Shipping Your Bike: Get It Done Cheaply, Quickly, and Easily

Author: Shirlasia Patterson

You've just sold that old bike on Ebay, or perhaps you're gearing up for a big move. Either way, you're going to need to know how to pack your bike so that it's safe and secure. This article walks you through the basics.

You’ve just sold that old bike on Ebay, or perhaps you’re gearing up for a big move. Either way, you’re going to need to know how to pack your bike so that it’s safe and secure. This article walks you through the basics.

Getting A Box

The first thing you need to do is to determine the size of your bicycle. This is important for finding the right size bike box. If you do not know the size, you can also measure the dimensions:

1. Height (bottom of tire to seat post)
2. Width (widest part of handlebars when turned vertical)
3. Length (rear wheel to front of bike with front wheel removed)

Now you are ready to get a box. The best way to go about this is to get a phone book and call the local bike stores. Bike shops generally receive shipments every morning and usually throw out the boxes once they are done unpacking the new bikes. Give them a call and have them hold onto a box for you. Be sure to mention the size box you need. Better yet, visit the shop early enough to select the size box you want. (Note: These stores should give them to you for free, but they might have you pay a few bucks. Personally, I’ve never had to pay more than $5.)

Packing

Now that you have your box you are ready to prepare your bike for shipment. To do this, you are going to need some basic bike tools. You can pick up a multi-tool from the bike store. These run from about $7 to $40. You will also need some basic packing supplies like bubble wrap and tape.

Here comes the fun part, disassembling the bike. You will need to remove the following:

1. Front Wheel (just unscrew from the frame)
2. Both Pedals (depending on your bike, you’ll either need an Allen key or a wrench)
3. Handlebars (there are usually two screws which attach the handlebars to the neck)
4. Saddle (remove the seat post and saddle)

Once these parts are removed, I find it easiest to start packing the bike by putting the frame in first and then “squeezing” everything else in. Be sure to use the bubble wrap to protect the gears and chain. Also, make sure to stabilize and wrap the other components so that the frame is not scratched. Tape it closed and you’re done!

Shipping

This is the easy part. Call up your preferred carrier and schedule a pick-up. Be sure to have the dimensions and the weight of the bike on-hand. If you are looking for a cheap carrier, try DHL. They’re reliable and, in my experience, have the most reasonable prices. Other carriers include Fedex and UPS.

Good luck.

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