Got a bike. Need it shipped. Who's cheap? Thanks!
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Got a bike. Need it shipped. Who's cheap? Thanks!
Fed Ex ground. Quicker, cheaper and more reliable than UPS.
absolutely positively do NOT use UPS. too many horror stories.
is this a new bike from a dealer or an individual? whatever, make sure it's packed well. this is key. wrap every damn piece in foam pipe insulation and take it apart as much as possible - fork, frame, wheels, pedals, handlebars, disc rotor, rear derailer, and secure eveything down so that it doesn't move around inside.
I took one to my bike shop, since they ship alot of bikes they had a bulk rate going with fedex. Ended up being about half of what it would have cost elsewhere.
What flyk said. Call a few shops and find out what they charge. And ditto using FedEx ground, UPS has mangled too much of my stuff.
If you are gonna fly it (overseas for example) then consider a bike box, not cardboard, but a plastic one.
Bike shops rent them.
Not sure what your bike is, but when I was poor and touring with my mountain bike (heavy, sturdy, a tank in general), I used to send it in a cardboard box, with everything wrapped, and with stuff stuffed inside to cushion the game of fork lift hockey that I am convinced is played with luggage. I always chose my airline according to their willingness to take bikes. Some airlines are bike friendly, others refuse them. Customs will stop you and ask questions. A: "I am not selling it. It is a used bike. I am riding it, and taking it home."
I now have a road bike (very nice, and expensive). I am not so confident as I used to be. If I fly it, I will put in a hard bike box.