Folding Bikes - 20" Downtube packed into a 29" Samsonite Oyster?

Is this possible? If so, what would the process involve?

Would this process (http://www.gaerlan.com/dahon/pack.htm) work with a Downtube?

It can be done. I posted some pix earlier here, and Yan put a copy of them on the Downtube website. Not impossible, but it is a tight fit. Packing in the larger F'Lite is much easier. Email me if you have more questions.

http://www.downtube.com/How_To_Pack_a_Folding_Bike_in_a_Suitcase/

An airline would charge an oversize fee for the F-Lite, correct?

An airline would charge an oversize fee for the F-Lite, correct?

They COULD charge you, but many people have used them and have not been charged. Most airlines seem more concerned that the total weight is under their limits. No guarantees with the F'Lite not be charged which makes the Oyster a safer bet. I have one of each but haven't flown with the bikes yet.

Alright... the directions on the Downtube site are a bit less complicated than they seemed to me when I gave a first glance at that picture of the bike exploded onto a tarp, but it's still pretty involved. However, I did notice that those directions are for a front suspension model.

What about the NS model? Has anybody on this forum ever taken a suspensionless Downtube bike on a plane in an airline-legal case?

I think I've done this -can't remember if I have an Oyster or another model. My friend bought a couple of Samsonites off craigslist, and I bought the smaller one off him. Initially when I tried it, I thought I made a huge mistake, and that is wouldn't work. However assuming you have the smaller Samsonite I have, you might have to remove* the stem and rear derailleur from the frame which aren't immediately obvious but I needed to do to get it to fit. Even then, it was a tight squeeze.

Forgot to say, I do know my suitcase is completely airline legal size wise since I checked it out -if that helps -and my friend's suitcase is maybe an inch too wide but not noticeable if you were checking it in. I have the front suspension model -and wouldn't the no suspension model be easier since it is smaller?

*assuming you've done the obvious -removed the wheels, take off saddle and seatpost, pedals etc

I pack my downtube NS in a 29" soft sided suitcase. It takes a while but I have been practicing and not so bad now. Remove tires, front fender racks(actually you can just partially remove front fender so it swings out of way. Remove handlebar, stem, seatpost, and main hinge bolt. Leave cables on. Rear derailleur fits but safer to remove and pad it . I am wishing i had got the 16" downtube as it is a bother but I tour and was afraid the 16" wouldn't be as good. Also the 16" comes with rear suspension which I don't like and then you have to add fenders and rack and costs more too. I think greyhound will accept it in bag just folded , it is over therie 62" limit but they seem to just weigh stuff. My softside suitcase is 29" x 10x 22 which is airline legal. I stiffen it with heavy cardboard and cut 2 wood blocks to fit in dropouts. Weight seems easy even with adding tools panniers etc to pad bike. I put seat in a separate bag to keep it from ripping but could go easily in carryon.Here are a few links. I will really nervous at first with a new bike taking it apart but it is OK
http://www.gaerlan.com/dahon/pack.htm
http://www.downtube.com/How_To_Pack_a_Folding_Bike_in_a_Suitcase/
this blog has detailed pics somewhere couldn't find it today as my regular computer died
http://mavandjen.blogspot.com/search/label/Downtube
email me if you need more

I found the blog page here it is
http://mavandjen.blogspot.com/2007/02/downtube-in-suitcase.html

Yeah, I did a Google site search and found it.

Seems like the amount of disassembly is about the same regardless of what kind of front fork you have.

They COULD charge you, but many people have used them and have not been charged. Most airlines seem more concerned that the total weight is under their limits. No guarantees with the F'Lite not be charged which makes the Oyster a safer bet. I have one of each but haven't flown with the bikes yet.

I have never heard of someone being charged while using the F'Lite.