+1 on pipe insulation. Cheap, comes in several diameters. Zip ties/velcro work fine, but often not needed.
Bubblewrap works OK but has to be discarded after one usage. You could also use combo of pipefoam/bubblewrap.
Will be packing up our tandem and single for our summer escape up north next week.
Removing wheels, all pedals and pilot seatpost (with stoker handlebars) to keep things realtive flat inside our Honda wagon. Everything else stays on the bike. Pipe foam where needed on all major tubes.
Couple suitcases will be laid flat as bottom layer on station wagon floor. Then the tandem. Then blanket. Then singe bike on top of that. Another blanket and wheels for tandem + single on top of that. Other stuff gets put in either plastic bags or small boxes where there is space. We have also utilized garment bags that lay flat.
There is room behind passenger seat to put 2 more suitcases + daily travel needs for easy access.
Been doing it that way for years; have traveled from AZ to east and west coast and Canada.
Works fine for us!
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem