Taking a mtb on a plane - air pressure query
Discussion
We're off to the alps in June and this year we are flying as opposed to driving. Putting the bikes in a bike box and I understand it is common practice to let the air of the tyres when you put bikes on a plane. My question is what about the front forks and rear suspension? Also I have a dropper post that works with air pressure. Shoud I be taking the air out of all these as well?
Quite. The problem is when the pressure differential between the outside and the inside becomes so much that the metal wall stops being there 
For a slightly more technical answer, the hold is also pressurised (as is the cabin), so will climb to a maximum altitude of something around 8000 feet (maybe 10, unless the plane depressurises) I'd expect that to be well within the capability of the shocks, after all, you can get that high on a mountain! Frankly, not a concern, but you could drop the air pressure and pump it up when you get there if worried..
For a slightly more technical answer, the hold is also pressurised (as is the cabin), so will climb to a maximum altitude of something around 8000 feet (maybe 10, unless the plane depressurises) I'd expect that to be well within the capability of the shocks, after all, you can get that high on a mountain! Frankly, not a concern, but you could drop the air pressure and pump it up when you get there if worried..
Pets, like humans are somewhat permeable, that's why they don't pop
(They just pass out through lack of oxygen)
Which is why the aeroplane is pressurised. As is the hold mostly 'cos it's easier to make a mostly round tube withstand the pressure differential, than it is to make the floor strong enough to not pressurise the hold! Your cabin altitude in cruise is generally somewhere around 8000ft (approx), we work fine at that alt, pressurising to sea-level would put more strain on everything (greater pressure differential), and mean everything had to be built more strongly, etc..
(They just pass out through lack of oxygen)
Which is why the aeroplane is pressurised. As is the hold mostly 'cos it's easier to make a mostly round tube withstand the pressure differential, than it is to make the floor strong enough to not pressurise the hold! Your cabin altitude in cruise is generally somewhere around 8000ft (approx), we work fine at that alt, pressurising to sea-level would put more strain on everything (greater pressure differential), and mean everything had to be built more strongly, etc..
Raven Flyer said:
Even with no hold pressurisation it would only add 15psi to the pressure on the tyre wall or shock canisters.
You have almost redeemed your earlier comedy post!!But not quite.
Aircraft don't quite reach beyond the atmosphere so there is still SOME air pressure at 36,000 ft (but not much). About 3psi.
So it would add 12psi to your tyres.
With cabin pressure the equivalent of 8,000ft in height or so it adds about 4psi.
So don't panic.
If your gauge is reading accurately to +/- 4 psi I would be surprised frankly.
Flown loads of times with my Bike, the whole air pressure thing is right up there with X-ray machines ruining camera film, it just doesn't happen.
My advice, pack your wheel with the discs on the inside to stop the worst ravages of the bag throwers and arrive early at the airport, it's a bit faffy with bikes, you sort of check-in twice (once for you, and again at the over-size luggage desk) at the other end don't bother rushing to get your bags at the carousel, it just makes the wait at the over-size luggage collection even longer.
My advice, pack your wheel with the discs on the inside to stop the worst ravages of the bag throwers and arrive early at the airport, it's a bit faffy with bikes, you sort of check-in twice (once for you, and again at the over-size luggage desk) at the other end don't bother rushing to get your bags at the carousel, it just makes the wait at the over-size luggage collection even longer.
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