General Discussion Triathlon Talk » bike box/bike travel questions Rss Feed  
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2004-05-06 8:37 AM

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Regular
56
2525
Dallas, TX
Subject: bike box/bike travel questions
Do I need to get a travel case to fly with my bike? Also, what's the smallest car anyone has squeezed their bike into? I need to rent a car, and the SUV is over $300 for the weekend of my race.


2004-05-06 10:10 AM
in reply to: #23245

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Pro
4228
2000200010010025
Broomfield, Colorado
Subject: RE: 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?
2004-05-06 3:07 PM
in reply to: #23245

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Expert
948
50010010010010025
Mount Vernon, Iowa
Subject: RE: bike box/bike travel questions
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.
2004-05-06 8:44 PM
in reply to: #23245

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Resident Matriarch
N 43° 32.927 W 071° 24.431
Subject: RE: bike box/bike travel questions
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.
2004-05-06 9:15 PM
in reply to: #23245

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Veteran
230
10010025
Sydney
Subject: RE: bike box/bike travel questions
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
2004-05-06 10:27 PM
in reply to: #23245

, Alabama
Subject: RE: bike box/bike travel questions

I would recommend borrowing or renting a hard case rather than using a box.  Be prepared for an extra fee for the bike case.  If you are a USAT member, I think there are still one or two airlines that waive that extra fee if you book through USAT's travel agency.  (I don't know the name offhand). 

As far as car, I used to own a little Mazda GLC and could fit my bike in the trunk with the front wheel off and the back seats turned down.

Sharon



2004-05-06 10:43 PM
in reply to: #23245

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Master
1902
1000500100100100100
Berkeley, CA
Subject: RE: bike box/bike travel questions
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
2004-05-06 10:46 PM
in reply to: #23411

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Resident Matriarch
N 43° 32.927 W 071° 24.431
Subject: RE: bike box/bike travel questions
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.
2004-05-07 8:50 AM
in reply to: #23245

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Expert
644
50010025
Evansville, IN
Subject: RE: bike box/bike travel questions
Does your bike fit in the case w/ the aero bars on? Or do you have to remove the aero bars?
2004-05-07 9:51 AM
in reply to: #23245

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Regular
56
2525
Dallas, TX
Subject: RE: bike box/bike travel questions
Thanks so much, everyone!
2004-05-07 11:04 AM
in reply to: #23245

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Champion
4902
20002000500100100100100
Ottawa, Ontario
Subject: RE: bike box/bike travel questions
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.


2004-05-07 11:27 AM
in reply to: #23245

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2004-05-07 5:39 PM
in reply to: #23245

, Alabama
Subject: RE: bike box/bike travel questions

When I took my bike apart for travel last year, the aerobars stayed on the handlebars, but the handlebars had to be removed.

Sharon

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