I do a lot of packing and shipping of bikes. However, I work in a shop and have access to packing material and the know how to do it right.

We charge about $25 to box it up for customers. Shipping is extra, but the MOST I've paid has been $45 from FL to WA for a Heavy Freeride bike.

The key is to remove anything that sticks out. Quick releases, pedals, seat posts, brake levers...etc.

Bubble wrap EVERYTHING! Most companies want you to double layer cardboard. I usually will stick a piece of cardboard between the frame on the wheels, and then another piece on each side of that (so 3 sheets of cardboard inside the box). If you have a Cannondale dealer in your town, see if you can get a box from them as Cannondale boxes are wider than most and pretty durable.

As far as shipping, I HATE UPS! I've found that Fed-Ex Ground is the best choice. Overnight is WAY too much, 2 day is o.k, but Ground will get it cross country is 4 days most of the time (except Christmas time). Like I've said, $45 is the most I've paid.

Little hint. Get the insurance. It's only a couple dollars more! Also, insure the bike for the REPLACEMENT VALUE, not the actual selling price. That way if it gets damaged or lost, you are not trying to quantify the value, give them MSRP on the same bike but a new model year. Is this correct? I dunno, just what I've always done. I figure if I'm selling a $2,500 bike and I loose money and sell it for $1,500. What happens if the bike is lost? The guy is out $1,500, and I've damaged my reputation as a good seller. What if the guy raises heck and wants a comparable bike? If it was worth $2,500 and I sold it for $1,500, who pays the extra $1,000? Me? No WAY! I didn't loose the bike. The shipping company did! Plus, who reimburses me for all my time and aggrevation dealing with the problem?

[Rant over!]

Anyways, insure it for the FULL value, not the selling price!

L8R