cyclist2000

I just got a Tern D8. Since it has been a bit too cold to ride here, I have been playing with the new toy. I was thinking to take it on my next trip, I was wondering if I needed to protect the RD some way and suggestions on how to protect it. Should I shift it to the lowest gear for transport?

I was also wondering, since the bike frame fold to the left it leaves the RD unprotected. It seems that it would be better to make it fold so the drive train is between the wheels and frame parts, and protecting the drive train.

Also about pedals, do you use SPDs on your folder? the SPDs are pretty small do you remove them for transport?

fusilierdan

Are you putting it in a suitcase or the trunk of your car? For a suitcase I've had to remove the derailleur and the pedals to get it to fit. For the trunk I just fold it and place the drive train side up.

1nterceptor

I ended up taking my RD off to make it fit in my luggage:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUQN...ture=endscreen

BassNotBass

LOL... nice nod to the "Get in me belly" catch-phrase.
Also, great choice in music. That's one of my favorite Cafe Americaine tracks.

fietsbob

Brompton folds straight under .. and hinged, to the right,

bike-friday travel bike folds angled, under and to the left.

dynaryder

^^^Not exactly helpful since he already has a Tern.

For the OP:shifting into the lowest gear will help tuck the derailleur in. Depending on how you're packing it,you could also put some corrugated cardboard around the derailleur for protection.

cyclist2000

I was thinking that to travel on an airplane that I would fold it as normal and try to fit it into a roller duffel. And if that didn't work that I could take off the wheels to fit everything into a roller duffel. I am trying to use the luggage that I have available without getting a special bag.

With a duffel I thought that it may be a little rough on the rear derailluer. Maybe putting the bike in a plastic bag and packing clothes around the bike may help protect the RD.

i was hoping that since I got a folding bike that I wouldn't need to do too much disassembly.

1nterceptor

Even with the wheels off, the bike + removed wheels may still not fit in your bag.
If everything fits, you can dismount your RD like I did in my video as an extra
precaution. Another thing to consider; if you ever watch how luggage is moved
from the plane to the baggage carousel. In those trailer thingies; if your bag ends
up at the bottom with 10 other bags on top of it. That will crush your bike for sure.
That can also happen in the luggage compartment of the plane. This is why I got
a hard sided Samsonite suitcase, I think I paid $150. Will last for years, comes with
a 10 year warranty.