How to Ship a Bike for a Triathalon
When competing in a triathlon that will require you to fly, the question is how to get your bike there on time and in one piece. Your local bicycle shop will likely offer shipping services, which entail breaking down the bicycle, boxing it and shipping it off for you. Failing this option, you can do the same job yourself, and for just the cost of materials and shipping.
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Things You'll Need
- Bicycle shipping box
- Bicycle work stand (optional)
- 8 mm Allen key
- 5 mm Allen key
- 3 mm Allen key
- Plastic wrap
- Packing tape
- String (or zip ties)
- 2 Plastic grocery bags
Instructions
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1
Purchase an appropriate shipping box. For full-size road and triathlon bikes, the usual box will measure 54 inches by 28 inches by 8 inches (references 1).
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Place the bicycle in a designated bicycle work stand. Lacking a work stand, you'll need to be creative when disassembling your bike. Lean it against a sturdy, mar-proof surface or have a helper steady the bike while you work on it.
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3
Use an 8 mm Allen key to loosen and remove each pedal from the crank arm. The left, non-drive side pedal is reverse-threaded; turn the Allen key clockwise to loosen this pedal.
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4
Use a 5 mm Allen key to loosen the seat post clamp bolt, at the base of the seat post. Lift the seat post from the frame, and set it aside.
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5
Locate the bolts attaching the handlebar to the handlebar stem. Use a 3 mm Allen key to loosen and remove each of the bolts. Separate the handlebar from the stem.
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Open the front brake quick-release on the side of the brake. Opening the brake quick release allows you to remove the front wheel without interference from the brake pads.
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Open the front wheel axle skewer, on the left, non-drive side of the wheel. Using just your fingers, loosen and remove the nut on the other end of the axle. Slide the skewer free of the axle.
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8
Pull the front wheel free of the triathlon bike. If you don't have a bicycle work stand or no one to hold the bicycle, allow the front end to rest on the fork tips for now. Be careful not to knock the bicycle over.
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Wrap plastic wrap over each of the bicycle frame tubes. Secure the wrap with packing tape.
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Attach the front wheel to the left, non-drive side of the bicycle. Secure it to the frame with string or zip ties.
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Lay the handlebar to the front wheel. Maneuver the handlebar around the spokes of the wheel so that no part of the handlebar bar is sticking out. Remember, everything needs to fit inside the shipping box.
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Lower the frame, front wheel and handlebar into the box. Cover the seat post and saddle with a plastic bag and place it in the rear of the box.
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Place all small parts, including the pedals, front wheel skewer and nut, and any loose bolts inside a bag. Tape the top of the bag. Place the bag inside the shipping box.
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Place extra plastic wrap inside the box, as added padding. Seal the box opening securely with tape.
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Take the box to your preferred shipping store. Insure the contents and ask for a tracking number. These things may be included with your basic shipping agreement, but always be sure.
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1
References
- JimForeman: How to Box a Bike
- "Bicycle Maintenance & Repair for Road and Mountain Bikes;" 2005; Todd Downs
Resources
- Photo Credit bicycle racer image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
