jessefive

Hmm, I was wondering how big those cases were. Oh well...

teadoggg

That Pika Packworks Case may slip through undetected. I should get one, seeing as how often I go to (or would like to) travel via aeroplane. If I save 50 bucks each way, that's three trips before I pay for it.

mplsminx

I recently got back from London (hi Jack) and flew NWA. On the way there, we were not charged. The bikes, in cardboard boxes, arrived safely. On the way back, however, KLM (one of NWA's partners or somesuch) charged us 60 pounds apiece to fly the bikes back. "Insurance", they said. Highway robbery! It turned out to be over $200 and I am still haggling with them over getting a refund. Their website clearly states that to fly your bike internationally is free.

Grr.

wangster

I rented a freight case from trackstar and it worked awsome. The airline people didn't even bother to ask, just checked it and thats it. Bike was fine but on the way back the case got pretty beat up by the sh*tty ass workers for delta/song but the bike was still cool and the case was only slightly less boxy. I'd def use that case again. You just have to take everything off the bike like fork and cranks, but on a track bike that doesn't take too long. I highly recommend it and if I flew more often I'd buy one.

chimblysweep

Using that logic, you could easily justify S&S Couplers... they're always undetected (because the cases aren't oversize), plus that way you wouldn't have to worry about stashing a case at your destination.

teadoggg

I'm not planning a custom frame anytime in the near future, and I'm not about the cut up the bike(s) I have. The S&S are really nifty, but I'd never put them on my bikes. They're not really my style. I dig smooth lines.

stickyfoot

I'm dying to have something of use to post in this thread! When will my Freight Baggage flight bag arrive??!!!

humancongereel

[QUOTE=mplsminx]I recently got back from London (hi Jack) and flew NWA. QUOTE]

i always forget that NWA is also an airline.

SAB

You obviously haven't actually seen them up close and really studied them carefully. There ARE smooth, man... Look like they were meant to be there. They can be easily retro-fitted to steel or titanium frames with round tubes (not "shaped"). All it takes is money... And the cahones to get your existing frame cut in half. I'm tellin' ya. Silky smooth...

teadoggg

No, I've seen them up close - I know a guy who's got them. I just like smooth, uninterrupted tubes. Looks more fluid to me.

No, I don't have the cahones to cut my frames in half. Thin wall aluminum on one so no dice and vintage Columbus steel on the other - not happening.

chicagoamdream

Did this guy send his frame to SS and have them do it? Is there any other way of getting it done (ie, local shops)?

I've been thinking about it for a while, and I think if I do it, I'll do it to some classic (not rare) 531 road frame...maybe a Raleigh Comp or International. Cool points not withstanding, it'd be nice to have the option of taking a geared bike on the road with me.

chimblysweep

builders can do it. shops generally don't have the equipment. Check the list at the S&S website or just ask your favorite local framebuilder.

i know i can't wait to get mine. the idea that this is the last month of my life that i have to worry about that stupid heavy case makes me so happy. i just adore the idea of riding to and from the airport and checking the bike without hassle or fees.

chicagoamdream

It really adds a nice dash of "value-added justification" to a custom frame (not that any of us need it).

I really doubt, though, that I could get Tanabe-san to go for it.

What's the deal with the case, Chimbly? How do you carry it while biking? Straps?

chimblysweep

Paging ugly 80's photos...
hey, it's not pretty, but think about it... riding to and from the airport! i'll throw that backpack in my bumblebee bag along with all my clothes for the trip, ride right to the airport, and pack it there. (In DC, there's actually a bike trail that has a branch off it to the airport- I've done it before but had to lock up the bike and leave it in the parking garage.)

chicagoamdream

Damn, how'd I miss that pic?!

I bet I could get ReLoad to make something far more fresh at that price, however.

It is possible to bike to O'Hare...Chicagoans, check this out (I love this page):

https://www.neiu.edu/~rkastiga/bike/bik2ohar.htm

chimblysweep

ok, sorry to revive the thread, but i had to share.

last night, i went to check my S&S backpack, which is legal sized and legal weight, at the airport, and the following conversation ensued...
"Is this a bike?"
"No, it's just trade show equipment."
"OK."
"Can I ask why you're wondering?"
"There's a fee for checking bikes."
"That's interesting. I thought that fee had to do with them being oversized? I've checked my bike before and they usually just say the fee is because of the size and weight."
"No, we're supposed to charge every bike."
"Even if they're within size and weight limits?"
"Yes. And this, it's not a bike, you say?"
"Nope. Just trade show equipment."
*rolling her eyes* "Sure, ok. Have a nice day."

queerpunk

HA! not a bike, just a bunch of bike parts.

spud

chimbly, you trouble maker

Aeroplane

I love that loophole. If the pedals arent in that bag, it's not a bike. So what if they are in your carry-on...

chimblysweep

i was just floored at how this conversation made crystal clear that it's not about size or weight at all - it's about just squeezing money out of targeted groups, and the fact that I was checking less than half of my allotted luggage didn't matter. bikers are dollar signs, and they're aiming to collect...

baldylocks

I'm glad this thread got revived 'cause I didn't see it before and was going to ask about cases. Has anybody had any experience with trains, hell that's a cooler way to travel anyway,imo. Do they also charge outrageous fees? And what about shipping, I used to work for a shipping company and I know how badly things can be handled,and don't kid yourself they ARE handled roughly, but it seems that if packed properly it would be cheaper than the fee from the airline. That is unless you are packing trade show equipment.

mrbertfixy

where did you get your S&S backpack? did you do anything to reinforce it or pad it? i'm getting S&S put on my bike by mike desalvo, i didn't bother to ask him if he could get any cases or backpacks for it.

chimblysweep

i got the backpack from my builder. you should ask. and it's got some plastic reinforcers in it, but that's it. it's rough going, so...

Julie's Tips for S&S (based on 4 roundtrip flights in 3 weeks)
1. Get something strong to protect your tubing. It needs to be slightly padded but able to resist the wearing of spokes on it. Pipe insulation, no. Something with fabric on it, yes.
2. pack very carefully. Check to make sure your axles touch when you put weight on the bag. Double pad any places where tubes and spokes touch.
3. use a short seatpost.
4. forget the "fragile" stickers. nobody cares.
5. if it's not done yet, i'd go for powdercoat instead of paint. more durable, and you'll need it.
6. pack some lube and some grease along with your spanner wrench, allen wrench set, and pedal wrench.
7. pay attention to weight. if you're over 50 you will get charged. with a weeks worth of clothes in the bag, i'm usually around 49.

i'm really sad at how travelling with the bike has made it age a year in a month. it's scratched all over the place - stem, bars, etc. - and i haven't been able to maintain it properly because i'm always on the road with it. when i got home monday i spent hours trying to clean it, lube and grease it, and make it happy again.

adampaiva

i thought this was going to be about going so fast you got your bicycle to take flight

mrbertfixy

cool, thanks a bunch. looks like i might be sewing myself some tube protectors. i may just contact a builder around chicago who uses S&S or johnny since he's not too far away for a backpack.