Travelling with your bike can be a great way to explore new places, take part in competitions, or enjoy cycling adventures around the world. However, improper packing can lead to damage, delays, and unnecessary stress. Airlines and baggage handlers are not always careful, so preparing your bike correctly is essential.
Here are our top tips to safely and securely packing a bike for travel, ensuring it arrives in perfect condition.
- Purchase the necessary packing materials
Using high-quality packing materials can make a significant difference in preventing damage during transit. Before you begin disassembling your bike, make sure you have the following:
- A bike travel bag or hard case
- Allen keys and spanners
- Foam tubing or pipe insulation
- Bubble wrap or additional padding
- Zip ties or Velcro straps
- Packing tape
- Remove and secure the handlebars
To reduce the overall size of your bike and protect the handlebars from damage, remove them from the stem. Keep the cables attached and wrap the handlebars with foam padding or bubble wrap. Securing them to the frame with tape or zip ties will help to prevent any damage movement occurring inside the travel case.
- Protect the frame and fork
The frame and fork are among the most exposed parts of your bike, especially during travel. Make sure to wrap them in foam tubing or bubble wrap, paying close attention to any areas that may come into contact with other components within the travel case. If your case does not have internal padding, adding extra protection can prevent scratches and impacts on these areas.
- Remove and secure the rear derailleur
The rear derailleur is particularly vulnerable to damage if left attached. Unscrew it from its mount while making sure to keep the cable connected. Wrap it in padding, bubble wrap or foam is recommended, and secure it inside the rear triangle using tape or zip ties. This will help to prevent the derailleur hanger from bending or breaking during transit.
- Remove the wheels and deflate tyres
Most bike travel bags and cases require the removal of both wheels, while some allow the rear wheel to remain attached. Then deflate the tyres slightly to accommodate changes in air pressure when flying and ensure the wheels and tyres are well protected before travelling. If you’re using disc brakes, place protective spacers between the brake pads to prevent any accidental compression.
- Prepare for rough handling
Always assume that any baggage handlers you encounter will not be gentle with your bike. Extra padding is crucial to protect against knocks and drops, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry! Use additional foam, bubble wrap, or even old clothing to prevent components from shifting inside the case. If your travel bag allows for it, installing a stiffening bar in the dropouts will also help to prevent the frame from being compressed.
- Secure everything in the case or bag
Once your bike is packed, make sure that all components are held firmly in place. Use zip ties or Velcro straps to keep everything secure and prevent any in-transit movement. Attach a luggage tag with your contact details in case your bike bag is misplaced, regardless of how you’re travelling.
Take the time to prepare
Packing a bike for travel needs careful preparation, but ensures it arrives safely. Taking the time to protect your bike properly will help avoid damage and give you peace of mind during your journey. Whether you are heading to a race or a cycling trip, following these steps will make the process smooth and stress-free.
