PACK IT UP, PACK IT IN
Let us begin... As thoughts turn to holidays, we show you the best ways to transport your bike
If you’re thinking of travelling abroad with your bike, we’ve tested six of the best bike boxes and bags to protect your pride and joy.
Jumping on a plane and going to ride somewhere warm and sunny is the perfect escape from our cold and damp shores at this time of year. While travelling with a bike might sound like a pain, by following a few easy steps it’s actually quite simple.
When you’ve browsed the best deals, make sure you book your bike in at the same time as you book your ticket. This may sound obvious but if you leave it until you get to the airport, you might discover that your local club is off on its annual training camp, and there’s no room for your bike. You will also save money by booking online beforehand.
Most airlines charge for the privilege of taking your bike, but it’s worth checking individual bike policies before you book your flight. Also, make sure the details apply to your destination as some airlines have different policies within Europe compared to international flights.
Some carriers charge for a bike as a separate piece of luggage, while others will include it as part of your weight allowance. Some carriers, and these are best avoided, charge per kilogram as extra luggage, usually at outrageous prices.
All the various airlines have different bike policies so check the details when weighing up the initial price of the ticket. Total cost can soon add up. In some instances, the bike alone can be more than the price of your seat if you manage to snag a cheap European flight through EasyJet or Ryanair for example. Once you have booked your ticket, packing is the next consideration. Some flights allow complete bikes with the handlebar turned, but we recommend packing your bike in a soft or hard case. If you’re on a really tight budget you could use a cardboard bike box, but this means a higher potential risk of damage. Just because an airline charges to take a bike, however it’s packed, it’s no guarantee your ride will be as cared for in transit as you might hope.
A bike case is invaluable for any travelling cyclist and there’s a wide variety available. Unfortunately, there’s no perfect answer because they all have trade-offs.
The hard case offers the ultimate in protection but the trade-offs here are weight, bulk and initial outlay. The initial weight limits how much additional equipment you can stash in your box. If you have a fancy oddball frame design or fixed seatpost it’s worth checking your bike will fit in before purchasing too.
Soft bags have improved no end, providing better protection than ever. They’re not as robust as a hard case but have the advantage of being lighter. This allows you to pack more stuff, whether it’s tools, shoes, nutrition or riding kit, before hitting your weight limit. Some think a soft case will be handled with more care by baggage handlers but there’s no guarantee.
Whichever type you are thinking of, it’s important to check your case matches airlines’ limits, fits in your car and will squeeze into any hire vehicles you may need to use at your destination airport. If you’re using local transport this isn’t usually a problem with most airports having buses and estate car/minibus taxis, who will carry your bike for a fee.
You will also need to pack the tools required to reassemble your
A bike case is invaluable for any travelling cyclist and there’s a wide variety available
bike. For many this will just be a couple of Allen keys and possibly a pedal spanner. If you have a carbon frame or components, packing a small torque wrench is a must. A pre-set torque driver is cheaper and works well if all your bolts are the same size and require the same torque settings.
An adjustable torque wrench set is more expensive but more versatile, allowing you to change torque settings, and come with a variety of sizes and bolt styles.
A multi-tool is essential for when you’re out on your bike, and can help with initial rebuilding. While the all-singing MacGyver-style tool with 35 functions looks good, we’d go for something that just covers the basics. Simpler tools are often easier to use, keep weight down and take up less space in jersey pockets or saddle packs.
A spare tube, puncture kit and lightweight pump or CO inflator are essential. The latter makes your life easier but check with your airline’s regulations about carriage. Many allow them, usually with a limit of two CO canisters, but without
Rather than overloading your pockets while pedalling we recommend a small saddle bag
checking you may risk them being confiscated. For initial tyre inflation we’re fans of mini track pumps, such as those from Lezyne and Topeak, because of their efficiency compared to hand pumps. Don’t forget chargers/ batteries for electronic equipment.
Rather than overloading your pockets while pedalling we recommend a small saddle bag. Select one with room to stash a multi-tool, spare tube, puncture kit, CO inflator, tyre levers, 2 if you use them, and a spare quick link in case of a broken chain.
Other useful items include a brake and gear inner wire, zip ties, bubble wrap or cardboard and a small bottle of lube. We also pack baby wipes because they’re ideal for cleaning oily hands and dirty bikes.
While there are lots of things to remember when travelling with your bike it’s easy enough with some careful planning. Now stop complaining about the cold and rain and book yourself some spring training in Majorca or the Canary Islands, or a sweet summer holiday riding some classic routes in the Alps or Pyrenees.