Hello ladies,
I recently moved to Germany and did not have a chance to pack and bring my bike along on the flight. With no plans to go back to the U.S. any time soon, I am stuck with the option of either finding a new bike here (which is really expensive) or ship my beloved to me from Chicago (which will likely be more affordable and easier).

I spoke with my LBS where the bike is now stored, and they can pack the bike for me if I provide a box. But they don't ship internationally, so I would have to get the packed bike to a shipper or have the shipper pick it up at my mom's house once the LBS has it packed.

So, my questions are:
1. Who has shipped a bike to Europe from the U.S. and what service did you use?
2. Did your bike survive the trip with just a sturdy cardboard bike box, like this one?
3. Could you get insurance for the full cost of the bike?
4. Am I crazy to ship my bike, or should I just suck it up and spend at least double what shipping would cost to find a decent bike where I live now?

Thanks so much for your replies. It's been a while since I have been on the forums, and I am so happy you are all still here.
Sara