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Packing a bike for air travel
Last Post 04/27/2022 02:47 PM by Orange Crush. 20 Replies.
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thinline

Posts:325

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04/20/2022 05:44 AM
First time boxing the bike.  It barely fits in the box I got.  Quite the puzzle getting it to close up.  One question/concern.

I have Di2 on the bike and the rear derailleur swings all the way backward when the wheel is off.  This makes it stick out pretty much to the edge of the inside wall of the box.  Makes me nervous.  Is it okay to swing it forward against the spring tension and "lock" it into place in that position for the duration using a folded up rag or perhaps wrapping the canvas chain/stay wrap that came with the box around it (it will swing forward so it is basically parallel to the chain stay).  It will definitely increase the space around it but I was wondering if placing that much pressure on the spring mechanism constantly for a two days straight will damage the derailleur.

Thanks!

P.S. overall fit was pretty snug, took a while to close it up (clam shell style box with overlapping edges that alternate inside/outside, whew).

Hope all are well.  We woke to 6" of snow yesterday but are heading to 80 F and sunshine on Friday!
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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04/20/2022 11:02 AM
Pull the rear derailleur off the hanger and zip tie it to the chainstay.....you don't want that thing hanging out there.

I'll be packing up my bike tomorrow for 5 days in FL (heading there for a work event)....always pull the RD off.

Also, if you have disc brakes, pull the rotors off the wheels and place them in (separate) padded envelopes.
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
Orange Crush

Posts:4499

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04/20/2022 12:34 PM
The regular reminder why I rent bikes, not bring them. That's all, haha.

Have fun in the sun. It continues to be 5 degrees below normal here. Good enough for outdoor riding but should have dropped some layers a while ago but it's just not happening.
thinline

Posts:325

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04/20/2022 01:02 PM
Thanks, CK.

Hang in there OC. We woke to 6" of snow Tuesday after riding outdoors Monday. Just takes a while some years!
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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04/20/2022 01:08 PM
yeah, but rentals can cost a decent chunk of cash....back in the days when airlines charged an arm and a leg to take your bike with you, it could make sense. Even vs. shipping it could be better.

But now since you can take your bike for free on planes, the dynamic is changing.
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
Orange Crush

Posts:4499

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04/20/2022 01:31 PM
Posted By Cosmic Kid on 04/20/2022 01:08 PM
.

But now since you can take your bike for free on planes, the dynamic is changing.


No it isn't but that's probably just my particular situation. Time is far more precious than $. I'm always short on time it seems. Whatever little time there is I'd like to spend riding a bike not taking it apart or putting it back together. I'm also a hopelessly poor bike maintainer although I am hoping to restart that upon retirement (used to do all bike maintaining as a youngster but now just simply have no time).

That aside, I still remember the scenes of despair at Haute Route Alps start with two guys' bikes being wrecked in transport and them having to rent last minute to get to start line next day. My only technical intervention that day was a discussion with the rental guys of different ways to measure seat height which resulted in a minor adjustment there and then.
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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04/20/2022 02:04 PM
I can pack / unpack my bike in less than 20 minutes....probably less than 15 if don't have a beer while I do it.

Seatpost, pedals and HB off.

Take off wheels, pedals and RD.

Lay frame in case, cover with foam. Put wheels down, cover with foam. Put other side of case on, close case.

Done.
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
Orange Crush

Posts:4499

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04/20/2022 02:05 PM
Posted By thinline . on 04/20/2022 01:02 PM
Hang in there OC. We woke to 6" of snow Tuesday after riding outdoors Monday. Just takes a while some years!


We did have our first after ride patio beer session last weekend so there is progress. But got caught in hail riding with my wife the weekend prior. Yes, patience is key this year.

Impressive CK, haha.
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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04/21/2022 03:30 PM
So United has removed the size limitation for bike boxes....so instead if using my Serfas clamshell case (has served me faithfully for ~20 years), I'm busting out the big guns and borrowing my buddy's bike box. This thing is a freakin' coffin!!!



I really like my case and it works great....except for lugging it around. There is a web strap and it is too long and if you choke up on it, you lose the strap aspect of it and you are just pulling a piece of webbing. The case above rolls on 4 wheels and is ultra smooth.
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
huckleberry

Posts:824

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04/21/2022 04:17 PM
I'll keep that case in mind if I find myself homeless ; )
Orange Crush

Posts:4499

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04/21/2022 07:47 PM
I doubt it still rolls smooth with pictured content. Might break the wheels.
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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04/22/2022 09:07 PM
Great…the clamp that holds the wire in my FSA rear derailleur broke during transit. A ridiculously small piece of plastic breaks and I scrap a $550 rear derailleur.

And now I have to try and find a rental bike for this trip.

Foook me.
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
smokey52

Posts:498

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04/22/2022 09:55 PM
rats!
thinline

Posts:325

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04/24/2022 09:07 AM
Bikes arrived safe and sound ($30 checked bag fee).  Went for the first ride yesterday.  Amazing how different the landscape is here (near San Luis Obispo)  than in Vermont. Short changed myself on sunscreen a bit so will have to wear sleeves today.  Me arms got quite "tanned" yesterday after about 3:45 in the sun.  No shade on the route!

All was not lost as we went to a hilltop winery afterwards (after a dip in the pool, life sucks) followed by an excellent dinner at a Mom and Pop style family owned Mexican restaurant.

Short pants and being warm is sooooo strange.  I could get used to this.

Off to figure today's route.
huckleberry

Posts:824

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04/24/2022 02:11 PM
I love the SLO area. Been there a few times. Great place to ride, and the SLO Swim Center has a killer 50m pool.
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