Originally Posted by
spectastic
what if I get a compact frame, and put that in a bag separate from the wheels, so that the width can be thinner. I can pack all my clothes in with the frame, take off the crank/chain and saddle, and put them in with the wheels.
I might be able to find a compact frame that would fall in spec when all packed up.
This is what I thought when I got my Arvon2 take-apart bike built by Arvon Stacey. It fits into a 20" x 20" x 12" box. Yes, those dimensions are correct. I thought it would be great - and it was until the rear hub (Sturmy Archer 8 speed) broke and there were no parts in Australia. The bike was $3000 custom built and I then postponed the tour until next year and went travelling around Western Australia with the bike and touring gear in the back of a hatch-back Corolla. Some of my travels checked out the route I was supposed to bicycle on, so I now know what the terrain is like and where to wild camp.
Next year I will bring my Arvon1 tourer. I don't trust that rear hub any more - and it was new with maybe 40 km on it. Stuff happens, but imagine - no parts in Australia!
I tried with the SA distributor and SA mechanix in Melbourne and Perth. I was not willing to spend another $500+ to fix a brand new bike with a buggered wheel. Better to bring back another bike (next year) that I know works well - but is a bear to ship from overseas (Qatar) where I now am.