ukny

So heres the thing, Jet Blue say they will fly bikes for free.. Yipee..
Wait here's the catch. The bike box can be no more than 80 inches H x W x D.

Your usual Thule - Trico - Serface - Bike Box Alan etc are all over 80 inches.

These boxes are all designed to carry the bike with fork attached.

I have been tearing my hair out trying to see if I can find a more compact case for carrying my bike with fork removed to enable free travel.

Anybody got any ideas.. I know about Airport Ninja but thats still a soft case.
Looking for a compact Hard Case.

And please no comments about S&S and Breakaway frames.. I am fully conversant with that option but it's not open to me at this time.

bikeclub

Thanks for asking this question, I have the same one (because I also can't afford a breakaway frame).

I've been reading the bicycle quarterly issues from last year that describe how to "Rinko" a bike, and I wonder wondering if I can fit a rinko'ed bike into such a case.

ukny

Wow I had never heard the term "rinko" which is weird because it appears to be Japanese.. as is my wife..
But searching that on google yes thats exactly right.. where are the hard cases for RINKO ???



Heres a link to the article in case anyone else is listening

https://www.bikequarterly.com/images/BQ_rinko.pdf

ukny

So another day of googling.. this time for a Rinko hard case.. and no dice.. I am beginning to wonder if i should just try modifying a trico..

10 Wheels

Put my Large Touring bike in this:

jefnvk

Just to correct you on a point (unless you are on some special route or frequent flyer status), JetBlue only flies bikes for free if they adhere to regular checked bag size (62in total).


"Domestic and International Flights:
Bicycles will be accepted on domestic and international flights for a fee of $50 per bike each way and will count as one of your checked bags. Excess baggage fees may apply.
Please note: overweight baggage fees will not be assessed for bicycles. However, the maximum allotment of 99 pounds per bag still applies. Bicycle cases should contain bicycles only; cases containing additional items may be subject to excess baggage fees.
Also note: if bicycle and container are less than 62 dimensional inches and under 50 pounds, the bike fee will not be assessed."
JetBlue | Baggage info

fietsbob

Cut down a Box until it Meets the Max size ,

and then try to make the bike fit the Box. Both wheels off, forks Blocked, etc

I have talked to at least one gentleman who did the whole compliant S&S coupled thing.

then had someone at the ticket counter say "Open the Case "

seeing it was a Bike, added the Bike Fee. sometimes you just don't win.

fietsbob

I've always traveled , across the Pond. with disposable Cartons .

Made up another to come back. Buy extra Packing tape.