sactown

I recently moved across the country, and left my bike at my parents house. I go back to my parents a few times a year and really would like to get my bike to my new location. What is the best way to do that?

jsharr

Either in your car, on your car on a bike rack.

glacious

When I moved across the country, we just tossed them on a rear bike rack and drove 3000+ miles.

I've also flown my bike across the country on a commercial airline. It cost about $100 each way, just take the front tire off, turn the handle bars and stick it into a bike box they give you. I'd recommend pre-packing it if you do it this way, I sorta tossed it all in there at the airport and it came out on the conveyor belt with a pedal sticking out of the box. Pack it nicely and you'll be in good shape.

huffergoat

Turning the pedals. Could take you a while though if its a long way. It'd be good fun too.

Camilo

If you are driving - buy a carrier for your car.

If you aren't, almost any bike shop will give you one of the boxes they ship bikes in and also give you pointers how to pack it properly. I took 4 bikes to Europe in cardboard boxes w/o problems.

Also, a lot (most?) bike shops, for a modest fee, will pack a bike for you and you can ship it UPS for very cheap. This is how Ebay sellers often do it. (BTDT).

kirkcubs

If you don't have a bike rack, this is a good excuse to buy one. They're a handy pet to have. A bike rack at Target does the trick just fine. If you're at your parents and are driving back, its a perfect solution. Why spend the $$ for shipping when you can just kill two birds with one stone.
When I rack my ride I do make sure to take a few extra bunges just to make it a little more secrue. Probably doesn't need it but I'll worry 'bout it if I don't.

bhchdh 

Sounds like it's time for a Trans Am adventure.

sactown

Thanks for the responses. When I go home, I will only be flying, so unfortunately driving the bike is not an option. I liked the idea of packing it into a cardboard box and bringing it on the plane. Has anyone else done this or would anyone suggest against doing it this way? Thanks.

ks1g

When transporting a bike (or anything else of great value) on a car-mounted rack, lock the bike to the car (not just the rack) if you're leaving it for any longer than to pay at a gas station. Lock it to the car with a heavy-duty lock or better yet inside the car overnight (remove one/both wheels and put down a cheap blanket or old towel to keep drivetrain gunk off the interior) or - best - bring it inside where you're staying. A bike bungeed to a rack or locked to a strap-attached trunk rack can quickly change from "your's" to "gone!". [Almost had this happen when I was moving x-country 30 years ago - lost my ski poles (so much for locking racks), almost lost my skis and could've lost my bike. Perp did it in front of a tour bus full of people and no one questioned what he was doing.] Homeowners/renters insurance will cover some of the loss; but there's your deductible and their coverage may be based on depreciated value, not replacement and you'll need documentation (receipts, photos, serial numbers,...). A good lock and a few minutes of precautions are MUCH cheaper and less hassel.

If it's going to be a while until your next trip to your parents, locate a bike shop near them that can ship the bike to a shop near you and have your parents ship it insured. Or ask them if they'd like to visit you at your new digs, and by the way, can they bring your bike with them?

eippo1

If you're planning on doing it often then get one of these:
https://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?p...ajor=9&minor=1

otherwise just get a box at the airport, bring it home and pack it up.

TrekDen

Sure, plenty of people have done it. Here are some pics of how to wrap things up properly