Transporting Bike to the Race
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2426 days
Tribro posted 3 years ago.
I haven't traveled with my bike yet, but have traveled with my brothers and their bikes. One uses a hard case and the other uses the bike bag: http://www.image-internet.de/hp/bikebag/eindex.htm
I'd recommend the bag or a case over the card board box.
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1779 days
Deejay posted 3 years ago.
When you use that bag, can you carry it on to the plane? or do you have to put it through the baggage claim?
"Tough times dont last. Tough people do."
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2426 days
Tribro posted 3 years ago.
baggage claim. but it's pretty well padded for protection.
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1442 days
Great Greyhound posted 3 years ago.
Tribro,
I saw the bag a few weeks ago, and I'm leary about throwing the bike in there for a trip on an airliner. So, did you pad the bag with spare clothes/etc to aid in padding the bike.
And the bag worked out ok? Thanks,
Darrell "Legs 'n Lungs" Lenkner
in West Chester, Oh.
Check here for Images of us.
2334
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2426 days
Tribro posted 3 years ago.
I haven't used it myself. My brother uses it, and he travels pretty frequently with it. Not sure if he throws in extra padding. he used to use the tri all 3 case http://www.trisports.com/bikecases.html (the bigger one), but switched to the bag as it's smaller and easier to travel with. With the bigger one you can stuff other stuff in there, clothes, training gear, etc.
Seems most companies are making the soft travel bag. A quick google search listed a bunch of different companies. Sci-Con makes the soft bag, but also a stream lines hard case:
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=BUY_PRODUCT_STANDARD&PRODUCT.ID=1154&CATEGORY.ID=42&MODE=
But the hard cases are much more expensive on average.
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1693 days
jeslol posted 3 years ago.
Are you a USAT member? One of the benefits is $50 off of any of the Tri All 3 bike cases that Tribro mentioned. They also have deals with some of the airlines to fly your bike for free.
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1488 days
catwood posted 3 years ago.
I go with the cardboard box since you can just get them for free at the bike shop... But you do have to use lots of bubble wrap and clothes to pad it (i am generally really careful since i had a friend who had his bike damaged)... If i travelled more frequently (its about 4x a year max -- to school or training camp and back) then i would probably go with a hard case -- oh and some bike shops rent hard cases, so if your not travelling frequently that could also be an option.
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1455 days
TriMarine4027 posted 3 years ago.
I work for the Airlines at Dulles Airport and I see lots of bags come and go, and lots of bicycles during the spring and summer months. My best advice to you is don't go with the cardboard!!! It may be cheaper buy I have seen what some of the bag throwers can do to a box. If it rains a bike doesn't get any special attention to stay out of the rain, and I have seen some many bicycle boxes torn it's ashame to see someone spend so much money on bike and then skimp out of a travel case. If your bike does get damaged on the flight the airline will only remimburse you for what they think the value of your bike is not what you think the value is. Your best bet is to go with the either a soft case with a shell around it or a hard case for your bike. They are durable and keep your bike protected, it's like a helmet for your bike. Hope this helps.
210
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1463 days
jmcglos posted 3 years ago.
Thanks for all the info. I'm going to start checking out different options for hard cases and bags now! It's amazing how much $$ goes into a race! I feel like I'm paying a second college tuition (still paying the first with loans) just to get everything I need for this race (a new tri bike of course!, hotel, airfare, extra things like bike cases, spinerval dvd's for boredom, etc etc) but it's definitely all worth it! How do you people with families and kids do it - between the $$ and the time? I definitely respect your motivation and commitment to the sport!
Thanks!
-julie
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1404 days
bgstnky posted 3 years ago.
best to use a carrier...we have used sportsexpress.com...they are great...actually cost LESS than taking the bike on the airplane to IMLake placid last year...very reliable :D
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Member
1912 days
cedriclburden posted 3 years ago.
I'm about to purchase one of the hard cases of Performance Bike.com they are about $200, but if you are a member of their preferred members club you get discounts. I have to take my bike to IM Brazil and they recommended we use hard cases, I wonder why? :confused: but if they recommended it and I have already spent over $1,000 for the race what's $200 :D
Cedric L. Burden
a.k.a C-Murder
Nothing is impossible for the person who does not have to do it.
--Author Unknown--
I was wondering what you all recommend on transporting your bike to your races.
I'm traveling for a race in Florida (and I live in the DC area). Would you recommend buying one of those hard cases and checking it on the plane? Just packing it up in a cardboard box that the bike originally came in? Has anyone shipped the bike through InsideOut Sports? What was your experience with that?
Thanks for any advice - I appreciate it!
-j