If you want to send a bike to a different location, instead of paying a lot of money for inefficient shipping, you should look for ways to reduce your costs.Reducing the size of the container you're going to ship the bike in is a big factor in reducing your bike shipping costs.If you take the right steps, you can reduce your shipping costs.
Step 1: To remove the handlebars from the bike, you need an Allen key.
The screw on the front of your handlebars needs to be put into the Allen key.The wrench should be turned counterclockwise to loosen the screw.You should be able to lift your handlebars from their housing once it's loose.Place the screws and bolts in a zip lock bag to make it easier to reassemble the bike later.
Step 2: The pedals have to be removed.
You'll need either an Allen key or a 15mm wrench for certain pedals.Put your foot on the pedal and hold the brake to prevent it from moving.Use the wrench or Allen key to loosen the bolt on the other side of the pedal.Remove the bolt until the pedal comes off.You might need a friend to help you hold the bike in place.
Step 3: The front wheel needs to be removed.
If you have a quick-release wheel, you don't need to do a lot of things to loosen it.If your wheel is secured with a bolt, you'll need a 15mm wrench to remove it.Turn the wrench counter-clockwise to loosen the bolt on the wheel.You may have to loosen the brakes.
Step 4: Take off your seat.
Remove the bolts that hold your seat to the frame of the bike by using an Allen key.There are bolts under the seat.Some bikes have two bolts while others only have one.To loosen the bolt, turn the key clockwise.Your bike should be ready for transport now that it's mostly unassembled.
Step 5: Press the needle on the nozzle to let the air out of your tires.
Make more room in your container for the rest of the bike by deflating your tires.The tubes will not pop while you're shipping it.Remove the caps on your bike's tires and softly press down on the needle in the center of the valve to release the air from the tires.If you squeeze your tires, you may damage them.
Step 6: There is a bike box at the shop.
You can find a box for the same type of bike.You might be able to get the box for free.If the bike shop does not have any boxes, you can purchase one online for a low fee.
Step 7: Buy a bike travel case.
Extra protection for your bike is provided by bike travel cases.A travel case can be used if you are shipping a more expensive bike.You won't have to pay for expensive bike repairs because of this.
Step 8: Purchase plumbing insulation to fit your frame.
Purchase pipe insulation at a hardware store.The frame of your bike can be protected with this foam material.Measure the length on the different parts of your bike's frame and cut the foam insulation to the same size.You can use bubble wrap instead of plumbing insulation if you want to save more money.
Step 9: Tie the insulation around the frame of your bike.
Wrap the insulation around the frame of your bike with duct tape or zip ties.The foam insulation on your bike's frame can be secured with this.
Step 10: Wrap parts with bubble wrap.
Wrap your wheel, handlebars, and pedals in bubble wrap.Set the wrap aside by securing it with tape.You should cover any exposed parts of your bike with bubble wrap.
Step 11: The frame of the bike needs to be placed in the container first.
The bike's frame and back wheel should be placed in the container.Make sure your box is large enough to hold your bike.If you have a heavy bike, you may need someone to help hold the box in place as you put the frame in it.
Step 12: Put the rest of the parts in the container.
The rest of the parts should be placed in the container as close to the frame as possible.To make sure the sides are not bulging, close the box and position all of the parts.If the sides are bulging, you have to rearrange the parts in the box.If the sides of the box bulge, you need a bigger box.
Step 13: The box needs to be closed.
Apply several coats of tape over the flaps of the box.You're done packing your bike once you feel like the box is secure.
Step 14: Pick a shipping company you want to use.
You can find the cheapest option if you compare the prices from different shipping companies.The major shipping companies can ship your bike for a fee.There are other services that ship bicycles.Determine how much each service would cost by measuring the dimensions of your bike.
Step 15: You can print a shipping label.
You can pay for shipping online.You can fill out the order information on the website of the shipping company you're going to use.Attach your shipping label to the box.Make sure to use clear masking tape over the front of the label so that it doesn't get damaged in transit.You'll have to visit a shipping facility if you can't print the label online.When filling out the shipping label, have the bike's destination on hand.Some companies won't ship your box unless the edges of the shipping label are taped to the box.
Step 16: You have to pay a fee to send your bike.
Bring your package to the closest shipping facility.You can get a label at the facility if you didn't get one online.They will measure the package for you and tell you how much it will cost.The cost to ship a bike that weighs 50 pounds is anywhere from $100 to $400.
Step 17: The shipping container should be small.
The shipping company will charge you based on the size of the box, not the weight of your bike.Pick the smallest box you can find if your shipping company charges by box size.
Step 18: Basic shipping is used.
You can choose a slower ground option from most shipping companies.This option will cost you less if you choose it.
Step 19: Take your bike with you on the plane.
You should check the fees associated with traveling with your bike.You can get your bike transported in the plane.It can be cheaper to ship the bike than to lose it.
Step 20: If your bike is expensive, you should consider insuring it.
If it's lost in transit, the price of insurance will prevent you from buying a new one.If you're shipping the bike internationally, this is useful.