I’m moving this weekend and am trying to figure out the best way to get my bike over there. I’m already shipping a large crate with most of my other belongings over there in which I could fit my bike (for no additional charge), but wouldn’t receive the bike until a month after arriving in London. Option B was originally going to be taking the bike with me on the plane until I found out that Delta charges $300 to take a bike on an international flight. So now the only other option would be to find another method of shipping which would be relatively cost effective and get my bike over there sooner than the month I’d otherwise have to wait.
If it were up to you, what would you do? I was really hoping to check it on the plane but Delta killed that idea. While I could definitely forgo the bike for a month, I was hoping to not have to.
My bike (actually bikes) would be inside the crate unless I could charge the $300 to the move (assuming an employer is paying your move to work in London).
I would recommend taking the bike apart and shipping it in two separate boxes via USPS. One for the frame/other parts and then another box for the wheels. You should be able to get under the size limitations by using different boxes but it does require more work to put it back together at your destination.
I moved to Middle Earth two years ago & brought my tri bike with me. Whatever option you chose be sure to check out the customs regs for things like bicycles. One of the reasons I check my bike on the flights was to avoid having it gettig stuck in customs here with MAF (Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry). Island nations are really sensitive about allowing things into the country that have been outdoors. It’s why I left my mountain bike back in the States. Here in Aotearoa bikes can be quarantined & additional charges for cleaning may apply.