Shipping your bike has never been easier, thanks to Bike Flights. They offer a great third party shipping service that uses FedEx or UPS and gets you discounted pricing. The hitch with shipping your bike to a Cycling House trip is that you have to be willing to be without your bike for 5-7 days before the trip and after the trip. Not a huge deal if you have 2 bikes, but certainly something to consider. We do not recommend shipping your bike to Europe, neither does Bike Flights. If you are joining us in Europe and want to bring your bike the best option is to fly with it. Check with your airline prior to booking your ticket for additional fees for flying with your bike. Flying with your bike domestically can be a great option too, especially if you can’t part with having your bike for the time required to ship it. The other benefit of flying is that your bike is in the handling process for significantly less time than it would be if shipping.

How do I pack my bike?

Packing your bike for the first time can be overwhelming and intimidating, but there are some great resources to help. The other option is taking it to your local shop and having them pack it for you. We always recommend having a well-tuned bicycle if you choose to bring your own on one of our trips. If this all sounds overwhelming, you can choose to rent a Cervelo C3 from us for $250; all you would need to bring are your pedals, shoes, and helmet.

Below are a couple of great resources for packing your bike.

• Bike packing guide from Bike Flights.
• Reassembly guide from Bike Flights.
• Global Cycling Network Video – How to pack your bike in a cardboard box.
• Global Cycling Network Video – How to pack your bike box.

What bike box should I purchase?

We’ve seen it all since 2005! Bike boxes have certainly come a long way but we do have our favorites. The main thing to consider when purchasing a bike box is, how often will you ship versus fly with the box. Feel free to contact us on the pricing of any of the bike boxes listed below.

1. Thule Round Trip Pro XT. $699.95. This is one of the most well designed soft cases that we have come across. The innovative design utilizes an integrated stand that doubles as a work stand. The case has two wheels, making it easy to transport. The case is easy to pack and includes nylon wheel bags, and the stand holds your bike securely. The best part, once you get to your destination it can fold down easily (they offer a storage sleeve $39.95), and not take up a ton of room in your rental car. The compact design makes this a good option for both shipping and flying. (Weight 20 lbs)
2. Thule Round Trip. $399.95. Durability, affordability, and design. The clamshell design has been used by many hard case designs over the years. The case has two wheels, but the downside is the case itself weighs nearly 30 pounds, so too much room for much more than your bike. This is a great case for shipping or flying. (Weight 30 lbs)
3. EVOC Bike Case. $450. A well designed soft case that is easy to pack, and has two wheels for easy transport. The case utilizes individual compartments for your wheels and has well-designed padding for your bike. The case does not pack as tightly as the Thule Round Trip Pro XT and for that reason, it is better suited to flying verus Ground shipping. (Weight 20 lbs)
4. Pika Packworks. $400. We have traveled with this case a ton! It is durable, easy to use, and offers a tight pack that is great for shipping or flying. The downside, it does not have wheels. Depending on how much gear you travel with (Our guides always push the limits on the 50lb airline weight regulations), this case can quickly become a beast of burden. The case does pack down small when not in use. After 50+ flights and countless shipping, our Pika Packwork bags are still fully functional. (Weight 12 lbs)
5. Bike Flights Coroplast Shipping Box. $200. Incredible bang for the buck in a simple design that is durable protects your bike and can be used for shipping or flying. (Weight 10 lbs)

What happens once my bike is shipped?

The Cycling House will receive bikes for our North American locations at the shipping locations that we suggest (contact us for specifics). Once the bike arrives, our mechanics will build the bikes and have them ready to roll for your arrival, unless you indicate that you want to do it yourself. At the end of the trip, our mechanics are happy to pack the bikes up and get them ready for shipping. If you prefer to do this yourself, we are happy to help. If you want to learn how to pack your bike, this is a great opportunity and our mechanics love to teach guests how to do this properly.

What do I need to bring with me if I shipped my bike?

We always suggest flying with your shoes, pedals, helmet, and one cycling kit (Jersey and Shorts) in your carry on luggage. That way, if for some reason your bike has not arrived, we can at least get you onto one of our rental bikes. Prior to shipping your bike make sure that you have a well-tuned bicycle and tires that have plenty of life left in them. We suggest shipping your flat repair kit along with your bike. The Cycling House will have CO2 on hand, just ask one of our guides and they will get you some. The Cycling House has plenty of extra tubes, tires, water bottles, pumps, and a full mechanics tool kit.

Questions

Feel free to email ride@thecyclinghouse or call us at 406-219-1318 with any questions. We’re looking forward to riding with you!