CL39

Hello,
I am trying to fit a MTB into a box I got from a LBS.
At first I thought it will fit w/ only the front wheel removed
and fork turned, handlebar removed from the tube and
taped against the frame but still not enough space, so I will
remove the rear wheel and also the RD and tape it against the frame.
My problem is
if I set the frame inside the box, the chainrings being the
lowest part of it, it will bear good bit of weight on it.
I don't know how serious (if at all) that will be, but if you
do not recommend I have the entire frame sitting on the
largest chainring, how can I get around this problem.
Thank you.

Cyclist0094

don't let the bike rest on the chainrings, That is inviting disaster! I remove the right side crank when I ship my bike. Alternately if you don't want to pull the crank, you can sink the teeth of the chainrings into a block of styrofoam and secure it to the crank with tape. also make sure you well insulate the rear derailluer from damage and make sure that the frame isn't resting on it either.

metal_cowboy

I have shipped dozens of bikes and the best recomendation I can give:Bubble wrap. Lots of bubble wrap. You might also look at getting a bigger bike box. I have shipped several 22-24" mountain bikes, and they have all packed with only the front wheel and handlebars removed.

dbuzi123

I too have shipped a few bikes where I've had to remove both wheels. I put a ton of bubble wrap and cardboard under the chainrings and they made it there fine. Also make sure to get a piece of plastic from your lbs to put in your fork so it doesnt get bent.

Mentor58

Another tip I've heard, but not actually used, is to get the foam pipe insulation, the kind that is split down the middle. It does a super job of protecting the frame. Lots of bubblewrap, make sure that there is nothing that can shift, build up extra BW around the RD to protect it.

You may also want to get some axle protectors (little caps that fit on the ends of the axles to protect the threads) They also help make sure that an end doesn't work its way thru the side of box.

Good test is to after you have everything in place to get somebody to give you a hand and shake the box, tip it on sides, flip it over. If you hear things shifting, more padding.

Good Luck

Steve W

spinnaker

If you don't have a place to store your box (you have to discard), where do you pick up bubble pack in an unfamiliar area? Seems to me it might be a big job just finding a box, unless you are lucky enough to be able to purchase one from the airlines.

dbuzi123

you can ussually get a box with most of the original packing for a bike free or cheap from your lbs.

locky63red

I only packed and shipped a bike last week. I went to my LBS and he said help yourself to any of the boxes and stuff waiting to be disposed of. I got a couple of boxes heaps of bubble wrap and all the plastic axle and fork protectors by searching through some of the other boxes in the pile. It packed up really good after I had too remove the wheels, Handlebar,pedals and seat and seatpost. These were then wrapped in bubblewrap and taped to the bike before it went into the box.

spinnaker

I'm talking about the other end, though I assume their LBS would be accomadating, they might not have it to give since so many bikers coming through a tourist area.

metal_cowboy

You can get bubble wrap at Office depot, or a similiar office supply store. If you live near a UPS store, they may carry bike boxes. My local UPS store carries new bike boxes for around $8.00.

spinnaker

Are the UPS bike boxes the larger size like used by the airlines?

Ken Brown

Don't take the rear wheel off! If it won't fit the box, get a larger box. I have a large touring bike, bigger than any MTB, and I have managed to find boxes large enough. My first trip, before I learned to turn the fork backwards, I connected 2 boxes together with nuts/bolts/washers and lots of tape. I know someone with a tandem who does the same.

bitingduck

My LBS actually has detailed instructions with pictures on their website:

https://pasadenacyclery.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=275

Instead of a block like they show, I have some threaded rod cut to the right length with hex nuts on the inside and wingnuts on the outside to protect the fork (and rear dropouts when I have to take the rear off).

I also usually use foam pipe insulation to protect the frame, and use pieces of tape to mark both the seatpost and the handlebar position (I don't pull the stem if it's a style where the bars can be removed without pulling the stem).