How to Pack a Tri Bike for Air Travel

One of my coaching clients, who is racing in Miami 70.3 in a few weeks, asked me about traveling with a bike:

“Should I take my bike on the plane or ship it to the race site? How do I pack it securely?”

There a few considerations, namely cost and convenience.

Although I have on one occasion shipped my bike to the hotel where I’ll be staying, I usually take my bike with me on the plane so that it travels with me. Plus, I can train with it up until the last possible moment rather than have pack up and ship ahead of time. All airlines require a fee. I’ve had to pay the airline’s bike fee about 50% of the time. I’ve found that I sometimes get away with not paying the fee when checking in at a large airport with the electronic check in terminals, as there is not usually a menu option for bicycles. This strategy worked for my friend, Brady, this weekend for travel to Phoenix. Fees vary by airline with Southwest on the low end at $50. I’ve heard that some airlines are charging up to $150 each way so shipping via UPS or FEDEX Ground might be a cheaper option depending on your airline and your luck. Also, be sure to check if there any weight restrictions so that you don’t get double charged for the case and the excessive weight.

A third option is a group like Tri Bike Transport that will pick up your bike from a local bike shop and drive it down to a larger race like a 70.3 or Ironman Triathlon. The advantage is that you don’t have to break down your bike as much. I have not used them before, but the folks that have seemed happy with the service. The downside is that you will often need to drop off your bike at least a full week in advance.

Because I’m traveling with my bike to Tempe, AZ, this weekend to do some riding and watch Krista race in the Best of the U.S. Triathlon Championship, I was able to take some pictures of how I pack my tri bike:

Photo: My QR Lucero packed for plane travel

The first step with packing a bike is to mark the position of any parts that you break down such as seat post or aerobars before you take the bike part. I like to use either finger nail polish or white out because they are permanent until removed. Tape works, too, but can be rubbed off or slide. When breaking down parts, the key is to break down as little as possible and as simple as possible. For example, I removed my seat post by loosening to bolts rather than my seat, which require a more complex adjustment to reassemble to its proper position. I also removed my aerobars at the handle bar stem, front brakes and pedals.

In order to protect the carbon fiber frame from scratching or chipping, I wrap it in pipe insulation then secure the pipe insulation with blue painter’s tape. Both items are readily available in a local hardware store like Lowe’s or Home Depot. The blue tape is nice because it does not leave a sticky residue on the frame and can be reused for the return trip. The case has four straps, which I use to secure the bike in place then I wrap with either bubble wrap or towel and secure any other loose parts like bike shoes that could potentially damage the frame. Other items that I put in my case are my helmet, empty water bottles and wheels.

Photo: Securing loose gear in bags and with straps

Thankfully, the bike arrived when I arrived. Direct flights are always preferable since your bike is more likely to arrive when you do especially if you have a short layover on non-stop flight or board a smaller plane to reach your final destination.

Safe travels!

David

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David B. Glover
Writer, Athlete, Coach and Race Director
Author of Full Time and Sub-Nine
Personal Web: www.davidglover.net
Business Web: www.enduranceworks.net

©2008 David B. Glover

One Response to “How to Pack a Tri Bike for Air Travel”

1. David says:

   October 26, 2008 at 10:10 pm

   Two additional great suggestions from Dave Cascio:

   1) use quick ties to hold closed brake levers

   2) use spacers if you have then in fork and rear wheel drop outs. They way you lay your fork it’s not necessary; but for some cases pressure can be put on the rear drop outs.

   *** My comment #2: I lost my spacers so I use my helmet in the rear drop out area to absorb any pressure that would press against wheel drop out.

   Cheers,
   David Glover