A couple friends of mine use Bike Flights regularly, extremely happy with them. I think they remove the rear derailleur, they typically do not ride steel bikes.
If I packed up a bike for Bike Flights, I would be inclined to remove the rear derailleur if it is not a steel frame bike but I would probably have to think about it on a steel frame bike. The last trip I was on, two of the group of a dozen riders had some shifting problems that were caused by bent derailleur hangers. Thus it happens and can be a hassle.
I have not used Bike Flights, only commenting on my friends experience with them.
Originally Posted by
hfbill
Just priced BF shipping my bike to France and back from NY: $1300.00 ! Hell, I could buy a bike in France for less. A quick check of Air France lists baggage costs of about $300 for the same round trip. BF may be more convenient than schlepping a bike box through the airports, but for $1000.00, I'll do the schlep!
When shipping something international there always are questions about customs duty and if you are not with your bike when your bike crosses the border, the customs agents do not know with any certainty if the bike will cross the border again within 90 days. If you are crossing the border with your bike, customs agents are more inclined to believe you when you say the bike is not staying in their country.
Don't blame Bike Flights for exorbitant shipping costs when they have no control over customs agents in foreign countries.