It happens to all of us at some point in our lives that we want to go for a bike ride, especially during the summer holidays. So why not take it with us at that time of year when we are away from home?
Here are some tips for those of us who like to take our bikes on holiday.
Packing a bicycle optimally requires some extra care to ensure maximum protection. Here are some useful tricks:
Extra protection for sensitive points
Forks: Insert a plastic spacer between the front and rear forks (also called a fork spacer). This accessory prevents the forks from being compressed or bent during transport.
Bottom bracket: Protect the bottom bracket area with a thick cloth or foam. It is one of the most vulnerable parts of the frame.
Rear derailleur: Remove the rear derailleur and secure it to the frame with plastic ties or tape. This prevents it from being damaged by shocks.
Strategic use of tape
Use strong adhesive tape to fix bubble wrap or other protective materials directly to the frame and bike parts. Make sure the tape does not touch the frame paint directly to avoid damage.
Seal all open ends of protective materials, such as tubes and forks, to prevent dust or dirt from entering.
Wrap the wheels separately
Wrap each wheel independently with protective material. If space permits, you can place them on the sides of the frame inside the box, but make sure they are well protected to prevent them from rubbing against the frame.Place protective cards or discs between the spokes and the hub to prevent deformation.
Using foam tubes
Wrap the frame and other exposed parts with foam tubes (such as those used for insulating hydraulic hoses). These tubes are lightweight and offer excellent impact protection.
Fill in the blanks
Use all the space inside the box to avoid movement. You can use wrapping paper, bubble wrap, foam or even old clothes or towels to fill empty spaces and stabilise the contents.
Consider adding external reinforcements
If the box is particularly large or fragile, consider reinforcing the corners and sides with extra cardboard or tape to prevent the box from being crushed or broken in transit.
Label the box clearly
In addition to the labels ‘Fragile’ and ‘This side up’, it is useful to include a label with your name, address, telephone number and destination. This can help in case of loss or confusion during transport
Take photos of the process
Take photos of the bicycle before dismantling it and during the packing process. This will be useful for repacking or in case of complaints with the carrier.
By following these tricks, you will further improve the protection of your bicycle and minimise the risk of damage during transport.
