Lenbrazil

I'm a NYer who moved to Brazil. I'll be back in town Jan. 31 - Feb. 9 and plan on getting some bikes to bring back with me. The problem is the place I'm staying on W. 16th is pretty small. I have friends in town but don't think they have much space either and don't want to impose. So where could I store them till I fly back? Some place cheap but safe.

Also what would be the best way to get to JFK with 2 or 3 bikes, 3 people and luggage? Uber?

CliffordK

In Holland, they just stash bikes an any convenient canal.

You have some bridges in NY, don't you?

CliffordK

Look up "Mini-Storage". They come in different sizes. But, the smallest should be able to hold a couple of bikes.

Lenbrazil

I've done Mini-S in the past and thought of getting a space. It would be a pain and costly for the short period of time. I was hoping someone would know of a bike shop or garage etc.

dendawg

If you're buying new from a shop you can have them hold them for you and even box them up for shipping, then just pick them up on your way to JFK. Your going to want at least a mini-van or SUV to get you to the airport. I usually use a car service. Their prices are fixed and I can find a coupon for a few bucks off online. I've read too many horror stories about people getting overcharged by Uber drivers. FWIW expect it to cost a bit more to make the stop to pick up the bikes, or bring them back to your apartment the day you leave. They will need to be boxed up for the airline.

Lenbrazil

I think I got the transport part worked out. A friend of a friend has a van.

I'm gonna get 1 or 2 new bikes over the internet and 1 or 2 used (total of 3) so I assume the LBS would charge a bit. So if anyone could suggest a place in Manhattan, Queens or Brooklyn I'd be grateful. I going to Chicago for a few days then will fly into LGA on the 9th, spend most of the day in BK and fly out around midnight from JFK.

dendawg

If the friends van is garaged maybe you could keep them in the van. Personally I don't trust leaving anything of value on the streets of NYC. The bikes will need to be boxed up for shipping on the plane and be prepared for a hefty luggage fee for the bikes depending on your airline

Lenbrazil

It turns out my friend's friend is busy that night but he volunteered his basement. So storage is resolved but I still need a ride. If anyone knows of a better option than Uber let me know.

zacster

Are you traveling with someone or two? I don't know how you would handle 3 bikes in boxes even if you get to the airport. I only once tried traveling with a bike and it was all I could do to move the one bike while I carried my other stuff in a backpack. A bike in a hardshell case does not fit into cars and they are difficult to maneuver. I got myself to downtown Seattle and the hotel came and got me on a special run with their van.

Jarrettsin

Wait what? Are you dropping them at a freight shipper? You think you can show up at an airport with 3 bikes in boxes and check them in like baggage? If they allow that, which I doubt you are going to get hit with astronomical fees. Freight ship them ahead of time! Which will still cost a bunch but save hassle.