A bike bag is great for protecting your pride and joy from airport baggage handlers, but if you’re on a tight budget a cardboard bike box will do the job
TOP TIP
Pack cleverly! You can use things like knee pads to protect your bike, and if you have enough weight allowance you can pack out your bike box with holiday essentials such as shoes and clothes.
Frame
Wrap as much of the frame as you can in bubble wrap or pipe lagging, making sure that the sides are protected at the very least. Leave the cranks attached but put a good thick layer of bubble wrap and cardboard around the large chainring to protect it – and the bottom of the box/bag – from damage.
Pedals
Remove the pedals and wrap them in bubble wrap or cardboard. If you’re using a cardboard box, tape them to the bottom or under the saddle to stop them moving around in transit. If you’ve got a bag, stick them in one of the pockets.
Fork
It’s essential to protect the fork’s stanchions and lower legs from damage. Use pipe lagging or bubble wrap to properly pad them out, especially the stanchions.
Wheels
If possible, leave the back wheel in the frame to protect the rear mech (for this reason, a long, thin box is better than a shorter, wider one). It’s a good idea to take the brake rotors off to stop them getting bent out of shape. Slip some cardboard between the front wheel and frame to prevent scratches.
Brakes
Put pad spacers in both callipers to prevent brake lever movement popping the pistons out.
Mech and hanger
Wrap the rear mech and mech hanger in bubble wrap. If you’re using a bike bag, remove them and tape or ziptie them to the frame.
Bar and stem
Remove the handlebar and stem and wrap them in bubble wrap. Ziptie them to the frame, somewhere where they won’t get damaged.
BIKE BAG OPTIONS
Cardboard Bike Box
CRC Complete Bike and Wheel Bags
The wheel bags will keep your hoops safe, and the heavy-duty fabric bag will outlast a cardboard casket. Often discounted too.
Price 135$
EVOC Bike Travel Bag
The Rolls-Royce of bike bags. All the protection you need, along with in-built wheel bags. Big enough for a 29er or downhill bike too.
Price 450$