Instead of paying a lot of money for inefficient shipping, research ways to cut costs if you want to ship a bike to a different location. One of the biggest factors in reducing your shipping cost is minimizing the size of the package where you will ship the bike. Follow the right steps by taking your bike apart, shipping it in the right package, and exploring ways to lower your shipping cost.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Take the bike apart
Step 1. Use an Allen wrench to unscrew the handlebar from the bike
Place the Allen wrench on the bolt on the front of the handlebar. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the screw. Once it's loose, you can lift the handlebar from its deck or shell.
Put the screws and bolts in a zip-top bag to keep all the small parts in one place for when you want to put the bike back together
Step 2. Remove the pedals
Depending on the type of pedals you have, you will need an Allen key or a 15-millimeter wrench. Press down on the pedal with your foot and hold the brake to prevent the bike and pedals from moving. Squat down and insert the Allen key or use the wrench to loosen the bolts on the opposite side of the pedal. Keep unscrewing the bolts until the pedal comes off.
You may need a friend to hold the bike in place while you unscrew the pedals
Step 3. Remove the front wheel
If you have a quick-release wheel, all you will have to do is open the latch on the front of the wheel and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the wheel. If the wheel is secured with a bolt, you will need a 15-millimeter wrench to remove it. Loosen the bolt in the center of the wheel by turning the wrench counterclockwise.
You may also have to loosen the brakes to remove the wheel
Step 4. Unscrew and remove the seat
Find the bolts that hold the seat to the bike frame and remove them with an Allen wrench. These bolts will be somewhere under the seat. Some bikes have two bolts that you have to remove, while others have only one. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the bolt until the seat pops out. The bike will now be practically disassembled and ready to transport.
Step 5. Release the air from the tires by pressing the needle into the nozzle
Deflate the tires to make room in the shipping package for the rest of the bike. This also prevents the tubes from bursting during shipping. Unscrew the tire caps from the bike and gently press the needle into the center of the valve to release the air.
Do not squeeze the tires before pressing the needle. Otherwise, you could damage them
Part 2 of 4: Packing the Bike
Step 1. Get a cardboard bike box from a bicycle store
Find a box made for the same bike style as yours. Maybe you can get the box for free. If your bike store doesn't have boxes, you can buy one online for a low cost.
Step 2. Buy a travel bike case if your bike is expensive
Travel cases for bicycles are more expensive than a cardboard box, but they provide more protection for the bicycle. If you want to ship an expensive bike, consider using a travel case. This could save you money in the long run, since you won't have to pay for expensive bike repairs.
Step 3. Purchase and cut plumbing insulation to the size of the square
Purchase pipe insulation online or at a hardware store. Foam material can be wrapped around the bike frame to prevent damage during transportation. Measure the length of the different parts of the bike frame and cut the insulation with the same measure.
If you want to save even more money, you can use bubble wrap instead of pipe insulation
Step 4. Glue or tie the insulation around the bike frame
Wrap the insulation around the bike frame or wrap tape or tape around the insulation and the frame. This allows the foam insulation to be secured to the bike frame and held in place.
Step 5. Wrap loose parts in bubble wrap
Take the wheel, handlebars, and pedals and wrap them in bubble wrap. Secure the wrapper with tape and set it aside. Don't forget to cover any exposed parts of the bike with any remaining bubble wrap you have.
Step 6. Put the bike frame in the package first
Place the bike frame and rear wheel on top of the package. Double check to make sure the box is big enough to fit the bike.
If your bike is heavy, you may need someone to help hold the box in place while you put the frame inside
Step 7. Put the rest of the parts in the package
Carefully place the parts in the package, sliding them as close to the frame as possible. Once all the parts are in place, close the box and make sure the sides are not bulging.
- If the sides are bulging, rearrange the parts of the box to avoid this problem.
- If the box makes the sides of the box look bulky, you will need a larger box.
Step 8. Glue the box to close it
Close all the flaps of the box and apply several layers of tape over the flaps. Once you feel that the box is secure, you are done packing the bike.
Part 3 of 4: Ship the bike
Step 1. Choose a shipping company
Compare the prices of the different shipping companies to find the most economical option. In the United States, major shipping companies like FedEx, USPS, and USP can ship bikes for a fee. There are also other services, such as Bikeflights, Sports Express, and Shipbikes.com that specifically ship bikes. Measure the dimensions of the bike and determine how much each service would cost.
Step 2. Print the shipping label
Generally, you can calculate the cost and print and pay for shipping online. Visit the website of the shipping company you want to use and fill out the order information. Stick the shipping label on the box securely. Make sure to tape the front of the tag with clear tape so the tag is not damaged during travel.
- If you cannot print the label online, you will need to visit the shipping store.
- Make sure you have the destination of the bike handy when you fill out the shipping label.
- Some companies will not ship your box unless all edges of the shipping label are properly attached to the box.
Step 3. Take the bike to a shipping store and pay the fee to ship it
Take the package to the nearest shipping store. If you couldn't get the tag online, you can get it now in the store. The staff will weigh and measure the package and inform you how much it will cost.
In the United States, shipping a 50-pound bicycle can cost anywhere from $ 100 to $ 400
Part 4 of 4: Cut Costs
Step 1. Keep the package as small as possible
Some shipping companies will charge you based on the size of the package, not the weight of the bike. If the shipping company charges you for the size of the package, choose the smallest box you can find.
Step 2. Use basic shipping
Most of the time, shipping companies have a slower option that you can choose from. Generally, this option takes more time, but costs less.
Step 3. Take the bike on an airline flight
Check the rules and fees associated with traveling with your bike. Some airlines offer to transport bicycles on the plane. This avoids the possibility of it getting lost and often costs less than shipping.
Step 4. Secure the bike, if it is not too expensive
While the price of the insurance will add to the overall cost, it will save you from having to buy a new one if it is lost during the trip. This is very useful if you send the bike abroad.