Flying with Bikes - Should we or shouldn't we?

[Mr. Bloom]

The Silvers are going to Maine for a week and have a house rented on a lake near Bethel Maine. Never been there before but they have cycling routes posted for the area (and they brag about the cycling)

Bethel has a bike rental place...but they're likely not road bikes and not likely accessorized for serious cycling (clips, etc).

So, the question is:
- do we invest in bike boxes for the plane, bring our own, and pay the substantial weight penalty (total cost about $500 to $800 depending on the boxes), or
- do we rent bikes for $25/week and just take it easy , or
- do we kick back and get upper body exercise canoeing instead (free)?

What would you do?

[Sheesh]

We were just doing the same debate for a trip to New Hampshire! Ultimately, we've decided to not take the bikes. I hope we don't regret it.

Good luck with your decision!

[DarcyInOregon]

The cyclists I know who travel with their bikes own a special cycling suitcase. The airline allows each person to check in two suitcases. If you are flying economy, and some flights have economy seats only, then the weight limit per suitcase is about 50 pounds. If you fly first class, then you get a weight limit more towards 70 pounds. Therefore one suitcase is devoted to clothing and the second suitcase contains the bicycle and accessories.

If you have a quality bike, your bike and the suitcase it is in should come in at under 50 pounds, including a few bike tools, the helmet and so on.

However you have to take the bike apart and put it back together upon arrival.

I don't have any personal experience with this scenario. I know of one senior male cyclist who owns a home in Las Vegas and rents an apartment in Portland, and he flies back and forth with his bike in this fashion regularly, like once a week.

If you take a vacation off of your personal bikes, it does force you to do other things, which can be very rewarding. I just went on a cruise to Alaska (thus no bike) and I really had a lot of fun. I don't regret my time off the bike at all, even though I have a century in a few days.

Darcy

[KnottedYet]

Wow... $800! I'd probably rent bikes there even if they aren't super-sexy. $25 vs $800 is a pretty big jump. Bring your pedals and shoes (and saddles if you have one you like) and switch them out on the rentals.

Plus I'd be worried about the wear and tear on my beloved bikes if I was taking them apart and shipping and re-assembling and taking apart and shipping again.

What about investing in a couple Dahons or Bike Fridays? That way, if you go on other trips you'll always be able to bring your own bikes. Some of those folding bikes can be pretty sexy.

[Mr. Bloom]

If you fly first class, then you get a weight limit more towards 70 pounds.

That's funny, flying out of Evansville, there's no first class...there's just a puddle jumper with your choice of "Left Side" or "Right Side"

The cases are expensive...and you're right, the dismantling would be a pain!

Bring your pedals and shoes (and saddles if you have one you like) and switch them out on the rentals.

Hmmm...there's an idea...

Don't like the foldable bikes...we have ENOUGH BIKES in our house...guess we'll have to rely on our good looks rather than a sexy bike...

[Pyannyplayer]

That's exactly what we did last year on a trip to Seattle - we packed shoes, pedals, and all our bike stuff in one suitcase ("real clothes" in another suitcase) then rented bikes from one of the local bike shops in the area.

I worried that our beloved bikes would get lost or broken if we took them on the plane. It really worked out; just be prepared for airport security to search your luggage....both ways! All that metal will set off their alarms

Lorie

[SR500]

DH flew for the first time this winter. The Thule bike case was around $300, and SWA charges $50 each way for a bike (most airlines charge $80 - $100 each way). He could have used a bike box from a LBS and shipped UPS for about $40 each way, but he wanted the protection of a case and to keep his bike "with" him. I think he would ship his "extra" Bianchi in a box via UPS, but not the Madone. We see decent road bikes for rent in some larger cities and vacation spots, you might call around. Riding would be awesome, even better on your own bike.