General Cycling Discussion - If i want to ship a bike, how?

Around how much does an LBS charge to pack a bike?
What other options can i stick it in a big box from a box store? does it need packing peanuts or something? Any idea what that costs, what have you all done?

go to the lbs ask if you can have an empty bike box from an assembled bike. They'll usually give it to you, since they have an excess of them. Shipping by usps is usually about 30-50 bux depending on where you're shipping to and how much the item weighs.

k thanks

I just shipped mine. Had an LBS pack it for 20 bucks. Fedex actually ended up being cheaper for me. Definetly make sure UPS is the cheapest before you ship with them. When they packed it they disconnected the handlebars and front wheel. Put a spacer/holder thing between the fork. Wrapped most of the frame in cardboard and cinch tied certain areas, like they cinched the front wheel to the frame, cinched the crank to the frame to keep it from moving around.

I second the fedex ground, it is the cheapest. Normaly about $10-20 cheaper then UPS ground and takes same lenght of time. YOu can get the rates from their web site. Because of the box size it is considered a oversized package and will calculate out the weight to around 60 lbs.

Yea already did that its 35 bucks for any bike frame sized package under 50 lbs

UPS over sized will calculate at 70lbs, but from my experience (200 UPS packages a day) they are the ones most likely to harm it. I don't have much experience with Fedex Ground but Fedex has a good rep as far as package handling. USPS with all the bad rap they get actually, in my experience has the best service record of them all but they are usually more expensive but your bike might not be considered an oversized with them. There limit on packages is 108" (length and girth.) if Amtrak is in your area you might look into them they have a good freight department and are cheap. They used to even provide boxes for bikes I don't know if they still do. Check all the wesites to make your choice DONT FORGET TO INSURE IT most will only cover up to $100 and some do $0.35 a pound.