We are flying to PEI for a month long cycle around the island. Need to make a decision about whether to ship our bicycles ahead or take them with us on the plane. The cost is relatively the same (about $120 each way to take both bikes on the plane, or to ship them on the bus). Add another $100 on the other end for the bike shop to pick them up and assemble them for us.

Either way I worry that there will be some kind of damage or loss in transit.

Shipping ahead gives us the advantage of sending them directly to a bike shop that will assemble them and have them ready for us when we get there. But I feel more nervous about them arriving in time.

Taking them on the plane means they will be with us, but doesn't give us much time to deal with damage or assembly when we get there.

Opinions?