| My friend Ann takes her bike wherever she goes, | | | | example, youcan ship a bike from Miami to Chicago |
| even ifthe trip isn't about biking - like her Christmas | | | | for around $30. Thebiggest benefit here is the |
| trip to | | | | minimized hassle factor. Thereis no waiting in long |
| Arizona to visit her parents. We discussed the | | | | lines in the airport baggage claimarea, no packing it |
| advantagesand compared some expenses. | | | | into the rental car. The bike isdelivered to your door. |
| In the end, I went to do a little research to find out | | | | You have a tracking number, so you can keep |
| whatwould be the best way to go when traveling by | | | | informed aboutthe when and where of your bike's |
| airplane -ship your bike in the cargo hold of the plane, | | | | current position whileit's en route. A good shipping |
| ship itahead of time by UPS, or rent a bike when you | | | | carton is necessary, ofcourse, but for people who |
| arrive atyour destination. | | | | travel often it's worth theinvestment. |
| Renting was the clear loser among the three options. | | | | Here is the run down of options for shipping cartons. |
| Forone thing, it's not your bike, so it is likely to | | | | Youcan get a hard-sided bike suitcase for around |
| beinferior along with not fitting you perfectly like | | | | $350 USD, andit will last forever. For these, you have |
| your ownbike does. Also, it's expensive. You can rent | | | | to take off bothof the wheels as well as handlebars, |
| a clunkerfor $45 USD a day if you're in an area | | | | seat, and pedals tofit the bike into the case. |
| where bike rental iseven possible. | | | | For around $200, you can get a waterproof bike box |
| If you want a decent bike, though, you're going to | | | | that isvery durable and has the advantage of being |
| pay atleast $65. So, if you rent and ride once or | | | | collapsiblewhen not in use. I don't recommend the |
| twice whileyou're there, you'll have almost broken | | | | plain cardboardrectangular boxes because they are |
| even with the costof shipping your bike. If you ride | | | | expensive, around $150,and only last for a handful of |
| more than a coupletimes, you're money ahead, once | | | | trips. Both the waterproofand cardboard rectangular |
| you've invested in some kind ofshipping carton. | | | | box come with tie-downs, straps,and foam chocks. |
| Shipping your bike in the airplane's cargo hold is a | | | | You do have to do some disassembly of thebike, |
| goodoption, and might be the best choice depending | | | | removing the pedals and handlebar. |
| on thecircumstances. The advantages of carrying it | | | | There's one more shipping set-up that is a little |
| with you onthe plane include the fact that you will | | | | lessexpensive. For about $80, you can get a |
| have it with youat all times. You won't be without | | | | triangularcardboard shipping carton. You don't have to |
| your bike for the 2 to | | | | do anydisassembly, not even the bars because of |
| 6 days it takes when shipping by UPS. Also, you can | | | | the triangularshape. Just use the quick release for the |
| use asoft bag, which is not recommended for | | | | front wheel andseat, and hold them in place with the |
| shipping by adelivery service. | | | | tie downs that areprovided. |
| Depending on what kind of packaging you use for | | | | For details about carrying cases and shipping, go |
| theshipment, disassembly of your bike is minimal. You | | | | on-lineand enter the term 'bike shipping' in any search |
| can getby with as little as taking off the handlebar | | | | engine. |
| and pedals. | | | | You'll be pleased to find that traveling with your own |
| The cost is around $40 each way. | | | | bikeis affordable and fairly hassle-free. If you haven't |
| The option I like best is shipping via delivery service. | | | | takenyour bike with you on trips already, I assure |
| Depending on the from-to locations, the cost is | | | | you that it'sworth it. |
| usuallyless than carrying the bike on the plane. For | | | | |