how to pack a bike to fly

[IFjane]

We've discovered that TSA is less likely to cut zip ties when inspecting the bike. They will undo velcro and aren't very good at repacking.

We'll now be asking to be there when they check it just to make sure everything gets tightened back up.

V.

Wow, reallly V? I haven't had any problems. Last flight outbound they obviously took a look but didn't mess up anything. I don't think they even looked on the return flight. I use both zip ties & velcro. Will they willingly let you stand by while they inspect?

[Veronica]

When I took my Legolas to Hawaii last year we were able to watch them. We didn't bother to ask when we took the mountain bikes to Maine. When we got home we found that they had somehow inverted my handlebars and crossed the cabling. They also don't close the case correctly.

V.

[oldbikah]

thanks for the tips so far...I am a strong believer in zip ties as I have found that when I use them on luggage they are rarely cut!
I want to learn to take the bike apart and reassemble by myself (self sufficiency); got to learn what to do when my son isn't here to do it for me!!

[Veronica]

When you get your box you could have your son assist you in taking apart your bike, packing it and reassembling it. Then do it on your own, with him there, but not helping.

That's what I did before I toured Nova Scotia last year since Thom wasn't going with me. It was a real confidence booster.

Things we had to do - both wheels off, air let out, pedals off, water bottle cages off, handlebars turned.


Here's a link to some pics.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ht=nova+scotia

V.

[ChickWithBrains]

Also depends on the box. Just a normal run of the mill hardside? A cardboard manufacturer's box? Or my favorite, the Pika Pack? They are all a little different. Pika has good instructions but no pictures, the hardsides usually come with good instructions, and your local bike shop is the best bet for teaching you how to do it well...