bike box/bike travel questions

I would assume you need a box to travel with - of course, depending on the airline, there may be an additional expense with that. Can you rent a car with a bike rack? Or how about a hatchback, like a Suburu?

I've flown with my bike in a box several times - it gets banged up enough like that. I wouldn't want to check it without a box, and I don't know if they'd let you. Most airlines count it as a piece of luggage. I've also gotten my bike into the backseat of a car as small as an old Corolla, with the front tire removed. Just spread out a blanket to protect the upholstery. No sweat.

http://www.triall3.com

you can get a hard case here. Many bike shops have them available for rental as well. If you have a local tri team maybe someone has one that you can borrow.

it depends on how much travelling you will be doing. If you want to move your bike around all the time - get the hard case. renting a hard case sounds like a good idea too, never thought of that before. if its just once or twice, go to the local bike shop and ask them to pack your bike for you into a cardboard box. . Its the same as how a bike is packed when it comes from the factory. make sure they put heaps of packing stuff in there, and they cover the frame with cardboard so it wont get scratched.
With the car, i get mine into the back of my little suzuki swift hatch with the back seat down no probs. you could probably get it just in the back seat of most cars if you really wanted to... just take the front wheel out (and back if needed)

aidan

Edited by Pro_rider 2004-05-06 9:17 PM

AmericaWest is the only USAT discounted airline for transporting bikes at this time, Sharon.

Also, almost any bike will fit in almost any car if you pop off the front wheel. SUV not required. For instance I get it in my mother's VW Jetta without a problem!!

Dana

and according to other posts I've read, you can call American Airlines 4 times and get 5 different answers with regards to if bike fly for free, counted towards total luggage, or require a separate charge. Good thing I'm not flying, I cannot stand the confusion.

Does your bike fit in the case w/ the aero bars on? Or do you have to remove the aero bars?

Thanks so much, everyone!

Rent or buy a good case; I've heard too many horror stories of bikes damaged in transit even in the boxes. As for your aero bars you may have to remove them...unless there are any tri-specific boxes on the market. As for the smallest car; I have fitted my bike, a 58cm frame, into the back of my wife's Toyota Echo by removing the wheels.

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