I am using a Trico Iron case, any advice? I have never used that case before adn I hear it isn’t easy to close. I am doing the send to B&L Bikes and have them unpack and repack it.
Should I put my CO2 cartridges in it, or buy when I get there? (I am shipping it separately, DHL)
Should I lock the case and keep the key?
How about tubies; can I fold them up like race day now and let them stay that way for a week without harming them? (I always unfold them between races cause I thought it would cause a crease.)
Don’t pack CO2. You might get away with it, but the airlines/shipping agent might get upset if they find it. Last year, Degree provided everyone with 2 CO2 cartridges at the expo.
If you lock the case and keep the key, how is B & L going to work on it? You could zip tie the case, or put duct tape over the latches for added security.
Those clamshell cases are pretty easy to close if you just do it patiently. Pack the case in a logical way - remove the skewers, put a spacer between the front dropouts and the rear dropouts, remove the rear derailleur to be extra safe, loosen or remove your bars as necessary, remove or lower your seat post as necessary, etc. After you have everything laid out in the case, loosen the straps, place the cover on, connect the straps, then work your way around snugging them down part way, repeat and eventually it’ll be tight. And I agree on the no CO2 in the case and using zip ties to secure the case.
As suggested, use zip ties on the latches instead of locks, but also tape new zip ties to the case for the TSA to use if they open it (I did this and they actually used the spare zip ties). Another idea which might or might not help - tape your contact info to the case including cell number if you’ll have one with you in the airport - they can’t let you touch it to help them repack it but you can offer to help instruct them how to do it if they have a problem.
And as suggested, definitely don’t pack the cartridges in this day and age. Buy some when you get there and then leave them with a local athlete if you can identify one after the race (or, in the case of a race other than Kona, donate them to someone in your hotel who is driving home)
Be carefull if you pack your helmet also. A lot of cracked helmets come out of bike cases, and you will have to buy a new one before the race if that happens. Make sure it does not take the load of something heavy placed on top of your case.