In reply to ]

Oct 27, 05 6:33

Post #11 of 27 (2203 views)

The only country I have travelled (including most of Europe as well as Canada and Brazil) I have locked my case without issue or requested to unlock it. However, I always have left it unlocked when travelling to or from the US as I know the regulations. That said, EVERY time I have travelled into or out of the states the bike box gets opened, and no, I never take a pump with me either.

"How bad can it be?" - SimpleS

Last edited by: JulianInEngland: Oct 27, 05 6:34

Re: Packing Your Bike [JulianInEngland] [ In reply to ]

Oct 27, 05 7:27

Post #12 of 27 (2172 views)

I "lock" my bike box using Zip ties. Keeps sticky fingers out of my box but lets TSA in if they want to search it. Or, at least lets me know if they did

Re: Packing Your Bike [Irongiant72] [ In reply to ]

Oct 27, 05 7:42

Post #13 of 27 (2165 views)

And don't forget to put that pvc pipe across the box to prevent the sides from caving into your bike.

---------------------

how does this work? I don't have that with mine.

Thanks,

David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.

Re: Packing Your Bike [Andy] [ In reply to ]

Oct 27, 05 8:36

Post #14 of 27 (2145 views)

Or..for us poor folk out there, a properly sized cardboard bike box from your LBS works fine. Just have enough sheets of foam rubber so that each wheel and frame are separated from each other by at least one layer of padding. Even better, find a thin sheet of med. hard plastic for the two large sides and you're set. The net effect is a box that is ready to explode if not for ample duct tape but will bounce off anything.

Re: Packing Your Bike [Andy] [ In reply to ]

Oct 27, 05 8:50

Post #15 of 27 (2134 views)

all the preparation i've done for this race, and like you the thing i'm stressing about the most is getting my bike there. I've never even removed the seat, so the idea of my position possibly being 'tinkered' with doesn't sit well.

That said, the guys at Inside-Out who service the race are top notch and will help. Just mark everything so you (or they) know where you like your seat/aerobars, etc. and if you can't do it just take it to them on Wednesday morning and they will.

also, throw in some C02 and allen keys and other stuff that they won't let you take on the airplane.

Re: Packing Your Bike [eganski] [ In reply to ]

Oct 27, 05 9:14

Post #16 of 27 (2125 views)

actually, they will take/remove any CO2 cartridges if they find them. This is the new rule since 9/11. So plan on buying some at the race venue and plan on leaving them or giving them to someone from there.

Re: Packing Your Bike [Ironwoof] [ In reply to ]

Oct 27, 05 9:18

Post #17 of 27 (2119 views)

He said he was shipping his bike (as am I).

I realize that you can't pack these things if you are flying with your bike, but is that true for shipping them as well? If so, i'm in twuble.

Re: Packing Your Bike [eganski] [ In reply to ]

Oct 27, 05 9:21

Post #18 of 27 (2112 views)

Missed that part. Not sure about shipping, I would assume you could but I would call and check.

Re: Packing Your Bike [Andy] [ In reply to ]

Oct 27, 05 9:28

Post #19 of 27 (2101 views)

I second the bubble wrap. Get a big roll of it from the UPS store, FEDEX, etc and fill every square cm of the case not filled by the bike. The PVC pipe is critical.

Re: Packing Your Bike [Crono] [ In reply to ]

Oct 27, 05 9:45

Post #20 of 27 (2089 views)

Where are you placing the PVC pipe exactly?

Re: Packing Your Bike [chainring711] [ In reply to ]

Oct 27, 05 9:54

Post #21 of 27 (2083 views)

Zip ties in the latches - yes - I do this and it gives me peace of mind knowing at the other end if they are still there - I'm ok

Use electrical tape to tape the parts at the level they are at (Seatpost - bars, stem etc - BEFORE removing them - then simply reinstall to that point.

The PVC pipe goes directly across the center of the box - within the main frame triangle - your case may not have it - but I am sure you could rig something up - it is to prevent or minimize side crushing

No pumps, no CO2

It is certainly stressful flying withyour bike - but hey - you have to do it and for all the bikes that get flown all over the country and world - you only hear of the horror stories - I have never had any issues flying with my bike

Re: Packing Your Bike [oneforty.6] [ In reply to ]

Oct 27, 05 9:55

Post #22 of 27 (2078 views)

wait...no pumps???

Re: Packing Your Bike [Flanagan] [ In reply to ]

Oct 27, 05 9:56

Post #23 of 27 (2077 views)

carry it on

Re: Packing Your Bike [oneforty.6] [ In reply to ]

Oct 27, 05 9:57

Post #24 of 27 (2075 views)

thanks...just curious as to why I can't pack it. Its not like it is going to explode.

Re: Packing Your Bike [Flanagan] [ In reply to ]

Oct 27, 05 10:00

Post #25 of 27 (2070 views)

youre right - but........it looks on an xray machine to be something other than a pump - so better to simply carry it on - it is only light and doesn;t take up much overhead space

Placing it into the box is no big deal - however, it increases the chances of TSA opening the box.

I also make a point of carrying on my helmet - only because I don;t want it getting damaged in freight - a crack may not be visible - but if you do go down - it could be disasterous.

I place it in a bag - with a few other goodies - ipod - sunglasses - etc etc

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