wheelio

My Wife agreed to drive, while I cycle through the Pyrenees. My question is should I take my roadbike and pay shipping and storage for my trico case? Or take my Ritchy breakaway cyclocross bike which weights a respectful 19 lbs with a lightweight wheelset with road tires. I would avoid any fees as the bike case is a checkable size for the airlines (just barely). Any thoughts?

markf

If yoou're wife is driving, will the trico case fit in the car? Is there a hotel where you can leave it? Lots of times if you book rooms at a hotel at the beginning and end of a tour, they'll let you keep a piece of luggage there between stays. I guess the other question is, which bike would you rather ride up and down a bunch of steep hills?

There are still one or two airlines that will take bikes from North American to Europe for free, BTW.

axolotl

I don't know anything about your Ritchy breakaway cyclocross bike, but I rode in the Pyrenees on my folding Bike Friday with panniers, and I had a great time, including climbing the col du Tourmalet. My bike also packs into a suitcase small enough to avoid airline fees. I was able to leave the suitcase with friends in France. Airline fees have gotten so absurdly high that if you're reasonably happy with your Ritchy, I'd say take it.

jbpence

I'd take it for sure. the case fits easily in the back seat of a car (if it has one)