Hi,
I am a multiple time IMWC qualifier and I have noted that recently bike shipment costs have become unbearable.
Integrated/proprietary stem carbon tri bikes (the most expensive) don't allow turning on the side the wide base handle bar for shipping the bike, as the operation would require a professional bike tech and hours of work for re-cabling. Therefore, bike boxes must accomodate the 45" width of base bars regularly installed. Their shipment to race location by plane has become prohibitive. Shipping the bike with the only specialized company costs now $425 from NYC, where I live and on Black Friday we merely get a $30 discount and drop-off and pick-up are from I bike store that nobody likes, without alternatives, albeit there are several other bike stores in the area.
If you parse other blog threads, it is confirmed that about 10% of soft shell shipments has actual problems; I am used to 5 IM events a year, thus every 2 years I would have repair/replacement costs of various amount. Therefore, most of us opt for hard shell boxes, more expensive to ship.
Shipbikes.com has recently stopped shipping bikes and the only other comparable website quotes again above $400 per race. If shipbikes.com resumes operations, offering affordable deals, it would be great.
With traditional stems, it is easy to loosen 4 screws on the stem, rotate the base bar on one side of the frame and box into a smaller and cheaper box.
Driving 500/1,000 miles? I don't have a car, because in a big city it is not a good idea having one and I don't need for daily commute and regular life routine.
Biking there because I like biking? Obiouvsly, I would be tired on race day and non competitive with those traveling by car or plane.
Bike manufacturers should organize shipments to race location for $100-$150 all-in ?
Please share solutions and thoughts!
I am a multiple time IMWC qualifier and I have noted that recently bike shipment costs have become unbearable.
Integrated/proprietary stem carbon tri bikes (the most expensive) don't allow turning on the side the wide base handle bar for shipping the bike, as the operation would require a professional bike tech and hours of work for re-cabling. Therefore, bike boxes must accomodate the 45" width of base bars regularly installed. Their shipment to race location by plane has become prohibitive. Shipping the bike with the only specialized company costs now $425 from NYC, where I live and on Black Friday we merely get a $30 discount and drop-off and pick-up are from I bike store that nobody likes, without alternatives, albeit there are several other bike stores in the area.
If you parse other blog threads, it is confirmed that about 10% of soft shell shipments has actual problems; I am used to 5 IM events a year, thus every 2 years I would have repair/replacement costs of various amount. Therefore, most of us opt for hard shell boxes, more expensive to ship.
Shipbikes.com has recently stopped shipping bikes and the only other comparable website quotes again above $400 per race. If shipbikes.com resumes operations, offering affordable deals, it would be great.
With traditional stems, it is easy to loosen 4 screws on the stem, rotate the base bar on one side of the frame and box into a smaller and cheaper box.
Driving 500/1,000 miles? I don't have a car, because in a big city it is not a good idea having one and I don't need for daily commute and regular life routine.
Biking there because I like biking? Obiouvsly, I would be tired on race day and non competitive with those traveling by car or plane.
Bike manufacturers should organize shipments to race location for $100-$150 all-in ?
Please share solutions and thoughts!