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Hey all, wife got a smoking deal on another new bike. Too good to pass up. Its in Ontario and we need to get it out here. She is heading home in about a month, so she could check it as oversized luggage I'm sure, bit how would it be packaged? Or would shipping g it make more sense? It's worth a couple grand, so not crazy as far as bikes go. Any advice?
You need a bike box from a bike shop. The key key detail is that the pedals are removed to fit in the box. That's a minorly special tool to do that (but not necessarily). Aside from that, it essentially rolls in (handlebars loosened and twisted).Quote:
Originally Posted by arcticcat522
Yea get a bike box and fly with it as oversized. Not rocket science.
I've done this tons. Not sure if this still holds true but Westjet never used to charge oversized for bikes - just the regular $35 bag check fee.
But like these guys said if you dont have a dedicated bike bag, just ask a bike shop to disassemble and box it up for you and check it in as luggage.
Bringing it on as luggage will cost substantially less than shipping it. If you want to ship it the bike shop that does the disassembling could arrange for shipping. If you want to do it yourself, www.bikeflights.com or www.shipbikes.com
Waaay back... It was free because "sporting goods" were free.
Some bike bags claim to be “stealth” enough to not declare it as a bike… but with the way things get lost these days I think the bike baggage fee is probably worthwhile for the insurance, it’s not enough to cover a substantial bike but I think it’s still good for a couple grand
Most airlines these days - westjet will only charge you $50 now. Not like a few years ago where they charged up to $250 for a bike.
Go to a bike shop - ask for it to be packed up. Most will charge $60 including the box. Just did this to ship a bike I sold to Winnipeg.
I travelled 6 times this year to races with my bike, and each time was a $50 fee.
Screw paying a bike shop to pack. Pay them to remove pedals and they will give you a box.
The rest is a simple wrench and tape.
My brother wrote EDMONDTON all over mine with a giant Jiffy Marker so I looked like a fucking idiot at both airports. Cunt.
Thanks for all the advice guys! We'll see how it goes
$50/leg domestic and international? Do you have any additional insurance on your bike for travel? Rider on house policy? Planning to do some trips to non-snow covered destinations this winter but a little paranoid with lost or damaged $$ bikesQuote:
Originally Posted by CLiVE
For sure on your home insurance. Doesn't everybody do that?
For theft… but does it cover the air travel related things?Quote:
Originally Posted by g-m
Bike box for sure. Loosen the handle bars so they can turn without the front wheel turning then take the peddles and rear tire off and package in the box itself. Most bike shops will do this for you for a cost; Bowcycle charged $100 for the box and to package for you.
If your wife can take it with her on the plane, that will be the cheapest. When I quoted to have my sons bike shipped out to Vancouver for him, fedex and ups quoted be between $450-$725 due to the size of the box.....i ended up driving it out for him.
I’ve had one race bike frame cracked coming back from Hawaii. Was about an $8k bike. Open the bag and inspect the bike BEFORE you leave the airport. Even then - good luck getting much compensation from airlines, or home insurance. Just pack it well and hope for the best. International - I’ve been charged $250 once to Tokyo one way, but wasn’t charged anything on the way back. Often times depends on the gate agent checking you in. I’m always prepared to pay for it, and anything less is a bonus. Another option is just to arrange a rental at your destination - bring your pedals / saddle.Quote:
Originally Posted by ercchry
I had my Tri bike damaged earlier this year on the way to Texas as well. Got some last minute repairs and new Di2 wiring in time for the race though.
As for the OP - if your wife / yourself isn’t experienced in packing bikes, suggest you just let a bike shop do it.
Bike is packaged up, flight tomorrow am. Hope it goes good for her.
Attachment 109952
Made it home safe. Box didn't have any damage. Only cost was the checked baggage...$105 for 2 checked bags
Attachment 109959Quote:
Originally Posted by arcticcat522
Perfect. Glad it worked out.Quote:
Originally Posted by arcticcat522