I’m a relatively inexperienced wrench, planning to ship a bike for the first time. It seems like the process will be relatively easy:
Can anyone offer advice on potential gotcha’s, especially around the headset?
Thanks.
I ship my bike a lot, but usually on airplanes. TSA always moves stuff around in the box, takes out wheels, etc., and then puts it back in whatever order they see fit. I always find some sort of damage. But if you are just planning on sending it UPS, FEDEX or something like that I would use a lot of padding around the bike. Up at the headset I also mark where the headset intercepts the handlebars to make it easier to keep them at the same angle that I’ve been riding. (this matters if you ride with cowhorns + clipons) If you have a regular road bike handlebar I assume that it doesn’t matter a whole lot as you can probably eye ball it.
DO NOT SHIP YOUR BIKE!! Check it as baggage on the plane. See my horror story below.
Good Luck.
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=382972;search_string=search_string;#382972
Thanks to both of you. I had intended to just learn about taking my bike apart, but have now also learned that I am afraid of the shipping process. Since I’m beyond the turn-back point for shipping to this race, I will heed the advice of sticking to nearby races in the future.
This is why I went with the velosafe custom road… It is a big momma but that thing is as solid as a rock…
If you must ship, I will offer the following tips:
Use a really good case. I have a TriAll3 and look what happened to me. Since this case has no internal padding, you have to really pack the bike well. I did that and the bike still got damaged. IMO, it’s worth spending the $$ on a wheel case since the wheels get shoved in next to the frame and it’s a tight fit (I think this design led to my damage). People on here like the “clamshell” boxes so you may want to try those.
Use SportsExpress as your shipping broker. DO NOT book with FedEx or UPS directly. I used SportsExpress, purchased their insurance, and they are reimbursing me for a new frame. FedEx denied my claim saying the damage was minimal.
Buy Insurance in adeqaute amounts. I went back and forth on this and ended up buying it. Thanks God I did.
IF you want more info, PM me and I will be happy to discuss.
Ok I gotta ask.
First don’t most all bike shops recieve bikes via, UPS, FEDEX etc etc? Why are they not getting tons of damaged bikes, or do they? How are bike companies shipping product and not ending up with tons of scrapped out bikes?
Second what’s the problem if you send it with the proper amount of insurance? Obviously this does not apply if sending out for a race but for less important situations like vaction’s etc does it matter?
~Matt
Velosafe by TriAll3 or is it made by another manufacturer?
Be careful with the rear derailleur. Some people pull it off, pad it, and attach it to the frame.
I showed up in France with a cracked pulley and had to make due with a MTB pulley and lots of TLC. I had to stop every couple of miles going up Alp d’Huez to loosen the pulley screw because it would self-tighten while riding (bad spacing on the replacement pulley) and the pulley would start to lock up, or at least really DRAG. Made for a long ride but it was still beautiful.
Velosafe by TriAll3 or is it made by another manufacturer?
Yeah, TriAll3… http://www.triall3sports.com/bike.html
The ultimate for quick (un)packing and bike safety, with one caveat: it is too large for most car backseats and trunks. I usually rent a minivan.