Touring - Fenders and Racks in S&S Hard Case: Solutions?

I'm building up a 26" bike with S&S Couplers for international touring and I'm wondering how to address the issue of racks and possibly fenders when it comes to packing.

Are there folding racks out there I should be aware of?

Should I give up on fenders? I've always enjoyed using them on tours but for all the plane and train travel in between I may have to give them up. Any thoughts or suggestions?

I debated ordering my new frame with S&S couplers, but decided against it, also due to the fact that racks, fenders, and other bike extras probably wouldn't fit in the standard S&S case. This would mean an extra checked in baggage.

The tendency is towards "one piece" policies with exceptions for "sporting equipment", so in some cases packing a regular bike box with the allowed 23kg and carrying the rest of your stuff as hand baggage (or wearing it) can keep you inside the "free baggage" allowance . British Airways and Quantas for example.

Please let us know how you finally end up packing (pictures are always good), as I have a feeling S&S may be the way to go if airlines become even more restrictive in the future.

As to fenders, I only put them on if planning to be somewhere where I know it'll rain a lot.

I'm building up a 26" bike with S&S Couplers for international touring and I'm wondering how to address the issue of racks and possibly fenders when it comes to packing.

Are there folding racks out there I should be aware of?


It all fits in one hardcase with a bit of practice. You have to interweave the rack with the frame and wheels. 26" wheels just make it easier than 700C wheels which are a tight fit into the case. The 2 frame pieces has to "interlock" to save space. Fenders usually just get fitted around the wheels.

Our S&S tandem with racks and fender fits into 2 cases with room left for racks, fenders, tools, shoes,...

There is no way an S&S-equiped single bike will fit in a hard case with racks. Fenders maybe.

A better overall solution is to use two 26x26x10 cardboard boxes for your bike and all of your gear. These boxes can then be "recycled" when you arrive at your destination. If you have a large frame, you'll need a 28x28x6 box and a 26x26x10 box. Also, use water pipe insulation, zip ties, and short lengths of 2x4's for padding, stability, and bracing, respectively.

http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-12656/Corrugated-Boxes-200-Test/26-x-26-x-10-Corrugated-Boxes?model=S-12656

I ride with both front and rear fenders and put both of them inside the case with my bike. I just slide them in around the rims.

I don't think I could get a rack in the case along with the bike. But, I've never tried. It might be possible but it would take a lot of trial and error, would be my guess.

These days, I don't even put my saddle and seat post in the bike case because in the past my Brooks has been gouged in transit.

But, even if I could get one or both racks in the bike case, I think maximum weight would get to be a problem.

I have always taken 2 cases when I fly with my bike. One for the bike and one for everything else.

Ray

Sure, it's possible. I've done it both with my single bike (26" wheels/one case) and my tandem (two cases) on several occasions. My frames run on the smaller size (52-53), though, so a large frame may be more problematic.

Here's a pic of my Co-Motion OR (MTB frame) touring bike in a soft case. Note that in this example I didn't pad the frame or use the side stiffeners because I hand-carried it onto AMTRAK at the end of riding the C&O route. I got the bike in there, the racks (no fenders in this instance), my MSR Hubba Hubba tent, and assorted other stuff, too. It weighed a LOT and wasn't much fun to carry, but it worked. I carried on my rear panniers separately. http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/pic/?pic_id=860272

For S&S bikes I highly recommend the Tubus Duo front rack if it will work with your bike. They are very minimalistic and pack really easily.

You can get full-coverage fenders in the case by taking them off and kind of wrapping them around each wheel when packing. Or, you can use the plastic removable type for easier packing but less coverage.

Are there folding racks out there I should be aware of?
only Bike Friday, for their own stuff ..

I just used Amtrak and airline bike boxes so bike, no coupler,
was left largely full length,
loosened the mudguard struts to let them press against the tire,
and they are still in fine shape.

If you are going for minimal box , I'd pack the mudguards with the wheels.. wrapped around them.

there are folding Racktime -affiliated with Tubus, but in aluminum - and Nitto racks to consider for tourists with light to medium touring needs.....

here's a SNS bike with a racktime rack 210836 s inside a 26" airline regulation case.