Fitting a bike in a suitcase!!!???!!! ....................?

Bike Forum

[closed]

Fitting a bike in a suitcase!!!???!!! ....................?

24 posts & 16 voices | Started 2 years ago by shoefiti | Latest reply from joemarshall

Tags:

No tags yet.

shoefiti - Member

Anyone done this? i've googled it and seen it done on a google image, My full suss (5 spot - large) comes to bits, so the frame isn't an issue, but the wheels won't fit in the largest case that i have 80cm x 55cm, i don't really want to buy a special hardcase bike box for one trip to the states and as i haven't got any extra luggage to take besides hand lugguge i'm exploring this possibility to save on the cost of sporting goods charges.

Anyone done this and if so what case did you use and can i get one in the UK?

Thanks!

Posted 2 years ago #
xc4pot - Member

there is a video from transition bikes on how to do it, (did a 4 second search and cant find a link)

but he used a soft bag and lots of padding!!

Or stop being so cheap, use a bike box, pay £30 (or argue it, and get it free) and know ur bike is going to be safer than crammed into a suitcase.

Posted 2 years ago #
shoefiti - Member

If it's only 30 squid i don't mind paying - i thought it maybe safer if i could get hold of a hardcase suitcase, rather than a cardboard box (when i went to Italy my road bike got 'dropped' and broke the drop-out despite plenty of padding eeeeeek!)

Posted 2 years ago #
Teetosugars - Member

Whereabouts are you?? I've got a hardcase you can borrow if your anywhere near Cheshire..

Posted 2 years ago #
shoefiti - Member

That very kind of you i'm Wiltshire way, thanks for the offer, i'll give you a shout if it all turns to custard with my plans, again many thanks!

Posted 2 years ago #
allthepies - Member

Hacksaw ?

Posted 2 years ago #
TooTall - Member

It depends on your airline - United charge $200 for a bike.
Research who you are with.

Posted 2 years ago #
joolsburger - Member

I've taken my bikes abroad many times I just turn the pedals around and do the same with the bars. I've never packed it and it's never been damaged.

They told me at the airport that it's easier for them to just roll it up to the plane than it is to manhandle a big box.

Weird Eh?

Posted 2 years ago #
Olly - Member

[mod]image removed - contained malware, apparently.[/mod]

Posted 2 years ago #
ade ward - Member

i had to take a prototype out to taiwan,, and left it all to the last min,, and did eventualy chop it in half,, as it wouldnt fit in my case,,,it's still on the wall of my garage,,

Posted 2 years ago #
shoefiti - Member

It would seem the wheels are the main problem - i've emailed the airlines i was going to go with to see what thier policies are, id' prefer to pack it really, rather than roll it on, it's kinda pricey.

is it common practice to allow up to a certain weight limit, ie 20kg on planes, but maybe allowed more than one item? I'm wondering if i could take wheels seperatly?

Posted 2 years ago #
crispy - Member

Fly Air New Zealand. 2 x 23kg suitcases, plus an additional 10kg allowance for a bike.

1 x cardboard bike box.

Job Done.

Posted 2 years ago #
Gooner - Member

which airline is it?
american airlines have embargos on bikes during the busy months of the year (ring customer services to find out which months) as i found out earlier this year
no embargo but $200 to fly my bike to costa rica and back via new york

Posted 2 years ago #
drain - Member

Closer to you than Cheshire, I'm in Somerset (just moved from Wiltshire!) and would also be happy to lend you either a soft bike bag or maybe an Airporter2 (semi-rigid) suitcase (it takes my breakaway Flo hardtail. might be a squeeze for even a fully dismantled bike).

Posted 2 years ago #
drain - Member

Closer to you than Cheshire, I'm in Somerset (just moved from Wiltshire!) and would also be happy to lend you either a soft bike bag or maybe an Airporter2 (semi-rigid) suitcase (it takes my breakaway Flo hardtail. might be a squeeze for even a fully dismantled bike).

Oops, double entry!

Posted 2 years ago #
stumpy01 - Member

Oops, double entry!

Bet it's not the first time you've said that....

Posted 2 years ago #
foxyrider - Member

How about a bike that is a suitcase

Posted 2 years ago #
drain - Member

Steady on, Stumpy!

Posted 2 years ago #
shoefiti - Member

Thanks drain! I have a bike bag (neil pride) it's just that they tend to have things thrown on them a bit. I haven't booked the flight yet, just looking into it as i'm going over to visit my sister and fancied a spot of riding. just being a bit of a cheap skate and don't want to pay the extra if i can help it! PLus i don't need to take any clothes really as i have a load over there, so just thinking of the easiest way to get a bike there packed as small as possible, it'll make it easier to get round the airports and change overs etc too.

Posted 2 years ago #
stumpy01 - Member

sorry Drain. Couldn't resist.

Posted 2 years ago #
coffeeking - Member

Special delivery....

Posted 2 years ago #
Moses - Member

Is that the suitcase they found in a pond last week?
And is she a bike?

IGCN

Posted 2 years ago #
coffeeking - Member

I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions, I was just looking at available space...

Posted 2 years ago #
joemarshall - Member

You can't fit the wheels in that case with the tyres off and the wheels slightly slanted? You only need 1cm extra to fit the wheels in.

Going to the US, you usually get two cases, you could do one for wheels, one for frame.

It is great if you manage it - no hassles with paying extra baggage charges or anything, and you don't have to sign a damage waiver either, which you often do with bikes.

I second Air New Zealand - if there is a chance of using them, they make it dead easy to take a bike.

Beware the cycle charges, particularly if you're taking an internal flight as well - on some airlines you can a charge per flight (although sometimes you just get one each way).

Joe

Posted 2 years ago #

RSS feed for this topic

Topic Closed

This topic has been closed to new replies.

Singletrack Mountain Bike Magazine

Bike Forum

Fitting a bike in a suitcase!!!???!!! ....................?

Topic Closed

Don't miss…

Singletrack

Website & Forums

Exits