You are right. That is confusing since the weight and size allowance section does specifically mention bikes. But like others have said, I doubt they will blink an eye.

One thing you might try is curb-side check-in if it's available. I did that once with my bike and the hurried employee never even asked me what was in the box and, thus, never charged me. That was my plan, and I would have gotten away with it if it weren't for those meddling TSA employees. At the time, they were checking oversized luggage right near where the curb-side check in was. The airline employee apparently saw the bike when TSA opened the box. I am going though security with a Cheshire Cat grin thinking I got over on them. Just as I clear security I hear a page asking me to come to the gate. There I found a a supervisor waiting to take my credit card for the $75 bike charge. When she admonished me for not telling them there was a bike inside I said simply "No one ever asked."