Bike bags (Transport)
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Discussion

Gingerbread Man

Original Poster:

9,173 posts

242 months

Sunday 30th March 2014
quotequote all
The bird and I are taking our mountain bikes as luggage on our UK to Oz flight. Any recommendations of a bike bag? Happy to go second hand.

Looking around at some with their reviews. Wheels seem like handy addition even though it'll be on an airport trolley quite early on in its travelling life. Some mention lack of padding and upon arrival at their destination, it would seem that the bike has come alive mid flight and wrestled to get out, ripping seams in it's struggle. Although I think a well padded bike with bubble wrap could overcome this (?).

Budget comes into play here. I'm not sure how often I'll use it. It's a one way flight, so they (2 bags) will be used then, but maybe never again. I've seen some hovering around the £40 mark. The second hand market looks like my area.

Any wise words with them?

anonymous-user

83 months

Sunday 30th March 2014
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I bought the CRC one below. but there is no way I'd trust a bike in it on a flight. It's flimsy, has no padding of note and is a pain in the arse to pull along on account of having no structure. I only use it if I can't take the mtb on the roof rack to stop the car getting dirty.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/chain-reaction-...

If the bike is worth any money of note, have a look at the BW ones which will have a good resale value over there.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/b-w-bike-box/


matt-ITR

892 posts

218 months

Sunday 30th March 2014
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I'd recommend an Evoc bag, they are fantastic.
Not cheap, but you really do get what you pay for. If your bikes are worth taking with you, then they are worth protecting on the flight.

Otherwise, I'd just rent a bike out there.

Gingerbread Man

Original Poster:

9,173 posts

242 months

Sunday 30th March 2014
quotequote all
We're relocating. Upon arrival we'll have no job, so it seems a good idea to bring our bikes as a mode of transport and a source of entertainment for the first few weeks/ months until we find something and get a car. That's why it's only a one way flight. If it was a holiday, we'd rent if needed.

I'll look up the ones suggested so far.

agentnomad

412 posts

300 months

Sunday 30th March 2014
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If you ask around and get some cardboard wheel boxes and a bike box from a local bike shop and strip the bike down as much as you can to keep the boxes small, also you should get them for free.

With some padding and cardboard this is how most bikes travel from China or the USA to Europe

So with some careful packing you should be able to get all your cycling gear in a couple of boxes.

anonymous-user

83 months

Sunday 30th March 2014
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very off topic but what visa did you get that means you can go without a job lined up?!

Gingerbread Man

Original Poster:

9,173 posts

242 months

Sunday 30th March 2014
quotequote all
agentnomad said:
If you ask around and get some cardboard wheel boxes and a bike box from a local bike shop and strip the bike down as much as you can to keep the boxes small, also you should get them for free.

With some padding and cardboard this is how most bikes travel from China or the USA to Europe

So with some careful packing you should be able to get all your cycling gear in a couple of boxes.
Cardboard wheeled boxes? Sounds posh, I just imagined a standard cardboard box which I'd have to gaffer tape together. Asking a bike shop for a box was my back up plan.

Gingerbread Man

Original Poster:

9,173 posts

242 months

Sunday 30th March 2014
quotequote all
pablo said:
very off topic but what visa did you get that means you can go without a job lined up?!
A skilled visa through sought after trades/ jobs.