Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Folding Bikes
Reload this Page >

Putting a Folding bike in a Suitcase

Notices
Folding Bikes Discuss the unique features and issues of folding bikes. Also a great place to learn what folding bike will work best for your needs.

Putting a Folding bike in a Suitcase

Old 04-06-17, 05:03 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 663
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 239 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Putting a Folding bike in a Suitcase

So I have a Xootr swift and bought a suitcase and packed it into it. I bought the largest suitcase that will go standard size by luggage.

I had to take everything apart. Fork off the frame, rear frame disconnected.

I also have a Dahon Mu. Does anyone have experience putting one of them in a suitcase?

Can I just take the wheels off and handlebar stem? or do I have to take the fork off too?



Thanks
Rick Imby is offline  
Old 04-06-17, 05:05 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Pinigis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Henrico, VA
Posts: 1,480

Bikes: Origami Gazelle, Origami Crane 8, Origami Cricket 7

Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 452 Post(s)
Liked 405 Times in 241 Posts
Did you happen to take any photos of the packing process? It would be interesting to see.
__________________
Paul Pinigis
Owner of Origami Bicycle Company
Pinigis is offline  
Old 04-06-17, 05:10 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
CliffordK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,600
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18320 Post(s)
Liked 4,489 Times in 3,338 Posts
Sorry I don't have the bikes you mentioned. I do have a cheap bike that will fold than gets loaded into an extra-sized duffel, but I don't know if it is air legal.

On my Bike Friday Pocket Rocket, I remove front and rear wheels. Seatmast folds forward. I think the seat comes out. Stem comes out. Bars separate in the middle, and pedals come off. The fork and cranks aren't removed. And it all gets stuffed into the suitcase. The suitcase has wheels and a towing tongue that I think will also fit in, but I've carried them separately.
CliffordK is offline  
Old 04-06-17, 05:14 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,545

Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter

Mentioned: 139 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5703 Post(s)
Liked 2,432 Times in 1,345 Posts
I doubt that taking the fork off a Dahon would shrink it much. Folded, the fork overlaps the rear triangle.

You would save a few inches by removing the wheels, but only if you also remove the rear fender.

BTW - I don't put my bikes in hard suitcases. I find I do better in duffel bags with thick foam surrounding the contents, and using my clothing to pad the bike. IME - airlines don't measure big duffels carefully, and it's easy to pass an overly large bag below the radar.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site

An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.

Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.

“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN

WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FBinNY is offline  
Old 04-06-17, 05:14 PM
  #5  
LET'S ROLL
 
1nterceptor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: NEW YORK, NY - USA
Posts: 4,782

Bikes: 2014 BMC Gran Fondo, 2013 Brompton S6L-X

Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 306 Post(s)
Liked 44 Times in 33 Posts
You may get away with just taking off the wheels.
Here I have a 20inch wheeled folder with a similar fold to Dahon's:

Speed Uno(similar to Mu) squeexed in a S & S backpack(26" X 26" X 10").
Just took out the seatpost for a more compact fit. This is a soft luggage:
Dahon Speed Uno in S & S Backpack by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
1nterceptor is offline  
Old 04-06-17, 07:05 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 663
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 239 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Awwesome answers, thanks

I spent almost an hour packing and then another hour reassembling my Swift.

Too much work for a weekend trip.

Although it would be quicker next time.

Last edited by Rick Imby; 04-06-17 at 07:33 PM.
Rick Imby is offline  
Old 04-06-17, 07:28 PM
  #7  
tcs
Palmer
 
tcs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,580

Bikes: Mike Melton custom, 1982 Stumpjumper, Alex Moulton AM, 2010 Dawes Briercliffe, 2017 Dahon Curl i8, 2021 Motobecane Turino 1x12

Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1646 Post(s)
Liked 1,785 Times in 1,041 Posts
Originally Posted by Rick Imby
I also have a Dahon Mu. Does anyone have experience putting one of them in a suitcase?
Pictures borrowed from the internet. I'll put them back after you've seen them.

dahon packed 1.jpg

dahon packed 2.jpg

dahon packed 3.jpg
tcs is offline  
Old 04-06-17, 08:54 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: New England
Posts: 792

Bikes: Brompton M6R, Specialized Tricross Comp, Ellsworth Isis, Dahon Speed P8

Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 325 Post(s)
Liked 19 Times in 16 Posts
Originally Posted by tcs
Pictures borrowed from the internet. I'll put them back after you've seen them.
Looks like a Speed P8, I have one and have packed it in a standard sized Samsonite Oyster hard shell the same way. IIRC, the dealer did mention that this was one of the unique Dahons where you could fold the fork into the rear triangle which allow a flat frame position without disassembly. Just remove pedals (I have MKS QR), seat tube, handlebar stem, and wheels. No tools, but I have to let the air out of the BA tires to close the lid.
reppans is offline  
Old 04-06-17, 10:19 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,694

Bikes: Trek 730 (quad), 720 & 830, Bike Friday NWT, Brompton M36R & M6R, Dahon HAT060 & HT060, ...

Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 834 Post(s)
Liked 332 Times in 247 Posts
I managed to squeeze my Dahon into the B&W suitcase meant for Brompton. Though it worked, it was the type of operation you would not want to repeat. The operation hinged on some particularly devious trick with the fork in my memory.
2_i is offline  
Old 04-07-17, 07:17 AM
  #10  
Full Member
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Cleethorpes..the last resort..UK
Posts: 353

Bikes: Brompton S6L ,Bike Friday NWT, Phillips 8 speed folder, Trek 930, Thorn XTC

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Liked 9 Times in 8 Posts
I packed my old Dahon in a suitcase that will take a Bike Friday..Not particularly difficult..Take off the front wheel..Take off the pedals ..Take off the front mudguard (fender)..Slide out the handlepost and handlebars and lay them down in the case..Take off the seatpost and saddle and put in the case....Place the folded bike in the case....Put the front fender around the front wheel in the case...Pack the case with spare clothes..Job done..
tudorowen1 is offline  
Old 04-07-17, 09:32 AM
  #11  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 663
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 239 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Originally Posted by tcs
Pictures borrowed from the internet. I'll put them back after you've seen them.

Attachment 558509

Attachment 558510

Attachment 558511
I'm not sure you can put them back but looks great. Thank you

Rick
Rick Imby is offline  
Old 04-07-17, 01:16 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 121
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Here's a few tips that may save a bit of space.

1.No one says the entire bike has to go into the same case,many parts can be removed and put into another piece of luggage such as carry on,etc.
2.Remove fenders Leave them home get a couple of plastic ones that roll up, the kind that attach to seat tube on back wheel and I think they make one for front wheel too.

3.Remove air from tires saves almost an inch or more depending on suitcase size and shape.
sdwphoto is offline  
Old 04-14-17, 01:18 PM
  #13  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 129
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
With my Tern Verge, I disassemble the bike quite a bit. It's total overkill, but knowing how rough baggage handlers are, I don't want to risk arriving with a damaged bike.

Generally, here's what I take off: chain, rear derailleur with hangar, handlepost, handlebars, seat/seatpost, one of the V-brake calipers, pedals (but they're QR so that doesn't really count), fenders get zip tied around wheels.

Then I wrap everything in foam/bubble wrap, including the frame & fork. I have a 1/2" layer of foam on the inside of the suitcase and I also put a crush protector in the middle of it.

It is a very lengthy and tedious process. I give myself about half a day to do it. I dread it actually, but I can't risk any damage in transit. If there was a comparable bike that I could simply fold up and put in a suitcase without having to go through this process, I would probably jump on it. Supposedly the Helix but...
Hinge is offline  
Old 05-19-17, 06:16 PM
  #14  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 212
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 90 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 5 Posts
Originally Posted by Hinge
With my Tern Verge, I disassemble the bike quite a bit. It's total overkill, but knowing how rough baggage handlers are, I don't want to risk arriving with a damaged bike.

Generally, here's what I take off: chain, rear derailleur with hangar, handlepost, handlebars, seat/seatpost, one of the V-brake calipers, pedals (but they're QR so that doesn't really count), fenders get zip tied around wheels.

Then I wrap everything in foam/bubble wrap, including the frame & fork. I have a 1/2" layer of foam on the inside of the suitcase and I also put a crush protector in the middle of it.

It is a very lengthy and tedious process. I give myself about half a day to do it. I dread it actually, but I can't risk any damage in transit.
I would prefer using a larger case in all dimensions. Then fill up the space around the bike with packaging foam, sport shoes, towel, etc. Than dismantling of the bike is not necessary IMO.

