General Cycling Discussion - I'm moving...how do I get my bike there???

I'm moving over a thousand miles away and all my possessions will fit into a 96 Geo Metro (I know...sad), except for my bike. I'm concerned about stability, reliability, as well as security...PLEASE help me out...how do I do this? What are your suggestions? I'm not opposed to installing a receiver hitch.

Lets say my budget is $150.00-$200.00.

Thanks for your help!

P.S.
There is a chance that instead of Geo, it might be an 85 Plymouth Horizon.

My possessions wouldn't fit in a Geo Metro, so Uhaul was the answer.

For $150-$200, you could have your bike shipped to you by a bike store. Or use a trunk-type bike rack. Or strap it on top by whatever means possible. If it's not too special to you, you could sell it and buy a new one at the new place.

I vote for having it shipped to you by a bike shop.

You can get an empty bike box at a bike shop. UPS will ship it for you for way less than 200 bucks I think. Ask the LBS to help you take the peddles and bar off, BTW (might be an extra 20 bucks or so...). Oh - I forgot - getting the bike to UPS in a small car might be a problem. Maybe you could see if UPS will do a door-to-door for you? There goes the 200 bucks.

Sell everything, ride the bike there and start fresh ;)

^^^ +10. I've always wanted to do that... but then, there's the garage.

You can get an empty bike box at a bike shop. UPS will ship it for you for way less than 200 bucks I think. Ask the LBS to help you take the peddles and bar off, BTW (might be an extra 20 bucks or so...). Oh - I forgot - getting the bike to UPS in a small car might be a problem. Maybe you could see if UPS will do a door-to-door for you? There goes the 200 bucks.

It cost 60 bucks to ship from Michigan to California (if you pack it yourself), plus insurance. And it got to take the scenic route. :)

As for the shipping option, try Fed-Ex 5 day express saver. I shipped a boxed bike from S. Louisiana to Portland, OR for $45.

But if you buy a rack to carry your bike, you will have it for the next time.

I carted the family bikes on many vacations using a cheapo strap-on trunk rack. I think I paid $70 for it. Still have it. You can get them at Sports Authority, Dicks, or discount stores. I put 3 bikes on mine with no problems. Carrying one bike will be easy.

Thanks for the suggestions...I think I'll look into having it shipped...however, it would be nice to have a rack to show for the $$$ spent, you know?

If I decide against shipping it, what type of rack would you suggest under the budget of $100-$200, and still looking to appease my top concerns: stability, reliability, and security.

Thanks again!

I LOVE how active this forum is!

These guys ship fast and are very helpfull.

http://www.rackwarehouse.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=329

+1 for shipping it!

Can you take it apart and fit the components in between your other stuff? Maybe all you would have to ship would be the frame.

couldn't you just stick a bike rack on the back of your car and take it that way?

Thanks for the suggestions...I think I'll look into having it shipped...however, it would be nice to have a rack to show for the $$$ spent, you know?

If I decide against shipping it, what type of rack would you suggest under the budget of $100-$200, and still looking to appease my top concerns: stability, reliability, and security.

Thanks again!

I LOVE how active this forum is!
Before you go full price on a rack, check out your local Craigslist. People sell expensive racks for peanuts just to unclutter the garage.

/\/\ +1

Racks are easy and usually inexpensive to pick up used. Just remember to secure and pad the bike well. Little movements (read: rubbing) add up over 1000miles plus and can cause decent damage to your bike.

I vote bike rack in case you want to transport your bike again after the move. It's handy for driving to races/events or the (not so) local bike shop

I'd go for a rack also. This time of year garage sales are popping up, and just about every other one the wife drags me to has at least one bike rack. Or flea markets are a good place to find them also. I bought a three bike rack for $10 at a flea market.

As for security I use a cable lock fed through the hatch hooked inside the car so it can't be removed, and padlocked around the bike. Not high security but good enough if you just need to pay for gas or grab fast food etc. I wouldn't leave a bike on over night if you stop at a hotel though.

I'm all for shipping. It'll be less than $200.

With the money you save, you can fill your tank with $4.00 gas.