How To Pack & Ship A Bicycle...
 

I have shipped quite a few bicycles, all over the planet. My guess would be close to four hundred Thunder Bay bicycles, now roll in other countries.

I have seen several how to pack and ship threads, over the years, and thought I might throw my two cents into the piggy bank...

With that in mind, and if you wish, have a look at my newest addition to MY "TEN SPEEDS" - Packing, Shipping & Receiving Bicycles.

Yup, ya needs to know how to receive, also. My opinion, of course.

http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpe...ack_Bike_3.jpg

Doesn't that get too wide with a wheel on each side of the frame?

Just curious, is this the way you'd ship overseas...with the hubs like that against a single layer of cardboard?

http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpe..._Fits_In_2.jpg

Cardboard on frame tubes is a no-no in my book. Doesn't fit tight enough to prevent scratching. I love pipe insulation from Lowe's at less than $2 a stick. Stay-ties are great for keeping everthing snug. as well.

I always use pipe insulation too. I haven't found anything to beat it yet. I also save extra styrofoam and sheets of FoamCore for lightweight and very durable packing.

Agreed. Cardboard on paint can scuff it. Pipe insulation is what I prefer, shipping and receiving.

J

The hub axle ends are protected with large plastic washers, found at the Local Bike Shop...
http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpe...2_Comment1.JPG

I have tried many different things, from cloth wrapped frame sets, to the pipe insulation mentioned. I modify my packing methods, each time I see a way to do it better, that makes sense.

I don't think my cardboard tubes move around. I tie wrap them very tight. And I take my time to do a good job. My first rule, regarding packing, is to ensure that nothing, inside the box, moves independently. The next rule is to keep everything inside. And the seek well thought out padding.

In my opinion, the box is there to contain the unit. Not to protect, in the truest sense. It is my hope that a well packaged container, prepared with the package handler in mind, might get treated a little better. Professionalism? Not sure what to call it but I believe good work is often recognized, no matter what the medium. I have, many times, had my packing complimented, when dropping bikes off, at both FedEx and the Post Office.

Now, I don't know what I am doing right or wrong, but I do listen to my customers. Most seem pretty happy with the packing jobs and many even mention it positively, in my Ebay feedback.

None the less, my hat is in the ring and I have shared what I have learned about sending bicycles from here to there, no matter what either might be. I expect to learn something, perhaps a lotta something, through this exercise.

Just wondered. Didn't see anything in the box.

I think the thing you marked "???" is to cover the end of a quill stem.

I agree with Randy that a box is to contain and not necessarily to protect. Also, his point that a tidy package garners "respect" from the carrier, generally speaking.

I recently received a frame and fork from Italy. The fork was in a bubble bag and strapped to the downtube, inside the frame diamond. Then the frame was contained inside a larger bubble bag - nothing more - dropouts blocked front and rear. The "box" had been cut down so severely and carefully that it fit the frame/fork like a glove - tailored, it was. Not at all like the typical 8"x30"x42" bike box with a lot of interior cavities that have to be blocked or filled so the frame won't shift around.

My seller charged $40 freight from Italy and used the national postal services for the entire trip

I was impressed with the idea of minimal, economic use of space. The package evoked smartness and forethought. The contents were in fine shape; so was the exterior. I'm going to try it next time I ship a frame.

There's no question in my mind that the secret to safe transit is the good packing job. The freight companies do a decent job in my experience. Especially Fedex Ground and USPS, the ones I use most.

Bon voyage.........

J

It's to cover the threaded area on a steerer. This is the only example pic I have.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/g...s/Bikes133.jpg

If it isn't already, I think this thread should be made a sticky. I've only had occasion to shlp a bike once, and would have loved to have known all the tips and hints offered so far. :thumb:

Width can be an issue. When packing a bike like the PX10, I seek a box with a width of at least 8". This usually allows me to fit everything in, snugly. And, more often than not, once fitted into the box, the alxe protectors, on the axle ends, are actually always in contact with the sides of the box.

Tailored? I like that word and that is the best one to use, when describing what one needs to do to a box and the bike.

Take you time in fitting the box and bike. And it does take time. I never rush a packing job and I frequently pack and repack, until I am satisfied that I can do no better, with what I have.

So how do people get crisp corners after cutting down a box to fit? Anytime I have had to make a bike box smaller, the cut down side never ends up looking neat a tidy. I have shipped maybe a dozen frames and bikes and not had any problems, but that part of the packing effort always left me feeling just a little unhappy.

I've had great luck getting packing material from my local bike shop, they give away boxes and other materials since they otherwise have to throw them out.

Good post randyj. - it should be linked to ebay sellers in the question box!

Cardboard actualy woeks well, its what the OEM uses from the factory. Back in my shop day we used it with no complaints. Today I use pipe foam and zip ties simply because its easier and more convenient for me.

Nope. Its for a quill stem as noted earlier.

Looks just great, miamijim and I did try that in previous efforts. I originally wrapped everything with layers of soft cloth. It took hours. Today, I am convinced it was not as protective, as are the cardboard tubes I make and use nowadays.

You know, until just now, I didn't even know that nowadays was a real word:-)

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=197542

Not sure I agree with this philosophy. If the box is crushed on a corner or an end, I'd rather have air take the impact than the frame.

I agree, however, that I and others probably overdo it. I think it's good customer service, though, and gives the buyer confidence that every effort was made to protect their purchase.

In the corners and elsewhere, I insert Poor Man's Bubble Wrap. A plastic grocery bag, partially filled with crushed up balls of newspaper, and then tied at the top of the bag. You can even use two bags, if you wish.

http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpe...ackBike_21.jpg

Now you have a pocket of air, complete with padding, both helping to cushion the impact. And then, after impact, the crushed newspaper actually tries to return to its shape, drawing air back into the plastic bag.

http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpe...ackBike_20.jpg

I invented this stuff myself.

When I box a bike, I always build the box around the frame. However, I keep it rectangular. The corners are super reinforced and I use smaller boxes inside to hold small parts while those boxes also act as structural supports for the corners and the middle. If your having hard time visualizing, think about though tripods that pizza delivery places use to support the center of the box so you don't get you topping smashed all over the cover. My packaging is extremely minimal, but stronger than just about every form of packaging I've received.

Jim's guide was my model. I don't think anyone who's received a bike from me will complain :)

You guys seem to pull a ton of stuff off the bikes. I only pull the pedals, seat/seatpost, front wheel and stem/bars. I use brand new bike boxes and everything fits just fine even with all the padding.