Or you could prepare latex foam, by cutting the exact form of the bike out with a sharp knife, and make the foam fit snugly in the case. You could use an old matress for that.
George3 is offline  
Old 05-19-17, 07:17 PM
  #15  
tcs
Palmer
 
tcs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,580

Bikes: Mike Melton custom, 1982 Stumpjumper, Alex Moulton AM, 2010 Dawes Briercliffe, 2017 Dahon Curl i8, 2021 Motobecane Turino 1x12

Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1646 Post(s)
Liked 1,785 Times in 1,041 Posts
Originally Posted by George3
I would prefer using a larger case in all dimensions.
Wouldn't we all! But above 62" (H+L+W) you'll pay oversize baggage fees (or have your case refused) on airlines (and in the USA, long haul bus companies).
tcs is offline  
Old 05-19-17, 07:23 PM
  #16  
Junior Member
 
arbee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: New York City
Posts: 146
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 60 Post(s)
Liked 27 Times in 17 Posts
Originally Posted by Pinigis
Did you happen to take any photos of the packing process? It would be interesting to see.
Here are pix and instructions.

xootr.com/swift-bicycle-suitcase-packing-instructions.html

Down this thread, in comment #8, reppans advises letting air out of the tires, something that's not mentioned on the xootr page. I have chubby Schwalbe Marathons (and I like 'em) on my Swift. Bleeding some air from the Schwalbes is essential. On the other hand, if your bike has skinny tires, releasing some air may be unnecessary.

In other threads, there's been mention of struts (e.g.: pvc tubes and closed-end flanges) to brace the suitcase against being compressed. I found with my bike packed along with the other stuff I was schlepping there was no clearance for struts. To protect against compression, I taped five or six 3" squares of corrugated cardboard together, punched a ˝" hole in the center, and secured this sandwich to the exposed end of the rear wheel's axle in xooter's step #15.

In steps 5 and 6, xooter directs you to merely remove the chain from the chain ring and bag it while it's still looped through the derrailleur. Trying to reassemble the bike, I found the chain had tied itself into a marvelous knot. The next time and subsequently, I finessed this by removing the chain entirely (quick release link) and bagging it separately. At the end of a tour, when the chain might not be too clean, packing the chain in its own bag is a really good idea.
arbee is offline  
Old 05-19-17, 07:28 PM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 212
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 90 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 5 Posts
Originally Posted by tcs
Wouldn't we all! But above 62" (H+L+W) you'll pay oversize baggage fees (or have your case refused) on airlines (and in the USA, long haul bus companies).
Then maybe buying a smaller folding bike is an option, or renting a bike?
George3 is offline  
Old 05-19-17, 08:02 PM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
bargainguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Trekland
Posts: 2,282
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 515 Post(s)
Liked 296 Times in 185 Posts
When it comes to exceeding the 62" maximum baggage dimension for airline travel, I have a few ideas. These come from experience traveling with folders inside the Samsonite Oyster and Carlton cases (both are < 62" total) and my Samsonite F'lite (> 62" total).

1. Don't even think about exceeding the maximum weight limit for baggage on your flight, typically 50 lb. suitcase + contents for international travel. Because once you do, every airline agent I've ever seen whips out the tape measure and checks for oversize so additional charges can be levied. If you're not over the weight limit, less chance you'll be checked for dimension, especially if the suitcase doesn't look oversize.

2. Who you approach at the ticket counter and how busy they are also factor in. If the agents are swamped, less chance of being measured. I've yet to encounter an airline agent who neglected to weigh a bag - seems everyone does - but many skip the tape measure if it's a close call.

I've actually waited for the airline agents to become busier before I approach. Weird, I know.

3. Never, ever, ever admit you have a bicycle in your suitcase. When asked, make up whatever you feel is appropriate to the moment. Bicycle parts. Wheelchair parts. Medical assist devices. Once you admit it's a bicycle, you can be socked with the full bicycle carriage fee even if it's in a standard suitcase.
bargainguy is offline  
Old 05-20-17, 02:45 PM
  #19  
Full Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: New England
Posts: 433

Bikes: 1987 Cannondale SR600/BioPace, 1991 Cannondale Road Tandem,1994 Giant Iguana MB, 2009 Airnimal Chameleon, 2016 Dahon Vybe C7A

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 121 Post(s)
Liked 100 Times in 63 Posts
I just packed my Dahon Vybe in the flight for a business trip to Columbus OH. It was a bit of a struggle at first until I removed the rear derailleur. After that things went in pretty smooth thanks to the photos in this thread. Room for the helmet and sneakers with a few spots I can put clothing, just need to watch the weight.

I had to remove the fenders, the derailleur, and one pedal. I used ties to hold the chain on the crank to avoid the chain tangling.

Needed a 15 mm wrench for the wheel bolts and the Allen wrench for the pedal.
kayakindude is offline  
Old 05-21-17, 05:11 AM
  #20  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 102

Bikes: FSIR Spin 2.0/Spin 5.1 Noahhk iF10

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 56 Post(s)
Liked 16 Times in 14 Posts
Alloy wheels can improve the packing density.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg
jav1.jpg (98.7 KB, 534 views)
File Type: jpg
jav2.jpg (97.3 KB, 529 views)
splithub is offline  
Old 05-21-17, 06:23 AM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 212
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 90 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 5 Posts
Originally Posted by Rick Imby
So I have a Xootr swift and bought a suitcase and packed it into it. I bought the largest suitcase that will go standard size by luggage.

I had to take everything apart. Fork off the frame, rear frame disconnected.

I also have a Dahon Mu. Does anyone have experience putting one of them in a suitcase?

Can I just take the wheels off and handlebar stem? or do I have to take the fork off too?



Thanks
If you can remove the main hinge pin, the bike can be carried safely in latex foam in two separate hard-cover suitcases.

Last edited by George3; 05-21-17 at 06:28 AM.
George3 is offline  
Old 05-21-17, 11:51 AM
  #22  
Full Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: New England
Posts: 433

Bikes: 1987 Cannondale SR600/BioPace, 1991 Cannondale Road Tandem,1994 Giant Iguana MB, 2009 Airnimal Chameleon, 2016 Dahon Vybe C7A

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 121 Post(s)
Liked 100 Times in 63 Posts
Checked in the Flite with Southwest with no issues. I was the only one in line, did the self check and was never asked what was in the suitcase. Weighed in at home at 44 pounds. Bike, sneakers, helmet, water bottle, and tools included. I think if weight came close I could always pull the kickstand off. Used several plastic bags inside a plastic bag in my gaps as they weigh nothing.
kayakindude is offline  
Old 05-21-17, 12:12 PM
  #23  
Banned
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NW,Oregon Coast
Posts: 43,598

Bikes: 8

Mentioned: 197 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7607 Post(s)
Liked 1,354 Times in 861 Posts
I bought a Bike Friday Tikit, used, the seller shipped it inside a suitcase..

That is what Bike Fridays company made their bikes to do,
and so a lot of touring rides around the globe are on those bikes.

they even offer a trailer kit,to put the suitcase on, to tow it behind your bike with your stuff in it,
Or, strapped on ..

A friend has brought his Stage Piano strapped onto his suitcase trailer , on his trip around SEA..




.....
fietsbob is offline  
Old 05-21-17, 01:10 PM
  #24  
Full Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: New England
Posts: 433

Bikes: 1987 Cannondale SR600/BioPace, 1991 Cannondale Road Tandem,1994 Giant Iguana MB, 2009 Airnimal Chameleon, 2016 Dahon Vybe C7A

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 121 Post(s)
Liked 100 Times in 63 Posts
Oh boy...due to delays I only have 30 minutes between flights! Anybody ever lose a bike in luggage?
kayakindude is offline  
Old 05-29-17, 08:34 PM
  #25  
my nice bike is at home
 
kraftwerk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Brooklyn, NY USA
Posts: 954

Bikes: 2011 BMC Race Machine / 2012 BMC Road Machine / Trek 2300 / '90's Merlin/ '70's Raleigh 20/ Ti-'swift' folder / Erickson w/S&S couplers

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 66 Post(s)
Liked 34 Times in 24 Posts
I packed up my folders many times in a 28" x 21" hardshell suitcase no problems. Everything comes apart: crank arms, rear triangle (on the Swift) and forks (of the Swift) You Brompton owners have it made in comparison, but I am just not a Brompton owner. Forks are a P.I.T.A. to mess with but you get really fast at assembly and disassembly if you do it over 200 times. Raleigh 'Folding 20' is a bit faster break-down and set-up than the swift actually.




ps. One time I left all my tools in a Swiss train station but they were easily replaceable.

On the left you see the frame before the wheels go in, on the right you see the wheels and a picture on how to pack it , incase it 'becomes' unpacked. Everything is secured or zip tied together so nothing goes missing. Fun!
Attached Images
__________________
BMC Race Machine / BMC Team Machine / Rossin Record / 80's Pinarello Traviso / Merlin MTB / Raleigh "Folding 20" / Ti-Swift (!)
Erikson w/C&C couplers / Trek's: 2300, 1200, 990 / Jamis 'Sputnik'


Last edited by kraftwerk; 05-29-17 at 09:04 PM.
kraftwerk is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.