Originally Posted by
Tandem Tom
Looking toward our European tour this year and will need to pack our bikes.
I was wondering if there are "better" quality boxes,ie. thicker cardboard. I see a brand/company called Uline.
Also my most recent idea is to wrap the bike in bubble wrap then put it in the box.
Thoughts about both of the above?
Thanks!
On a trip to Italy, I stored my box at the hotel for the return home. Apparently someone got POed that it was there and punched it full of holes. I went around the corner and picked up another box at the bike shop. I slipped the ruined box inside the "new" box. Turned out to be a really great idea. I still have that box to this day. I like it so much I only use it on a loop trip.
Bike boxes seem to come in two sizes. Standard and large. The large one exceeds the limits on FedEx an UPS so you pay a penalty. With the airlines, you should not be penalized for taking the larger size box. You might consider that.
I have a bike case that I love. But too heavy for shipping. And a pain if the trip is not a loop trip. If you are willing to drive down to pick it up and return it, you are welcome to use it.
Team Bike Case - Performance Bike
It would cover at least one bike. The bad news is you have to remove everything including fork and rack but it will get you bike there secure. I added straps and extra clasps to make sure it does not pop open durning transport.
Bubble wrap is a good idea but I prefer the pipe insulation you get at Home Depot.