deepakvrao

Any idea whether airlines would allow regular rear racks in a carry on bag? we have the Tubus Cargo racks and are getting Bike Fridays. In case the rack do not fit in the suitcase, will we be able to carry on as hand luggage?

Doug64

Hi Deepak,

Giving up on the LHT? Bike Fridays are great bikes. They are made in a in a nearby town. We have been in their shop several times to pick up parts for our trailer. I still use my Volpe and LHT, but have a bike Friday Trailer for hauling groceries and shopping.

Sorry, I can't help on the rack issue. However, it seems like it would be OK if it fits the carry on maximum dimensions and is in a cover.

Doug

fietsbob

Not employed at any air carrier.. have you asked at any that serve your area?

Bike friday's own racks are decent, and they are made to fold flat
to pack in with the bikes..

I have one of their front racks, they come apart into 3 pieces ..
one is a short threaded tube to connect the 2 side pieces.

clayton c

Are you going international ? I don't think there will be any hassle, but you should never second guess TSA. I'd call them and ask them the best way for you to do this. They are completely anal about such things.

Bekologist

i will say, "Yes"

a tubus cargo will fit in a maximum legal carry on and be allowed as carry on luggage.

I've switched to the folding RACK-TIME rack with my suitcase bike for light, week long type trips with the bike. i think it's called the 'fold-it' rack and it folds flat and is still pretty sturdy for touring, not expedition worthy but a month in europe by bike worthy i'd reckon.

deepakvrao

Thanks guys. In India, I can be sure I will not get any conclusive answer. Yes, international flights, and it is within carry on size but worried about security objections. If they object at security, the entire tour is ruined.

Doug,

Getting two New World Tourists for non touring trips initially. If they are as great as everyone says they are, we might tour on them too. LHT - giving up? No way. Love the bike. Makes me look forward to my commutte every day. It's well specced as a comutte bike with a geherator hub and lights.

Bekologist,

Have been shown the same by someone on the BF forums. Prices are really good compared to the BF folding rack. Planning to order those with the 350mm Tubus extension rods. Was pointed to these after this post was made.

fietsbob

Rear rack stays on the bike whenever it gets boxed up, why would you remove it?

at the end of tours, lots of bikes get shipped out of here.
end of a transcontental ACA route
at most, the rear rack bolts to the eyelets are loosened and the rack
is set down on top of the tire/fender, to fit in the shipping carton.

deepakvrao

Fietsbob, with our Surly's we have to remove the racks to fit the bikes in the Tardis soft bags, and the folding Bike Fridays will not fit in their suitcase without removing the racks.

danacf

I've done it at least twice on flights in the United States without any issues. I don't remember even getting questioned about it. I had it in a small canvass bag with my helmet. However, in order to reduce carry on even further, I now put it in my suitcase and pack clothes around it. However, before doing so I put a dowel between the ends of the rack to keep it from getting compressed.

Northwestrider

My guess is that you'll have no problem. Just smile a lot, and all should be fine. Having said that, several years ago, a TSA agent would not allow an open end box wrench in my hand carry as it was 1/2" over the length limit in his eyes ( about 7 inches I believe ) , today I think I'd have no problem, good luck.