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The most recognized bike tourists in the world have visited multiple countries and multiple places. The best of them have been to multiple continents, and you can be sure that even though they are expert riders, they did not make this journey on foot or the top of their bikes. Instead, they took flights, and they had to pack their bicycles in a way that will fit airplanes. Cheers! If you are flying with your bicycle for the first time, it might be difficult to dismantle and organize it into a secure package. However, this article has outlined how you can easily package your bike and fly with it comfortably.
Tips on getting your bike ready for a flight.
Protect the top-tube individually
This part of your bike is close to the handlebars and if you don’t take special care to stop them hitting each other, it can lead to damage. If you don’t want to end up with dents and damages on your frame, you need to protect your top tube. You would then need to find a bike shop when you touchdown.
Remove the rear derailleur
If you want to package your bike and get on a plane, you need to remove the rear derailleur. Removing this part of your bike helps to prevent it from getting damaged. It also protects the mech hanger from major hits that could lead to bends. If you don’t want to remove your rear derailleur, another way you can get your bike ready is to wrap the derailleur in an extra-thick cloth and tape it to the frame between your seat stays and chainstays. This will protect your rear derailleur from external impacts and keep it safe until you land.
Face the cassette outwards
The tires of your bike are essential, and you need to treat them as such. If you are storing your tires in a bag, then you should face the cassette outwards. Facing the cassette outwards means facing it away from the frame. When you do this, you protect your spokes from impact and reduce the chances of damaged spokes.
Keep objects away from seatstays
The seat stays are essential, and you should make sure you get every object away from them when you pack your bicycle. If you put objects near the seat stays, you open them up to damage.
Check your disc brakes
If you use disc brakes for your bike, then you need to take extra precautions. When you want to secure your disc brakes, you need to use brake-pad spacers and keep the calipers apart. This will help prevent them from popping out of their housing, and you would not require any repairs from them.
Remove the pedals
When you want to take your bike on a plane, you need to remove the pedals. If you don’t remove the pedals, they will press against the side wheel-pockets of your bike and damage your rims finally.
Deflate your tires
Tire pressure can make it difficult for you to transport your bike on a plane. Therefore, you need to deflate your tires when you plan to travel. Then, you can quickly pump your tires back to full shape when you touchdown.
Remove the handlebar
If you decide to remove the handlebar from your bike, you need to put the stem screws back into place and tighten them. Once you remove the handlebar, you need to make sure the hoses and cables are not bent or overly stretched. You might need to travel with a torque wrench for this purpose.
Use electric tape for marking
Even though you have successfully disassembled and packed your bike, the reassembling process can be a bit complicated. However, you can solve this problem by using electric tape to mark your seat post height and saddle position. This will allow you to know your correct sitting position and help you assemble your bike faster.
Keep the bottle in the bottle cage
When you are traveling, it is best to keep the bottle in the bottle cage. This would allow the carbon bottle cage to resist impact, and you could also remove the carbon holder and store it in a safe place.
Pack accessories in your hand luggage
When you are going on a plane with your bike, hold your bike accessories and essentials. Of course, your bike might arrive later than you, and that is okay.
Conclusion
If you want to enjoy the world and tour around on top of your bike, you cannot allow minor issues like dismantling and securing your bag to stop you from an adventure. You could get a friend or an expert to help you out with the packing process, or you could follow the instructions we have outlined above. Either way, you should get on that plane with your bike fully secured and ready to enjoy whatever destination you are headed to. Cheers!