Originally Posted by
erbfarm
I also thought about shipping to REI in SF as a possibility since I read on a previous thread that their rates are very reasonable and I"m also an REI member so hope they would be open to doing this.
See my post above about my pleasant REI experience. Note that you have to call the particular shop to see if they offer what you are looking for. One handy thing about using them is that if you can pick up any last minute items you might need when you pick up your bike. I usually cook on my tours. When I fly somewhere I cannot bring fuel with me, and a stove with fuel and ash residue could be confiscated according to the TSA. I shipped an empty fuel bottle and my stove in the bike box and picked up fuel right there at REI.
If you are unfamiliar with bikeflights.com, which calls Portland home, it's a discount outlet for bike shipment through FedEx. Check out their web site. You can get a rate quote with your origin and destination zip codes, bike box size and total weight. The rate calculator even has a drop down menu with the sizes and weights of many popular brands of reusable bike boxes. Mine is on that list so getting a quote is really easy. There is also an option for purchasing additional insurance.