Folding Bikes - downtube on airlines?

howdy all, I am planning on getting a downtube viii for vacation pretty soon, but I've got one question. Does it fold small enuf to be checked as regular airline luggage? It seems to be a couple inches too big for their specs. Would taking off the swing arm, or wheels help? how about a case? a cheap suitcase okay?

thanks in advance for the advice

dave koslow :D

the concept would be to get a measurement of the bike folded. If downtube cant provide it maybe someone here can . once you have that look at some of the suitcases and look for height vs length and width. my friday s well i knew the folded specs before i bought them. the same goes with my dahons. Both websites had the info i wanted. . I had planned to get a suitcase and put bubble wrap around the bike. However my sister gave me a bike firday suitcase for my birthday. I still used some bubble wrap though and had no problems good luck

No 20" wheels folding bike will fit on 32" luggages just by folding them.

Hope this post can help you though:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=160524

.. with the GoBike being a possible exception? That one might fight without dissambly, too it might be too fat.

No 20" wheels folding bike will fit on 32" luggages just by folding them.

Hope this post can help you though:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=160524

Thanks...exactly the info I was looking for! Now if Downtube would like to add anything...?

@ dkoz, in general you might want to do a search before posting questions. Just a thought..

Thanks...exactly the info I was looking for! Now if Downtube would like to add anything...?

I am currently out of town with no tools/tape measure. However I asked my testing partner to disassemble and measure his bike. I will post when he responds.

Thanks,
Yan

I am currently out of town with no tools/tape measure. However I asked my testing partner to disassemble and measure his bike. I will post when he responds.

Thanks,
Yan
Thank you, Yan. I am so impressed by your responses on the forum and personal attention to details. I cant imagine buying a folder from anyone else. At this point, only the packing issue ( and saving a bit more cash) holds me back.

thanks again
dave koslow

believe it or not, the guy who created the downtube bike is a professor at my school. He would be the best person to direct your questions to. email him and ask him whatever. email is on following reply... thanks man

Hey sc, you may want to remove that e mail! I am not sure but i think Yan has a seperate 'Downtube' adress, he might want to keep his Uni mail seperate from the mail regarding Downtube? Anyway the adress is:

yan AT downtube.com

(the AT being a @ of course, too much spam out there)

thanks, i didnt think about that. i changed it to look at yours. do you go to school down there?

@ sc, nah not even near, i go to school in Rotterdam but i know Yan a little (only through mail) and know of his background a little too.